About

Me Personally

Heather is in her wheelchair and is next to her husband Dustin, who both pose together on the cobblestone plaza in front of the Colosseum in Rome. Heather is wearing sunglasses, a light blue tshirt, and jeans, while Dustin wears a burgundy sweatshirt and sunglasses. The ancient Roman amphitheater rises dramatically behind them against a partly cloudy blue sky, with tourists visible around the monument's base. I'm Heather. I was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta/EDS Type IV, which is a genetic disability that primarily affects the bones and ligaments (due to the inability to make type I collagen, which is a critical protein for strong bones and connective tissue), making bones fragile and more likely to fracture. I live in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area with my husband, 9-year-old stepdaughter, our English Labrador and our two cats (a snowshoe domestic shorthair and a Maine Coon). We enjoy spending time with friends and family (whether hosting at our house, going to theirs, or meeting at a local restaurant or other venue), visiting our local park when the weather permits, and traveling.

I'm an avid reader who enjoys both non-fiction and fiction (biographies, historical fiction, and novels in the thriller, mystery, and rom-com genres). I also enjoy writing through this blog and personal journaling. Because of my disability, it is even more important for me to stay active. I absolutely love to exercise (40 minutes daily; either lap swimming, or rowing and weight training), and find the physical gains of exercise as much of a win as the mental ones. I'm drawn to learning about people and their lived experiences, and exploring new places and cultures through travel. I tend to be an ambivert, balancing introverted and extroverted tendencies depending on the situation.

Me Professionally

I have worked in the Educational Technology field since 2010, in various roles, from entry-level to management. I currently work in a Director-level position focusing on content Quality Assurance and Digital Accessibility testing. As of January 2025, I received my CPACC from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), becoming a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies.

In my current position, I believe that my core values help set the tone for both myself and my team. I strive to lead with integrity and take responsibility for creating a psychologically safe environment and a successful foundation for my team. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to coach and mentor a talented group of Quality Assurance and Accessibility testing professionals. My approach focuses on thinking strategically by using data and metrics to help ensure we deliver quality and inclusive products to all end users.

I also prioritize user-centered thinking, which means advocating for all user experiences, including those who use assistive technology to navigate the digital landscape. I take an empathetic approach by learning about people's lived experiences, and I encourage my team to consider edge cases that might otherwise be overlooked. I strive to create an environment that fosters curiosity and continuous learning, as accessibility standards, production practices, software technology, and people all continue to evolve. Lastly, I aim to be an ally and advocate for equality by supporting the need for quality products in strategic conversations that benefit everyone.

Little Lady, Big Attitude

My primary goal for this blog is to educate both myself (through research and teaching) and readers on topics ranging from general disability advocacy and lifestyle content to tips and tricks on incorporating digital accessibility into daily tasks. Most of my content will tend to lean more toward strategy and opinion-based topics, though grounded in factual information. All of my writing is original, and I make sure to appropriately source any references I use. Additionally, all writings reflect my personal views and are not affiliated with my employer.

You might be curious about the story behind my blog's name. My husband came up with "little lady, big attitude.” Partly in jest, since I'm small in stature and when I'm passionate about a topic, it tends to show. The name stuck, and it captures something authentic about who I am and how I approach the things I care about.