Hi, I’m Aqsa Arif 👋, Communications Manager at Accessible Technology Solutions. I spend my days turning ideas into stories—writing scripts, recording voiceovers, editing videos, and sharing them with the world. I believe accessibility should feel friendly and fun, and I love creating content that makes technology welcoming for everyone.
This blog is my story: how technology transformed my challenges into passions, and my passions into a career.
The Day the World Shifted
When I was younger, life was an adventure filled with art, crafting, music, and playing sports—I even captained my school’s basketball team. I was an enthusiastic soul, ready to hit the heavens. But at the age of 14, my world changed in a single, sudden moment when an accident while playing basketball resulted in the loss of my vision.
It was like my colorful world was taken from me in one round. My passions felt separated from me, like a body leaving the soul. Here, I faced a choice: give up, or re-walk with eyes blindfolded but with resolution. I chose the latter, navigating countless obstacles to earn my Master’s Degree in Applied English Language and Linguistics—a dream I made reality for my mother.
The Initial Barrier
After losing my vision, simple, everyday tasks suddenly felt impossible.
I remember standing in a store, wanting to buy a beautiful bag, but realizing I couldn’t read the price tag or even recognize the money in my hand. I felt helpless, caged in the dark, dependent on others for even the simplest things—like asking the time, matching clothes, or finding my way. That intense frustration pushed me to search for new ways to regain my independence.
The Breakthrough Moment
My first taste of true freedom came with a talking watch. As a punctual teenager, it felt like it gave me wings to fly again. Soon after, I discovered accessibility features in everyday devices.
With a simple Nokia C-5 phone, I typed and sent a text to my mom: “Warm love to my mum.”
That small act felt enormous—it was my “aha moment.” For the first time, technology wasn’t a barrier but a bridge—a tool that could restore independence and open a whole new world of possibilities for learning, creativity, and communication.
Passion Becomes Profession
At first, I explored my phone’s features out of curiosity, each function giving me a small victory. But quickly, I realized this was more than a daily aid—it was a gateway to opportunity.
I used tools like the NVDA screen reader, OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and document scanners to study, read books, and successfully pass exams during my challenging degree.
After graduation, I spent time working in radio and the music industry, where I discovered the power of my voice. Combined with my love for language, I realized I could craft scripts and voiceovers to inspire people and demonstrate how accessibility tools could empower their lives.
That passion led me to my current role as Communications Manager at Accessible Technology Solutions. Here, I create blogs, YouTube content, and voiceovers. The process is technical and sometimes tiring, but the exhaustion fades once I hit publish, replaced by joy—knowing I’ve created something meaningful for others.
Today’s Purpose: Redefining Limits
For me, content creation is my joy. It clears away negativity and fills me with fresh energy. Each post is a chance to teach, to motivate, and to change how people think about challenges.
I believe challenges are not barriers, and limitations are just excuses. Everyone has abilities and disabilities—some visible, some hidden. What matters most is confidence. Every problem comes with a solution, and if you truly believe in yourself, you can conquer the world.
Conclusion & Key Takeaway
That first talking watch and screen reader opened the door, but it was only the beginning. Each success gave me the courage to explore more tools, until technology became both my freedom and my passion.
My journey has taught me one simple truth: Technology is an enabler, not a crutch. It doesn’t replace our abilities—it enhances them, giving us the confidence to chase dreams once thought impossible.
At Accessible Technology Solutions, our mission is to empower everyone with the tools and training they need to turn barriers into breakthroughs.
________________________________________
💬 And now, I’d love to hear from you:
Has technology ever transformed a challenge in your life into an opportunity? Share your story in the comments or reach out to our team—we’re here to help you discover your own “aha” moment. Together, let’s build a world where accessibility means possibility for all. 🌍