Christopher Harrington

Where accessibility meets possibility

Christopher Harrington

I'm blind, I train people on assistive technology for a living, and in my spare time I build the software I wished existed: tools that work with a screen reader from the very first keystroke. This site is my hobby and my passion project.

See my projects

Chris standing indoors in a bright room with large windows, smiling slightly, dressed in a light gray tweed sport coat, a white open-collar dress shirt, navy pants and black dress shoes.

About me

I'm an accessibility advocate, assistive technology trainer and lifelong technology enthusiast in Columbus, Ohio. I was born blind, and I've relied on screen readers, braille displays and smartphones every day for years, so I know firsthand what good design makes possible, and how often the tools I need simply don't exist.

Professionally, I've spent more than a decade working with people who are blind or visually impaired: training them on screen readers, magnification and braille displays, assessing what each person needs, and helping students and adults build the skills and confidence to live and work independently. I'm JAWS certified, a Certified Apple Teacher, and I hold a business degree, which comes in handy more often than you'd think.

This website, though, is my hobby and my passion project. Everything here started as something I wanted for myself, designed nonvisually first and tested with JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver, and I share it in case it helps someone else. When I'm not at a keyboard, I'm probably playing guitar, working on my truck, or tending a brisket on the Big Green Egg.

Read my full story

  • JAWS Certified
  • Certified Apple Teacher
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Ohio Dominican University

Projects

Software designed nonvisually first, tested with JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver.

  • KeyStride

    Talking typing tutor for Windows

    Teaches keyboarding to JAWS and ZoomText users with spoken feedback, separate progress for each learner, and a focus on accuracy. Built for state agencies and training programs, with no network access or admin rights needed.

    About KeyStride

  • Accessible Home

    Screen-reader-friendly Home Assistant

    A blind-accessible control center for Home Assistant. Run lights, climate, media, scenes and automations from an iPhone or Windows PC with clear, consistent navigation.

    Download free About Accessible Home

Get in touch

Questions about a project, an idea for something that should exist, or a barrier you've found? I'd love to hear from you.

Email me at contact at christopherharrington dot net.