Hello, I’m Ryan.
And this is where I share my journey of using AI, accessibility tools, and automation to adapt to the challenges of progressive Multiple Sclerosis. It’s about finding creative new ways to reclaim capabilities and continue creating, even as my nerves are failing me.
The Unexpected Shift: From Programmer to Adaptor
For years, I built a career as a programmer, often taking for granted the seamless way my body interacted with technology. Hobbies like photography, which I poured myself into during COVID, or even just writing in an office, were a natural part of my life. The kid in me would have loved exploring bike trails, but even before my diagnosis, I felt a subtle, increasing loss of ability and interest in various activities, initially dismissing it as “carpal tunnel” requiring wrist braces.
Then, nearly three years ago, after surviving COVID, my mother noticed my gait was in shambles. The subsequent MRI and spinal tap confirmed it: Progressive MS. These were outpatient procedures; I’ve never been hospitalized, but the diagnosis was a stark, undeniable shift. My emotional state transitioned from denial to a gritty acceptance: do what you can today, because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Today, my cherished hobbies are largely out of reach. I can hardly walk around the block, and brain fog is a near-daily companion. Yet, I still have moments of lucidity, moments where clarity cuts through the haze. In those moments, I am driven to figure things out for myself and to document them for others. Because when things are inaccessible, I feel it deeply. Accessibility, for me, is no longer a feature to check; it’s the fundamental handrails that allow movement.
AI: My New Launchpad for Lost Capabilities
My journey with AI intensified right around my diagnosis period, when I was deeply immersed in Midjourney v3. This was serendipitous, as tools like Launchpad, voice control, and keyboard shortcuts rapidly became not just conveniences, but necessities. I recognized early on that my limited energy and increasingly scarce moments of clarity demanded a smarter approach.
As a former programmer with a growing interest in automation, I had a foundation of technical proficiency. This background proved invaluable as I navigated the world of AI. Where my physical capabilities diminished, automation and AI offered a substantial runway, a chance to hold onto the things I was once capable of.
I refuse to be useless. As long as I can do something, I’ll do it. Whether it’s leveraging AI to generate painting ideas or manipulate visuals within the Adobe Suite, like Photoshop, when my hands can’t perform precise mouse movements or intricate brushstrokes, I’m constantly seeking innovative solutions. This is where my “creative about going about being creative” truly comes alive.
Cutting Through the Noise, Building Trust
The internet can feel flooded with “good enough, interesting enough slop,” as I’ve experienced. My answer to this isn’t to compete on volume, but on value and authenticity. My work here is born from genuine necessity and lived experience. It’s about providing valuable, trustworthy information that helps others—and helps me—navigate the complexities of MS with the aid of technology.
I plan to become more active in MS communities, specifically on platforms like Reddit, and engage in web accessibility discussions. LinkedIn also feels like a natural fit, as the solutions I find for myself often have broader applications for anyone seeking greater efficiency or facing various accessibility challenges.
My Hope for You, and My Path Forward
After reading this page, I hope you feel a sense of hope and view me as a credible source for practical solutions and honest insights. The days of simply “buckling down and doing it the hard way” are long gone for me. My path now is about relentlessly pursuing the “smart way,” leveraging every tool available to maintain connection, creativity, and capability.
The journey with MS is ongoing, but so is my commitment to finding and sharing new ways to live it fully.