July 14
The digital landscape can pose challenges for individuals with unique needs—a challenge Nikki Kuhn is passionate about addressing. As an advocate and entrepreneur in the accessibility field, Nikki shares her journey of overcoming hurdles and fostering change in digital accessibility. She discusses her experiences with ADHD and dyslexia and the importance of inclusive design, showing how her neurodiversity shapes her perspective and approach.
Nikki talks about the relief and self-discovery she felt upon understanding her ADHD and dyslexia. She openly discusses her struggles with executive functioning and time management, and how visual aids like timers have become her secret weapons. She shares practical tips and solutions that she has found helpful for managing daily challenges, aiming to support others facing similar difficulties.
With over 15 years of experience, Nikki Kuhn is a dedicated senior-level accessibility designer. Her passion for creating inclusive digital experiences has significantly improved the accessibility of websites, applications, and digital content for numerous organizations.
Her ADHD and dyslexia give her a unique viewpoint, and her ability to connect with others and understand their needs stems from her own journey, making her work in accessibility deeply impactful.
At home, Nikki is a loving mom to two spirited children who teach her new things every day. Her children inspire her to stay curious and creative. In her free time, Nikki loves to indulge in her passion for crafting and DIY projects, finding joy in creating and building things with her own hands. This creative outlet not only enriches her personal life but also fuels her professional creativity.
Through her work and personal experiences, Nikki continues to inspire and lead by example, showing that challenges can be transformed into strengths.
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YOUTUBE
"We fix these things to make them more perceivable for people because we're not just thinking about one disability when we are designing for inclusivity. We're designing for them all."
- Nikki Kuhn
"These assistive technologies allow disabled individuals to have independence and avoid relying on others or calling in for information."
- Nikki Kuhn
"Inclusive design doesn't just benefit those with disabilities; it enhances the overall user experience for everyone."
- Nikki Kuhn
"Recognizing when I'm coming up against hurdles, I use my workaround or my tip or trick to navigate around my brain and the way it works."
- Nikki Kuhn
- Tracy Otsuka interviews Nikki Kuhn, a senior level accessibility designer, about her ADHD diagnosis after listening to a podcast.
- Nikki shares her struggles with ADHD and dyslexia, highlighting the unique perspective these challenges bring to her work in inclusive digital experiences.
- Nikki credits Tracy's podcast for helping her realize she had ADHD and explore medication options.
[14:36 - 36:56] Navigating ADHD Symptoms and Accessibility Design
- Nikki discusses her difficulties with executive function, time management, and emotional regulation, including rejection sensitivity and rumination.
- Nikki reflects on her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, emphasizing her creativity and strengths in art and design while managing ADHD and dyslexia.
- Tracy and Nikki explore the blend of ADHD and dyslexia, finding solutions like using technology to improve reading experiences and retain information.
[36:56 - 57:32] Advocacy and Enhancing Digital Accessibility
- Tracy and Nikki discuss the importance of accessibility in web design, sharing personal experiences and best practices for inclusive digital experiences.
- Nikki emphasizes the need for understanding cognitive disabilities and neurodiversity in design to create intuitive and accessible digital products.
- They highlight the significance of legal compliance with accessibility laws and the benefits of inclusive design for all users, including those with ADHD and dyslexia.
