Autism Challenges Infographic

I will continue to design a variety of infographics that align with the themes and values of Careful Crafters. They will all carry a similar style as the last two, each with a different colour.

I decided to put together a simplified version of some of the challenges I face with being (diagnosed) neurodivergent and likely autistic. Although there are many more challenges, these are the ones that seem to be the most prevalent for me on a daily basis, and why I “don’t work” in the work sector like others do. Explaining my experience to people, has also been challenging and so sometimes it’s just easier to give them something to look at. I am also doing this to remove any stigma that comes with autism; I am not incapable, I just operate differently than other people. While this infographic looks at the challenges, I will produce another that looks at some of the qualities that comes with autism. I hope that by producing this infographic to communicate on behalf of my own challenges, that it also helps someone else. For more read my blog post: Learning with an Invisible Disability

Certified in Online Learning Design

I am excited to jump onto a new path, one I have been wanting to get on since after completing my Masters in Communication and Technology in 2016. Although I took a few years off of digital projects (due to health issues) it became clear to me that I never stopped learning and discovered I am a dedicated self-directed learner who went on to advance my skills in new areas. In the past, my digital work was always geared towards marketing objectives and I lost complete interest in this work. Although I enjoyed and appreciated the majority of my clients work – their products and services, I just didn’t feel like I was reaching deep enough. Although I offer this (marketing) as a service, it’s important to understand that it’s a side effect of everything I do and so I cannot omit it from my life. Although I am happy to pair it with other work, It’s just not where I want to be focusing my energy from here on out. My goal now, is to align myself to the projects, clients, and potential employers who will find a shared kinship.

I have come to find myself almost an activist in regards to digital use and want to bring more awareness to the effects it has on our life. I have redirected how I use my digital skills, to build up important topics that matter to me, even if they don’t bring much money into my life at this time. This new direction, complete with my training in online learning, has given me fresh motivation to keep going down a digital career path. As I am always excited to learn, I will share blog posts about what I find important for online learners, and tips they can use to improve their own experiences. In addition to this, I will be building several courses of my own that will be available to purchase through my Etsy shop. The courses will range in topic but will come back to using digital technologies to produce products, as I have. Stay tuned for that.

I have a range of diverse skills and feel I’ve proven myself as a competent designer and idea person. I am now reaching out with the intent of finding others to work with. I am open to remote work only as my future trajectory is based on the nightmare of Canada’s housing market and means I cannot commit to a physical location. Fortunately, this means I am available to the global market, not just confining myself to Canada.

If you appreciate my work and find that our styles and visions align, please reach out to me. I would love to hear from you and any ideas you might have. I am open to working on a contract basis and will commit to an employer, in the elearning field. I can help clients design, develop and deliver their learning course. I can make sure your content is reaching the 8 different adult learning styles and is accessible to those with disabilities. I will use my building blocks to ensure the quality of learning content. Because I am just one person who wears many hats, my fees will reflect 25 years of schooling and professional experience. But I am open to negotiating, what will work best for both parties. To see a sample of a mini course I designed, please explore the Wellness in a Digital World course. It’s a free course I designed to help educate people on maintaining digital health and wellness. Also you can see my past design portfolio here.

Update of July 18: I am going to be traveling to Ontario and the Maritimes in the fall and will be unable to accept any work until probably late fall or early winter.

Online Learning Tips Infographic

As obvious as this may seem, it’s amazing how online learning material can still be so overwhelming. I created this very basic and simplistic infographic to drive the point home. As someone who experiences jumping text and eye rolling due to over stimulation through screen reading, I felt it was necessary to point this out. It’s generally a good idea to include a variety of learning mediums so that you can reach the different learning styles – as we all learn differently. Stay tuned for a post on the various learning styles.

infographic of tips for designing for sensory overload