After honorably serving as a machine gunner in the Marine Corps for four years, Zach lost his sight and hearing in one ear to a suicide attempt. He returned to college a short time later after learning to use access technology like screen-reading software, and eventually crossed paths with a class that was completely-inaccessible. This led him to research why some applications were accessible while others were not, and discovered it came down to computer code running behind the scenes. Wanting to become part of the solution, he dropped-out of college in October of 2021 to teach himself how to code so he could create apps and games everyone can use, regardless of disability or lack thereof.
Now, after founding Dark Horse Game Studios, he is an award-winning independent app developer, using his story to drive change in the industry. One person hearing his story might save a life, and the world hearing about it will make inclusive design a cornerstone of the software industry.
ALL SPEAKERS