Innovating Accessibility, personal wealth, and Technology
I'm Cody Hurst, a legally blind entrepreneur on a mission to bridge the gap between accessibility and innovation. With experience in personal finance, music, and technology, I strive to empower others through solutions that make complex tools accessible to everyone. My work spans accessibility testing, AI-driven technical analysis, and creating platforms that promote financial independence for people with disabilities. I believe in leveraging technology to drive change and growth, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Interested in working with me or learning more? Contact me for collaborations or explore my current projects.
Current Role
At Portland Community College, I serve as an accessibility tester, ensuring software complies with WCAG standards and is fully functional for assistive technologies. Beyond my work at PCC, I analyze cryptocurrency markets, focusing on technical analysis using AI tools, and develop programming solutions. My goal is to push the boundaries of accessibility, both in education and finance.
My Background
My journey into technology began with building computers and networking in high school. I furthered my skills at Southern Maine and LinnBenton Community Colleges, where I earned a degree in Network Systems. I've since developed even more experience in the accessibility field, programming, and web development.
Mission
My mission is to empower others, particularly those with disabilities, to achieve personal financial independence, which I have done myself through crypto. I strive to help them overcome societal barriers through personal and emotional freedom, offering a path to psychological independence, which is just as important. Sometimes, a friend is all one needs!
Accomplishments
Cryptocurrency Investing
In just nine months, I grew my net worth by over 800% by understanding the key factors of successful cryptocurrency projects and the effects the macro economic and global liquidity cycle has on markets. In July of 2023, I made my initial investment into Kaspa, a ground breaking crypto technology that solves the main problems of existing blockchains, that being scalability, safety and security. I continue to invest into the KRC20 ecosystem and search for long term gems.
Artificial Intelligence
Since the initial release of OpenAI's ChatGPT 3.5, AI has continued to be the best asset we, as individuals with disabilities, have to not only make our lives easier but also to be more productive. Using large language models like ChatGPT or Claude AI, I have made significant progress in programming projects and furthering my knowledge of Python through interactive learning. From coding, to writing, to research, to image generation, AI continues to be our light forward toward independence as blind/visually impaired citizens.
Python Development
With two years of experience in Python, I've begun developing a multiplayer game client and server and a desktop/web-based charting and analysis tool with a backend for OHLCV data fetching using CCXT with plans to add other markets in the future.
Accessibility and Assistive Technology
I've spent over a decade working in the accessibility field, converting and preparing material for blind and visually impaired students. Additionally, I've helped these students with 3D design through mental mapping and some high level coding using OpensCAD. Being an assistive technology and software user myself, I was also in position to provide support for questions relating to Braille displays and screen reading software.
Web Development
With over a decade of experience, I specialize in developing websites that comply with WCAG accessibility standards while leveraging AI to optimize design efficiency. My focus is not only on functionality but also ensuring that each site maintains a professional and visually appealing presence, enhancing user experience for all.
Music Production
I've been playing and recording drums and guitar for over 20 years, collaborating with friends and sharing my work on YouTube. AI music generation has also been a very interesting development, having released a full AI album through DistroKid.
Top Projects
Open FPS Audio Game
Open FPS is an accessible online multiplayer audio first-person shooter game for the blind, designed to replace older games created with the now-defunct BGT scripting language. Contribute on GitHub.
Accessible Trader
I am developing a fully accessible charting solution for cryptocurrency data to allow blind users to read and analyze charts. The project is still in development. It aims to be a desktop application as well as a web-based tool that anyone can access without downloading and running a program. X64Trading.com (still in development) or visit the GitHub page if you'd like to contribute.