Open Independence Begins Here

Every meaningful project begins with a question.

For Open Independence, that question is simple:

What does independence actually mean?

Most people think of independence as doing everything alone. Solving every problem yourself. Needing less help. Becoming completely self-sufficient.

I don't think that's the right definition.

Independence isn't about proving you don't need anyone else. It's about having the freedom to live the life you choose, to the fullest extent possible, on your own terms.

Sometimes that freedom comes from technology.

Sometimes it comes from thoughtful design.

Sometimes it comes from another person.

The goal isn't to eliminate support. The goal is to make support a choice rather than a limitation.

That's the idea behind Open Independence.

Why This Exists

Technology has never advanced faster than it is today.

Artificial intelligence can describe images, generate speech, translate languages, summarize information, write software, and solve problems that seemed impossible only a few years ago.

Yet many people still encounter barriers that could be reduced—or removed entirely—not because the technology doesn't exist, but because it wasn't designed around the people who need it most.

Open Independence exists to explore that gap.

This is a public laboratory where ideas become experiments, experiments become tools, and every lesson—successful or not—is shared openly so others can learn from it.

A Different Way to Build

Every project begins with a question.

Could an AI remember context without becoming intrusive?

How should an accessibility feature adapt to different people instead of making assumptions?

What if technology gave someone one more meaningful choice each day?

The answers aren't always obvious.

That's why we build.

Some experiments will become finished applications.

Some will remain prototypes.

Some will fail.

All of them will teach us something worth sharing.

Progress isn't measured only by finished products. It's measured by understanding.

Why Build in Public?

Innovation improves when people can see the process.

Open Independence isn't interested in presenting only polished successes. The thinking, testing, revisions, and unexpected discoveries are just as valuable as the final result.

Building in public creates opportunities for conversation, collaboration, and better ideas.

It also keeps the focus where it belongs: on solving real problems.

Why Anonymous?

Open Independence is intentionally anonymous.

This project isn't about building a personal brand. It's about building ideas that can stand on their own.

By keeping the creator in the background, the focus remains on the mission, the work, and the usefulness of each experiment rather than on one person's identity, appearance, background, or opinions.

People from every community, profession, age, and ability should be able to see themselves reflected in the conversation.

What We Believe

Open Independence is guided by a few simple principles.

Independence is the freedom to live the life you choose, to the fullest extent possible, on your own terms.

Independence is the presence of choice, not the absence of support.

Technology should adapt to people—not require people to adapt to it.

Accessibility should be considered from the beginning, not added later.

Real innovation begins by understanding real barriers.

Even unfinished experiments can create valuable knowledge.

Sharing what we learn helps everyone move forward.

These principles shape every project in the lab.

What You'll Find Here

Open Independence explores four connected areas.

Build — Applications, prototypes, tools, and experiments designed to solve practical problems.

Learn — Insights about accessibility, emerging technology, design, and the development process.

Live — Conversations about autonomy, communication, employment, daily life, and meaningful choice.

Imagine — New ideas for artificial intelligence, assistive technology, media, and the future of independent living.

Some projects will fit neatly into one category. Others will cross several at once.

This Is Only the Beginning

Open Independence will grow through experiments.

Some will become software.

Some will become articles.

Some will become videos.

Some will simply become better questions.

Every one of them is part of the same mission: expanding the choices people have in their everyday lives.

If you've ever encountered a barrier that shouldn't exist, questioned why technology works the way it does, or imagined a better solution, you're already part of this conversation.

Welcome to Open Independence.

Let's begin.