Living Accessibly as an Independent Adult with a Visual Impairment with Carrie Morales

In today’s fast-paced world, balancing work, family, and personal life can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple roles. Carrie, the creator behind Live Accessible, a YouTube channel focused on assistive technology and accessibility, knows this challenge all too well. In a recent conversation, she shared insights into how she manages her life as a mother, wife, content creator, and advocate for people with visual impairments. Here’s what we learned about the dedication, strategies, and tools that keep her thriving.

The Many Hats of a Content Creator

Carrie’s journey into YouTube content creation wasn't an easy one. What many may not realize is that behind every polished video, there’s a mountain of work. She isn’t just a content creator; she’s the writer, videographer, editor, graphic designer, and social media manager all rolled into one.

“I’m doing everything from writing the script (or outlining key points), to filming, editing, and creating thumbnails. Then there’s social media engagement, comments, and keeping everything up to date. It's more than just creating a video and posting it,” Carrie explained.

One of the most challenging aspects of her work is the unpredictability of her schedule, which is further complicated by family commitments. For example, creating a detailed tech review (like the one she did on the eSight glasses) can take days—sometimes up to four, depending on the complexity of the content. But Carrie doesn’t let this stop her. She finds ways to work around her responsibilities as a mother and wife, often working during her child's nap times or late at night.

Managing Work-Life Balance

A critical theme that emerged from our conversation with Carrie was the ongoing effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance. While the pressures of running a channel like Live Accessible are real, balancing this with motherhood and family time is even more challenging.

“I’ve had to learn how to manage time effectively. A lot of my work happens when little Pablo is napping or at night when he's asleep. I also try to keep him engaged with audiobooks or other solo activities so I can get more work done,” Carrie shared.

But it's not just about working around her child’s schedule. Carrie also uses practical tools to stay organized and prevent her from feeling overwhelmed. “Google Calendar helps me keep track of everything—from bills and cleaning to meal planning. I’ve also adopted a batching system, where I record multiple videos in one session and edit them later. It saves so much time,” she said.

Kassy, who also works in the education field, related to Carrie’s approach and shared her own experience with batching tasks. “I batch my podcast episodes, too, and when I’m on top of things, I can get three done in a day. It really helps to stay efficient when life is busy,” Kassy added.

This mindset of organizing and batching tasks is invaluable, not just for content creation, but for anyone trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. By planning ahead and breaking down large tasks into manageable chunks, both Carrie and Kassy can stay productive without burning out.

The Power of Self-Belief

When asked to offer advice to the community, Carrie’s response was clear and motivating: “Believe that you are able. The only thing stopping you is yourself. Go out there, make a goal, and work towards it. Start with attainable goals, and you’ll surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish.”

Carrie’s philosophy is all about taking small steps toward larger goals. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything on her plate, she focuses on what she can do today, and that momentum propels her forward. Her advice is perfect for anyone—whether you're managing a YouTube channel, teaching, or simply trying to balance life with a family.

Embracing Technology for Progress

One of the most inspiring aspects of Carrie’s work is her commitment to helping others stay up-to-date with the latest assistive technologies. For professionals working with individuals with visual impairments, it’s easy to fall behind on new tools and innovations. Carrie’s Live Accessible channel serves as a valuable resource, offering easy-to-digest videos about the latest technology that can improve the lives of people with disabilities.

"Sometimes, technology advances so quickly that it feels like if you turn away for a second, you miss something crucial. That’s why I’m here—to make sure you stay in the loop and don’t miss out on anything important," Carrie said.

Her YouTube videos are short, informative, and designed for busy professionals who need quick updates. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or someone with a visual impairment, Carrie’s videos make it easier to keep up with tech developments and learn how to use them effectively.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Carrie’s journey as a content creator and advocate for accessibility is a powerful reminder that dedication, organization, and a belief in yourself are key to overcoming challenges. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life, her advice is simple: take it one step at a time, and don’t forget that you are capable of more than you think.

You can follow Carrie on her Live Accessible YouTube channel for more tips, reviews, and insights into assistive technologies. If you're looking for a little extra help managing your tasks and staying productive, consider adopting her strategies—batching, scheduling, and using tools like Google Calendar—and watch how it transforms your workflow.

Finding a work-life balance is an ongoing challenge, but it’s clear that with the right mindset, tools, and support, it’s possible to thrive. Carrie’s story is proof that by believing in yourself, managing your time wisely, and seeking out the right resources, you can achieve your goals, no matter how big or small.

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.