Strengths, not Stress: Embrace the Tools That Free Your Time

A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

Today, I came across a social media post that got me thinking. The post criticized assistive technology companies for supposedly “infantilizing” people with blindness and low vision by marketing simple, easy-to-use products. The argument seemed to go something like this: Simple but expensive products shouldn’t exist because they assume all blind people lack the skills to navigate the complexities of modern technology—as if the only legitimate blind people are those who spend their days mastering tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Essentially, if you’re not a tech wizard, you’re failing at modern life.

This argument isn’t new. Variations of it have cropped up throughout my 47 years on this earth, and I’ve always found it frustrating. So today, I want to reframe this narrative. Let’s talk about why simple, time-saving tools—even the expensive ones—are not only valid but often essential, especially for people with blindness and low vision.

The Gift of Time

Here’s the thing: Our time is limited. Whether you’re blind, sighted, or somewhere in between, that’s true for everyone. And while some people thrive on diving into the complexities of cutting-edge technology, others—myself included—prefer to focus on the things that truly bring us joy and fulfillment. For me, that means using the gifts I was born with, not spending endless hours trying to troubleshoot the latest gadgets.

The activities that bring us the most joy are also often the ones that make us the most money. Whether it’s a hobby turned business, a professional skill, or a passion project, our unique talents are where our time is best spent. On the flip side, the little and not-so-little tasks that fill up our days—managing household chores, dealing with inaccessible systems, or fumbling with overly complicated tech—rarely bring in income. Worse yet, they add stress, sap our energy, and steal precious time from the things that really matter.

Tools, Not Crutches

Let’s make one thing clear: Simple, user-friendly assistive technology isn’t a crutch. It’s a tool. And just like any tool, its purpose is to make our lives easier, not harder. Why should we feel guilty for using something that saves us time and frustration?

Take a common example: a talking thermostat. Sure, you could learn to navigate a mainstream smart thermostat with an app that requires a dozen steps and a deep dive into the manual. But if a talking thermostat lets you adjust the temperature in seconds, why wouldn’t you choose that? It’s not about “laziness.” It’s about prioritizing your time and energy.

Some people argue that these simple tools are too expensive and that blind people should just learn to adapt to the mainstream solutions. But let’s flip that perspective. When sighted people pay extra for convenience—whether it’s a meal delivery service, a robot vacuum, or a luxury car with advanced features—no one accuses them of being lazy or wasting money. Why is it different for us? Accessibility isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Time Management Equals Stress Management

There’s a direct connection between how we manage our time and our mental health. When we’re constantly juggling stressful tasks, it’s hard to focus on what truly matters. Effective time management can reduce stress and improve mental health, and that’s not just my opinion. Experts back this up:

• Jamie Jackson Spannhake in her article “Reduce Stress with Effective Time Management” emphasizes that learning to manage your time well can help you gain control over your life, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
• Kaiser Permanente highlights that managing your time effectively can help you prioritize what’s important, eliminate unnecessary stress, and create a better balance in your daily life. Read Stress Management: Managing Your Time
• The Kentucky Counseling Center explains that time and stress management go hand in hand, and mastering these skills can significantly improve mental health. Read More: Why Is Time and Stress Management So Important?
• Amherst College’s resources on time management show that using your time wisely can lead to less stress and more satisfaction in all areas of life.

Let’s Change the Conversation

So, how do we change the narrative around assistive technology? First, we need to make it fashionable—yes, fashionable—to use every tool available to save time and stress. Instead of feeling ashamed for opting for simplicity, let’s celebrate it. Let’s applaud the people who recognize that their time is valuable and who make choices that allow them to focus on what truly matters.

If you’re someone who loves diving into the complexities of advanced tech, that’s great! There’s absolutely a place for that. But if you’re someone who’d rather spend your time on your passions, your family, or your career, there’s no shame in choosing tools that make your life easier. In fact, it’s something to be proud of.

A Community of Support

This is where we, as a community, come in. Instead of criticizing the availability of simple tools, let’s support each other in making choices that align with our individual needs and goals. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. The beauty of assistive technology is its diversity. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone who just wants to get the job done and move on.

It’s also worth recognizing that the cost of assistive technology often reflects the smaller market size and the specialized expertise required to develop these products. Yes, they’re expensive, and that’s a challenge we need to address. But dismissing their value outright isn’t the answer. Instead, let’s advocate for greater affordability and accessibility while still recognizing the importance of these tools.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about technology. It’s about how we choose to spend our time and energy. Our time is precious, and our mental health is priceless. By using tools that save us time and reduce stress, we’re investing in ourselves and our future.

So let’s make a pact. Let’s stop shaming people for choosing simplicity. Let’s celebrate the tools that make our lives easier and the people who use them to focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, building a career, or simply enjoying life, we all deserve the freedom to make choices that align with our values and priorities.

And if you’re still skeptical, I encourage you to check out the resources I mentioned earlier. They’re full of practical tips and insights on how effective time management can transform your life. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how complex or simple your tools are. It’s about how you use them to create the life you want.

Calmly yours,

Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward