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Crystal Preston-Watson

@scopicengineer.com
5.2K followers 690 following 3.2K posts

Accessibility agitator in the streets, Accessibility agitator in the sheets. 24/7/365 absurdist. My opinions are my own not my employer. crystalprestonwatson.com a11ysavvy.com

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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 27/09/2026
Going to my first and only speed dating event today. Will I meet someone? Almost certainly not because it's Denver and I'm Black and old. But life is about experiences and the price of admission is buying a cup of coffee. The place has good coffee so I get that and definitely an idea for a sketch.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 22/09/2026
The elimination of physical copies of video games, film/TV, music, etc is an accessibility barrier.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 14/09/2026
Started a new position today. It's been a year since I was laid off (9/2025). I wasn't particularly eager to stop consulting work but couldn't pass up an opportunity to finally branch out into different accessibility work and it being officially acknowledged than me taking on as extra (unpaid) work.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 14/09/2026
50 days until Midterm elections & SCOTUS is expected to decide whether to allow the administration to adopt new rules for mailin ballots. Disabled voters chose mail ballots at higher rates than any other demographic. If the rules are upheld it will prevent many of disabled people voters from voting
crystalprestonwatson.com
Return to Sender: Accessible Voting and the Fight Over Mail-in Ballots - Crystal Preston-Watson
Federal law has promised disabled voters a private, independent ballot since 1965. This fall, the one method that reliably delivers it is the one under attack.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 14/09/2026
50 days until Midterm elections & SCOTUS is expected to decide whether to allow the administration to adopt new rules for mailin ballots. Disabled voters chose mail ballots at higher rates than any other demographic. If the rules are upheld it will prevent many of disabled people voters from voting
crystalprestonwatson.com
Return to Sender: Accessible Voting and the Fight Over Mail-in Ballots - Crystal Preston-Watson
Federal law has promised disabled voters a private, independent ballot since 1965. This fall, the one method that reliably delivers it is the one under attack.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 13/09/2026
So let me know if this is a dumb idea but a social media platform that's exclusively for city/government/a local essential services to post alerts and other important news? Exclusive to those posting but everyone else could have an account to comment on.
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Reposted by Crystal Preston-Watson
Steve Faulkner @stevefaulkner.eurosky.social · 11/09/2026
💥Fireside Episode 2 with @scopicengineer.com #a11y #disability #music #magic rss.com/podcasts/fir...
rss.com
Crystal Preston Watson – Fireside Chat 25th November 2025 | Podcast Episode on RSS.com
Episode 2I had the pleasure of chatting with Crystal Preston Watson recently. Despite the shambolic nature of my recording/editing it worked out OK.Full notes: Crystal Preston Watson – Fireside Chat 2...
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 07/09/2026
Me saying that Apple cider and spice are the Black people of Autumn flavors has caused quite the ruckus in my IRL online circle and I'm not sorry
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 07/09/2026
Can't wait until Google and Apple change New Mexico to New America. Everything is so unserious that it all becomes serious.
the-independent.com
Trump can’t stop changing the name of things and now has US state as his target
Trump wants to relabel New Mexico as New America days after changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake Ameria
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 29/08/2026
As a self-diagnosed corporation, I was caught doing stuff I wasn't supposed to. I know you are doing the same shit. If I go down, you all are coming with me.
A parody of an ad posted by Meta on social media platforms and in print newspaper calling on TikTok and YouTube to join them in supporting teens after coming to a settlement agreement. This parody says "An open letter to my ops to join me in sharing in the repercussions of my actions" at the bottom instead text that says 'Meta' next to the Meta logo. It instead says 'Crystal'.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 26/08/2026
My best friend and I constantly refer to this clip of Tim Curry from the game Command & Conquer
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 25/08/2026
I'm not one to be parasocial about celebrities but Dolly Parton was one of my exceptions. This definitely hurts.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 24/08/2026
A needed rewrite and update to an article I first posted in 2024.
crystalprestonwatson.com
Hot in Here: Heat Waves, Climate Change, and Disability - Crystal Preston-Watson
I previously posted a version of this article in 2024 that did not list evidence and sources for some claims. This updated version corrects this oversight. As a record-breaking summer of extreme heat ...
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 14/08/2026
Would these actually be useful for me? Yes. Will I ever get a pair? No.
engadget.com
Meta is giving away 15,000 AI glasses to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland - Engadget
Meta is donating 15,000 Ray-Ban Meta glasses to an Irish charity supporting people with sight loss.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 12/08/2026
This has nothing to do with accessibility so just a heads up. So I've been listening to the song Ghetto Love Story that's gone viral on social media. Yeah I'm old but I can't get with the belief that there's no good music being made anymore. I've seen people who don't like it say that
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 05/08/2026
It's the end of an era with the EA acquisition now closed. I won't be buying any new content for Sims4 unless they sell off Maxis (I hope). Buying all the content with my adult money was a gift to the kid that stopped getting gifts once she turned 10.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 28/07/2026
Can one truly be meme'd if no one shares said meme?
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 25/07/2026
If a company uses AI recruiters for interviews during their interview process then it's only fair that the person applying gets to use AI as well. If you're having a Pokemon battle you can't tell your opponent that they can't use a pokemon. It's in the Geneva Conventions.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 23/07/2026
The vast majority of people on this planet do not have the money to pay their way out of the serious effects and consequences of disability. The few people that are wealthy enough to do so are allowed to dictate that accessibility isn't necessary or worth investing in for everyone else.
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Reposted by Crystal Preston-Watson
Frank Elavsky (he/him) ⌁ @frank.computer · 22/07/2026
In case anyone missed the announcement, here's my latest major work: Some takeaways: 1. Sighted people experience modality barriers too (so they need accessibility!) 2. Making non-visual stuff interactive and visual addresses #1 but also helps sighted people treat accessibility as a design space
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 19/07/2026
I am allergic to crustaceans but Sagan's star dust as my witness I am making a seafood boil tonight. The algorithm keeps pushing seafood boil videos on me so I am letting myself be influenced minus the ingredients that can kill me.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 17/07/2026
Schrödinger’s Mitch
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 17/07/2026
4 Billion votes were rigged by China using Colorado mail-in ballots in the 2020 election. The reason I know is because Xi Jinping called me on Zoom and promised me 9001 Socal Score XP if I helped.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 14/07/2026
Summers have gone from the season of explosive Blockbusters to explosive diarrhea. There's no limited edition 32oz cup at McDonald's for that.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 10/07/2026
FedEx left a package next to a sign that said don't leave packages here because it's a public lobby - package stolen. Company sent a replacement that I would have to sign for. Wait all morning only to get an unable to deliver email with a picture outside the building showing they didn't even try.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 09/07/2026
I don't care what everyone thinks about everything. All media doesn't need to be mass social media. I think (at least hope) we're in the beginning of a tipping point where the somewhat novelty on the Internet connecting everyone and anyone at all times is wearing off for the majority of people.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 07/07/2026
Mitch McConnell and I kiki'd for 20 minutes yesterday about digital accessibility. Then he gave me a minute by minute account of what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 06/07/2026
I paid for 2 extra months of cobra instead of going through the state insurance exchange because that's how good my PCP is. Like he's worth the price.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 04/07/2026
I created this promo explaining why the date of my Disability Pride comedy event this Sunday July 5th is intentional. Giving a brief history of the Gang of 19, Denver and the modern Disability Rights movement.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 24/06/2026
Huge thanks to Kathie J at KOSI FM for having me on to talk accessibility, disability, and the upcoming Disability Pride event, Accommodate This, July 5th at @risecomedy.bsky.social here in Denver. Interview's live now: kosi101.com/watch
A screenshot of "The Kathie J Show" featuring Crystal Preston-Watson. The Kathie J logo appears at upper left in purple and white. Two webcam panels show the host, a woman with red hair seated at a microphone, and Crystal, a Black woman wearing a sparkly star-patterned eye patch, headphones, and layered chain necklaces, smiling broadly. A lower-third caption reads "Crystal Preston-Watson, Accessibility Advocate, crystalprestonwatson.com." A graphic in the lower left promotes "Accommodate This: A Night of Disability Pride Comedy — Accessibility and Laughter Center Stage," featuring disability-related icons.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 21/06/2026
I didn't know she was sick. I used to chat with her sometimes when I worked in the Rocky Mountain News newsroom on Saturdays. She even gave me a sweater once when she learned I was into thrifting. RIP
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 19/06/2026
Happy Juneteenth from me and this pint of Great Value ice cream.
A composite image showing packaging for Great Value 'Celebration Edition' Juneteenth ice cream, which is swirled red velvet and cheesecake flavored. The packaging features a vibrant red, yellow, and green background with a graphic of two Black hands giving a high-five, wearing colorful bracelets. The text reads: 'Our Story: Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope.'
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 13/06/2026
I am extremely excited to say that the Accommodate This: A Night of Disability Pride Comedy @kickstarter.com was fully funded so we can guarantee to have all needed accommodations. We have 4 more days and I would love to reach our stretch goal to pay our cast for their time and talents.
kickstarter.com
Accommodate This: A Night of Disability Pride Comedy
Help us fund ASL interpreters, CART captioning, and inclusive instruction for our night of comedy celebrating Disability Pride month.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 10/06/2026
I'm looking disabled improvisers for a Disability Pride Comedy on July 5 in Denver, Colorado Disability is self-defined here. We are not asking for proof, diagnosis, or paperwork. If you identify as disabled, you qualify, full stop. Interested? Fill out the form
forms.gle
Performer Call: Improv in the Dark | Accommodate This: A Night of Disability Pride Comedy
We're casting disabled performers for the Improv in the Dark portion of Accommodate This, our Disability Pride Month show at RISE Comedy in Denver on July 5, 2026. A quick note: we are not asking for...
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 01/06/2026
Instead of scrolling TikTok or Instagram collecting existential dread while you eat your dinner, how about enjoying that dinner with a whole film festival that only has some of that dread. The livestream starts in 15 minutes. #FilmScoreFest
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 31/05/2026
Tonight is Film Score Fest and premier of my short film, Encore. The score composed by Logan Dougherty will be performed by a full live orchestra. I'm truly lucky to have been paired up with such an amazing talent. You can watch it and the 15 other selected films via the live stream on YouTube
youtube.com
2026 Film Score Fest - Oriental Theatre - Denver, Colorado
YouTube video by Mountain Coast Adventure
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 21/05/2026
Tomorrow is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and I'm launching a Kickstarter for Accommodate This: A Night of Disability Pride Comedy July 5 | RISE Comedy Denver, CO Improv for Every Body (beginner class), Improv in the Dark A Sensory Room Experience Lab. ASL + captions throughout the night
kickstarter.com
Accommodate This: A Night of Disability Pride Comedy
Help us fund ASL interpreters, CART captioning, and inclusive instruction for our night of comedy celebrating Disability Pride month.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 04/05/2026
Met Gala 2026 is gonna disappoint. This isn't the first year for it to have controversy in the run-up, but in those previous years there was still a good amount of excitement from the general public. This year has been super quiet. I suspect the dress is gonna be extremely meh from most attendees.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 04/05/2026
Why do social media creators censor captions when they don't censor verbal speech? If you say 'fuck' then 'fuck' belongs in the captions. They think they are appeasing whatever algorithm but the platforms scan both audio and captions. You're not beating the algorithm by only censoring captions
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 03/05/2026
I just saw a white guy that had the stereotypical look of a Hollywood motorcycle guy with a bandana, leather vest with patches and riding an old school Harley. But instead of blasting Lynyrd Skynyrd from his radio he was blasting Casanova by LeVert. Denver can be a trip.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 29/04/2026
Two years ago today, I was writing my living will before a major surgery. Today, I'm celebrating the launch of "Digital Accessibility Ethics" (out May 6). I'm absolutely honored to have been asked to contribute a chapter to this book. If you build tech, this is for you. #DigitalAccessibilityEthics
accessibilityethics.org
Digital Accessibility Ethics: Disability Inclusion in All Things Tech
This book is a groundbreaking collection of 32 chapters written by 39 disabled and nondisabled authors from 10 countries and one commonwealth.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 22/04/2026
I want to thank @engineeringquality.bsky.social for inviting me on to discuss accessibility and software quality. Given the timing of our discussion I had the opportunity to drill into why it's important now more than ever for accessibility to be a requirement #accessibility #SoftwareQuality
youtube.com
18: Accessibility: The Gap Between “Works” and “Works for Everyone”
YouTube video by Engineering Quality Podcast
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 20/04/2026
Waking up every day in the 2020s is like crossing the Rubicon.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 16/04/2026
I just missed the days where you could go to a gas station where they were selling knockoff clothes/bags to get bootleg movies. Yeah you're going to get a film partially blocked by someone's head but you didn't have to question if it was going to actually be the movie or give your computer a virus.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 15/04/2026
King Philip IV would definitely be semi-bricked if he could watch the war of words between the United States and the Vatican right now. (I don't know why I phrased it like that but I refuse to delete it)
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Reposted by Crystal Preston-Watson
Ernest Luckman @ernieluckman.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
ChatGPT: you’re right you’re so much smarter than him. He’s so schlubby and you’re so suave. Columbo will never catch you.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 15/04/2026
IRS has the capability to just send us a receipt with the amount owed like other countries. There were two (not consecutive) years I legit forgot to get an extension and they sent me said receipt with the amount owed. The most we should have to do is report investments, deductions, etc.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 14/04/2026
Baby's first film and film festival. My film, Encore, was selected for Film Score Fest 2026. It's fitting that my first film is a silent expressionist one, as I spent countless insomnia-fueled nights watching silent German expressionist movies on TCM and AMC.
Art Deco film poster for "Encore," an official selection of the 2026 Film Score Fest. The graphic features a minimalist, stylized face with an open mouth centered under a spotlight against a dark, fan-patterned background.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 08/04/2026
My serious laugh of the day is someone calling Giardia fancy diarrhea.
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Crystal Preston-Watson @scopicengineer.com · 03/04/2026
I, too, was once teleported to a 24 hour breakfast place from the Tracks nightclub here in Denver. It was the hand of 4 shots of tequila and a cab.
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