Reflecting on My First Year at Techopolis: Growth and Goals for the Future
A Personal Reflection
Exactly one year ago, on July 26, 2024, Michael and I sat down at our Chili's restaurant just like we often did to brainstorm and catch up. But that night was different. Over dinner, we had a heart-to-heart conversation about the future. We reflected on the work I had already done as a contractor, and how involved I had become in shaping the company’s direction. I had already built parts of our website, helped plan projects, and contributed to early service ideas. Michael and I realized that my vision for Techopolis and his aligned more than ever. I had already been working with Techopolis as a contractor, but we both felt it was time to take things to the next level. Right then and there, we decided I would join full-time. That same night, I started filling out the payroll paperwork, and from that moment forward, we were all in. It was the official start of my journey as a full-time team member, and looking back now, it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
Although we officially formed Techopolis Online Solutions back in 2021 originally so we could house and distribute our apps in the Apple App Store we didn’t actively start using the company until 2024. For those first few years, the name sat quietly, waiting for its moment. It wasn’t until 2024 that we really started building things out and taking the work seriously.
When I first started working full-time for Techopolis, I had doubts. I didn’t know if I could be a manager. I questioned whether I had what it took to juggle everything: setting up systems, building out services, and leading initiatives. But as I took on more and more, I found myself growing into the role.
Today, I hold many responsibilities within the company. I manage operations, oversee accessibility consulting, handle payroll and accounting, lead AI strategy and training, teach courses, post updates and engage with the community on my personal social media pages, and coordinate with partners. Each role came with its own learning curve, but I tackled them one by one.
Building a Presence
One of my earliest steps was growing my social media following. I started with 800 followers on LinkedIn now I’m over 2,000. On X (formerly Twitter), I went from around 900 to nearly 1,200. Engaging with the community, especially people interested in accessibility and technology, made a huge difference. I saw firsthand how our work resonated with others.
But around Memorial Day, something shifted. I had a conversation that helped me realize we needed to stop doing just anything to get by and instead focus on making a real difference. That’s when we committed to making accessibility and community impact a central part of our mission. While we proudly serve the blind community, our work also benefits a much broader audience including educators, nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals who want to harness the power of technology in inclusive and meaningful ways.
Partnerships and Community Impact
One of the biggest successes of this year was working with Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS). In November, we started helping them revamp their website. I also developed tools like magic login links to simplify access. Seeing those changes make a direct impact on the community reminded me why this work matters.
We also connected with the Laurel Wheeler Foundation in January. They had launched an initiative based on FreeCodeCamp to help people learn to code. We partnered with them and started hosting free coding workshops every Tuesday. These are still running and have become a staple of our outreach. You can even find them on my YouTube channel.
And in March, I launched “Let’s Talk AI,” a bi-weekly community call where we talk about artificial intelligence what it is, how to use it, and how it impacts our lives. We answer questions, cover a topic of the day, and make tech less intimidating for people who are blind or have low vision.
Expanding with New Tools and Media
Our biggest app initiative is Perspective AT. It’s designed to help blind users find information, get answers, and learn more about assistive tech using Apple’s built-in AI tools. If it can’t answer a question directly, it will search the web. The response to this concept has been incredible so far.
Yesterday, we introduced Techopolis Media a streaming audio station where we’ll share all our updates, podcast-like content, and extended conversations about AI and accessibility. It’s a brand-new platform that reflects our commitment to making information and stories accessible in a variety of formats. The “Let’s Talk AI Extended” version will allow for longer and more in-depth sessions than the hour we get every other Tuesday.
Diving Into 3D Printing
In late April, we launched a brand-new division: Techopolis Creations. I personally design and produce 3D printed items like Apple Watch stands, decorative crosses, keychains, and baskets all created with help from AI tools. We debuted our products at a convention, sharing a booth with the Laurel Wheeler Foundation and the Virtual Lions Club. It was a great experience, and we’re already planning to have our own booth next year in Missouri.
Our Website and Learning Tools
We updated our main website using Squarespace because it’s easier to manage and works better with screen readers. Our old system was hard to maintain and not accessible. I made sure to test the new site thoroughly to ensure everyone can use it.
We also changed our course delivery platform. Our original platform was expensive and not user-friendly. We moved everything to Google Classroom, which allows us to notify students easily and ensures accessibility. We’ve taught classes like Practical Python and SwiftUI Basics and I’ve seen students grow in confidence and skill, just like I have.
What We Do at Techopolis
Our services have evolved, but our mission has stayed the same: make tech better, easier, and more inclusive. Here’s a look at what we offer:
• AI Strategy & Help: We guide individuals and businesses on how to use AI from automating daily tasks to creating personalized tools. We make AI approachable.
• App Development: We create apps for ourselves and others. Every app is built with accessibility at its core.
• Teaching & Training: We offer free workshops, structured courses, and personalized training sessions for those wanting to learn tech skills.
• Accessibility Audits & Consulting: We help clients ensure their websites and apps work well for blind users. We give feedback and solutions, not just problems.
• 3D Printed Products: Through Techopolis Creations, we sell handmade, AI-designed items that are both functional and fun.
• Community Engagement: Whether through Clubhouse events, YouTube livestreams, or in-person conventions, we connect directly with the people we aim to help.
Looking Ahead
Our second year at Techopolis will focus on:
• Growing our AI consulting practice
• Creating new and better apps
• Expanding our teaching programs
• Increasing visibility at conventions
• Growing Techopolis Creations into a full-scale product line
We also want to make sure our services stay affordable and that we never lose sight of our roots: making technology helpful and empowering for everyone.
My Substack Blog
To share updates like this and stay connected with those interested in tech, accessibility, and my journey, I created a Substack at https://taylorarndt.substack.com. It’s where I publish blog posts like this one and send out weekly newsletters covering what we’re working on, community insights, and more.
Final Thoughts
When I joined Techopolis, I was unsure if I could rise to the occasion. A year later, I’m more confident in my abilities and clearer in our mission. Techopolis isn’t just about code or gadgets it’s about building something that matters. Something that reaches people and improves lives.
If you're curious to learn more, please visit https://techopolisonline.com or check out our shop at https://techopoliscreations.com.
Here’s to year two full of purpose, passion, and progress.
