Nikki Kuhn, Founder of Sca11ywag
Overview:
Nikki Kuhn is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with nearly 2 decades of experience leading with empathy and passion. As the founder of Sca11ywag, she offers consulting services focused on creating accessible digital experiences. Nikki is neurodivergent, ADHD and dyslexic, which fuels her commitment for creating inclusive experiences that are accessible to all. An advocate and a frequent speaker, Nikki has shared her insights as a keynote speaker and on platforms such as the “ADHD for Smart Ass Women” podcast.
What brought you to NEN?
It wasn’t until the pandemic that I truly recognized my dyslexia as an invisible disability. Through my advocacy for accessibility, I started learning more about my own neurodivergence and discovered that I also have ADHD. That late-in-life diagnosis was a transformative experience—it made me realize just how much shame I had been carrying for not fitting neatly into societal norms. For years, I dismissed it as being the “creative type,” but there was so much more to it.
I had spent so much time focusing on my perceived weaknesses that I hadn’t acknowledged how many strengths my neurodivergence brought to the table. In fact, my neurodivergent strengths were key to many of my successes throughout my career. It made me wonder: What would the world look like if we celebrated our strengths instead of constantly critiquing our differences?
That realization led me to seek out a community of like-minded individuals, and that’s when I found the Neurodiversity Employment Network (NEN). I’ve been an enthusiastic member ever since. It’s where I presented for the first time on the importance of accessibility, announced my entrepreneurship journey, and even gained my first client. Now, as a member of the Programming and Events Committee, I’m proud to help drive initiatives that foster inclusion—like updating our event badges to be colorblind-friendly.
NEN has been a space where I can advocate, collaborate, and celebrate the unique strengths neurodivergence brings to the world.
Can you give a summary of your involvement in Philadelphia 250 and Cities of Inclusion? Do you see your involvement in both of those organizations as complementary?
Becoming a solopreneur was empowering—it helped me recognize my value and inspired me to give back to my community. Being a Philadelphian during the 250th anniversary of American Independence is an incredible, historic moment, and I wanted to contribute to it in a meaningful way. That’s why I joined the Women’s 250th Committee, where my personal goal is to raise awareness and educate others on how we can make this milestone celebration more inclusive and accessible.
This passion also led me to get involved with Cities of Inclusion, an initiative with a mission closely aligned with my own: to make Philadelphia a more inclusive city for everyone, regardless of disability. My involvement in both organizations feels deeply complementary, as they allow me to advocate for inclusion and accessibility on both a historical and a civic level, amplifying the impact of this important work.
Can you describe the work you did with the NEN web interns and why that was important to you?
Accessibility is absolutely crucial in web development, yet there’s still a significant gap in education and awareness around it. As an IAAP Certified Web Accessibility Professional, I bring extensive knowledge about what it takes to make websites truly accessible. While I’m not a coder myself, I offer guidance and direction to assist software engineers in implementing accessible solutions.
My neurodivergence plays a big role in this process—I’m able to simplify the often complex Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and translate them into actionable insights. With my design background, I also provide recommendations that not only meet accessibility standards but also enhance the overall user experience.
Working with the NEN web interns was important to me because it allowed me to share this expertise with the next generation of developers, empowering them to prioritize accessibility in their work. By building their knowledge and confidence, we’re collectively making the web a more inclusive space.
What benefit do you feel you get from being involved with NEN?
I feel so strongly that the world benefits from neuroinclusion, and it warms my heart to be part of a nonprofit whose mission aligns so closely with my own. Being involved with the Neurodiversity Employment Network (NEN) provides a space where we can unmask, be our authentic selves, and openly share the struggles we face—all while realizing we’re not alone. It’s also a platform to advocate for the immense value neurodivergent individuals bring to society.
I’m excited to help NEN expand its reach, raising awareness about neurodivergence and creating more opportunities for understanding and inclusion.
What piece of pop culture are you enjoying these days?
I’m an avid listener of true crime podcasts, so naturally, I adore Only Murders in the Building with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. It’s a comedy about neighbors who start a podcast to solve a murder. What really stands out to me is how they represented the disability experience in the first season, particularly with deaf actor James Caverly—it was such a thoughtful and impactful portrayal.