Clayton L. White Portfolio
Technical Writing is the act of distilling complex and particular ideas and processes down to accessible and universal forms. An effective technical writer makes documentation as effective and user-friendly as possible to bring success and efficiency to employers and comfortability and satisfaction to an audience.
About Me.
I was born in southern Ohio and raised in a corner of Appalachia. I attended The Ohio State University, obtaining a BA in English, and then relocated to the Washington, D.C. area to enter the workforce. In the decade since relocating, I have authored and edited numerous technical documents relating to IT, Healthcare studies, and Education research. My writings on tech equipment needs and logistic concerns have directly impacted projects supporting agencies such as the Department of Education, DHHS, and USAID.
Over my career, I have become uniquely skilled at translating complex technical and regulatory requirements into clear, plain language, while reformatting templates and structures to adhere to Section 508 compliance. I am a husband and father, an American Civil War buff, a lover of literature and cinema, and a published playwright. I currently reside in Maryland.
Skills & Expertise
Areas of Proficiency
Technical Documentation Mastery
Section 508 Compliance Expertise
Software Application Knowledge
Editing, Proofreading, and Quality Assurance
Simplifying Complex Processes for Users
Proficiency in Universal Design
Experience
Professional Journey
Technical Writer
Westat 2012-2025 Technical Writer | October 2012 – April 2025
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Produced and maintained training guides, manuals, and procedural documentation for government agencies and research institutions.
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Composed documentation and materials to support Federal agencies like Dept. of Education, DHHS, and USAID.
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Supported Agile and Scrum-based teams by delivering documentation aligned with sprint cycles and evolving requirements.
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Translated complex technical processes into clear, accessible materials for staff, field teams, and stakeholders.​
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Developed documentation in compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards, ensuring all materials met WCAG guidelines and federal accessibility requirement.
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Managed logistics and inventory for thousands of devices supporting national research and training efforts.
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Coordinated with vendors including Dell, Lenovo, and HP to ensure accurate procurement, delivery, and setup.
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Maintained detailed documentation and records supporting audits, compliance, and operational continuity.
Education
Academic Background
Bachelor of Arts in English
The Ohio State University
Certification in Technical Writing
Oregon State University