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"To empower people with vision loss to realize their full potential, and to shape the community's vision of that potential.”
Our programs and services are designed to empower our clients to move beyond limitations.
SUCCESS STORIES
Owen
Owen earned an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Communication from Cuyahoga Community College. He worked as a freelance graphic designer for awhile, but needed work that would be more consistent. Owen found work in retail and did that for several years for large companies. The work was not as satisfying for him, so he began to explore what other types of jobs he could do.
Owen’s computer skills were very good. He is a Zoomtext user and is able to type at a competitive speed. Owen enjoys talking to people, and with good computer skills starting to explore and later apply for customer service positions. He is now working as a “Work at Home Telecommunicator” for Infocision. Owen does follow up phone calls for non profit agencies. He surprised himself at how much he enjoys the work. The idea of not having to face the weather elements, the money he saves on travel, clothing and time are tremendous benefits of working at home for him.
This is a job that if Owen moves, the job can move too. Owen knows this is not a job for many people, but it’s been a great fit for him. When he experiences an unpleasant person on the other end of the phone, he doesn’t take it personally and knows the next call will be positive.
Three questions were asked of Owen about his employment.
- What has working meant to you:
Accomplishing learning a new job, being responsible and fulfilled. For me it is not just about making money, although that’s important too, but taking pride in what I do is very satisfying.
- What did you learn during your job search:
Perseverance. You can’t give up. You have to keeping working at it. It can be frustrating, but you have to press on and have faith you’re going to reach your employment goal.
- What do you enjoy most about working:
Communicating with people. It can be difficult, but I am friendly and don’t take offense to others. I don’t know what their life situation is and I could be the target of their frustrations. I also know I can have a positive influence on others I talk to. I enjoy being involved. It is great working from home too.
Paul
Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human services and a certification as an orthotic practitioner professional. Paul worked as an orthotic practitioner for five years. He provided inpatient and outpatient orthotic services to pediatric and adult populations. Paul would still like to work in his field, but when his vision changed, he began to explore other fields of interest and areas where his knowledge and skills are transferable.
Paul has a strong background in databases, as he has worked on many and helped to set up databases for various organizations. Currently Paul is employed as a database coordinator for a non-profit agency. Paul didn’t plan for his vision loss, as it was not expected, but he has continued to further develop and enhance existing skills, while acquiring new ones.
Three questions were asked of Paul about his employment.
- What has working meant to you:
Working provides independence and a purpose for each day. Having the opportunity to help others is very rewarding. I like the satisfaction of knowing I have done a job well and have been able to contribute to an organization.
- What did you learn during your job search:
During my job search I learned there are many opportunities – if you are willing to put in the hard work to search. There are employers who will offer flexibility or accommodations to whatever challenges you may have. The key is to persevere and do not give up.
- What do you enjoy most about working:
I enjoy having a challenge in front of me. I like to develop a plan to complete a project. I enjoy working with others and learning more about them as individuals and what they do. The final comment is with any life experience; it can be a challenge and feel overwhelming. Keep in mind there will be a positive resolution.
Nicole
Nicole is a licensed practicing music therapist. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and did her post graduate studies in music therapy. Nicole is an independent contractor. She provides music therapy to many different populations. Nicole is passionate about her profession as she is able to observe the benefits music in a therapy setting can offer anyone.
Three questions were asked of Nicole about her employment.
- What has working meant to you:
I have gained so much from working. Working is something that I have always wanted to do. It is truly so much better to work, because being at home is not fun. I have learned a great deal about life, independence, challenges and rewards from my college experiences and working. I have learned to be independent, developed greater confidence in my abilities and able to show the world that a blind person can achieve success – small and great successes.
- What did you learn during your job search:
I learned a great deal about the world of networking. You hear the word “networking” in college and after, but it didn’t quite mean much to me until I began my career. I have learned to take the initiative to follow up with others. Every now and then someone does call and is interested in what you have to offer. Job searches are hard, so you need to keep giving yourself a boost. Just when you think nothing is going to happen, someone does reach out. Job searching taught me to not give up. The more you talk to people, the better you get. You develop greater confidence in what you do have to offer. It’s not easy, but so well worth it.
- What do you enjoy most about working:
I love being a music therapist. I get to connect with all different kinds of people. I am able to develop a relationship with my clients and observe a spark when they are have a positive experience through music therapy. Music therapy is not about performing or talent, but sharing. Music is another way of directly communicating with others. Music is also about what your individual experiences are. Music is powerful as it has been proven to eliminate and reduce pain; it allows positive and warm memories and emotions to evolve. As a music therapist I get to be part of this wonderful experience.
Joe
Joe has 30 years of experience in the education field. He has been a teacher, high school counselor and mediator. Joe retired relatively young as a result of his vision changing. Joe was not prepared to be a retiree. He had the energy and the drive to be involved again with students, faculty, parents and administrators. Joe is back teaching at a private school. His vast educational experience also qualifies him to teach foreign languages. Joe is teaching Latin to very enthused high school students
Three questions were asked of Joe about his employment.
- What has working meant to you:
Coming back to work elevated my self esteem. I feel productive and able to contribute to the lives of young people. Working with teenagers is exciting. It makes me feel younger and involved.
- What did you learn during your job search:
I had to become more patient. I am not the most patient person, but waiting for the right moment and opportunity worked best for me. I wanted a career, not just a job. Although this is more of a mini-career for me, it has been a great fit for me professionally and I hope for my students. You can’t give up when looking for a job and you can’t focus on how much time it takes. It takes as long as it takes, but it’s so well worth it when it all comes together.
- What do you enjoy most about work:
First I get a “kick” out of the students. I enjoy being around young people and sharing with them my knowledge and experience. They seem to need it and want it. I have the opportunity of positively influencing young people to learn a new subject and believe in their abilities to learn. I also work with a great group of professionals, and because of all the years of experience I have had in the education field, I am able to mentor some of the younger teachers.
Monica
Monica had 10 years experience working in custodial service. She had worked for a variety of places – steel mills, day care centers, hospitals and a large corporation. Although Monica enjoyed her previous work, she had aspirations to do something different. Monica had never worked in an office setting, but that was one of her longer term goals. She prepared herself for a career change, by getting the necessary computer skills mastered. Monica is now a customer service representative and is one of the top performers at her company.
Three questions were asked of Monica about her employment:
- What has working meant to you:
It is important for me to be able to support my family. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with others and contributing to the organization I work for.
- What did you learn about job searching:
I learned you have to stay motivated and dedicated to your goals. You can accomplish your job objective if you are committed. Realize there are good people to support you during this time – good employment specialists, teachers and family make a huge difference in helping you achieve your goals.
- What do you enjoy most about work:
I like communicating with people, particularly my customers. I have established a good working relationship with my customers and know I have been able to help them. This is the first time I have worked in customer service. It has been very satisfying, as I have demonstrated my abilities to myself and others that I am very good at what I do.
Mike
Mike has worked in the transportation industry for over 20 years. He has extensive experience in sales, consulting, customer service and management. During his job search he applied all of his professional skills towards seeking an opportunity. Mike has been successfully employed with a well known transportation company out of New York. As an Implementation Manager, Mike sells and trains customers on new software programs. He has met and exceeded corporate goals.
Three questions were asked of Mike about employment:
- What has work meant to you:
Fulfillment of life time goals. I enjoy being challenged mentally and physically. The work is demanding, but the reward is so much greater. Being able to provide for my family financially and have stability in my life means everything to me.
- What did you learn about job searching:
Ask, Ask, Ask! Tap into all resources and look at every opportunity. Take the time to research companies and follow up. After researching the company, try to connect with a manager of a department or a manager in the human resource department.
- What do you enjoy most about work:
Talking to people and interacting with customers all over the country. Most of my contact is voice to voice, so it can be a challenge to be sure the information being shared is understood. Years of experience has taught me to pay close attention to the inflections in my voice, take the time to speak clearly and always maintain a high level of professionalism which will only contribute to your success.
Jaime
Jaime has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Baldwin Wallace College and a Masters of Art in community counseling from John Carroll University. During undergraduate and graduate school Jaime had several internships she had to complete. The internships were part of the academic program, but equally important to meeting her educational needs was having real work experiences. Jaime is a licensed counselor, currently working at a mental health facility.
Three questions were asked of Jaime about her employment.
- What has work meant to you:
From a practical aspect income has allowed me to be financially independent. I have been able to further my career by working at a facility that I can apply my education and prior experience to my current responsibilities, as well as learn more about my field from the other professionals who work in my office and the exposure I have from attending meetings and seminars, journals and current research.
From an emotional point, working has been a tremendous confidence builder. My mood and spirit would not be the same if I was not actively involved in the community and being able to contribute on many different levels.
- What did you learn about job searching :
Job searching is stressful. It’s a waiting game. I knew I would be working at some point, but not knowing when that would happen is unsettling. I learned to keep an open mind and I applied everywhere. Even if a potential opportunity is not the ideal job, it is a stepping stone to the next level. Contacts are being made and real work experience is being gained.
- What do you enjoy most about work:
I get to interact with many people directly. My job affords me the ability to talk with all types of individuals. I believe I am a support to the clients I serve and am able to help them with their problems and concerns. I enjoy being part of an organization that provides services to people in need. This is what I went to school for and this is the kind of work I want to do. It is great to be productive, involved and contributing.
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