Careers for the Blind

David is losing his sight to Best disease, an early onset type of Macular Degeneration. Soon after his diagnosis he decided that vision loss wouldn't define him. He was recruited to play Division 1 Lacrosse at Rutgers University. After completing his degree he joined Kelly Benefits and is still there today as an Account Executive.

Michael is loosing his sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa. He was diagnosed in his teenage years, but it wasn't until after completing college, a MBA, and well into his career in the Aviation Industry that he became more open about his vision loss. Even after being more open about his vision loss, he continue to succeed in his career, and today is the Chief Strategy Officer at Abra Group, a holding...

These are two inspiring visually impaired women at Ablr. Shannon is an instructor, and explains the ins and outs of how the program works. Parrice is now in her intern phase of the program. She has excelled during her time with Ablr, obtaining several certifications in digital accessibility. To learn more about the program reach out to Shannon, shannon.garner@ablr360.com. To connect with Parrice,...

John Samuel is losing his sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa. He only started being open about his vision loss when he attended The George Washington University School of Business. Once he began being open about his vision loss in his professional life as well, he found and help create Ablr, a Disability inclusion and digital accessibility company.

Karla lost her sight early in life. From a young age she had an interest in becoming a Lawyer and ultimately graduated from Georgetown University Law School. She's worked at several different law firms throughout her career, and today is a lawyer at Public Justice.

Randi lost most of her sight at birth and experienced further vision loss later in life.  She began her career in Vision Rehabilitation, but ultimately found a passion in Digital Accessibility. She has also completed 15 Triathlons. 

Lex is the best totally blind long and triple jumper in the history of the U.S. Paralympic movement. He is the current world record holder in the long jump, a five-time Paralympic medalist, a four-time long jump world champion, and an 18-time national champion.

The Alexandria Virginia Chapter of the NFB will be fundraising for a Latin Night. September 16th 3pm to September 20th a 3pm. https://s.dgpopup.com/rm82g49f Latin Night will be October 29th 7 - 10pm - The Westin Tysons Corner, Falls Church, Virginia Evelyn can be reached at: evelyn.valdez212@gmail.com

Jeff spent most of his career in Financial Services and has moved on to make more significant impact in the world as the Chief Accessibility Officer at Disability:IN. Listen to episode 21 to hear Jeff's experience with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and his successful career path. 

Careers for the Blind podcast trailer

Matthew lost his sight due to complications resulting from his premature birth. Early in life he discovered he had a strong aptitude for music. While he is currently attending The Juilliard School, his incredible talent has already taken him around the world to perform. Check out his album Connections, and his website www.matthewwhitaker.net

This is a follow-up conversation with Dr. Kirk Adams who has launched his consulting business Innovative Impact LLC. He is looking to consult for fun, innovative, impactful, and well-funded organizations who desire to be inclusive of people with disabilities and particularly people who are blind. He can be reached at kirkadams000@gmail.com, or by phone or text 206-660-1363.

Jenice lost her sight gradually to Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Her supportive parents enabled her to be successful in school, and ultimately to becoming an Occupational Therapist.  She is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Lighthouse Louisiana, an Adjunct Professor, and has a YouTube channel called Insight4Blind.  

Bob is a low vision person who lost his sight late in life.  His strong work ethic and positive attitude lead him to working for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and ultimately to his current position as CEO at the Earle Baum Center, a training center for the blind and low vision.

Sarahelizabeth lost her side gradually into her early working life. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher and she didn't let her vision loss deter her from pursuing her passion. She has her Ph. D., and is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, as well as a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist.

Eli lost his sight at a very early age.  He maintains a positive attitude and open mind to trying new things.  He has been an automobile mechanic, and is currently working as aCertified Assistive Technology Specialist at Adaptive Technology Services.

Hoby was born blind, but had incredible parents that helped him stay positive and motivated.  He has his Ph. D. In Organic Chemistry from UC Davis, and is now an entrepreneur having started several companies.  He helped develop Tasting in the Dark, and consults with companies on improving their sensory experiences.  Learn more about his companies at Hoby.com

Stephen Podley lost his sight gradually due to Retinitis Pigmentosa.  He struggled with his diagnosis briefly, but went on to hold many different positions.  Today he is the Superintendent at Miami International Airport.

Sylvia lost her sight gradually due to Retinitis Pigmentosa.  She built a reputation that lead to her becoming the CEO for Lighthouse for the Blind in Florida for 11 years, and currently serving as the Chief Programs Officer at AFB.

Michael lost his sight gradually due to retinitis pigmentosa in his mid-30s.  He struggled with depression as he was no longer able to be a professional illustrator, but through his faith in God and maintaining a positive attitude he has been able to move forward. He is currently a Computer Access Trainer at the VA Healthcare Services in New Jersey.

Barry lost his sight gradually due to Leber Congenital Amaurosis. He had to advocate for himself from a young age as those around him were not sure how he would accomplish his work. His strong determination let him to graduate from Columbia university with a degree in Applied Mathematics. He has worked at IBM, MorganStanley, and today is the President of Honig International and President and CEO o...

Carrie lost her sight gradually due to retinitis pigmentosa. It wasn't until her 20s that her vision started to impact her life more significantly. She tried to hide her vision loss from her colleagues at first, but once she embraced her situation she found a passion for accessibility and made herself an opportunity to become the Accessibility Lead at Walmart.com.

Dr. Kirk Adams lost his sight at an early age, but having great role models in his parents, had a high regard for education and seeking employment.  He struggled to find work, but cast a wide net and took a position as a municipal bond salesman.  He transitioned into the non-profit world through fundraising and knew leadership was ultimately where he wanted to be.

After 28 years with one company, Jeff took a voluntary offer to leave and find another adventure.  He shares his experience as a legally blind person looking for a job. 

Newton is a Climate Scientist and Ph. D at CalTech University.  He lost his sight at an early age due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. His passion for math and science is coupled with a desire to prove to himself and others that math and science is possible for the blind.