Careers for the Blind

Janet along with her husband started Kelly Benefits many years ago. Their son John joined the company after college and today serves as the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer. Many members of their family have a retinal degenerative condition called Best disease, but low vision hasn't deterred any of them from pursuing their passions.

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 company for two international airlines. Make sure to reach out to Michael on Linkedin.

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, email her at parriceleach@gmail.com.

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 of TruckPay.

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.

Ian is a visually impaired person with Optic Nerve Atrophy.  He attended Kansas City University - college of Osteopathic Medicine.  Currently, he is a resident at Phornix Children’s Hospital.

Aaron Hale, a 14 year veteran, military chef and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D) team leader has overcome all odds. From the moment a blast robbed Aaron of his vision in Afghanistan to years later when he lost his hearing, he refused to accept defeat,.

Tyler is losing his sight to a genetic condition called Stickler Syndrom.  He tried to fit in as a sighted person for most of his life, but is now begining to embrace his situation.  The struggle of confronting vision loss is real, and Tyler hopes to help others facing a similar struggle by sharing his story.

Jack Chen lost his sight from an early age due to a failed eye operation.  He remained motivated and initially pursued Computer Science, completing his undergrad at Harvard and a masters at UC Berkley.  He ultimately found his passion in patent law and completed a law degree as well.  He is currently Assistant General Counsel @Facebook, and leads the core Online Advertising Product Legal Team.

This C.I.A. Officer lost her sight as a teenager.  After a brief adjustment period she was back to forging her own path.  In college she discovered the C.I.A., and is currently an Officer with the agency as an Analyst.

Taylor has been blind since birth.  She planned to major in Computer Science, but circumstances as a result of COVID lead her to start her own business.  She is now a Freelance Accessibility Consultant, and WordPress Professional.

Mike Moran lost his sight from an early age due to Congenital Glaucoma.  He’s been a Substance Abuse Counselor, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Field Representative for the Seeing Eye.

Melissa lost her sight from a young age due to a hereditary form of Glaucoma. She was an excellent student throughout high school and college, and her networking ability helped her land her first two jobs since graduating.  She is currently the College and Career Advisor at the EDGE Employment Transition Program.

Preston has been blind since birth due to Cone-Rod Dystrophy.  Through the use of Braille and assistive technology he has completed his undergraduate and Masters degree.  He is currently a Web Accessibility Specialist and part time lecturer

Ida lost her sight gradually from a young age due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. While attending Drew University she learned about the EDGE program, which helped prepare her with employability skills. Her hard work and determination has resulted in her current position as a Software Engineer at J.P. Morgan.

Pat lost his site at the age of five due to an auto immune disease called Ten Syndrom. He has been a fitness instructor, a lawyer, worked for the Seeing Eye, and is currently the director of the EDGE program in New Jersey, a employment readiness program for students.

Mike lost his site gradually from an early age do to macular degeneration.  He spent two decades as a computer applications programmer, but then went on to start his own Executive Recruitement company for people with disabilities called Blind Institute of Technology.

Ed lost his sight gradually due to retinitis pigmentosa. While there were times he struggled with his sight, he chose to ignore the problem throughout college and his early working life. Once he embraced his situation, that's when his career really took off.

Jeff has been losing his side gradually due to retinitis pigmentosa. For most of his career he tried to hide his vision loss. Once he embraced his situation he found a renewed passion for his career, and is currently the Director of the Office of Customer Accessibility at Fidelity.

Jessica attended the university of Arizona, and was pursuing a normal cited career path. At the age of 27 she lost the majority of her central vision to Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. She struggled for a short time as she adjusted to her vision loss, but once she embraced her situation her career took off.

In January 2021 I had a conversation with Dan Berlin.  Dan has been losing his site gradually his entire life. He struggled with letting people know that he had issues with his vision but was able to complete his undergraduate and masters degree in microbiology. He went on to have a successful career in corporate America, but ultimately followed his desire of owning his own business. With a business partner, and Dan as the chief executive officer, their company Rodelle went on to become a world leader and vanilla extract.  Today, after having sold the company, Dan spends most of his time engaged in various investment and philanthropic work.  He is particularly involved with teams see possibilities; an organization at awards scholarships to Blind college students.  To learn more about the scholarship program and the team see possibilities organization you can visit www.teamseepossibilities.com.

David lost his site at an early age you due to retinitis pigmentosa.  By the age of 19 he had no usable vision. He completed his college degree and after working for a number of years went back and completed his masters degree as well. He is currently the chief inspiration officer for his company Sky's The Limit.

Dr. Joseph Donnelly lost the majority of his sight at an early age do to Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.  As a visually impaired person in college he wasn't sure what career he would pursue. Joseph completed his undergraduate work and went on to his masters and doctorate program. He has spent the last 25 years as a professor at Montclair State University

Mark is a sighted person, but he served as executive director for the United States Association of Blind athletes for 20 years. Mark shares his story of how he became the executive director of the U.S.A.B.A. and some of the remarkable feats that he’s witnessed blind and visually impaired people accomplish. 

Kevin was declared legally blind from an early age, and has continued to lose vision throughout his life.  He has been a strength coach, trained with the US Olympic team in Judo, but ultimately found his passion for sales.  He is currently the Head of Sales for the New York/New Jersey region for Cigna.

Mary lost her sight at a very early age.  She considered many different career paths growing up.  After having a few jobs during and after college, she decided to get her MBA and is currently the Inclusion and Collaboration Global Strategy Research Lead at Cisco.

Dr. Susan D'Mello has been legally blind from a young age as a result of Retinitis Pigmentosa.  She knew by the time she was in high school that she wanted to be a Psychologist, and refined that dream in college when she discovered her passion for Industrial Organizational Psychology.  She is now a Sr. Research Scientist at HumRRO.

Rich Ruffalo lost his sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa over many years, and lost his remaining useable vision in his 30's.  He always wanted to be a teacher and he wasn't going to let anything stop him from fulfilling his dreams.  He ultimately became an award winning teacher, and paralympic gold medalist several times over.  He has also shared his positive approach to life through his motivational speaking.