Spotlight on Successful Employment

Timothy Jefferson

Timothy L. Jefferson knew he would lose his eyesight from an early age. Knowing that, he set out to create a higher standard for himself.

Evan Schwerbrock

Rather than hold him back, vision loss has given Evan Schwerbrock a competitive edge.

Ricky Trione

Inspired by art from a young age, artist Ricky Trione does not let losing his eyesight keep him from sharing his artwork with others.

Angela Davis

Following a career in banking, Angela Davis changed her career path to incorporate her interest in engaging in community service.

Gary Horton

Gary Horton is determined to pay it forward by helping young people reach their career goals.

Mona Minkara

From an early age, Mona Minkara thought of herself as a scientist.

Alicia Connor

She now serves as a registered dietitian, where she works with clients one-on-one to help them improve their health to manage existing chronic diseases and reduce future risk for chronic disease

Chris Downey

An accomplished architect who suddenly lost his sight seven years ago, Chris has channeled his grit and creativity to carve out a unique niche for himself in the field of architecture.

Dr. Cary Supalo

Dr. Supalo is currently a research developer at Educational Testing Service (ETS), where he oversees accessibility testing and conducts usability studies on computer-based, high-stakes testing programs.

Rose Miller

Rose Miller has worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) for over 23 years and is currently the Information Services Coordinator in the AGO’s new Information Services Center.

Geerat J. Vermeij

Life as a research professor has led Geerat all over the world, and his vision loss has not slowed him down. He navigates using a white cane and brings along sighted research assistants during his field visits to places as diverse as Guam, New Zealand, and Panama.

Denna Lambert

As a project manager, she manages staff, oversees budgets, and reviews contracts for large projects. Denna is especially proud of her work renovating the NASA Goddard Library, which won a federal award after her renovation.

John Erickson, MBA

He started his career at the municipal bond desk in the Trust Department of the first National Bank of Chicago. Eventually, he was promoted to a municipal bond trader, and finally a manager of the bond funds.

Trish McWhan

In 2012, Trish and her husband, Keith, decided to open a software solutions company called Buzy Bees Software Services. Trish utilizes her management and communication skills she gained as a senior staff nurse in her current position as a manager for this company.

Erich Manser

As of January 2020, Erich is a Digital Accessibility Consultant with Harvard University Information Technology.

Sarah Blake LaRose

Sarah Blake LaRose attended Anderson University, where she earned a Master of Divinity (2009) and Doctor of Ministry (2019). Sarah was born three months early and has lived with a visual impairment all her life as a result.

Darren Burton

Darren Burton uses two PC computers, one Mac computer, two iPhones, one iPod, two iPads, two Android phones, and two Android tablets on a daily basis.

Vivian Conger

Vivian Conger has been working at Walla Walla Community College as the receptionist for the Technology Services Helpdesk since June 2004.

Toni Fauquher

Toni Fauquher is employed by Michaels Arts & Crafts in Carmel-Westfield, Indiana where she does floral design with silk flowers.

Tracey Jackson

Tracey Jackson learned the importance of adapting to various situations and environments early in life, and he’s applied the lesson of stepping outside his comfort zone and persevering in his roles as a mentor, father, husband, and CEO.

Sam Joehl

Interest in technology and the way it could both hold people back and open new doors led to a new career for Sam. He started a job at Level Access, where he now works as a principal digital accessibility consultant.

Michael Kitchens

As an engineering computer-aided design (CAD) technician in the Chesapeake Virginia Department of Public Works, he spends his days working on engineering projects for the city.

Michelle Koedoot, LCSW

Michelle Koedoot is a social worker at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, IL where she has worked for nearly 15 years.

Jason LeFevers

Jason LeFevers has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 3 years and is the owner of Unseen Touch Massage.

Wen Lo

Wen Lo is an accountant for Perkins Solutions, a division of Perkins School for the Blind that provides accessibility strategies and solutions for people who are blind or deafblind.

Bobby McMullen

Bobby McMullen has made a career as a downhill mountain bike racer after being a champion alpine skier.

John Pastorius

A passion for all things mechanical and musical led John Pastorius to the perfect career.

Corey Staten

Corey “the Talented Blind Guy” Staten is a museum educator at the Children’s Museum of Virginia (CMOV), and has been with them for 5 years.

Dana Tarter

Mrs. Dana Tarter has a passion for learning and studying, and she loves people. That is why she chose a career in public education.

Ed Summers

Ed Summers is a blind software engineer and an accessibility specialist.

Bernie Vinther

Bernie Vinther, who is totally blind, is the owner of Basic Machining and Electronics in Kennewick, WA, and a full service machinist.

Katherine Watson

Katherine is a volume sales assistant for a manufacturing company called Top Promotions in Madison, Wisconsin.

Trischa Zorn-Hudson

Trischa Zorn-Hudson is an attorney and currently works with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs.