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CREATING NEW POSSIBILITIES - Sandra
I first heard about the Guild for the Blind years ago. I worked for over 20 years as the office manager in an ophthalmologist's office. We referred our patients with vision loss to the Guild. But I never thought I would need their services.
I have multiple sclerosis and my vision loss is a result of this condition. Though my vision had fluctuated at times, I never realized how much vision loss would affect my confidence.
I used my vision in everything I did at work. I was responsible for the smooth operations of the office including patient care, insurance, bookkeeping, and inventory. My work needed to be done quickly. Because I always strive for accuracy, my job was difficult at times with my vision changing over the years. I was extremely fortunate to have an employer who was very supportive.
Then the office closed. I simply did not have the confidence to find another job. A new job would mean a new computer system, new procedures, new forms, new everything. How could I convince an employer that I could do all this with a visual impairment when I couldn't convince myself? It took about 18 months for me to adjust to my vision loss before I finally felt ready to seek out the Guild.
My expectations were not very high going into the Guild. I simply wanted to become knowledgeable about using computers with the special software for people who are visually impaired. I didn't think I could return to work and be productive again.
That all changed when I met with David Flament, the Manager of Computer Training. David encouraged me to set my sights higher. Even though I only had experience on the old DOS operating system, he convinced that I could learn to use Windows.
When I said that even the Guild's small fee for computer training didn't fit into my budget, David told me about the Richard A. Perritt Scholarship—a scholarship the Guild offers to offset the training fees. Any wall I put up, David gently—but insistently—tore down.
David worked with me individually, first teaching me how to use the magnification program that allows me to see the information on the computer screen. Then we moved on to word processing, email and the Internet, and, finally, a spread sheet program.
David is a wonderful teacher. He doesn't just show you the mechanics. He lays a foundation of knowledge about the computers, explaining terms that are completely foreign to new users. I don't just know how to use Windows, I know how it works. I even understand the difference between megahertz and megabyte.
I can also write letters, read the newspaper on the Internet, and use the computer to search for employment. David made me realize that I am a lot more capable than I thought—I just have to use different ways to do old tasks.
It was obvious to me that David really enjoys his job. He has an easy sense of humor that made me feel comfortable. He didn't just teach me to use computers, he helped build up my confidence in my abilities. Because he has experiences similar to his students, he does his best to equip us with the knowledge and hands-on skills we need to succeed. He also invites us to call him if a problem comes up after training has ended.
Being at the Guild, interacting with the staff and members who are also visually impaired, helps you realize you are not alone. There are plenty of people who are visually impaired, even totally blind, who have succeeded in their careers. I now know that I want to return to work, hopefully in the medical field. I may not be able to work as swiftly as before, but I'll still strive for the same accuracy. And I know that my experience and dedication will be an asset to my future employer.
Even though I have completed my training with David, I still hear him when I am trying to remember how to do something or when I feel like giving up. I feel that David deserves all the recognition he can get. And, knowing David, I am sure that he would say that the best reward he gets is the opportunity to share his knowledge with others. Return to Success Stories
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