Jessica was born 4½ months prematurely — she’s lived with visual impairment all of her life. With a diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Jessica came to Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) after high school graduation to prepare for her continued journey to attend Wright State University
(WSU). “I began working with GESMV before attending college in order to feel prepared, and boy was I ever prepared,” Jessica shared. She worked with coaches
in Vision Services for Orientation and Mobility Training, learning how to maneuver with a cane and how to navigate in the world. At the same time, Jessica learned how to use a JAWS Screen Reader. JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is a screen reader developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse.
Jessica Maintained a 3.19 GPA through her schooling and graduated with a B.A. in Social Work with a minor in Rehabilitation Services.
Jessica now works for a company whose mission is to offer resources to adults with disabilities intended to promote independence, self-sufficiency and involvement in community life.
“I’m living my dream life — with its little challenges! GESMV has provided me with the training, support and opportunities I need to fulfill my dreams.”