David lives with significant vision loss. Though he was born legally blind, David is now totally blind as his vision has deteriorated over time. David’s eyesight suffered further at the hands of negligence. “In 1974, my mom took me to try and correct my vision with surgery. The doctor got the chart mixed up and performed the wrong surgery on my eyes, which permanently affected my vision,” Just two years old at the time, David’s world was forever changed.
As David navigated the world with vision loss, a friend recommended the Goodwill Easterseals Vision Services program. From there, David began enjoying a life of greater accessibility. David has been involved with the Vision Services program at GESMV for many years now, growing alongside the program as he continues to blossom. “They’ve provided me with a cane and instructed me on how to use it, showed me how to use the RTA, and even installed new equipment in my house,” said David. Last year, David received a new computer with accessibility programs to assist the visually impaired, as well as an OrCam camera, a device that attaches to David’s glasses and helps him read text and recognize objects. As a participant in the Vision Services program, David received these life-changing tools free of charge.
David holds a certificate in Data Processing and his Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems. Despite his qualifications, David struggled with both finding a job and finding the confidence for interviews. Until he met with Pam McCuistion, an Employment Specialist with Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley. Pam said, “he was discouraged in his job search and he doubted himself so much.” David and Pam spent hours each day workshopping his resume, practicing interview skills, and searching for jobs within David’s skillset. Finally, a position opened at the Centerville Goodwill Store as a book scanner. David immediately applied. “I remember when he called me that day,” Pam reflected, “I answered the phone and he said ‘Pam…guess what. I got a job!’ and I just cried.”
David goes to work each day with a smile on his face and a determination to do well at every task laid before him. Though visually impaired, David’s life is robust and active with the help of Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley’s Vision Services program. David now enjoys greater accessibility, allowing him to work, relax, and engage in his life with ease. “I recommend Vision Services to anyone who needs the program. They’ve helped me a lot. They’ve made my life better.”