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, [email protected]. To connect with Parrice, email her at [email protected].

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: [email protected]

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.