I have been Visually impaired since birth. I have been called to work with the blind/low vision community because I feel I have a lot to offer those who deal with the struggles that living with low -vision entails. These barriers include: mobility, daily living and academic skills, social skilis upon others. My work as an aspiring mobility specialist mainly deals with the transportation aspect but I assist where ever I am needed. The Orientation and Mobility program at POrtland State university is a two-year program that I will begin summer 2023. My ultimate goal is to get my certificate Summer 2025 and be employed with the Department of services for the blind by that point.
I am a current client of the Department of Services for the blind. August 9th and 10th will be the first opportunities I have getting to go in to the Spokane Wa office and work with Lena who is the Agency's mobility Specialist. She has a number of clients she works with and does this field work twice a week. I will be gaining experience not only with Lena and her clients, but learning Spokane as we are out working on different routes. As I gain these necessary experiences learning how the field has evolved over the last few years, I am excited to start working with these people providing positive individual support and creating change in the world of the blind community.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Orientation and Mobility Specialists were without work. Now as a result, there is a high need of mobility specialists all around the United States. I have spoken with a few current specialists recently and zhey have told me that they are feeling overworked due to the amount of children in schools and adults needing services.
My ultimate goal is to be able to serve as many people as possible. I feel the importance of creating a safe traveling experience for all involved is vital in order for each individual to have the confidence navigating their community.
A bit about Department of Services for the blind: Our Mission: Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for People with Visual Disabilities.
Our Vision and Values: Powerful Partnerships Our partners view us as a premiere resource and a national leader in promoting the skills and abilities of people who are blind or have low vision. We team with customers, employers, our communities, and fellow staff to achieve the highest level of customer service.
Dynamic Agency Culture Our culture embraces and rewards creativity, risk taking, and leadership from everyone. We seek opportunities to educate and be educated. We honor and celebrate our differences while providing safe yet dynamic environments.
Effective Business Processes Our services rely on best practices, continuous improvement, and reinvention. Our physical spaces and our service delivery model accessibility. We capture all the resources necessary to accomplish our mission.
Outstanding Outcomes We create outstanding outcomes for our customers by meeting the full-range of their needs with the highest level of customer service. People who are blind and have low vision go to work in careers of their choice. Customers exit with the skills needed to manage their lives, pursue or excel in their careers, and participate in their communities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Department of Services for the Blind is an agency committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We provide an environment of mutual respect, tolerance and equal opportunity for all without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran and disabled veteran status, or the presence or perception of any physical, sensory, or mental disability.
Here is the website for more information.
https://dsb.wa.gov/ University Study Goals:
Social Responsibility: Identify personal goals that explain how a member of the DSB team will contribute to the Agency's mission.
Diversity, Equity and Social Justice: Advocate for disability rights. The right to work is a huge barrier that the visually impaired community face.
Effective Communication: Participate in team meetings work with clients providing individualized support right to desired employment. cooking strategies and safety in the kitchen
Critical thinking: Assist clients in their problem solving abilities such as what to do when lost out in the community. This can be done by teaching them how to use low-vision navigation apps such as nearby explorer.