We may not always have opportunity to hear about the types of jobs blind and visually impaired people are doing or the variety of effective programs out there. These are the ones you, our AER Division 2 members are working in. Please send us your stories. You can either send me a snippet from your agency newsletter or write something yourself. Here is an excerpt from Blake Lindsay, Manager of Communications in the February 2017 issue of 'Good News You Can Use', the Dallas Lighthouse newsletter: "Don McDowell is in the business of removing major barriers which eliminate employment opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired. He can especially relate with visual impairment, because Don is totally blind." "Don is frequently hired to customize functionality for the screen reader software most often used for people who are blind called Job Access with Speech (JAWS). Furthermore, he is able to adapt the screen enlarger software for people with low vision called Zoom-Text. This common screen enlarging software also includes speech." "The professional term describing Don's service, is scripting screen reader software. This necessary adaptation is essential for call center computer platforms; which frequently have a distinct setting. These exceptional circumstances present problems for the blind, and requires screen reader customization. When the proper adaptation is customized, we can utilize key commands, as opposed to clicking the mouse, which isn't a useful option for those who can't see what task they are clicking on." "Everything from helping create occupations in hotels, to bank employment and more for those who are legally and totally blind. He's traveled to many interesting places, opening up doors that couldn't have been unlocked before technology enabled our employment opportunities." "Don now resides in Austin. In 2007, he was approached by a local company using software which evaluates traffic flow. The software simulates what a driver should do, when reaching certain intersections. The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued the grant, supporting scripting this software even for people who are blind through JAWS and Zoom-Text." "It was a one year contract. He returned to a similar project through another company in 2013. Don's assignments were one of the keys, which unlocked the possibilities for people without sight benefiting from self-driving cars in around three years." Anthony R. Candela, C.R.C. Chair,AERVoc. Rehab. Counseling & Employment Division (2) Rehabilitation Administrator/Consultant (510) 912-0969 ____________________________________________________________ Warning: Don't Use Probiotics Before You See This Gundry MD http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/58a3396a819a4396a4e59st01duc