East Texas Lighthouse for The Blind

Congratulations to another class of MOBI graduates, who completed the course earlier this month. Led by our Assistive Technology Instructor Brittney Walters, the class included students from across the country, all meeting virtually for our live, synchronous learning course. During the two-week class, students gained Microsoft Office and Assistive Technology skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, Google Chrome, Zoomtext, Magnifer, NVDA or JAWS. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure blind and low-vision users are equipped with skills needed to navigate MOS efficiently and effectively. Collectively, this class saw a 25% increase in their skills during their time with us! According to one graduate, "Brittney, made it enjoyable by incorporating games and created a welcoming environment where we felt comfortable asking questions to both the instructor and our classmates. I now feel confident navigating JAWS and using the keystrokes I learned to be more efficient. This is an excellent program for anyone who isn’t yet comfortable with JAWS and Office and needs a strong foundation." Stay updated on our scheduled course offerings by visiting https://lnkd.in/gRe42hpz

🐾 Today is National Dog Day, and we're excited to spotlight Kayden, a guide dog for our intern, Chance Agorastos. Kayden, a Labrador Golden Retriever mix, was trained by Dogs Inc. According to Chance, the company primarily works with Labs as they are food motivated, making them easier to train. Kayden responds to numerous typical commands such as "sit" and "down," as well as specific commands when harnessed and on duty, such as "halt" and "forward." Using the treat/reward system, Chance has taught Kayden several new commands to locate chairs, doors, elevators and other common objects. The perfect combination of a fun companion and a dependable helper, Kayden is a tail-wagging ball of energy when off duty but takes his job seriously when the harness is on. With Kayden at his side instead of his cane, Chance notices a difference in how he is perceived when out in public. "People are much friendlier and seem to perceive my situation as more normalized, less strange and more approachable. They seem more comfortable to talk, ask questions and joke around." While Chance enjoys Kayden's company and the assistance he provides, owning a guide dog also comes with a heavy dose of responsibility. "When using a cane, I can fold it up during a conversation or when eating at a restaurant. With Kayden, it is constant babysitting, as I have to be aware of what he is doing. I can’t stay out too late at trivia night or the church social because, as much as I don’t mind skipping dinner, Kayden works hard and has to eat! Overall though, I am very glad to have him, and he is happy to work so hard for his new best friend."

We know that Camp Lighthouse is over, but those of us involved with this amazing experience are still buzzing over it. We truly couldn't pull it off without partners, sponsors, and friends like Region 7 Education Service Center. Our partnership and shared mission to serve students with visual impairments has grown year over year, ultimately resulting in Camp Lighthouse. We are so grateful for the input and hours of time given to help make our camp a success! Check out this blog, so perfectly written by Lannette Burlingame, Special Education Specialist in the area of Visual Impairment at Region 7 ESC, that explains in more detail the importance of opportunities like Camp Lighthouse. (and keep an eye out this week for our official camp video!)

We talk a lot about our technology training and professional development on this platform, but it's not our whole story. Transitioning to blindness isn't always about computers and jobs. Sometimes it's just about learning to confidently navigate your environment as someone with little to no vision and.......it's just as exciting. Melanie is pictured below displaying her Orientation and Mobility Certification of Completion, a shirt with the text "I got 99 problems but being blind ain't one", and a smile. She came to us after a fall and a newfound desire to gain mobility independence. After completing her O&M training she can move freely, explore new areas, and be confident her cane will help her avoid obstacles along the way. Melanie is just one example of the many lives changed here in our own community, and a testament to the courage it takes to seek assistance when things get tough. We are so happy she chose us.

Here at East Teas Lighthouse, we believe a rising tide lifts all boats. We are dedicated to train-the-trainer concepts even if we aren't training the end client ourselves. As we attended conferences coast to coast this year, we heard the need for JAWS and ZoomText training for trainers, teachers, and support staff working with those who are blind. So......we are happy to announce new train-the trainer opportunities for our online, synchronous learning courses covering JAWS and ZoomText. If you or your staff need professional development covering the instruction of JAWS or ZoomText, we're here to help. Interested? Let us know. A member of our team will reach out to ensure this is the right course for you! https://lnkd.in/gb3MWpVv

WE ARE HIRING! 📌 Production Worker 📌 Materials Handler 📌 Machine Operator 📌 Aerospace Business Development Specialist We are the largest employer of those who are blind in East Texas which means we understand accommodations and technology which allows most of our positions to be completed by those are blind or visually impaired! Read more or apply today!

Saturday is our third annual Blind Ambition beer release and fundraiser for Camp Lighthouse! 🍻 Camp Lighthouse is a week of fun, fearlessness, and friends for high school students across Texas with a visual impairment or who are blind. This is the only camp its kind in East Texas, and this year we are expecting our largest group of students ever. 🎉 Please join us at ETX Brewing or join online by contributing to our cause. All proceeds from this event go directly to Camp Lighthouse. 🤝 https://lnkd.in/gk-PMs5t

The brewing process is underway for Blind Ambition! The 3rd Annual Blind Ambition release party is Saturday, May 18, at East Texas Brewing Co., and we have a full day of fun planned with live music, vendors, and much more! Proceeds from the sale of Blind Ambition support Camp Lighthouse, our summer camp for blind and visually impaired high schoolers. We hope to see you there! Interested in being a vendor at the event? Contact Craig Ellis at cellis@etxlighthouse.org or 903-279-4223.

One of our favorite things is sharing what we’ve learned over the past few years and how it has positively impacted our clients. Virtual Group Training for people who are blind or visually impaired is one of our approaches for young adult and adult clients. We’ve seen increased retention, increased engagement, lasting professional networks formed, and an approximate 60% upward mobility rate among graduates. Megan Aragon is pictured below presenting for room full of attendees at the PowerUp AT Conference in Columbia, Missouri. #PowerUpAT2024

Megan Aragon knocked it out of the park today speaking to educators at Texas AER. One attendee spoke up after learning to toggle off the Virtual PC Curser in Google Apps saying, “I’ve been struggling to help my student and knowing this ONE thing made this entire session worth it!”