It was difficult to see. It was difficult to work. I lost my ability to drive. I lost my independence. The center of my pupil was going, and I finally learned it was an eye condition known as Occular Histoplasmosis. At first it was the right eye, then the left.
After accepting my new condition, I found a support group and learned to read braille. I learned to maneuver through my new world with a walking stick. I traveled to Columbus, OH, and received my first guide dog, Albert. In due time, I decided I wanted to go back to work.
I came to Goodwill of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne) following 10 years without employment, and joined their community employment program. A part-time receptionist position opened here at Goodwill, and I applied for and secured the position. Since then, I’ve worked my way up the ladder and am now a full-time assistant for the employment services department.
The job doesn’t come without obstacles. I use special technology in order to process the department’s records. Regardless, this is a job I truly enjoy.
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