Success Stories
Jeff Smith was a very successful engineer, working for a company in Detroit, Michigan that built and serviced conveyors used in the automotive industry. Jeff began losing his sight in the mid 90’s due to a condition known as Usher Syndrome II. He lost his ability to drive at night due to the danger it posed to him and other motorists. Jeff was such a valuable asset to the company that his employer allowed him to come in on weekends to make up any time lost during the week. This worked for a couple of years but his vision continued to worsen and by 2000 the doctors told Jeff that he should no longer drive. At age thirty-five he lost his job and has never been able to acquire gainful employment since that time.
In late 2009, Jeff learned about Lions World Services for the Blind (LWSB) and their successful partnership with the IRS. He worked with his state rehabilitation counselor in Michigan to be admitted to LWSB and receive training for a job with the IRS. He began his training in late October and by the middle of December he had graduated from the course and was looking forward to moving his family to Atlanta, Georgia where he would be begin work for the IRS.
Jeff started this New Year with a new job and a new life with endless possibilities thanks to a partnership that has been in place for over 40 years.
Jessica Snyder was born three months premature and was diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity. When Jessica was eight, her retina detached and she became legally blind. However, this did not stop her determination and drive to continue her education and to make a better life for herself. With the help of a devoted teacher for the visually impaired, Jessica was able to graduate high school with honors in 2004, in Parma, Ohio. Jessica then enrolled at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio where she again graduated with honors and earned a BS in physiology.
For the next year following graduation, Jessica continued to seek a stable job but was unsuccessful. In June of 2009, while doing research, Jessica discovered that the IRS had won many awards for hiring visually impaired people. She learned about the successful partnership between the IRS and LWSB. Jessica immediately got in touch with her state rehabilitation counselor in Ohio and started the admission process for LWSB.
Jessica arrived at LWSB in August and was interviewed by IRS representatives a month later. She was admitted to the Taxpayer Service Representative class and began training on September 8th. During the course Jessica studied tax law and IRS account related information. She graduated on February 5th and began her new career with the IRS in Buffalo, NY later that month.
Jessica, now twenty-three, looks forward to her career with the IRS and hopes to move up the ladder and soon attain a management level job. Jessica’s family is very excited for the new opportunity and proud of her for her never-ending determination. Jessica stated: “Without this partnership my future would be uncertain and I would not have such a promising career path.”
Crystal Karre was born on February 25, 1955 in Willmar, Minnesota with a visual impairment caused by a birth defect in which the optical nerve is underdeveloped. While growing up, her visual impairment was a constant hindrance in her ability to do well in school and in her capability to hold down a job when she got older. When Crystal was fortunate enough to find a job, it was difficult to keep it. Finally in 1987, she saw no other option but to enroll in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to start receiving benefits.
With a new found vision of hope, Crystal continued to research avenues and opportunities resulting in her journey to LWSB via Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation and Alternate Blind Learning Experience programs.
Crystal was admitted to LWSB on February 16, 2009 and after her month long evaluation she enrolled in the Assistive Technology Instructor (ATI) course. This training is designed to prepare a person to work as an instructor of assistive technology at a rehabilitation facility, as a sales representative for an assistive technology vendor, or as an independent consultant for AT analysis, instruction or problem solving.
After graduation Crystal stayed at LWSB for an internship to gain more experience before returning to Sapulpa, Oklahoma which is a suburb of Tulsa; the only home she has known since the age of two. For the first time in over twenty years, Crystal is knowledgeable and equipped to obtain her aspirations of a secure financial future. Crystal stated, “LWSB gave me back my life. I was able to find my meaning and purpose.” Crystal’s journey led her back home carrying that vision of hope with her.
“If not for LWSB and the IRS partnership, I would probably be working at a minimum wage job for the rest of my life. Due to the training I received at LWSB, I now have a secure job and a bright future.” Those words were spoken by Scott Ogilvie at his graduation ceremony after his successful completion of the Contact Collection Representative Class.
Scott, who is 49 years old, came to LWSB from Rockwall, Texas. Scott’s visual impairment is glaucoma. This is a disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. When Scott started losing some of his vision he described the experience as “it was like losing little shards of yourself.” Scott admits being the only family member with a disability. It has been very difficult for him and his family to adjust, until now.
Before arriving at LWSB Scott was unemployed for over eight months and was uncertain of career opportunities in which he could excel. Scott learned about LWSB from his state rehabilitation counselor who helped him through the admission process. Having successfully completed the program at LWSB, Scott will start his new job at the IRS on April 12th in Fresno, California. He described his experience at LWSB as being an, “Extraordinary Blessing!”
