Executive Director Wants to Take a Moment

When someone you barely know comes to you and asks if they can have a moment of your time two things happen simultaneously in your mind and generally speaking for the most part they’re not good. First thought is, “I don’t have time right now”; and the second is, “uh oh, what happened”. Now most of you know me, I am a positive person that has an open door policy when I’m working, but this week hasn’t been the best so trust me when I say that I seriously thought of diving under the desk when a student walked past my door. In truth, I was halfway there but then I realized he couldn’t see me so what was the point. You see sometimes even us positive people have issues and days where you just don’t want to talk to anyone.

The gentleman, for my purpose here will call Bill, is a new student in our Blind/Low-Vision program whom I had met briefly a few weeks ago on his first day in class. I honestly didn’t know his entire story only that he wanted to learn how to use screen readers and ZoomText so he can get back to work. Bill asked me if I had a moment to spare for him, “of course” I said…

After we had sat down he proceeded to tell me that he was a well known music engineer who’s not only losing his sight, but can only hear you if you sit to his right side. He told me that he wanted to take a moment, because people rarely do these days, to tell me that I have the most wonderful and professional staff. (see where I’m going with this). He then told me a bit about his life and that his disabilities will not stop him from working with music again. “Chris, Judy and Cameron your volunteers, all have a unique style of teaching that helps us as individuals and as a class team. I have grown to love and respect the other students”. Tearfully he told me the dreams of our other students and that one in particular who’s 62 and completely blind is his inspiration, because he wants to go back to work to help the state of California simply by paying taxes. This “moment” lasted less than 5 minutes. Just think of what I would have missed if I didn’t take the time.

I know I have asked most of you to come by the center, meet the students talk to my wonderful staff and volunteers but until you do I’m asking that you forward this on. Help me spread the word about EmpowerTech. It will only take a moment.

What's New For Musicians... The Lime Lighter!

I was recently introduced to a company called the Dancing Dots they serve blind musicians and their educators through technology and training. How cool is that? Can you imagine loosing your sight and not being able to read music any more? Dancing Dots has a solution for you, they're the go to company; "Where Music Meets Technology for the Blind"


They have a new product for low vision muscians called, The Lime Lighter. I sugesst that you take a few minutes to cehck this video out!

3-minute video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7uVxADu2Do

Blind DJ Keeps it Real

If you're a rhythm and blues fan and you've been a listener to certain L.A. radio stations over the last ten years or so, chances are that you've probably heard Ken (not his real name). He's one of the guys who got you movin' and groovin' in the morning with all those hot jams that got your eyes open, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. He was one of the guys who played just the right tunes to take the tedium and frustration out of your long afternoon commute. And when the day melted down into a sleepy red glow and your wild desires started to show,
Ken made sure that the night time was the right time to be with the one you love, playin' those sweet songs, those straight-from-the-heart songs that put you in that special mood for that special someone.Ken's vision loss began back in 1997 and he became totally blind around the year 2000. In those days there were still knobs and switches, LP's and cartridges, so being a DJ wasn't that difficult for someone without vision. But as Ken adjusted to his blindness, the DJ technology changed too, from analog to digital, posing new challenges.Ken came to EmpowerTech recently, determined to learn to use computers with JAWS for Windows. His ultimate goal is
to use those new-found skills to get familiar with digital DJ technology and get back on the air. It will be a great day when we can hear that great music and that special radio voice of his once again.