Being visually impaired, I grew up with great organizations like Lighthouse; I learned independent living skills at an early age, and in high school I learned how to use a computer with assistive tech; from that point on I've always had an interest in technology, and eventually learned to code.

Fast-forward to today and you can see how this training has helped. I'm an independent dude with my own place and a great job at Lighthouse Works! doing what I love and using my tech skills to help others. Of course as a Christian, I believe I have God to thank for all things awesome, but I also believe that one of His greatest blessings was bringing groups like Lighthouse into my life; He used them to give me essential life skills, and empower me to pay it forward. So in a way I literally wouldn't be where I am today without them.

But all that aside, I always look back on those times with a cheesy grin and fond memories. From learning Windows 95 and JAWS 2 to making a pizza to learning to use a cane, I could fill a book with stories of the fun times I had at these places. That's not to say there were no tough times, or times when I felt overwhelmed or frustrated or whatever; there were definitely some challenges along the way. But at the end of the day I still look back on those times and smile.

Now I wasn't living in central Florida at the time, but if I had started here and now, these kinds of services would have been provided by Lighthouse. They train people on all the same stuff I had to learn (though of course the techniques and tech have changed big time since then). They train all ages, from punk kids like I used to be to folks my parents' age and beyond. I've seen our ILS and AT team in action, and they rock! Their hard work and dedication are doing for all these people what my instructors have done for me, making the same kind of difference in people's lives. I totally love that, and want to encourage you to donate to them. Even if it's not through this page, the main thing is we need your help to keep this awesome work going. Now I'm not big into fundraising, but this one is so close to home I had to give it a shot. But anyway, hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane with me, and I'll see you at the event (or at least, you'll see me)! :D