“Even though I am blind, the possibilities are endless.”

Zach feels the most valuable part of his experience at the Carroll Center is understanding that even though he is blind, the possibilities are endless. “One week before graduating from high school, I saw lights flickering and had no idea what was going on. Today, there are times it is pitch black and other times some light.” Zach has a rare genetic disorder called Alstrom’s syndrome, characterized by the progressive loss of vision and hearing and affects many body systems. 

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training is the cornerstone of living independently for those who are blind or visually impaired. Alstrom’s can be especially challenging for mobility, and Zach has worked on his O&M skills through numerous Carroll Center programs. After graduating from high school in 2021, Zach was ready to prepare for work and find a sustainable job. He completed our Real World of Work Experience, a seven-week summer program followed by our 20-week Vocational Transition program for young adults. In addition to these residential programs, Zach has received O&M instruction through the Community Services program where we helped him navigate in and around his neighborhood and at his new job site. 

Zach is grateful to the Carroll Center staff for teaching him how to use Aira, an app that helped his mobility training. He is also thankful for the work experience he gained through a month-long internship at Whole Foods and the assistance we provided to help him secure a job. Today, Zach is employed at Marshalls in retail and really enjoys his independence! 

Thank you for helping to give Zach the confidence to understand all possibilities are achievable for him and that the future is bright even when it is dark!