Testimonials

TJ’s Story

Trisha has been an educator in Special Education for almost 30 years. She started this journey in California and in 2006 moved to Idaho where she continued her career. She has a Bachelors in Psychology as well as two Masters in both Educational Psychology & Counseling, and  Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. Trisha has been a client at ICBVI a couple of times. Both times, she has focused on continuing to learn independent living skills which have been beneficial not just in her day to day life but also at work.

Trisha shares that her journey with ICBVI has been “wonderful”, that the staff at the ATC and VR have been very helpful, and she enjoys working with them. She adds that some of the main things she has gotten out of coming to training and receiving services at ICBVI are: being able to feel comfortable saying the words, “I am blind,” gaining improved mobility skills, as riot well as improved mainstream and assistive technology skills. Overall, being part of ICBVI has led Trisha to become more comfortable with her blindness and a better self-advocate. 

Trisha’s goal is to continue with maintaining her independence and to continue teaching. Her personal and  career paths have not always been easy; at times she wonders if continuing to fight the fight is “worth it”. At work, partnering with her VR Counselor, Rocio and other ICBVI staff, she has had to fight some battles to ensure she receives suitable accommodations to continue doing her job. Trisha has championed over these battles and learned from them as well. Trisha is happy working and teaching her students. Trisha is a great educator, passionate, and loves her students. The West Ada School District is very lucky to have her as a teacher at Rocky Mountain High School.

James’ Story

James applied for vocational rehabilitation services through ICBVI on January 29, 2024, after relocating to Idaho to be closer to his daughter following a diagnosis of auto immune retinopathy.  Prior to his move, James worked in Minnesota as a bioengineer for a company where he was responsible for designing medical devices and managing FDA regulatory work.  Due to his declining vision, James resigned from his position and expressed significant concern about his ability to continue working in his profession.

James learned about ICBVI through the ICBVI website.  He started the vocational rehabilitation program with ICBVI and received multiple services including vocational guidance and counseling, a low vision clinic assessment, provision of low vision aids, and job development support.

In September 2024, James secured employment as a Senior Process Engineer with Amalgamated Sugar.  He expressed gratitude for ICBVI’s support, particularly the introduction to assistive technology and low vision tools that enabled his return to work.  One key intervention was the provision of a bioptic driving device, which significantly improved his independence, especially given his rural residence near Buhl, Idaho.

James was proactive and engaged throughout the process, demonstrating strong initiative in researching and implementing the best assistive tools for his needs.  His engineering background enabled him to effectively evaluate and adapt the devices to suit his visual condition and work requirements.

It was a privilege to support James in his vocational journey and witness his successful transition back into his professional field.