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Second Sense - Beyond Vision Loss

3000 Hours Later: Why Jose Volunteers

May 15, 2017 | Leave a Comment

by Cheryl Megurdichian

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Jose helps Jocelyn get oriented to the keyboard

Jocelyn lost her job.  The funding ended and so did her employment.

She knows there is a need for people with customer service experience. “I love working with people.  I want to get a job helping people.”

Unfortunately, she discovered all the positions she is interested in also require computer skills.  Jocelyn spent the last few years focusing on her physical disability, but neglected her vision loss.  She didn’t have the skills to use a computer.

She will begin computer training in August, learning JAWS.  Jocelyn knows she needs good keyboarding skills to keep up in class.  So, rather than sit at home and wait, she is coming to Second Sense every Tuesday and Thursday to practice her typing. “I am determined to improve my typing skills so I am ready for class on the first day.  I don’t want to sit at home any longer.”

Jocelyn is why Jose volunteers.  Jocelyn and the hundreds of other people who have used Second Sense’s Open Computer Lab.

Jose runs the Open Computer Lab, getting clients set up, answering their questions and offering support when needed. Jose began volunteering in 2009 and has been coming faithfully ever since. Over the past year alone, Jose has spent 550 hours helping people improve their computer skills.

Second Sense selected Jose as our 2017 Volunteer of the Year because of his dedication to our clients.

Jose’s dedication has a strong foundation, “I enjoy helping people in the blind community excel and meet their goals – whether they want to learn to use a computer so they can find a job or just learn to dial their iPhone.”

Clients continue to use the Open Lab after class starts to practice all the skills they are learning.  “I love when people I have helped from the beginning come back after they complete training to tell me how they are doing.”

If you have a skill you would like to share, please contact Kathy Austin to see if we have a volunteer opportunity for you.

 

Jose holds his Rock Star award with Second Sense Board President Brett Christenson, Executive Director Steve Zelner, and Community Engagement Specialist Kathy Austin

Jose holds his Rock Star award with Second Sense Board President Brett Christenson, Executive Director Steve Zelner, and Community Engagement Specialist Kathy Austin

 

Cheryl is the Director of Development and Communications at Second Sense

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