A Message to Those Who Have Unique Challenges

I have been totally blind since infancy. The cause was a cancerous and potentially life-threatening disease called retinoblastoma. I am currently the Communications and Outreach Director with Envision Dallas. We serve those with visual impairment through a variety of employment and education opportunities. Before my current role at Envision, I enjoyed a 22-year career in radio broadcasting as a music personality, which helped me become a well-known voice talent on large and major market radio stations. I manage my own production company called Blazin’ Blake Productions in my spare time.

Prior to joining Envision Dallas, I worked with Zig Ziglar Inspiring True Performance in sales and speaking. I was also privileged to host the Ziglar Inspire Podcast for several years. Mr. Ziglar was a dear friend and mentor to me. I have also worked with Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and I often comment on the importance of hard work and the significance of having an attitude of gratitude for our family, friendships, education, employment, and life itself.

I am blessed with two optimistic college-educated parents who provided me the opportunity to become a self-directed contributor to society by living for a purpose. Mom and Dad simply wanted me to be the best I could be. They challenged, inspired, and encouraged me and my other siblings to be the best we could be for the world. This good fortune as a child enabled me, a person without sight, to become a role model for those who are living with seeing or hearing impairments. Through the years, I have discovered that even people with access to all five senses have their unique challenges. When we share our obstacles and are able to follow up with the solution which helped us hop over the hurdle, we are literally changing temporary obstacles in life into opportunities for inspiring one another to multiply our value to others in making as many good things happen as possible.

Each time I apply for a new job I encounter some apprehension. Most people who interview me have never experienced just how much visually impaired people are able to achieve with today’s access technology. Prior to an interview, I usually choose not to mention my blindness. I have the confidence and believe that once we meet and they have gotten over the brief shock of their applicant having no sight, I am completely prepared to eliminate their concerns by presenting my thoughtful responses to their questions and comments. It is essential to answer potential employers’ questions honestly and convincingly. When we can present real solutions to their concerns on whether or not we can carry out the job responsibilities, it puts the interviewer at ease and they will nearly always respect who you are and the value you have convinced them you can bring to the job.

In the early 1990s, our independence was on the increase as technology began enhancing the capabilities of people with various impairments. Education and employment became more feasible than ever before—especially when we put forth our best attitude, extra-mile effort, and a determination to bring value to the department or company. In 1994, I enjoyed an interview with Bank of America (BOA). I properly informed the team exactly what technology and coaching would be necessary for me to succeed as well as someone with no impairment would. I knew this profession could be possible if I had a special display known as a Power Braille. I requested Job Access with Speech (JAWS) to work in harmony with the display. They listened in fascination and gladly followed through with my recommendations. The managers were both fascinated and thrilled to learn about these solutions, which enabled me to quickly perform as well as my sighted counterparts. It’s necessary to always connect with people who share your challenges and can relate to the top technology for your specific need. The leadership of an organization usually follows through with the best training on behalf of their top performers. I secured the job because of my motivation, determination, and confidence from past successes. But even more importantly, I was able to present effective solutions.

I received promotions each of my seven years of employment with the bank. I often sit and think about the people who make such great contributions for the advancement of others through accessible assistive technology. Bringing my “A” game to life’s challenges has always been essential for me. Through this particular job, I was able to inspire hundreds of workers to offer their best work. I’ve often heard people say with a smile on their voice, “Blake’s doing it well, and he’s an overcomer.” Our unique impairments can be our best gift to others when we succeed. Hard work and having a positive attitude can truly be inspirational to others in the work force, so I strive to be the model of finding joy on the job.

To function without a certain sense is difficult for the average person to comprehend until they observe or experience our victory. Technology will continue to improve in our favor, so please be encouraged. I hope we become even better in convincing employers to take an assessment of our potential productivity using accessibility tools that help people with blindness or hearing impairments. In most cases employers are relieved and inspired by our confidence and knowledge. It’s also important to only apply for employment that you believe you are truly capable of accomplishing with your special skills.

When I was sixteen and tuning out much of what I should have been tuning in, Dad introduced me to a person who became my main mentor. Zig Ziglar was a person truly gifted with the kind of communication I took pleasure in paying attention to. His booming voice and positive expressions accentuated his important points. Zig taught me to turn lemons into lemonade using the best of my ability as opposed to not trying to find a solution. He also taught me the value of first recognizing, then testifying for others, to realize that there is positive even in every negative circumstance. A test can become a testimony.

My parents had educated me on many of Zig’s points beforehand, but when you haven’t developed into a mature person, it often takes another special someone to reinforce those life lessons learned earlier. Zig was that person for me. People have often commented to me about my optimism and “go get ‘em” attitude, which I’m certain stems from my loving parents and Mr. Ziglar.

I have authored a book titled, Blind for a Purpose: Turning Life Challenges Into Purpose in Life. The life stories I highlight generate hope, laughter, and awareness of the challenges and successes that people with unique circumstances such as blindness or hearing impairment experience on a daily basis. There’s plenty of proof in the world that people with impairments have an opportunity to become the best role models. Once I am given the chance to prove to an employer my abilities, along with the required modifications when necessary, their apprehension soon vanishes. The people who have given me opportunities have earned my respect and admiration because they have added value to my life. This teamwork also encourages my colleagues when they observe successful accomplishments and productivity. It is fulfilling to know that through my positive attitude and best efforts in the workplace, many others have seen the light through my loss of sight. I’m glad when I can blaze a trail for others to do as well and better.

My goal continues to be to inspire thousands of uniquely challenged people everywhere to expect a fulfilling life.