In 2005, Calvin Echevarria’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that threatened to rob him of his sight. At the time, he was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a hardworking FedEx driver. Faced with the prospect of losing his livelihood and the ability to see his daughter grow, Calvin was determined to overcome these challenges.
Initially, his focus shifted from material possessions to his family’s well-being. “At first, like, ‘Heck with the money, heck with the house we just got. I don’t care about that. All I care is about my wife and my daughter,'” he recalled. “I’m like, ‘How am I going to see my daughter grow?'”
Calvin began by honing independent living skills, such as using a cane for mobility. However, he aspired to do more, to acquire skills that could lead to meaningful employment. That’s when he discovered Lighthouse Works in Orlando, a remarkable organization that empowers the visually impaired and blind by creating job opportunities for them.
Kyle Johnson, the President and CEO of Lighthouse Works, shared a startling statistic: “Seven out of 10 Americans who are visually impaired are not in the workforce.” This sobering fact served as the impetus for Lighthouse Works to bridge the gap. Recognizing the immense potential of visually impaired individuals, the organization evolved from its roots as Lighthouse Central Florida in 1976 to establish Lighthouse Works in 2011. This subsidiary company specializes in call center and supply chain services, actively employing individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Calvin Echevarria, initially unfamiliar with the world of visual impairment, now thrives in this supportive environment. Remarkably, nearly half of Lighthouse Works’ workforce consists of visually impaired or blind individuals. Calvin himself is part of the call center team, handling contracts with various clients, including the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, assisting callers seeking unemployment benefits.
In his call center role, Calvin utilizes a system called JAWS, which audibly conveys information from his computer screen, allowing him to multitask with customer calls. The system’s pace, as described by Kyle Johnson, is so rapid that it challenges the comprehension of sighted individuals.
“I always say it’s faster than the voice at the end of a car commercial,” Johnson remarked. Calvin, however, has mastered this technology, adapting to his new auditory learning style. “Since I used to see, it was very hard for me to listen because I was more visual,” he explained. “So, everything in my learning skills I’ve had to change from visual to being auditory now. It took a little while, but little by little, if you want something in life you have to reach out and grab it and you have to work on it. So, that’s basically what I did.”
What brings joy to Calvin’s call center job is the anonymity it offers—those on the other end of the line don’t even realize he’s visually impaired. Additionally, the fully accessible office space and the camaraderie with fellow visually impaired colleagues provide an invaluable support system.
“It gives me a purpose. It makes me feel better because I can actually be proud of myself, saying, ‘I provide for my family,'” Calvin reflected.
Calvin’s initial fear of not being there for his daughter has transformed into a unique mentorship role. His daughter is now also an employee at Lighthouse Works, fostering a bond that has brought them closer.
“You know, little kids come to their parents, and all of a sudden when they become teenagers, they go away and they hardly ask you,” he shared. “Now, we’re going back again to those days that my daughter used to come to me all the time. And I still feel needed.”
Calvin Echevarria’s journey from despair to empowerment serves as a testament to the transformative impact of organizations like Lighthouse Works. His story inspires not only hope but also highlights the immense potential within the visually impaired community, proving that with determination and support, one can overcome any obstacle and thrive.
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