THE LIGHTHOUSE SPOTLIGHT

Here to guide you through 2021!

At the Lighthouse we are proud to spotlight employees, board members, and community connections that impact our mission to empower the blind and vision impaired. We are excited to share these stories and further the mission of the Lighthouse.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Blindness doesn't keep you from living out your passion!
Jose Martinez is a vital part of the Vocational Rehab team here at the Lighthouse. Not only does he teach assistive technology and braille for individuals who have lost their sight; he also hosts his own podcast, plays on the San Antonio Jets Beep Baseball team, creates music, DJ’s around San Antonio, and represents the Lighthouse on the Disability Access Advisory Committee, as the chair of the committee. Jose is one busy man, and continues to impress and exceed expectation as he makes his mark in the vision impaired community.
 
Jose was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of two and continued to lose his vision until the age of 7, when he completely lost his vision. Between the ages 2-7, Jose was able to use large print materials and once he lost his vision completely, he began to learn braille.
 
During Jose’s senior year of high school, assistive technology such as braille, note takers, and special computer software began to play a big part in his educational career. Although the braille note takers were not as advanced as they are now, they were still a huge help to Jose during his schooling.
 
While in college, Jose developed a passion for mass communications and business and began hosting the college radio station and podcasts. After graduation and spending a year job-searching, he visited the Lighthouse to receive training for computer usage and interview preparation. In the middle of his training sessions, his teacher asked him if he would ever consider being a trainer at the Lighthouse.
 
That moment, 12 years ago, began Jose’s career at the Lighthouse as a teacher. Prior to starting at the Lighthouse, he had not considered being a teacher. Once working on the job, he realized how much he loved helping people and he developed his own teaching style.
Not only does Jose help those who are blind and vision impaired, he is also heavily involved in radio – hosting his own podcast, The Blind Beat, which focuses on helping other individuals who are experiencing vision loss cope with the reality and transitions associate with vision loss. His podcast features other blind and visually impaired individuals, sharing their stories, highlighting tips and tricks as well as discussing certain challenges and resources available for the blind and vision impaired community.
 
Jose is such an amazing part of the Lighthouse team and continues to grow in his role and expand beyond the typical job description. We are so honored to have him on our team.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Winter took Texas and the Lighthouse by storm!
As Texas was covered in a blanket of snow and the snowmen were going up in yards next to cacti, the news stations began to warn us of continued severe winter weather and planned power outages. The Lighthouse Rehab Team got together Tuesday morning and planned to check up on our most vulnerable clients. We divided up the phone numbers and made over 200 calls to ensure our clients were safe and taken care of. It was difficult to know so many of our community members were struggling, but it helped to know that the Lighthouse was able to help our clients during a time of crisis. We are all reminded that being neighborly and caring for each other is the heart of our community. See below for some of our client stories from the Ice Storm.
Storms can't keep us from valuing our Lighthouse clients
On 2/17/21: Our clients have really rallied together to prepare simple meals to share with one another. They have created their own Support System without having to leave their home. Clients did express their appreciation for us reaching out to them and their family members during this time. --Susan
On 2/17/21: I contacted my consumer for a wellness check. Boy, oh boy were they so happy to hear from me! Husband and wife reported that their electricity went on as soon as I called them. They were in shock and so glad to hear from me. They really appreciated the SALB checking up on them. They thanked us for our services and asked for us to stay warm and safe.
-Steph


On 2/17/21: I even had a consumer call me! She left a voicemail checking up on me and telling me to let my faucets drip. I thought that was sweet of her to think of me during a time we were all vulnerable. I saved the message. 😊 -Steph
On 2/17/21: I called my consumer after he had called me the night previous. After not hearing from him, I called Fredericksburg PD to request for wellness check. He called me back and told me he did not have power heat or water, and when asked, said he did have some bottled water and canned food to eat. After the wellness check, I received a call from the consumer and the Fredericksburg PD that consumer was okay and it was offered to bring him to a shelter but he declined. Consumer called me back thanking me for checking on him and having the PD check on him too.