LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For anyone working at IFB Solutions, it’s a fast paced workplace with a lot of moving pieces. For anyone working there with a vision impairment, it requires a skillful level of focus and drive.
Keundra Williams has taken on that challenge for over 35 years. She’s a machine operator for their paper division.
“I’ve been blind all my life so it’s not a problem for me,’ said Williams. “I can figure out things really well,” she said.
She’s one of 73 employees working there that has limited or no vision. IFB is one of the nation’s largest employers of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Toni Fraser, helps run the Little Rock Community Low Vision Center housed within IFB solutions.
“I have people come in shaking their heads saying they had no idea a blind or visually impaired person could do things as efficiently and effectively as what you do on a daily basis,” said Fraser.
The center sells aides and devices for people who are blind or visually impaired to help them maintain or regain their independence after vision loss. It’s a center that as helped people like Williams who work for IFB and people who simply live in the community and need the help.
Fraser, also visually impaired, trains people on how to use the resources and products that are available.
“I know the devices and I know what people need to become independent again,” said Fraser.
She said it’s a safe place that people can visit to get help from people who understand them better than anyone.
“I’ve had people come in with tears streaming down their face because I gave them something to think about and I gave them their life back,” she said.
The center provides unique items beyond just tools to help with reading or telling time. They provide things that can help with everyday life like a talking measuring cup so people can cook or a special blood pressure monitor to help track health conditions.
“Just to see the lightbulb go off in someone’s head when they say ‘yes I can do that’ is awesome,” said Fraser. “That's what makes my job worth it.”
That’s why Fraser is working to raise awareness that the Community Low Vision Center is an open to door for anyone who is struggling with sight. After all, Fraser said it is estimated that nearly 100,000 Arkansans are visually impaired.
“It’s kind of neat to be in a state where there are so many of us because there are opportunities for jobs and training and overall understanding,” she said.
Fraser and Williams are living proof that you should never give up regardless of the challenges you face.
“You might not be able to do things the way you wish you could do them but there is still hope for you,” said Williams.
Another innovative program the center offers is “Recycle for Sight”. It’s where people donate used low vision equipment to people with vision impairments. Through this effort hundreds of people have become more independent.
For more information on the Community Low Vision Center and the Recycle for Sight Program visit:
