Outlook Explorers Camp Brings Adventure and Connection to Local Youth With Vision Loss

Sometimes, confidence begins with a single moment, a decision to try.

 

To climb a little higher. To spend a night away from home. To step up to the plate. To introduce yourself to someone new.

 

These moments may seem small, but they often become the milestones that shape who we are. They challenge young people to trust themselves, take risks, build relationships and discover strengths they never knew they had.

 

For youth who are blind or visually impaired, the chance to experience those moments is not always easy to find. Often, the barrier isn’t the activity itself but a lack of understanding of what it takes to make an activity or environment accessible. Greater awareness can help change that, opening doors to experiences every young person deserves.

 

Anna is holding a bow and arrow as she practices archery.

 

And the need extends far beyond any one community. According to the 2024 American Community Survey, approximately 662,000 children in the United States were reported as having serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses, or being blind.

 

Behind that number are young people navigating the same milestones, challenges and possibilities as their peers. Ensuring vision loss does not limit access to those experiences is central to Outlook Enrichment’s mission. For the next generation, that commitment takes shape through opportunities like camp.

 

After a six-year hiatus, Outlook Explorers: Journey Beyond Sight Camp returned in July 2026, bringing together youth who are blind or visually impaired for a week of adventure, connection and discovery. Campers competed in adaptive sports, climbed a rock wall, practiced archery, soared on a zip line and stepped onto a stage to share their talents with peers.

 

For parent Libby Brumhaugh-Stenzel, watching that growth unfold was powerful.

“It is incredible to watch our children build trust, gain such confidence, willingness to try new things without judgment, and the new friendships are the best,” Brumhaugh-Stenzel shared.

 

A young male participant waves while seated on the back of a tandem bike. While a male counselor, the bike captain, is seated and smiling in the front.

 

Outlook Enrichment adaptive sports specialist Glen Wragge has seen how a week at camp can spark lasting confidence and independence.

“For many of our campers, it is the first time they spend the night away from home. It is also the first time they have a peer group that understands them; they don’t have to explain themselves. Their level of independence grows throughout the week. I hear comments throughout the week like, ‘I knew I could do it.’ Having an environment that the campers know is modified for their participation, that is safe and challenging, has the campers trying activities they never thought were possible, let alone an option for them,” shared Wragge.

 

Eventually, the climbing harnesses come off. The games end. New friends say goodbye, and campers return home. But what they discover about themselves can stay with them.

It lives in the courage to speak up, advocate for themselves, step into something unfamiliar or take on a challenge they once thought was out of reach. It lives in the friendships formed, the independence gained and a growing belief in what is possible.

 

For Outlook Enrichment, those are the moments that matter most. Not simply reaching the top of a climbing wall or hitting a target, but watching a young person recognize their own ability and hearing four words that can carry far beyond camp: “I can do this.”

 

"Amp Up Your Social Calendar - Browse Events." A young girl is rock climbing in the graphic.

 

Mark your calendars, Outlook Explorers camp is set to return July 18-23, 2027.

 

Help create more moments like these. Visit OutlookEN.org to learn more and discover how to get involved.

“I Am Strong, and I Can Do Hard Things”: Anna Weber’s Journey with Batten Disease

Golf has always been part of 15-year-old Anna Weber’s life.

Growing up in Rock Port, Missouri, with a golf-loving family meant plenty of time around the course. So, when Anna decided she wanted to play on her high school golf team, it felt like a natural next step.

There was just one challenge to figure out: Anna sees at approximately 20/3000. She has lost her central and upper peripheral vision and sees best using her side peripheral vision, favoring her left.

Anna was diagnosed with CLN3 Batten disease at 9 years old. A change in the CLN3 gene causes the rare neurodegenerative disease and affects the function of cells throughout the body. There is currently no cure, and the disease can affect vision, memory and life expectancy.

But Anna has never been one to shy away from trying something new. Whether she’s picking up a golf club, meeting new people or thinking about her next adventure, she is determined to experience as much as she can along the way.

A Love of Golf Leads Anna to Outlook Enrichment

Earlier this year, Anna and her mom, Libby, were visiting a school for the blind in Nebraska City when they attended a presentation from Outlook Enrichment and learned about the Stanley M. Truhlsen, Jr. Blind Golfers Clinic. For a teenager who had grown up around golf, it was music to Anna’s ears.

From February through May, Anna and Libby spent most Saturday mornings hopping in the car, turning up the music and making the drive to Omaha for practice.

There, Anna began working with Steve Blaskovich, an Outlook Nebraska board member who leads the clinic and has helped grow the program. Steve took the time to learn how Anna sees best and adapted his coaching to what worked for her. Using verbal cues, he helped Anna understand distance and how much power to put behind her swing. With practice, she began making more consistent contact with the ball.

For Anna, having her own clubs made the experience even better.

“I was excited to have my brother, Ethan, fit me for my clubs. It makes playing golf so much more fun to have my own things. I love to hit the driver. It is the one golf club you can hit far and hard! It is so much easier to get coaching advice from an Outlook coach than from my parents,” Anna shared.

But somewhere between the swings, laughs, and Saturday morning drives, Anna was also finding something she and Libby had been looking for: a community.

“As a mom, I sometimes wonder if there is a place in society for Anna. I get scared, nervous, and sad because she has goals, but I’ve only witnessed those things accomplished by people with vision. At Outlook Enrichment, the focus is not on the person’s disability but on building on their strengths. Sure, they asked how Anna sees best or what adjustments she might need, but that was not the main focus,” said Libby.

From the Blind Golfers Clinic to a Third-Place Finish with Team Outlook

All those Saturday mornings gave Anna opportunities to put her new skills into action.

She went on to play in Outlook Enrichment’s annual Tee It Up Fore Sight golf tournament, which quickly became one of her favorite experiences. It was a chance to take what she had practiced at the clinic onto the course while continuing to be involved in the Outlook community.

In August, Anna represented Outlook Enrichment and Outlook Nebraska during our first year participating in the RSM Putting Challenge as part of Youth Day at the Pinnacle Bank Championship. She teamed up with an experienced youth golfer from Elkhorn North and a Korn Ferry Tour professional.

Seventeen teams competed, and Team Outlook tied for third place, earning $5,000 for participating and a share of the additional third-place prize for Outlook Enrichment. Those funds help us continue creating opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision to try new things, build practical skills, connect with others, and grow their confidence. That’s what experiences like this are all about. That’s what experiences like this are all about—getting out on the green, giving it a try, and having fun while doing it.

For Anna, the experience was another chance to see just how far she had come, from practicing her swing on Saturday mornings to taking the green alongside a professional golfer. Through it all, her fearlessness and optimism continue to shine.

Outlook Explorers Opens the Door to New Adventures

Golf may have been what first connected Anna with Outlook Enrichment, but it wasn’t where her involvement ended.

In July, Anna attended Outlook Explorers: Journey Beyond Sight Camp, which returned for the first time since 2019 in partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Health and Kinesiology.

From July 19–24, Anna joined youth from across the community for a week focused on trying new things, building confidence and making connections. Campers stepped outside their comfort zones through activities ranging from kickball to goalball, learning new skills and having plenty of fun along the way.

For Anna, it was another opportunity to embrace something new and have fun without worrying about being the best at it.

The smiles, laughter, and growth throughout the week were a reminder of why opportunities like Outlook Explorers matter. For young people who are blind or have low vision, having a place to try something new alongside peers who share similar experiences can be just as valuable as the activity itself.

That sense of community has meant just as much to Libby.

“I want Anna to continue to be happy with herself and to have one good friend who includes her and loves her for who she is. Now that I have met a community of such drive, compassion, resources and love, we may have to travel, but I know there is a place for Anna,” said Libby.

And Anna already has plenty of ideas about what she wants to try next. She’s interested in blind soccer and cooking classes, and someday, she would even love to scuba dive in the depths of the ocean.

 

Group of diverse people smiling together, representing community connection

 

Anna is open about the fact that the future can be scary. She worries about becoming fully blind and what that could mean for staying social and independent. But those fears haven’t stopped her from traveling, meeting people, trying new activities, and finding ways to do things for herself.

She doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her or make assumptions about what she can and cannot do because of her vision. She wants people to know that she is just as capable as anyone else.

At 15, Anna has plenty of adventures still ahead of her. This year alone, she practiced with the Stanley M. Truhlsen, Jr. Blind Golfers Clinic, played in Tee It Up Fore Sight, helped Team Outlook earn a third-place finish at the RSM Putting Challenge, and embraced every opportunity Outlook Explorers had to offer.

And through every new experience, Anna carries a simple reminder with her: “I am strong, and I can do hard things!”

We have a feeling Anna has plenty more “hard things” she’s ready to try.

 

 

Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet others, or get more involved, there’s a place for you in the Outlook Enrichment community.

Reach out to Outlook Enrichment today to learn more about our programs, upcoming events, and how you can get involved.

How Meta AI Glasses Support Greater Independence for People with Vision Loss

Rondae, an Outlook Enrichment client, asks, “Hey Meta, what’s in front of me?” After a brief pause, a voice begins describing her surroundings. It identifies Isaac, one of our Adaptive Technology Trainers, seated across from her in a green sweatshirt. It mentions the logo across the front, the cabinets mounted on the wall behind him, and the tables and chairs throughout our Adaptive Technology Lab.

Just a few weeks ago, accomplishing the same task would have meant pulling out her phone, opening an app, and waiting for it to scan the room. Now, it’s as simple as asking a question and receiving an answer in seconds, and completely hands-free.

With personalized training, Meta AI glasses become another tool that helps people who are blind or have low vision navigate everyday life with greater confidence and independence.

 

What Can Meta AI Glasses Do for Blind and Low Vision Users?

Meta AI glasses combine a camera, speakers, microphones, and built-in artificial intelligence to provide hands-free access to visual information. For people who are blind or have low vision, they can make everyday tasks more accessible by delivering information through simple voice commands.

Some of the features our clients find most helpful include:

 

How Our Trainers Are Putting New Technology to the Test

Trying a new piece of assistive technology can feel like a big step. That’s why our Adaptive Technology Trainers focus on helping clients discover how Meta glasses can support the tasks and goals that matter most to them.

Our Adaptive Technology Lab has multiple pairs of glasses available for clients to try before deciding whether to purchase. During training, clients can ask questions, explore the technology, and practice everyday tasks like reading labels, identifying objects, or describing a room. As confidence grows, training expands to real-world situations such as grocery shopping, dining out, or navigating unfamiliar spaces.

Ross, our Program Facilitator, uses the glasses himself and has experienced firsthand how they fit into everyday life.

“For me, the Meta glasses have much of the same functionality as some of the adaptive tech apps I use on my smartphone, but with the advantage of being hands-free. I’ve used the Meta glasses at museums or at the zoo to have exhibits described to me. I’ve used them to go through my mail or review a stack of paperwork. In the kitchen, I can use them for cooking by having them read the cooking instructions from a food package or help identify a certain ingredient in my cabinets.”

Isaac, one of our Adaptive Technology Trainers, points out that the accessibility benefits go far beyond vision loss.

“Meta glasses are especially helpful for clients with more than one disability. For example, someone who’s also hard of hearing can use Conversation Mode to focus on and amplify the voice of the person they’re talking to, even in a noisy room.”

Isaac has also used the live translation feature during training sessions to support clients whose first language isn’t English, making our services even more inclusive.

Like any new skill, practice makes perfect. Over time, what once felt unfamiliar becomes routine, allowing clients to focus less on the technology and more on completing everyday tasks with greater confidence and independence.

 

What Our Clients Are Saying About Meta AI Glasses

Feedback from clients has centered less on any single feature and more on the cumulative effect of small, everyday tasks becoming easier to do independently.

Warren, one of our clients, has woven the Meta glasses into his daily routine in ways that go well beyond a single feature. He uses the Be My Eyes integration regularly and relies on the glasses for navigation, no separate maps app needed. Dining out, he reads menus independently and confidently refills his own drink. At home, the glasses help him find the right spice in his cabinet, make hands-free phone calls, and kick back with Spotify, all with a simple voice command.

Rondae first became interested in the glasses after getting frustrated with scanning her mail, tired of the hassle of repositioning her phone for every envelope. As a grandparent, she loves being able to instantly tell what her grandkids are wearing before they dash out the door, keeping her connected to daily moments that matter.

But she’s just as quick to point out the technology’s limits as its benefits: “You can’t rely on a computer program 100% of the time. It should never replace your cane or guide dog.” She describes tools like Meta glasses as “another tool in your toolbox,” a helpful secondary resource, not a substitute for the core orientation and mobility skills our trainers teach first.

 

Outlook trainer, Isaac, works with a male client on computer typing skills.

 

The best way to discover whether Meta AI glasses are right for you is to try them. Our Adaptive Technology Lab has multiple pairs available, and our trainers are here to help you explore how they can support your goals.

To schedule a training session or learn more, call 531-365-5051 or visit our Contact page.

Jessica Wilson Named Outlook Nebraska’s 2026 Associate of the Year

When Jessica Wilson’s coworkers nominated her for Associate of the Year, it reflected the journey she’d been on since joining Outlook Nebraska.

“It tells me that my work matters,” Jessica says. “That people notice I’m willing to help, collaborate, and get the job done every day.”

Jessica has spent three years at Outlook Nebraska, where she currently works on the Spartan Chemical line, helping bottle janitorial cleaning and disinfectant products for purchase by the Federal Government. What Jessica found at Outlook was more than just a job—it was a chance to grow, challenge herself, and prove what she could achieve.

 

Jessica’s Path to Outlook Nebraska

Jessica and her family moved to Nebraska during the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to relatives in Bellevue and to seek new opportunities. After researching Outlook Nebraska, her husband Chris applied and joined the team. A few years later, when their youngest daughter started kindergarten, Jessica decided it was time to rejoin the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom.

With no prior manufacturing experience, Jessica wasn’t sure what to expect. Jessica started on the converting floor as a Finisher I before being offered a role on the Spartan Chemical production line. Rather than shy away from an unfamiliar role, she embraced the opportunity.

That willingness to learn has defined Jessica’s time at Outlook. Along the way, she’s gained confidence, developed new skills, and takes pride in continuously improving her work.

Looking ahead, Jessica is enthusiastic about the future of our janitorial cleaners and disinfectants. With a new filling machine on the way and more products being added to the line, she’s optimistic about the department’s ongoing growth.

“I’m excited and hopeful that the Spartan side can grow as big as the paper side,” she says.

 

Living with Vision Loss: Congenital Nystagmus and Strabismus

Jessica was born premature with congenital nystagmus, a condition that weakens the eye muscles and causes involuntary shaking of the eyes. She also has strabismus, which causes her eyes to shift outward (exotropia) and misalign, affecting both her depth perception and visual acuity. With 20/200 vision, Jessica has peripheral vision but cannot see clearly at a distance and must get close to read print or see objects. She uses magnification tools, including ZoomText, to help with daily tasks.

Jessica attended public school until seventh grade before attending the Arkansas School for the Blind, where she stayed through her senior year. It was the first time she met other people with vision loss and learned how to apply the skills she had been taught to everyday life. It was also where she met her husband, Chris.

After graduating, Jessica studied social work at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock but ultimately decided to focus on raising a family. Aside from a seasonal retail position at Target, Outlook Nebraska has been her first long-term career.

 

Raising a Family as a Blind Parent

Jessica is raising two daughters, both thriving in school, and says day-to-day parenting hasn’t looked much different for her family. Her parents never treated her differently than her sighted sibling growing up, and she’s carried that same approach into raising her own kids, who are both fully sighted.

The biggest obstacle, she says, is transportation. She doesn’t drive, so she relies on rideshare services like Uber to get to the store or to doctor’s appointments, which means planning everything well in advance.

“I feel like I am always on someone else’s time,” Jessica says.

If there’s one thing Jessica wants people to understand, it’s that vision loss doesn’t define what someone is capable of.

“I wish there wasn’t so much stigma around vision loss,” she says. “I wish people were more educated and less quick to write off what we can do. We can do what a sighted person can—you just have to give us the opportunity and let us show you, especially in the workplace.”

 

Terra is packing toilet paper on the manufacturing floor. "Career Opportunities That Build Brighter Futures - Learn More."

 

Between work and raising her daughters, Jessica admits she doesn’t have much free time, though she’d love to get more involved in Outlook Enrichment’s community events when she can. For now, she’s focused on what’s in front of her: doing good work, continuing to grow into her role, and supporting her fellow associates.

Congratulations to Jessica Wilson, Outlook Nebraska’s 2026 Associate of the Year.

Curious about opportunities at Outlook Nebraska? Submit a General Employment Interest Application, or share this with someone who’d be a great fit.

Meet Our Volunteer of the Year: Steve Blaskovich

 

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Blaskovich, Outlook Enrichment’s Volunteer of the Year and a member of Outlook Nebraska’s Board of Directors, to hear how he became involved through the Stanley M. Truhlsen Jr. Blind Golfer Clinic and why the experience has been so rewarding for him.

Steve shares how he helps blind or visually impaired golfers by teaching them to rely on their other senses throughout the game. He also reflects on helping participants prepare for Tee It Up Fore Sight, in which four blind golfers showcased the skills they developed over months of practice.

One Family’s Journey Raising Two Sons with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis

When Marina and Cameron McCombs welcomed their second son, Reuben, they learned something unexpected: he was born blind with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic condition that causes severe vision loss. Until then, they were unaware they were both carriers of the same gene. They later learned that each pregnancy carried a 25% chance of having another child with LCA. Their third son, Alden, was also born blind.

Although the diagnosis came with plenty of unknowns, one thing never changed for Marina and Cameron: the way they wanted to raise their children. Today, they focus on helping all four boys experience life to the fullest.

 

Building Community Through Adaptive Recreation

Before moving to Nebraska when Reuben was two years old, the McCombs family lived in a small town in Texas. While some resources were available, opportunities to connect with other families raising blind children were limited. After settling in Nebraska, they learned about Outlook Enrichment through Reuben’s orientation and mobility counselor at school. Their introduction to the organization came through the annual Family Beep Baseball Clinic, which quickly became a family favorite.

“Reuben was so young when we first went to beep baseball,” said Marina. “Now, he is much older, and he can do so much more and participate fully in all the various stations. I think the most important thing he has taken from beep baseball is that we can join in different physical activities with adaptations. We love doing things as a family, and these events are a great way to grow closer together and have fun. It’s also great for our sighted children to see how to adapt activities for their blind brothers.”

 

Raising Blind and Sighted Children with Equal Expectations

Reuben has become a familiar face at Outlook events with staff, volunteers, and other clients. A true adventurer, he loves exploring and approaches every challenge without fear. Over the years, he has learned that he can run just as fast, climb just as high, and participate right alongside his sighted peers. More importantly, he has built the confidence to know that being blind should never keep him from participating in activities.

Reuben is a favorite at Outlook events with staff, volunteers, and other clients. A true adventurer who loves exploring and tackles every challenge with no fear. He has learned that he can run just as fast and climb just as high as his sighted peers. He’s built up the confidence to know he shouldn’t be excluded from activities just because he is blind. This is because he and his brothers, both blind and sighted, were all raised with the same expectations.

“We look at each of our kid’s personalities and what they prefer, especially their different temperaments. All of our kids have the same expectations, depending on their age or development level. We make adaptations for our blind kids, but they are still expected to participate in everything that we do as a family,” shared Marina.

Those adaptations are often simple. Reuben sweeps the kitchen floor toward a chair before collecting the crumbs underneath. When Alden helps with dishes, the family makes sure there are no knives in the sink, a precaution they would take for any child his age. Whether they are doing chores or spending time outdoors, the goal is the same: everyone participates.

 

Finding Strength Through Shared Experiences

Like many parents, Marina and Cameron faced plenty of questions and anxieties after Reuben’s diagnosis. One of the most valuable resources they found was other families who had already walked a similar path. Family events gave them the opportunity to watch, learn, and ask questions of people further along in the vision loss journey than they were.

Meeting other families with blind children and tapping into resources from various blindness organizations in Omaha has been central to Reuben’s growth. He has learned everyday life skills, Braille literacy, cane travel, and participates in adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures.

“Without all of these organizations that have helped Reuben and connected him with so many great people, we would definitely be in a much different place in our journey. Reuben looks forward to every activity and feels special to be able to participate. We’re looking forward to beep baseball. It is always super fun for our family! It’s just awesome to be able to come to events as a family where every one of us can feel included,” shared Marina.

 

"Amp Up Your Social Calendar - Browse Events." A young girl is rock climbing in the graphic.

 

Looking back, Marina and Cameron couldn’t have imagined how much their family would grow through this journey. They’ve watched Reuben and Alden develop confidence, independence, and a love for trying new things. And as all four boys continue to grow, one thing remains the same: every child is encouraged to participate, explore, and enjoy life to the fullest.

For families navigating blindness or vision loss, no one should have to walk the journey alone. Whether you’re looking for support, adaptive recreation, or ways to connect with other families, Outlook Enrichment is here to help.