Bailey Collins, Author at Outlook | Nebraska and Enrichment

Vision loss is different for everyone. Some are born blind, while others lose their sight later in life. Some have partial vision that remains stable, while others experience gradual or total loss. Each journey is personal and shaped by many factors, such as lifestyle, support systems, and timing.

For Rondae Hill, vision loss has been an ongoing journey marked by strength, setbacks, and self-discovery. What makes her story powerful isn’t just the challenges she’s faced; it’s how she continues to rise, rebuild, and inspire others along the way. This is her story.

Every Vision Loss Journey Is Unique

Vision loss comes in many shapes and sizes. Some people are born blind, while others lose their sight later in life. Some eye conditions leave people with some usable vision, and some continue to progress, leading to total blindness. All of these factors impact one’s vision loss journey and their path to reaching their goals.

At Outlook Enrichment, our philosophy is a little different than other organizations. It’s important to meet people where they are, and if circumstances change, our doors are always open to tackle the next challenge.

It is through these doors that Rondae recently entered, seeking the support and skills to move forward in her vision loss journey. Rondae is not new to vision loss. She was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa about 20 years ago. Then, a macular hole took her eyesight from her right eye two years later. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) often leads to gradual deterioration of the retina, usually leading to total blindness. The news was hard to digest, and Rondae admits that mentally, she was not where she needed to be to move forward. At the time, she was a single parent, running a daycare and doing independent contracting on the side. When she reached out for help, she couldn’t find an option that would allow her to get the training she needed while simultaneously fulfilling her responsibilities at home.

Finding Strength & Support Amidst Setbacks

As her eyesight started slipping, so did her mental health, job, and housing. She no longer felt safe doing daycare, as she perceived herself to be a liability. With kids to support, she found herself going from self-employed to unemployed and from having a home to living in someone else’s basement.

She was reminded of her uphill battle every time her eyesight declined, but these worries had to be pushed to the side. She was, first and foremost, a mother now trying to make it on a fixed income. She would eventually become a grandma in the same situation when she adopted her three grandkids and committed to being their sole caretaker and provider.

As they say, before you help others, you must first help yourself. She began to take advantage of all the resources Outlook has to offer, from recreational activities to adaptive technology training and peer support groups.

“I absolutely enjoy the support group meetings. I wish it had been available 20 years ago. It may have been the thing to help me after my diagnosis. Meeting and sharing with people like you is so important. Sometimes, blindness or disabilities in general can be isolating,” said Rondae.

Embracing a New Chapter With Confidence

It was technology training at Outlook that truly motivated Rondae. She is focusing on learning to use JAWS, a screen reader that allows users to navigate their computer screen with little or no eyesight. Rondae admits JAWS has been a challenge, but is putting her new tech skills to the test by writing a book about her life.

“I’m trying for the third time to learn technology. The first two times, I was both a parent and mentally not ready to learn. With RP, you are kind of in a constant state of grieving every time your vision changes, and sometimes that can be overwhelming and stop the learning process,” said Rondae.

Before being diagnosed with vision loss, Rondae did not know anyone else who was blind or had low vision. Recently, she’s found herself surrounded by the blind community. She attended Outlook Enrichment’s White Cane Day Happy Hour last October and was delighted to engage in positive activities with people who share similar experiences.

In the winter, Rondae brought her grandkids to our family ice skating event with the Lancers. Being a single grandma on a fixed income with vision and hearing loss and no transportation can be limiting. Usually, she improvises by walking with her grandkids to places nearby. Not only did her grandkids get to ice skate, meet the Lancers players, and get tickets to a Lancers game, but Rondae loved being able to expose them to other blind people who are living life to the fullest.

With the future of her eyesight unknown, Rondae is constantly questioning what will happen if she becomes totally blind. How will she care for her grandkids? How will she support herself and her family? She is finding the answers to those questions thanks to peer support and acquiring the skills and tools she needs to continue her vision loss journey. She’s envisioning herself going big, traveling, and inspiring others through mentoring and public speaking.

Go Rondae! We’ll be here cheering you on.

Vision loss doesn’t mean the end of your story; it’s the start of a new chapter. At Outlook Enrichment, we’re here to support community members like Rondae every step of the way, providing tools, training, and connections to help you move forward with confidence.

No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to walk it alone. Connect with Outlook Enrichment today.

When most people think of adaptive technology for those who are blind or visually impaired, screen readers, magnifiers, and phone applications often come to mind. And while these tools play an essential role in increasing access and independence, there is one skill that still holds powerful value today: braille.

With so many tools available today, braille might seem like a thing of the past, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Braille continues to offer meaningful, everyday benefits from strengthening literacy to making daily tasks more manageable and efficient. Here’s why braille still deserves a place in your adaptive technology toolbox.

A Brief History of Braille

Braille has continued to empower individuals with vision loss for over two centuries, enabling them to navigate the world independently. The tactile system was invented in 1824 by Louis Braille, a French educator who lost his vision at a young age. His system of raised dots, which represent letters and numbers, allows individuals who are blind or visually impaired to read and write through touch.

Although technology continues to evolve, braille remains a vital tool for both literacy and independence. It offers a tactile alternative to visual or audio-based information and proves especially useful when other resources are unavailable or impractical.

Why Braille Still Has a Place in a Tech-Filled World

While screen readers and smart devices are beneficial and frequently used, they have limitations. Closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) are stationary, smartphones require charging, and magnifiers don’t always work well in every environment. Braille offers a low-maintenance, no-power-required option that’s available anytime, anywhere.

Of course, braille isn’t for everyone. Health conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, or reduced finger sensitivity can make it more challenging to use. However, even in these cases, learning “survival braille”, a few key characters used for labeling or spot-reading, can still be valuable.

Building Stronger Literacy Through Touch

For individuals who are completely blind, braille plays a crucial role in developing literacy skills, such as grammar and sentence structure, which are difficult to grasp through audio or visual formats alone.

Additionally, braille supports digital literacy. Tools like braille keyboards and notetakers make tasks like taking notes, writing emails, or drafting documents more accessible and efficient. Keep in mind, braille doesn’t have to be your only method of reading. Screen readers, audiobooks, and radio reading services, such as Radio Talking Book, are also great options. The key is to find a combination of resources that work for your lifestyle and comfort level.

Everyday Uses for Braille

When considering braille, one might view it solely as a means for literacy, which is not entirely accurate. Braille can be used in specific situations, including finding the right button in an elevator or identifying office or apartment numbers. Braille signage is required by law in many public spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making the world more navigable for individuals with vision loss.

Its benefits multiply when combined with braille dots or labels that can be attached to just about anything. In the kitchen, braille dots can help you organize and quickly find items in your fridge, cabinets, or pantry. In your closet, you can sort and identify clothing, as well as distinguish colors. Braille can help you find the correct prescription bottle in your bathroom, distinguish between shampoo and conditioner, and organize your hygiene and cleaning products. All of this is possible without looking for a magnifier or a phone application. In these scenarios, however, braille can often be the quickest and most efficient way for blind individuals to read.

Start Your Learning Journey With Outlook Enrichment

Learning braille may feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Outlook Enrichment, braille instruction is part of our Adaptive Technology program, designed to help you achieve your personal goals, whether you’re new to braille or looking to brush up on your skills.

Sessions are held weekly for one hour and focus on foundational braille concepts and rules, helping you build confidence step by step. Our team will work with you on practical applications, such as labeling household items, identifying key signage, or utilizing braille technology. Whether you’re aiming to learn “survival braille” for everyday use or are interested in becoming more fluent, we’re here to support your journey toward greater independence.

Braille remains a powerful and practical system for anyone navigating vision loss. Whether you’re using it to label everyday items, build literacy skills, or complement other adaptive technologies, braille offers greater independence and confidence in daily life.

If you’re ready to add braille to your adaptive technology toolbox, we’re here to support you. Complete our contact form to get started. We’d love to help you take the first step.

In this special episode, the mic is turned around! Jill Thomas, former co-host of Pat and JT in the Morning on Sweet 98.5 (KQKQ) and current host of the Pat & JT podcast, takes the lead to interview our usual host, Dennis Nelson.

In their conversation, Dennis opens up about his upbringing, including being adopted and living with congenital blindness caused by detached retinas. He reflects on his path through various jobs before discovering his true passion: radio. Dennis shares how that passion grew into a fulfilling career and marked a new chapter when he connected with Outlook.

Your website is often the first impression people have of your organization, whether they’re seeking information or looking to make a purchase. But if your site isn’t accessible, you could be unintentionally excluding members of your audience, especially individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

While website accessibility is a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it’s also about building trust, inclusion, and equal access. In this blog, we’ll break down why digital accessibility matters, provide practical tips for a user-friendly layout, and outline how to enhance your multimedia and interactive elements to ensure a better experience for all.

Why Accessibility Matters for Blind & Visually Impaired Users

Millions of Americans are blind or have significant vision loss, and this number is expected to continue growing as our population ages. These users rely on adaptive technology to browse the web, including:

Screen readers, such as JAWS or VoiceOver on Apple devices, convert text and other elements into speech or braille
Keyboard navigation, which allows users to utilize various keystrokes rather than a mouse
Screen magnifiers, like Windows Magnifier or ZoomText, to enlarge content and apply color inversion for enhanced visibility

With users who are blind or visually impaired relying on these technologies, your website must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). To be ADA compliant, a website should be:

Navigable
Designed with sufficient color contrast
Equipped with alt text for images
Keyboard-friendly

Beyond legal compliance, accessibility also offers marketing advantages. A well-structured, accessible site can naturally improve your search engine optimization (SEO) by increasing visibility in search rankings and enhancing the user experience, which in turn reduces your bounce rate.

Suppose you’re a federal agency or a federally affiliated organization, such as Outlook Nebraska. In that case, you’re also required to meet the Section 508 standards of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which ensures equal access to digital information for both employees and the public. Fortunately, creating a compliant and inclusive experience often starts with something simple: your website’s layout.

Designing a User-Friendly & Accessible Website Layout

A well-organized website layout is one of the essential foundations for digital accessibility. For users who are blind or visually impaired, especially those navigating with screen readers or keyboards, your site’s structure determines how easily they can find and interact with content. Below are some features to implement.

Use Proper Heading Structure

Organize your content with a clear heading hierarchy (H1 for page titles, H2 for section headings, H3 for sub-sections, etc.). This structure enables screen reader users to quickly scan and navigate your site, just as sighted users do. And don’t forget to be mindful of text spacing.

Incorporate Color Contrast

Ensure there’s enough contrast between your background and text. Light gray on white, for example, can be hard to read. Use contrast checker tools to confirm readability. WCAG requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Offer a Responsive Design

While not required, offering the ability to resize text is a valuable accessibility feature, especially when paired with responsive design. It allows users to zoom in or adjust font sizes without breaking your site’s layout or functionality. Responsive design ensures that your content, images, and interactive elements remain consistent and accessible across all devices and screen sizes.

Use Clear, Descriptive Link Text

Providing clear and descriptive links is especially important for calls to action. Long URLs can be confusing and difficult to navigate, especially for users of screen readers. Instead, try using concise text that explains exactly where the link leads. Consistent hyperlink styling, such as underlining or bold formatting, can also help users with low vision more easily identify clickable links.

With your layout in place, the next step is to ensure that visual and interactive elements are equally accessible.

Best Practices for Accessible Multimedia & Interactive Content

While layout and structure are essential to accessibility, the visual content on your website also plays a significant role in creating an inclusive user experience.

Prioritize Alternative Text on Imagery

One of the most important and widely recognized elements of digital accessibility is alternative (alt) text. Alt text is a short description added to images and graphics that provides context for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It should be brief, specific, and focused on the image’s purpose. It’s also essential to use proper punctuation, such as capitalization and periods.

Incorporate Captions and Transcripts

In addition to providing alt text for images, it’s essential to ensure that multimedia content, such as videos and audio, is also accessible. This is especially important for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, including those who may have secondary disabilities such as vision loss.

While captions may seem similar to alt text, the key difference lies in their visibility. Alt text is only accessible to screen reader users, whereas captions are visible to all viewers. Captions help display spoken dialogue, identify speakers, and can include sound effects or background noise.

For audio-only content like podcasts or interviews, always include a transcript. Transcripts provide users with the option to read instead of listen, and are particularly useful for screen reader users or individuals who process information more effectively visually. A complete transcript should include speaker identification, time stamps, and more.

When it comes to video content, consider offering audio descriptions, a narration that explains important visual elements to provide context, identifies speakers, and describes visual elements. Audio descriptions are critical for users who are blind, visually impaired, or have a cognitive disability.

By including captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions, you’re ensuring equal access to information while enhancing the user experience for all, regardless of disability or personal preference.

Simplify Forms and Surveys

Avoid using themes with poor color contrast, as it can be difficult for users to read. When creating forms, include a clear title, number each question, label fields, and organize content into labeled sections to help users navigate more easily, especially when forms are longer.

Consider which question types are easiest to complete without a mouse. For example, drop-down options may be less accessible than checkboxes or radio buttons. All forms should be fully navigable using a keyboard, allowing users to move between fields and submit responses without the need for a mouse.

Limit Moving Elements

Avoid unnecessary moving icons or page animations. If movement is essential to your design, always provide a clear and easy way to pause or stop the animation.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider partnering with a web developer experienced in accessibility or exploring online training courses to alleviate the pressure and ensure your site meets current accessibility guidelines.

While tools like WAVE and axe DevTools can provide a general overview of your website’s accessibility, nothing compares to feedback from someone who regularly uses adaptive technology.

At Outlook Enrichment, our trainers can evaluate your site using tools such as screen readers and accessibility features to help identify potential barriers and offer practical recommendations to move your site closer to full accessibility.

Have questions about ADA compliance or how to create a more inclusive digital experience? We’re here to help. Click here to get in touch.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Messerole and Glen Wragge from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Health and Kinesiology. Both have played a key role in shaping Outlook Enrichment’s Adaptive Recreation Program.

They share the creative challenges and rewarding moments they’ve encountered while working with youth who are blind or visually impaired, and how these experiences have reshaped the way they teach, plan, and think about inclusion in physical activity.

We’re also joined by Keli O’Dell, a machine operator at Outlook Nebraska who has been part of our team for seven years. Born with cataracts that led to lifelong low vision, Keli opens up about his journey and what working at Outlook has meant to him personally and professionally.

Vision Rehabilitation Week falls in June, a time to spotlight the millions of Americans navigating vision loss and the powerful services that help them live fuller, more independent lives. At Outlook, we witness every day how the right tools, training, and opportunities can transform lives. Vision loss may alter how someone experiences the world, but it doesn’t have to limit their independence, confidence, or sense of purpose.

Together, Outlook Nebraska and Outlook Enrichment offer a full spectrum of programs designed to employ, educate, and empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We’re on a mission to redefine what’s possible.

Understanding the Need for Vision Rehabilitation

More than 12 million Americans age 40 and older live with some form of vision impairment, a number expected to double by 2050 (JAMA Ophthalmol, 2016). Despite these growing numbers, awareness of vision rehabilitation remains low, with less than 5% of those who could benefit from these services receiving them (VisionServe Alliance, 2025).

Vision loss can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from emotional health and mobility to employment, independence, and social connections. Without proper support, individuals often face higher risks of depression, isolation, and unemployment. 28.9% of working-age people with vision impairment report being unable to work compared to just 6.3% of those without vision impairment (VisionServe Alliance, 2023). These numbers highlight a significant gap in services and a compelling opportunity to make a meaningful difference. With the right support systems, individuals can regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Vision rehabilitation refers to a comprehensive range of services that help individuals with vision loss adapt to daily life, maintain their independence, and continue to participate in the activities they love. These services are essential for reducing dependence on others, improving overall well-being, and increasing employability and financial independence.

Building Confidence Through Community & Skills Learning

At Outlook Enrichment, we’re committed to helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired realize they can do more than they ever imagined. Our six core programs — adaptive technology, independent living, recreation, arts and culture, work readiness, and health and wellness — are designed to support individuals at every stage of their vision loss journey. They are essential components of vision rehabilitation.

One of the things that makes Outlook Enrichment special is that our trainers are blind or visually impaired themselves. They bring empathy and experience to their work, showing participants what’s possible and creating a welcoming, judgment-free space. Whether someone is learning to navigate a new smartphone, preparing a meal safely at home, staying active with adaptive fitness, or finding joy through art and music, our services help restore confidence and create connections. Every program is designed to empower individuals with practical tools and a strong community, ensuring they not only adapt but also thrive.

Most of our programs are offered free of charge, made possible by the generous support of donations and grants. The only exceptions are recreation and arts and cultural activities, which may include a small fee to help cover materials or admission costs. We rely on the support of our community to sustain these life-changing services and to help raise awareness so that more people know these resources are here when they need them.

“Outlook has become family for me. The support has given me the confidence to accept what’s going on and to be able to be like this out in the world,” says client Samantha Randall.

Creating Fulfilling Career Paths for People With Vision Loss

While Outlook Enrichment equips individuals with essential life and career skills, Outlook Nebraska provides rewarding employment opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired. Employment is a crucial, often overlooked aspect of the rehabilitation journey, providing individuals with structure, income, and purpose after experiencing vision loss. There’s pride in earning a paycheck, contributing, and being a part of a supportive community of peers who share similar experiences.

That’s why Outlook Nebraska is proud to be a part of the AbilityOne Program. This federal initiative creates job opportunities for people who are legally blind or have other significant disabilities through the sale of products and services. Outlook Nebraska produces SKILCRAFT and Spartan products, including toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaners and disinfectants, which are purchased by the U.S. Government, including the military, federal prisons, national parks, and other agencies.

What makes Outlook Nebraska truly unique is its fully accessible facility, purposefully designed to support its associates. On the manufacturing floor, tools such as audio-equipped machines, 70-inch Human-Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreens, color-coded and textured flooring, and nonvisual box labeling systems help employees navigate and operate machinery with confidence. These features empower more than 75% of our direct labor force, who are blind or visually impaired, to perform their roles effectively and safely. In administrative roles, associates utilize adaptive technology, such as screen readers and closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), which are popular tools selected based on personal preference.

“Outlook is the reason I get up in the morning,” says associate Josh Scarborough, a U.S. military veteran who has been with the organization since 2011. “This organization provides you with all the opportunities to succeed if you take them.”

Vision Rehabilitation Week is about more than raising awareness. It’s about taking action. It’s a reminder that vision loss doesn’t have to mean losing independence, opportunity, or connection. Through the life-changing programs at Outlook Enrichment and the meaningful employment opportunities at Outlook Nebraska, we’re empowering individuals to live fuller, more confident lives.

If you or someone you know is facing vision loss, know that support is available, and it works. Request more information about our programs or submit a General Employment Interest Application.

References

Varma, R., Vajaranant, T.S., Burkemper, B., Wu, S., Torres, M., Hsu, C., Choudhury, F. and McKean-Cowdin, R. (2016). Visual impairment and blindness in adults in the United States: demographic and geographic variations from 2015 to 2050. JAMA Ophthalmology, 134(7), pp.802-809.

VisionServe Alliance. (2025). Vision Rehabilitation Week 2025.https://visionservealliance.org/visionrehabilitationweek2025/

VisionServe Alliance (2023). The Prevalence and Characteristics of People Aged 18 to 64 Years with Blindness and Low Vision, United States, 2019, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, St. Louis.

Rondae’s Story of Resilience & Rebuilding After Vision Loss