In this episode, Alex France shares his journey with retinitis pigmentosa and how he’s adapted as his vision has changed, including his decision to apply for a “running guide dog.”
Now partnered with Marina, Alex shares how she’s become an important part of his day-to-day life. He also discusses the responsibilities of being a guide dog handler, the application process, and how guide dogs differ from using a white cane.
Plus, Janis Compton returns to answer a listener’s question.
Julie Lintzman is no stranger to vision loss or to Outlook Enrichment’s programs, but lately, she’s been smiling ear to ear and feeling lighter, with a renewed sense of possibility. We are so grateful to be part of this chapter in her journey. After facing vision loss and a season of overwhelming hardship, Julie made a choice: she would live on her own terms. What followed was a journey of courage, community, and newfound confidence.
Healthcare has always been a part of Julie’s life; she graduated from Immanuel School of Nursing in 1976 and began her career as a rehabilitation nurse. With a rewarding job, a husband, and a son, her life felt full and typical until, at 37, she began to notice changes in her vision.
Years later, Julie would connect with Outlook Enrichment at a health fair at Baxter Arena, but at that time, she was just beginning to understand how much her life was about to change. A visit to the eye doctor led to a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a chronic eye condition with no cure that can eventually lead to total blindness. RP progresses gradually, and as Julie’s vision declined, the demands of clinical nursing became harder to manage.
For the last 15 years of her career, Julie transitioned into the insurance field, reviewing fraud claims. She admits that coping with these changes was not easy. As her vision continued to decline, her family’s needs only grew. Having spent much of her life as a caretaker, Julie found herself losing touch with her own well-being while supporting her husband through chronic health challenges and her son through mental health struggles.
To fill her own cup, Julie became a regular participant in Outlook Enrichment’s art workshops, finding both creativity and connection. But another obstacle soon appeared. Living outside public transportation routes meant she relied on her husband for rides, and as his health worsened, her options for transportation became increasingly limited.
She adapted by finding ways to escape without leaving her home, such as doing yardwork and reading books. During the height of COVID-19, Julie also became a familiar face in our virtual programming. She joined the Audiobook Club and virtual game nights, often the first to log on and the last to leave. Even through a screen, she found community.
As her husband’s health declined and he began requiring full-time care, the weight Julie was carrying grew heavier. Without reliable transportation or support, daily life became increasingly difficult to navigate as her vision loss progressed. When her husband entered hospice care, Julie made the difficult decision to relocate to an assisted living facility.
In a short span of time, her son was incarcerated, her husband passed away, and she was diagnosed with cancer, requiring radiation treatments. It was a year filled with grief and challenges. Yet Julie has survived the storm, and in the aftermath, she has made space for something new: joy.
Today, Julie is 71 years old, and she wears it as a badge of honor. Last summer, she stepped far outside her comfort zone. A recent party patio ride was, in her words, “the best time I can remember having in a long time.” Axe throwing? “A hoot.” She even pedaled 10 miles on a tandem bike ride. Her perspective has shifted in a powerful way, “I’m going to live my life the way I want to now, and I’m not looking back. My only regret is not starting to do this earlier.“
Through Outlook Enrichment’s peer support groups and recreational activities, Julie has begun to recognize just how capable she is. She enjoys asking questions about adaptive technology, working through issues with her smartphone, meeting new people, and receiving encouragement to try public transportation.
“My favorite activity is riding MOBY. I don’t know what I was always so scared of. I tend to overthink things and focus too much on the pros and cons. Turns out there really are no cons besides maybe having to wait a little while, but I’ve got nothing but time. I don’t even mind being the last one dropped off, I’d like to ride around all day,” she shared.
With the support of the Outlook team and the community she has built, Julie has come to an empowering realization: if others who are blind or visually impaired are out doing things, she can do them too. Here’s to the beginning of many new adventures, bigger smiles, and lasting memories. Julie, we are so proud of you.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Outlook Enrichment’s programs and services, we would love to connect and explore how we can help support your goals.
In this episode, we’re joined by Adaptive Technology Trainer, Isaac Grelk, and Technology Specialist, Mickie Saltzman. They share their personal stories with vision loss and reflect on their experiences supporting the blind and visually impaired community.
Together, they explore recent advancements in accessibility and adaptive technology, highlighting tools that are empowering individuals to live more independently.
Isaac Grelk understands firsthand the challenges of adjusting to life with vision loss, but he also knows how to thrive despite it. Now, as an Adaptive Technology Trainer at Outlook Enrichment, he’s using his lived experience to support others on their journey toward independence, confidence, and connection. Read on to learn how his journey led him to empowering others.
Isaac’s vision loss first became apparent to his parents when he struggled to connect with the ball during little league baseball. After two years of tests, he was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that leads to a fatty buildup in the macula, affecting central vision. He explained that both of his parents are gene carriers, and one of his siblings has also been affected. While his vision has remained stable over the years, he acknowledges that it could change with age. Isaac describes his vision as similar to looking around a fist held in front of his nose, explaining that he has a blind spot in the center of his field of vision.
After moving to Omaha in 2016, he was first connected with Outlook Enrichment when his mother discovered the organization online. It provided him with a great opportunity to make new friends who are also blind or visually impaired during high school and to stay active in recreational programs.
Isaac later attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. When asked why he chose that path, he said, “I always liked helping people achieve their goals, whether fitness-related or something personal.”
One of Isaac’s greatest ongoing challenges has been transportation. For a long time, it was difficult for him to get around independently, as he had to rely on his wife or services like Uber or Lyft, which could be costly. This changed when he moved to La Vista and discovered the La Vista-Ralston Special Services Shuttle. He was grateful for a simple application process, having only to fill out a form and hand it to the driver on his first ride. This smaller, more localized service has provided greater flexibility, and the drivers have even learned his routine, so he no longer needs to call ahead to schedule each ride.
In terms of personal growth, Isaac has had several milestones worth celebrating:
“As I’ve gotten older, I feel more open about my vision loss. I don’t feel the need to hide it; it’s part of who I am.”
Towards the end of college, Isaac’s involvement with Outlook Enrichment deepened when he took on an internship with Outlook Enrichment as part of his practicum at UNO. He landed the internship after an associate overheard him on a tour saying, “This would be a neat place to work.” That small moment turned into a big opportunity.
During his internship, he taught CrossFit classes to clients through our health and wellness program. He also trained his peers to adapt workouts and to follow proper etiquette when interacting with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
After completing his internship and graduating from college, Isaac transitioned to the manufacturing floor at Outlook Nebraska, gaining experience on the employment-focused side of our organization. When an Adaptive Technology Trainer position opened at Enrichment, he knew it would be a perfect fit.
Today, Isaac works directly with clients, teaching them to navigate technology using accessibility features such as screen readers, voice commands, typing tools, AI, and more. When asked what he enjoys most about the role, Isaac didn’t hesitate:
“The moment clients realize they can independently use their phone again, that ‘ah-ha’ moment is the best.” He always reminds them, “You can do a lot more than you think you can.”
Isaac’s story is a powerful reminder that vision loss doesn’t define a person; it simply reshapes how they experience the world. From learning to adapt at a young age to becoming a trusted tech trainer at Outlook Enrichment, he has embraced his identity and now helps others do the same on their journeys towards independence.
Interested in training with Isaac? Let’s get in touch!
With Veterans Day taking place this month, we’re spotlighting one of our own, Josh Scarborough, a veteran whose journey has taken him across the globe and ultimately led him to embrace a new chapter at Outlook Nebraska.
From active deployment to navigating the challenges of vision loss, Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that with the proper resources, it’s possible to rediscover purpose, rebuild confidence, and let your inner light shine.
Josh was born in Upper Michigan and raised in Florida, growing up in a military family that was often on the move. He decided to enlist in the Army at 17, motivated by a desire to improve his life by changing his environment and building a more positive future. One of the benefits of serving was the opportunity to take college courses, which he noted is strongly encouraged within the military. During his service, he earned a degree in Military History and a minor in Military Science.
After choosing to enlist in the Army, he completed academic tests and physical exams to determine his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), aiming for a role he described as “cool”. Initially, he was set to be a gunner/crewman for the BMG-71 TOW, but when that position was phased out, he shifted to Direct Fire Infantry, where he spent most of his military career. Josh served in multiple units, including mechanized, air assault, light infantry, and combined arms.
Josh is not one to sit still. “I didn’t like garrison life,” he admitted, referring to his time spent on base. Instead, he preferred deployment and was often in the U.S. for only 2 to 3 months at a time. He shared that while you can have a wish list of preferred deployment locations, it ultimately depends on what your branch manager can arrange. His favorite deployments were to South Korea, where he spent four to five years stationed around the country from the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) to the city’s capital, Seoul. Over the years, his service took him to other places as well, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Philippines, and even across the ocean by ship while guarding equipment.
However, life in the military comes with risks and tribulations. During his first enlistment, Josh began experiencing vision issues, especially at night, even while using night-vision equipment. He realized that a series of multiple injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), sustained from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), were damaging his vision. One incident he recalled occurred during the surge in Iraq. He was riding in a Humvee when it flipped from impact, pinning him in a canal. This incident resulted in a concussion and a neck injury, requiring him to be medically evacuated to Germany. After 11 years of service, Josh separated from the Army. Having to start a new chapter in life, Josh chose to move near his sister, his closest relative, who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.
Within just a few months of moving, Josh learned about Outlook Nebraska and was quickly hired on the manufacturing floor. Today, Josh works as an Operator at Outlook Nebraska and continues to enjoy the hands-on nature of his job. One of his favorite activities during his shift is listening to audiobooks. “I loved reading as a kid; it keeps my mind and creativity going,” he shared.
Transitioning to life with vision loss wasn’t easy. He described the most challenging part as figuring out where to seek help and learning how to adapt to new technology. Through Outlook Enrichment, he learned to use a cane and accessibility features such as Magnifier on his phone.
He described his current vision as limited to shadows with his left eye, fuzzy tunnel vision in his right eye, and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Despite these challenges, Josh is grateful for Outlook Nebraska and the support he’s received. “I’ve met some really good, patient people. I had some adapting and growing up to do, and I don’t know where I’d be without Outlook. I love working; it keeps me busy.”
This Veterans Day, we honor Josh and all who have served. When asked what advice he would give to fellow veterans facing similar challenges, Josh said, “There are organizations that can help you. Your biggest obstacle is yourself.” Regarding his experience working at Outlook Nebraska, he added: “Outlook Nebraska lets you succeed and grow as much as you want to and are capable of.”
If you or a loved one is a blind or visually impaired veteran seeking support, whether through our community programs or employment, we’re here to help. Please complete our Employment Interest Form or contact Outlook Enrichment to get in touch.
Let’s continue to uplift and empower those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.
In this episode, we are joined by Emily Keating, a client and passionate sports enthusiast who aspires to become a sports writer. She shares her experience as an intern at Hurrdat Sports and talks about her personal and professional goals for the future.
Emily also reflects on the challenges she’s faced and the resources that have supported her journey, whether in college, at work, or through Outlook Enrichment.
