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.

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.

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.

Did you know that 12.5 million Americans over age 40 experience vision loss? By 2050, the number of Americans who are blind or have vision loss is expected to increase by 118% (VisionService Alliance, 2022). But behind every statistic is a person on their own unique path, facing new challenges and celebrating small wins as they adjust to living with vision loss. At Outlook Enrichment, we’re here to make that journey feel less intimidating.

Personalized Support for Every Stage of Vision Loss

At Outlook Enrichment, we aspire to assist our neighbors who are blind or dealing with vision loss in living independently, engaging confidently in their communities, and continuing to pursue their passions. “When people lose their vision, they think ‘I can’t,’” Program Facilitator Ross Pollpeter says. “You can, soon. Maybe you feel this way now, but let us show you how you can do things differently.”

We support people at every stage of their journey, whether newly diagnosed or have lived with vision loss for years. We understand that no two journeys with vision loss are the same. Every client we serve has unique goals and needs, which is why our training is always personalized. We meet clients where they are and stand by them every step of the way.

Community Connections Through Events and Experiences

In addition to training and support, we offer meaningful opportunities for social connection. “We are all about getting people connected,” says Isaac Grelk, Adaptive Technology Trainer. “We meet people where they are. Blind people are capable of all things. Our goal is to guide them through it.” We help people build the skills they need while connecting them to a supportive community. Our inclusive community events encourage clients to step out and try new things. Some of our most popular events are our tandem bike club, bowling bash, and holiday lights tour.

We also provide health-focused education, including adaptive CrossFit classes and accessible meal preparation, focusing on simple, nutritious meals. “We bring in high protein food that does not require clients to dice a lot of ingredients,” shared Grelk, who recently graduated with an exercise science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “We encourage them to eat healthy, and it tastes good.”

How Adaptive Technology Can Transform Daily Life

For many, adaptive technology is the bridge to independence. Whether it’s staying connected with loved ones, maintaining a career, or managing daily tasks, the right tools can make a world of difference. Our tech trainers, who are also blind or visually impaired, bring lived experience to every session, helping clients build confidence in using assistive tools and devices. It also goes a long way in building trust from the start. “We try to set people up to have a positive experience in training,” Pollpeter said. “It helps to have that connection and develop that network.”

Some of the tools we introduce to clients are:

Seeing AI: A free app that narrates surroundings and reads text aloud
Be My Eyes: Connects users with volunteers for visual assistance
CCTV Magnifiers: Devices that enlarge printed text on a screen
Meta AI Glasses: AI-powered wearable tech for everyday use

Fostering a Welcoming, Inclusive Environment

Vision loss can be isolating, especially for seniors or individuals managing additional health conditions. We do everything possible to foster an environment where people feel seen, supported, and included. Our peer support groups, offered virtually and in person, give clients a safe space to share experiences, learn from each other, and build relationships.

We also understand that many of our clients live with secondary disabilities such as diabetes, stroke, hypertension, heart disease, or hearing impairment. “We have a lot of clients with secondary disabilities,” says Pollpeter. “If a client needs adjustments, we’ll work to accommodate them. Our goal is to make them feel inclusive and empowered to live their best life.”

Enrichment Adaptive Tech Trainer, Dennis, working with Outlook Nebraska associate on utilizing adaptive tech skills on a laptop. "Enhance your independence by mastering accessibility tools like screen readers. Contact Us."

At Outlook Enrichment, we believe that vision loss doesn’t mean giving up on the life you want. It just means adapting and finding a new path forward. Everyday, we witness people rediscover their independence, passions, and confidence. Whether learning to use a new piece of tech, making a healthy meal, or joining a recreational outing, our clients and associates show what’s possible when you have the proper support.

Ready to take the next step or want to learn more? Complete our contact form or call 531-365-5051.

References

VisionServe Alliance (2022). Nebraska’s Older Population and Vision Loss: A Briefing, St. Louis.

Rachael’s Diagnosis

In September 2014, Rachael was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer and began chemo treatments, and by March 2015, Rachael had finished her fourth treatment. Rachael started noticing changes in her vision, and “things were getting blurrier.” Rachael believed that her eyes were changing with age and waited until she was done with her chemo treatments to see an eye care professional.

Thinking she just needed glasses, she went to a big box optical center with her sister-in-law since she no longer felt safe to drive. During the visit, Rachael discovered she couldn’t read anything below the first line of text on the eye chart. The optician began to write a prescription, not divulging that in her current vision, she was classified as legally blind until her sister-in-law asked the doctor when Rachael was told that she was now legally blind.

Over the next year, Rachael was connected to several eye care professionals and had extensive testing. Rachael was eventually informed that she had bleeding in her retina and significant scarring in her eyes. She eventually was sent to a retina specialist, who later sent her to a neuro-ophthalmologist. After numerous hours of testing, Rachael still had no answers. At a loss, it was recommended that she see a low-vision specialist and prepare for a future without vision.

At this same time, Rachael went in for a routine check-up on her cancer and was informed she needed additional chemo treatments. As the treatments progressed, Rachael experienced a continual loss of vision, to the point that she could no longer see facial features and could only see silhouettes. Eventually, all central vision was lost, and peripheral vision slowly dwindled to nothing. By the beginning of 2017, Rachael had no vision left.

The Impact of Rachael’s Vision Loss on Her Well-Being

Her doctors encouraged her to see an eye doctor, but Rachel was resistant and did not see the point of seeing an eye doctor because she was blind. In May of 2020, Rachael was finally connected with someone who could give her some answers. Rachael was told she had cancer of the eye, and in June 2020, her left eye was removed.

Rachael pulled back from all social activities, limited her interaction to only her family, and rarely left her home. She found herself slipping further into depression and felt vulnerable and alone. With the vision loss, she could no longer help others in her family, was angry, and felt helpless because she needed so much assistance to complete tasks. “I felt like I no longer had control over my life.”

Gaining Acceptance and Seeking Support

Rachael reached out to Outlook Enrichment in January 2022. She was at the end of her rope and felt distraught, lonely, and useless. “It was a very tear-filled conversion.” Rachael was emotionally at her breaking point. As she talked to staff who described services, Rachael started to see that there was hope after being told for so long that nothing could be done.

“I started to see there was hope and people genuinely cared about me. I never heard we can’t help you with that, all I heard was, you can do it. We just have to figure out the right way. I felt like someone had tossed me a life preserver and was told to hold on tight.”

Rachael initially started receiving training in Adaptive Technology and received an individualized adjustment to blindness services to assist with the changes she now faces and the emotional grieving process.

As Rachael became more confident, she started taking Moby transportation by herself. “It was a big day. I was so proud of myself.” Rachael had new freedom and confidence not experienced in a long time. Gradually, she joined more Enrichment programs. Rachael regularly participates in the Color Outside the Lines arts program and is an active member of the weekly support group, sharing and empowering others through her Journey.

If you’re a blind or visually impaired individual, you are not alone. We are here to help you and your loved one find answers, resources, and hope.

As advocates for the blind and visually impaired, we lead the Vision Resources Coalition, a collaborative effort between more than 25 agencies and organizations that all serve the blind and visually impaired population in eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. The agencies listed here are members of the coalition.

Assistive Technology Partnership

Administers the National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution program for low-income individuals who are deaf.

(402) 595-1613

Assistology

Provides assistive technology solutions for children and adults with disabilities gain unrestricted access to educational, vocational, recreational, home, and community activities.

(402) 500-0667

Boys Town National Research Hospital

BTNRH’s Vision Program supports children with visual impairments by offering programs and events including: Camp Abilities Nebraska and the Beeping Easter Egg Hunt.

(402) 498-6365

Building Healthy Futures: Child Vision Collaborative

Works to create a coordinated system for vision care that includes education, screening, diagnosing, and treatment for underserved children in our city’s most impoverished communities.

(402) 715-4160

Bus Across Nebraska – Ski for Light

Provides transportation and other support for visually impaired and volunteers for attendance at the Black Hills Ski for Light in Deadwood, SD.

(712) 366-9596

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Eye Clinic

Dedicated to providing superior and comprehensive pediatric eye care – from routine eye exams and fittings for glasses to complex surgical procedures.

(402) 955-8280

Christian Record – Services for the Blind

Provide quarterly magazine bibles, in braille, audio lending library, a speakers bureau and adult and youth camps for the blind around the country

(402) 488-0981

Council Bluffs Visually Impaired Support Group

Provides hope for blind and visually impaired individuals through monthly guest speakers that talk about being or living with a visual impairment. After the presentation the group discusses any concerns, challenges and shared experiences. Everyone with visual impairment is welcome. Second Wednesday of the month at the Council Bluffs Public Library.

(402) 980-9980

Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA)

Offers intermittent support to older Nebraskans so they may continue to live independently, live with dignity, and remain for as long as possible in their own homes.

(402) 444-6536

Heartland Eye Consultants

Low vision rehabilitation, prescribing of glasses, and devices including magnifiers, telescopes and electronic aids.

(402) 493-6500

Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB) Across Iowa Chapter

An at large group which meets the first Thursday of each month via phone at Conference call #: 712-432-5610; Access code: 782. This is an affiliation of the ACB. Any person who cannot physically attend an ACB chapter is welcome to attend conference calls. National ACB and local ICUB topics are discussed. After business then it is time for persons to share personal experiences relating to blindness.

(402) 980-9980

J Ross Tech

Jonathan Ross is an independent technology consultant, providing adaptive technology support, customization and training to individuals, businesses and schools, to meet the personal employment or educational goals of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

(402) 403-9072

Lions

Providing services mainly to the blind, visually impaired and hearing impaired.

(402) 333-6163

Lions Clubs of Iowa

Supports the Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Iowa KidSight program (screenings) and the Iowa Department for the Blind with programming support. Part of the largest service organization in the world to help people with vision and hearing loss.

(515) 232-2215

MOBY

Public transit service for those who are visually impaired or physically disabled in the Omaha metro area.

(402) 346-8779

NanoPac, Inc.

NanoPac, Inc. serves 8 States including Nebraska, and has been helping the blind and visually impaired since 1987 representing the majority of manufacturers. They provide magnification solutions which help persons with low vision read and remain independent. NanoPac has new and used units for sale, and every product comes with life-time support. They will take older units in on trade if you like, and they come to your home or office to help you.

(402) 905-2794

National Federation of the Blind Omaha Chapter

Empowers blind individual through monthly meetings held on the third Saturday of each month, at 9:15a.m., Swanson Branch Library at 90th and Dodge. Call Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter, Chapter President, to reserve a spot.

(402) 350-1735

Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired

A program that offers the expertise and specialized skills of the center’s staff to blind, visually impaired, and multi-handicapped students in residential, day, and outreach settings.

(402) 873-5513

Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

A state vocational rehabilitation agency for the blind, working to help blind and visually impaired Nebraskans achieve full and rewarding lives through independent living skills and assisting with finding employment in Nebraska and across the country.

(402) 471-2891

Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children

Provides children with resources and tools otherwise not available to them. Believes childhood and teen experiences of the blind and visually impaired are essential to their success as adults.

(402) 699-2389

Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service

Part of a nationwide network of cooperating libraries headed by the National Library Service (NLS), a division of the Library of Congress. Provides free audiobooks, audio magazines and braille through the mail and through digital download to individuals with a visual or physical condition, or a reading disability which limits use of regular print.

(402) 471-6553

Nebraska Lions Eye Bank, Inc

Recovers, evaluates, processes and distributes human donor eye tissue for corneal transplantation.

(402) 559-5864

Nebraska Low Vision

Nebraska Low Vision was founded by Patrick J. Fischer who has been helping the blind and visually impaired since 1990. Patrick is an entrepreneur that loves technology and helping people blind and visually impaired find solutions that allow them to remain independent. Nebraska Low Vision sells new and pre-owned magnification equipment which comes with life-time support. They have the largest in-state inventory of new and used magnification equipment for sale.

(402) 905-2697

Nebraska Medical Association

An advocacy organization comprised of 3,000 physicians (MDs and DOs), residents and medical students from across all areas of Nebraska.

(402) 474-4472

Nebraska Optometric Association

Representing the interests of Nebraska optometrists.

(402) 474-7716

Omaha Association of the Blind

Embraces a mission to promote the social, intellectual, and economic welfare of the blind in Omaha, to work toward their interests and needs, and to foster an environment for communication & networking among the legally blind. Provides transportation to and from OAB Meetings.

(402) 320-4226

Omaha Council of the Blind

A nonprofit organization of and for the blind and visually impaired adults of Omaha which provides opportunities for information and socialization for its members.

(402) 553-8999

Outlook Nebraska

An Omaha-based nonprofit dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the blind and visually impaired through employment, adaptive technology training, recreation and cultural experiences, and educational opportunities.

(402) 614-3331

Radio Talking Book Service

Nebraska’s Audio Companion to the blind, or visually impaired. Seeks to eliminate the inability to read print as a disabling condition.

(402) 572-3003

Share A Fare, Inc.

Provides transportation for the blind and visually impaired citizens in the Greater Omaha area by promoting a cab subsidy program to enhance independent travel and effective participation in society.

(402) 827-9814

Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation

The latest advances in technology are used to determine the tools and training activities that are needed to assist individuals with low vision in maximizing the use of their remaining vision.

(402) 559-2463

WhyArts?

Provides participatory and specially designed arts workshops to the visually impaired, hearing impaired, and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

(402) 541-4181

Rondae’s Story of Resilience & Rebuilding After Vision Loss