We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chrichelle Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chrichelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

I met a consumer who I now consider a friend outside of work. They were newly blind and were having a difficult time adjusting to their lack of eyesight. They were very distraught as they thought they wouldn’t be able to live as independently as they had been. I explained about all of the activities that were still available to them and that they could still do whatever they wanted to do with the right accommodation. My last advice I gave her was to not let her step back become her set back and to know that she could do whatever she wanted to with the right support and determination and that if she needed, I would be there to help. They reached out to me a few weeks later to start the process of getting training and services. They have since been living and thriving as they navigate the world with the skills they have learned. I am still in contact with them today and have the privilege to call them a dear friend.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born legally blind. I have had the fortunate opportunity to learn cane travel training, braille and assistive technology training growing up. After having eye surgery, I felt I needed more training and received with the Columbia Lighthouse for the blind by attending their Foundations of Adjustment to Blindness program known as the FAB training. Later on, I had an opportunity to complete an internship/work study summer program with them. I attended the Year Up program and had the chance to learn about hardware and human resources. During the pandemic, I found myself returning to the Lighthouse as an employee on one of their contracts and soon as the role that I am currently in as the Information and Referral Specialist.

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that helps those with visual impairments in the DC, MD, and VA metropolitan areas receive services. They offer: youth services, low vision services at the low vision clinic in Silver Spring,  mobile eye unit for eye exams in the community and schools, volunteer services, employment services, and adult services that include orientation and mobility training, independent living skills training, assistive technology training, case management, Foundation of Adjustment to Blindness (FAB) and support groups. I help with scheduling training sessions as well as transportation. I help those who are seeking independence by completing their intake as well as providing them with resources. Offering them local resources for reading, transportation, and phone apps to help them be more independent.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Besides having the knowledge of resources, I think you need empathy and patience. Empathize that these consumers are in new territory and are afraid. They are counting on us to help and encourage them to be independent. Be patient in that they may not know what they need and that they are frustrated about it. Don’t lose your cool as you may be the first person that they have attempted to reach out to. Your empathy and patience will allow the consumer to open up and trust you more as well as spreading the word to others who may benefit from the services offered.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Looking back, I would like to work for my organization but in a different role. I love the mission that my organization has. Helping others, especially those who have a similar disability or situation is very fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clb.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbialighthouse/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/columbialight/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbia-lighthouse-for-the-blind
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColumbiaLight
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColumbiaLighthouse