Maise Ballinger & Oregon Commission for the Blind 

I want to express my deep gratitude to the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) for the incredible support they’ve provided me ever since I first lost my vision. In those first weeks and months, it was overwhelming—everyday tasks I once did without thinking suddenly felt impossible. But OCB stepped in and changed that. They didn’t just give me tools—they gave me my independence back.

Through their training and encouragement, I learned how to walk safely and confidently using a white cane, developing the spatial awareness and mobility skills necessary to navigate the world around me. Maise Ballinger played a big role in this part of my journey, working closely with me on cane travel and helping me feel safe and empowered while moving through unfamiliar spaces. She taught me how to read environmental cues and use sound to understand my surroundings, including how to locate curbs, detect changes in flooring, and avoid unexpected obstacles.

I learned to navigate both indoor and outdoor spaces independently, whether I was moving through a crowded store, walking down a sidewalk, or locating a specific room in a building. I also learned how to cross busy intersections by listening for traffic flow and alignment, and how to find safe crossing points even in unfamiliar areas. OCB taught me how to use public transportation—how to identify the correct bus or train, board safely, and know when to get off at my stop.

Most importantly, Maise introduced me to GPS-based navigation apps tailored for blind and visually impaired users, helping me plan routes, locate landmarks, and find destinations with precision. Thanks to her, I not only gained mobility—I gained the confidence to travel freely and independently, something I feared I had lost forever.

At home, OCB guided me through every aspect of daily living. They taught me how to cook safely using adaptive techniques like tactile markers, talking thermometers, and safe cutting methods. I learned how to pour liquids without spilling, label food items and medications, and organize my pantry for easy access. They showed me how to sort laundry by feel, use a washing machine and dryer with tactile labels, iron clothing safely, and fold clothes by touch. I was also trained in how to maintain personal grooming, apply makeup, style my hair, and identify clothing so I could dress independently and feel confident doing it. I learned how to clean and organize my living space, sew basic clothing repairs, safely handle kitchen tools and appliances, and make grocery lists with accessible tools.

Maise also helped me master the technology I’d need for both school and work. With her guidance, I was introduced to screen readers like VoiceOver and JAWS, and learned how to type and navigate computers using a keyboard. She walked me through how to use accessible smartphones, download and set up helpful apps, send emails, write documents, and browse the web with confidence. Maise also helped me learn to use Zoom and other video conferencing tools, organize my digital files, and access printed materials using OCR apps. Thanks to her support, I was also able to set up and operate smart devices using voice control, giving me the freedom to manage my personal and academic life more independently than I ever thought possible.

Maise at the OCB also played a huge role in helping me return to college. She supported me through the application process, helped me request accommodations, and taught me how to navigate the campus using my adaptive equipment with confidence. Maise helped me build a foundation not just for success in school, but for independence in an academic environment that once felt overwhelming. Most importantly, she helped me secure the specialized tools and technology I needed to succeed—equipment that I never could have afforded on my own. This same equipment not only makes it possible to complete my schoolwork, but will also support me in my future career, so I can earn a living and stay independent.

Thanks to the support of OCB, I’ve gone from feeling lost, isolated, and overwhelmed to becoming a confident, capable college student, a passionate and working photographer, and someone who is once again fully in charge of her own life. What once felt like the end of everything I had built turned into the beginning of something entirely new—something grounded in hope, resilience, and self-determination.



Their support has touched every part of my life: from the way I move through the world with independence, to how I manage daily tasks at home, to the confidence I carry into the classroom and into my future career. I’ve not only regained my autonomy—I’ve discovered new strengths I didn’t know I had. I’m building a future I can be proud of, one where my blindness does not limit me but instead shows others what’s possible when you have the right support system behind you.

The tools, training, technology, and unwavering belief OCB offered me have done far more than prepare me to succeed in school or the workforce—they’ve restored my identity, my sense of purpose, and my ability to dream again. Their impact on my journey has been profound and deeply personal, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’m forever grateful.

As I reflect on my first year in the Commercial Photography program at Mt. Hood Community College, I want to recognize a few people who had a profound impact on my journey. Your support, mentorship, and honesty helped shape not just my skills, but my confidence as an artist. I’m incredibly grateful to each of you.

David Strohl

From the very beginning, David went out of his way to support me — taking me under his wing and helping adapt the photography equipment and classroom environment to work with my vision loss. His dedication to accessibility and inclusion has not gone unnoticed. David has worked tirelessly to ensure I have the tools I need to succeed.



What I appreciate most is that he never let my limitations define me. Instead, he challenged me to grow, to improve, and to expect more from myself. Every photo I take now reflects not only my hard work, but also the belief and guidance David has given me. Thank you for being a mentor, an advocate, and a constant source of inspiration. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without you.

Andy Batt

Photoshop class with Andy Batt was, without question, the hardest class I took this year — and honestly, there were moments I really disliked it. But here’s the thing: Andy, you are a kick-ass teacher, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.



Because of you, I now have skills I never dreamed of having. You challenged me, pushed me past my comfort zone, and helped me grow more than I expected. I’m proud of the work I created, and I’m already looking forward to your lighting class next year. Thank you for being tough, honest, and 100% real — it made all the difference.