Hosts Brian Anderson and Stephanie Jones interview Austin Maynard, an award-winning videographer; Janet LaBreck, a consultant appointed by the Obama administration; and Kirk Adams, a former Lighthouse and American Federation for the Blind CEO, in the second episode of Boldy BVI.
This episode of Boldly BVI features Dr. Kirk Adams, who shares his personal journey from a young child losing his vision to a prominent figure in the disability advocacy and nonprofit sectors. His story emphasizes resilience, the importance of early support, and the impact of high expectations. After becoming blind at age five due to a bilateral retinal detachment, Adams received substantial support from his parents, who moved to Oregon to access better education for him. He gained critical skills, such as Braille literacy, mobility training, and a sense of independence, which he attributes to fostering a strong “internal locus of control” — a belief that he could shape his own future.
Dr. Adams’ career began in finance but shifted to the nonprofit sector, driven by a desire to create opportunities for people with disabilities. Over the years, he took on leadership roles, including CEO of the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), where he focused on inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Now running his own consulting practice, he supports initiatives that increase workforce inclusion for people with disabilities. Dr. Adams introduced the Apex Program, a cybersecurity training initiative for the blind, created in collaboration with Novacoast. The program offers remote training, accessible exams, and certifications, aiming to bridge the gap in cybersecurity jobs with a focus on inclusion.
Throughout, Dr. Adams emphasizes the importance of finding role models and community connections within the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community. He encourages those with visual impairments to actively connect with others in similar situations to gain guidance and support, helping to overcome isolation and empowering them to pursue ambitious career paths. His advocacy underlines that challenges in employment and perception can be mitigated with the right skills, resources, and support, ultimately creating a more inclusive workforce.