by Tracy Wicken, Assistive Technology Specialist
After 41 years of working for the State of North Dakota, 21 of which working for ND Vision Services/School for the Blind as an Assistive Technology Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired, I am retiring and becoming, what is stated by Gemini on the computer as a “Seenager,” which is a popular blend of "senior" and "teenager"—describing someone who has money, can sleep in, and has zero parental supervision. It sounds great, doesn’t it! I will now go down memory lane a bit.
I started working for Services for the Visually Impaired back in 1985. At the time, it was a prevocational program through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for adults in North Dakota with vision loss. There were four staff people in that office: an administrator, an administrative assistant, an Orientation and Mobility Instructor, and me, as the Communications Instructor. I taught braille reading and writing, typing, handwriting, labelling, and money identification. Technology for the blind was in its infancy, and computers were the size of large pieces of furniture or bigger! People with vision loss came to Grand Forks from all across North Dakota for this training and would stay in Grand Forks for 10-12 weeks. I loved the work I was doing there. I was helping people, and I met many people who I am still in contact with today.
In 1991, that program evolved. I transitioned into a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist role, working for Vocational Rehabilitation, traveling across northeast ND to serve Grand Forks, Nelson, Walsh and Pembina counties. I worked with adults of all ages in the areas of employment and/or independent living, providing instruction with magnification, methods of daily living with little or no sight, and anything that would assist that person with living an independent and safe life at home. Once again, I loved the work I was doing in that capacity. I loved the daily impact of the work and building lifelong friendships.
After working 20 years for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, I started a new chapter in 2005. I was hired as an Assistive Technology Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired at ND Vision Services/School for the Blind. Assistive technology had made great strides since 1985, and computers had speech capabilities. There were many stand-alone technology devices to assist persons with vision loss function in day-to-day activities. I worked with students and adults of all ages in that capacity for 21 years and enjoyed ALMOST every minute of it…except when technology didn’t work the way you wanted it to…..which, I am sure has happened to everyone at one time or another. Here again, the work was a passion, and even though there were challenges in all of my employment positions, the clients, students, and colleagues I worked alongside made every challenge worth it.
I am grateful to have had a working career where I have made a difference in people’s lives and to have had the opportunity to work with many, many knowledgeable and caring colleagues. I have made many friendships and carry them into the coming chapter of life where I can spend more time with family and friends and have a lot of fun!