Awareness Starts at Home E20
In this heartfelt episode of Changing the Perception of Blindness, host David Steinmetz and his brothers—Mike, Jeff, and Greg—share their family’s journey with hereditary retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and the impact of blindness. They discuss initial reactions, coping mechanisms, and how technology transformed accessibility for Greg, who is visually impaired. The conversation delves into adapting to vision loss, highlighting peer support and workplace accommodations, while emphasizing the broader societal need for public education on interacting with visually impaired individuals.
Listeners should listen to this episode as it offers profound insights into the Steinmetz brothers’ perspectives, revealing the transformative power of shared experiences and technology in fostering inclusivity within and beyond the blindness community.
GDA/TLC provides guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired and the training to be a safe and successful guide dog handler. They serve clients from the US and Canada. Their Guide Dog Mobility training program is a 21-day, residential training located at their campus in the Los Angeles area. they provide transportation, housing, meals, and the guide dog at no cost to the student.
Greg Steinmetz joined Guide Dogs of America as the Manager of Admissions & Graduate Services in January 2018.
He received his first guide dog from their program in 2004 and was so moved by the gift of independence that he began volunteering and fundraising for them.
He has received four guide dogs from GDA including his recent guide, Sterling. Greg appreciates that his role at GDA allows him to help others improve their confidence, mobility, and independence.
Mike Steinmetz
Senior Client Executive
Jeff Steinmetz
IT Director
About Your Host
As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”
Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.
Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Show
Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.
Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.
