Ann Chiappetta, Author at ConnectCenter

Eden’s Journey as a Blind Court Reporter and Business Owner

Eden Brown is a freelance court reporter and verbatim voice writer based in Vancouver, Washington. She works as an independent contractor for multiple agencies and co-owns a registered limited liability company (LLC) with her husband, who is her business partner and co-editor. Together for ten years and recently married, the couple combines their skills to […]

Positive Partnerships: Seattle Lighthouse and the AbilityOne Program

Posted on April 9, 2025 - 2:17 pm by Ann Chiappetta

individual wearing glasses, working in a manufacturing facility

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., located in Seattle, Washington, has a successful partnership with AbilityOne. The organization is a “private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities.” The Lighthouse for the Blind produces many of the products and supplies used by […]

Making Maps Accessible: Interview with Brandon Biggs

Posted on March 7, 2025 - 10:24 am by Ann Chiappetta

Brandon Biggs is a Software Engineer at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, CEO of XR Navigation, and a PhD Candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Brandon is an inclusive design expert who is blind; he is also an opera singer who loves Italian chocolate. Brandon graduated from California State University – East Bay in […]

Work Incentives for People who are Blind or Low Vision on Social Security

Posted on December 20, 2024 - 11:50 am by Ann Chiappetta

woman wearing glasses in office working on a tablet

At the APH ConnectCenter, we occasionally hear statements such as, “I cannot work because I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). ” or “ I cannot work because I get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and want to keep my benefits.” Did you know SSI and SSDI have work incentives to assist individuals who work while […]

From Blind Mechanic to Technology Trainer

Posted on December 3, 2024 - 2:01 pm by Ann Chiappetta

laptop with a refreshable braille display

Meet Eli Sanchez. Eli is a certified Assistive Technology Instructor and non-visual tech trainer for the Center for Assistive Technology’s Northwest Division. After earning his Assistive Technology Certificate Program from California State University, North Ridge, Eli founded Free Hand Tech, an assistive technology training business. A Hands-On Approach Before embarking on his current career path, Eli’s […]

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