Amy Lynn Smith, Author at ConnectCenter

A Career Dedicated to Advocacy and Justice

Posted on December 16, 2024 - 2:24 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

Considering Steve Elliot’s parents were always public- and civic-minded – and instilled those values in their family – it’s no surprise that he has dedicated his professional life to advocacy and justice. Steve has been an Administrative Law Judge, team leader, and mediator for the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings since 2017. He previously […]

Blind Entrepreneur Finds Success in Chemistry

Posted on May 15, 2024 - 12:53 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

When he discovered organic chemistry in high school, Hoby Wedler, Ph.D., knew it would be his calling. Initially, he wanted to teach – and he did, for a while – but his career path took some fascinating turns to bring him where he is today. At first, some people didn’t think someone born blind could […]

Changing Perceptions About People with Disabilities While Working in a Fulfilling Career

Posted on April 10, 2024 - 12:12 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

When Ronit Mazzoni works as a Genetic Counselor in a fertility and reproductive department, she brings a unique perspective as a person who is blind. While working with patients or students studying to become Genetic Counselors, she gives them a perspective they won’t get from anyone else there. That’s an excellent thing for a number […]

From Applied Mathematician to Senior Software Engineer

Posted on March 11, 2024 - 12:09 pm by Amy Lynn Smith

A person with short brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a jacket and tie, smiles for the camera.

Andres Gonzalez was interested in science and math from a young age in his native Cuba. Early on, he knew he would need assistive technology for any career, but he didn’t necessarily imagine becoming the computer scientist and software engineer he is today. Blind since the age of seven due to glaucoma, which is uncommon […]

A Sweet Job Teaches This High School Student Valuable Skills

Posted on February 22, 2024 - 10:50 am by Amy Lynn Smith

A young adult smiling outside in front of a red farm truck.

Qiao Angermeier and her mother, Rhonda, admit that Qiao has always enjoyed taking on challenges. “I don’t like just sitting around doing nothing,” says 17-year-old Qiao. Qiao is a talented musician, especially at the piano, and is on the girl’s wrestling team at school. “If there’s something to be done, I want to get it […]

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