"My determination to become a dog trainer remains unwavering despite my visual impairment. I am committed to continuing my journey to become a dog trainer, albeit as a blind one. I initially embarked on dog training through Texas Workforce Rehabilitation before discovering my legal blindness. At the time, I attributed my struggle to secure employment to what I believed was a severe learning disability. However, I was fortunate to encounter individuals who provided accommodations beyond the requirements of the ADA.

 

Unaware of my diagnosis of Keratoconus or my legal blindness, I pursued a career in a field I loved and could excel in—security, particularly wood guarding with my dog. I proved adept at managing confrontations with irrational individuals, as evidenced by our experiences in California. Despite my petite stature and perceived learning disability, I excelled in firearms training, achieving a commendable score of 234 of 250 a 92% on the Private Security Shooting Proficiency Form, despite limited prior experience.

 

Realizing the limitations imposed by my size and perceived disability, I pursued dog training to secure more lucrative contracts. Unfortunately, my dog sustained an injury at a poorly maintained dog academy, halting my training progress. Nevertheless, I am currently enrolled in another dog training academy while working part-time as a pizza maker and awaiting disability benefits.

 

Once I achieve financial independence, I intend to maintain Why We Beg as a nonprofit organization, advocating for systemic change and establishing transitional housing for individuals diagnosed before the age of 26 with blindness, deafness, paralysis, intellectual disabilities, and/or autism. In the interim, I humbly request support to facilitate my transition to self-sufficiency.

 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community of Waxahachie for their generosity and invite you to follow along as I navigate this journey."