What happens when your life changes after a single spot in your eyesight turns out to be something bigger? 

Jason Garza faced vision loss, got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and faced the reality of family falling apart because of it. 

In this powerful conversation, he talks about:
Learning he was legally blind after ignoring that first warning sign
Losing his independence and finding new ways to move forward
How help from his family and the Lighthouse of Houston brought him back

Jason’s journey isn’t just about loss. It’s about what comes next.

Subscribe to Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Key Takeaways

1. Jason describes the emotional and practical adjustments that come with losing vision, especially when it’s connected to MS. Accepting blindness and learning that it's not the end of the world was vital for his well-being. Overcoming denial and finding acceptance allowed him to rebuild his confidence and approach life differently.

2. Finding a community at the Lighthouse of Houston—and previously in Austin—transformed Jason’s experience. Being surrounded by people who understand and support each other was essential, making him feel less alone and providing encouragement to keep moving forward.

3. Jason’s vision loss deeply affected his family relationships, including the breakdown of his marriage. However, it also brought him closer to his parents and children, who became key pillars of support, teaching him the importance of accepting help and cherishing strong family bonds.

4. Jason's journey demonstrates the importance of resilience—picking himself up after personal and professional setbacks, and focusing on continuous learning. He encourages others never to give up, to stay open to growth, and to seek knowledge as a way to move forward in life and career.

5. Employment at the Lighthouse of Houston restored Jason’s self-confidence and sense of purpose. Transitioning from a previous engineering career to a scanning clerk role, he found satisfaction and growth, reminding listeners that meaningful work and upward mobility are possible after vision loss.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Vision Loss Journey Discussion"

06:03 Turning Point at Austin Lighthouse

07:35 Post-Blindness Career Transition Challenge

10:34 Coping with Family Struggles

13:13 Family Support Overcoming Alcohol

18:23 Inspiring Journey and Resilience

What happens when your life changes after a single spot in your eyesight turns out to be something bigger?&nbsp;
Jason Garza faced vision loss, got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and faced the reality of family falling apart because of it.&nbsp;
In this powerful conversation, he talks about:
<ul>
<li>Learning he was legally blind after ignoring that first warning sign</li>
<li>Losing his independence and finding new ways to move forward</li>
<li>How help from his family and the Lighthouse of Houston brought him back</li>
</ul>
Jason&rsquo;s journey isn&rsquo;t just about loss. It&rsquo;s about what comes next.
Subscribe to <a href="https://houstonlighthouse.org/">Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential</a> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sightless-voices-unleashing-potential/id1769100245">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4T0kCFTyO3pxdlFdKHPZja?si=da7c248c5b1043d4">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-sightless-voices-unleashi-217324039/">iHeart</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Key Takeaways
1. Jason describes the emotional and practical adjustments that come with losing vision, especially when it&rsquo;s connected to MS. Accepting blindness and learning that it's not the end of the world was vital for his well-being. Overcoming denial and finding acceptance allowed him to rebuild his confidence and approach life differently.
2. Finding a community at the Lighthouse of Houston&mdash;and previously in Austin&mdash;transformed Jason&rsquo;s experience. Being surrounded by people who understand and support each other was essential, making him feel less alone and providing encouragement to keep moving forward.
3. Jason&rsquo;s vision loss deeply affected his family relationships, including the breakdown of his marriage. However, it also brought him closer to his parents and children, who became key pillars of support, teaching him the importance of accepting help and cherishing strong family bonds.
4. Jason's journey demonstrates the importance of resilience&mdash;picking himself up after personal and professional setbacks, and focusing on continuous learning. He encourages others never to give up, to stay open to growth, and to seek knowledge as a way to move forward in life and career.
5. Employment at the Lighthouse of Houston restored Jason&rsquo;s self-confidence and sense of purpose. Transitioning from a previous engineering career to a scanning clerk role, he found satisfaction and growth, reminding listeners that meaningful work and upward mobility are possible after vision loss.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Vision Loss Journey Discussion"
06:03 Turning Point at Austin Lighthouse
07:35 Post-Blindness Career Transition Challenge
10:34 Coping with Family Struggles
13:13 Family Support Overcoming Alcohol
18:23 Inspiring Journey and Resilience

What can blind and low vision individuals achieve when given the right support and resources?

Jennifer Parrish hosts Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential, a podcast sharing real stories and adventures from the blind and low vision community. The Lighthouse of Houston provides this support, offering job training, assistive technology, and mobility training. The podcast aims to show that blindness does not define one's potential, highlighting the vibrant lives and successes of its members.

Learn more at houstonlighthouse.org.

What can blind and low vision individuals achieve when given the right support and resources?
Jennifer Parrish hosts Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential, a podcast sharing real stories and adventures from the blind and low vision community. The Lighthouse of Houston provides this support, offering job training, assistive technology, and mobility training. The podcast aims to show that blindness does not define one's potential, highlighting the vibrant lives and successes of its members.
Learn more at <a href="https://houstonlighthouse.org">houstonlighthouse.org</a>.

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