in our may webinar, we were delighted to host neeraj gupta from vista center for the blind and visually impaired. fresh from a relaxing cruise, neeraj joined us full of energy and ready to share insights from his work at vista center in california. vanessa from envision kicked off the conversation, setting the tone for a session focused on accessibility, community, and the power of technology.
neeraj shared his journey with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that gradually affects vision. from relying on flashlights to mastering screen readers, his story highlights how assistive technology transforms lives. starting as a client at vista center, he learned to use voiceover and jaws screen reader, eventually becoming the associate director of corporate and community relations. today, he connects clients with tools like envision glasses to unlock new levels of independence.
vista center’s mission is clear: no one should be denied the chance to learn because of financial barriers. with a focus on fundraising, grants, and community partnerships, they ensure that every client can tap into the world of assistive tech, regardless of income. it’s about creating pathways not just to technology, but to thriving careers and personal growth.
neeraj emphasized the importance of personalized training for each client—because everyone’s journey is unique. from using screen readers to exploring new ai tools, vista center’s approach is about meeting people where they are and helping them build confidence and skills. collaboration with partners like envision brings cutting-edge technology directly to their community.
neeraj shared his hopes for the next two years: faster, more accurate real-time feedback and facial recognition to support social interactions. as he put it, “it’s like having your own set of eyes.” his excitement for what’s coming next is a reminder of the incredible potential in this space.
if you’re curious about vista center or want to support their mission, visit vistacenter.org. as neeraj says, “it’s about making sure everyone has the chance to learn and live as independently as possible.” listen to the conversation with neeraj here.