Volunteer Spotlight: Terri Wright
As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Terri Wright on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe.
Q&A with Terri
Tell us about you…
I grew up in Independence, Missouri and attended pre-school at Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Missouri in 1985. After that, I began a 31-year career with Bank of America where I worked in various roles. I am now retired and grateful for the opportunity to work with Alphapointe as a volunteer. I am also very thankful for my wonderful husband, Bob, and our amazing dog. We lived in North Carolina for 11 years where we enjoyed making new friends and taking day trips to the mountains. Over the years, we have had many wonderful vacations including a trip to Ireland in 2007.
Why do you volunteer at Alphapointe?
I am impressed with Alphapointe’s mission and the staff’s compassion and drive to make life easier for people who are visually impaired.
What does volunteering at Alphapointe do for you?
I have been visually impaired all my life and have been the beneficiary of great guidance and services. It is very rewarding to contribute to the efforts of an organization that is helping other visually impaired individuals live their fullest lives.
What do you want to share with others about Alphapointe?
My husband and I were given a guided tour of Alphapointe a few months ago and we were very impressed with everything they are doing. Everyone we met that day was friendly and welcoming.
Why should others get engaged with Alphapointe?
It is a great opportunity to contribute to the success of an organization that has made a tremendous impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals since 1911.
What is something you think everyone should know about Alphapointe?
Alphapointe is the third largest single employer of visually impaired individuals in the United States.
What’s the most important thing Alphapointe does from your perspective?
It is difficult to choose because everything they do is so important. I think the low vision services that help individuals who have had vision loss regain their independence and live more productive lives is what strikes me the most.
If there’s one public policy change you could make to help people with low vision, what would it be?
It would be nice to have an awareness program for employers to mitigate any assumptions that visually impaired employees are not as capable as their fully sighted counterparts.
Interested in helping Alphapointe? Learn more about our volunteer program!
