Speaking Up For The Blind

[Doondoo]

For the longest time, April Hutchins struggled to find her niche as she navigated through life as a blind person. She had trouble landing steady jobs. Even though she dedicated time to various organizations and her church, her sense of purpose took a hit every time she found herself unemployed, usually because of budget cuts at work or because employers were hesitant to hire a blind woman.

For Hutchins, continually being out of work meant never having the chance to prove her abilities - until a friend came up with an idea to change that.

For two years, her friend kept suggesting that she join Toastmasters International, an organization that teaches public speaking and has thousands of clubs and members in 90 countries. Hutchins finally attended a meeting, and for the past 10 years she has risen through the ranks of the organization, winning several speech competitions along the way and serving as club secretary. Her tenacity has led to her success, and last year she was elected Division C governor, overseeing a few dozen clubs in Connecticut. She began her yearlong term in the unpaid position July 1.

"I found the atmosphere very warm and very welcoming. I was very impressed with the people," Hutchins said.

Hutchins, 40, said Toastmasters has given her what many employers wouldn't: "strength and realizing that I can be successful in a professional setting. There's an atmosphere of wanting others to succeed."


http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-blind0218.artfeb18,0,5459047.story?coll=hc-headlines-local