Meet the Capsule Group Inc
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Deaf/Blind Advocate: Eduardo 'Eddie" Rangel Sr. ~ In Loving Memory RIP ~
Eduardo Rangel Sr. Personal Story (Bio)
My name is Eduardo Rangel Sr. I was born in Nuevo Laredo Mexico in 1958. At the age of 10, my family and I immigrated to the United States of America. We found our new home in Houston, Texas where I enrolled in school and quickly learned to speak English. I learned from my parents that I suffered from the genetic disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, known as (RP). RP is an inherited, degenerative eye disease; that causes severe vision impairment and often blindness. This disease was identified as passed on by the females on my Mother’s side of the family; and it affected their male son’s, only if the female is a carrier of this gene. From an early age, I knew that I would someday lose my sight, because (RP) had caused blindness in many of my Mother’s family members. Today, at the age of 60, I am legally blind.
In spite of my eye condition, I managed to provide for my family. I first worked in an auto body shop as a car painter. As my vision deteriorated, I was no longer able to paint cars, because of the detailed nature of the business. I ended up working odd jobs such as construction work and washing cars.
In 1985, I decided to apply for disability benefits, since I was no longer able to work. For many years, I struggled financially on a small fixed income. As my eyesight worsened, I began to suffer deep depression. I was in total denial and often refused to participate in social events or activities.
I was so afraid of losing my sight that many times, I locked myself in the bathroom, turned the shower on and cried. Thanks to my wife’s encouragement and endless support, I decided to ask for help. At that time in my life, I contacted the local Texas State office and I was interviewed by a counselor, who saw great potential in me and recommended that I take computer classes. This was a complete shock to me, because I had no idea that a blind person could operate a computer.
I went to the Lighthouse of Houston for computer classes. It was then where I first heard about the software, JAWS (Job Access with Speech, Screen reader by Freedom Scientific). This software enables a person to operate the computer by reading the screen. I quickly learned basic computer skills and began helping the students that were struggling with their own computer needs. After successfully training students, I made the decision to become an Assistive Technology Trainer.
I spoke to my Counselor about becoming an AT Trainer. In 2006, I passed the required written Windows, MS Office JAWS, and Phase II tests, to become an Assistive Technology Trainer.
I’m currently working for ‘I Can Connect’, a National Agency that provides distance communications equipment to the Deaf/Blind, which advocates the Helen Keller Foundation. I love working for this agency, because not only do I help Deaf/Blind individuals to stay in touch with others, by these special communication peripherals, I also help persons who are struggling to accept blindness by motivating them.
Another part of my services towards the Low-Vision and Deaf/Low Vision communities, is my participation with The Capsule Group Inc., which provides resources and services for all disabilities. I offer my advocacy advice and also, at times, I am a Foreign Spoken Language Interpreter for those that need Spanish to English interpreting. This is a skill in which that a Low-Vision person can also learn to master in their own career paths. I can also recommend I Can Connect products and training as part of my advocacy.
I’m blessed to live in a great Country that provides so much assistance to the disabled, God bless the USA.
- Eduardo Rangel Sr.
My name is Eduardo Rangel Sr. I was born in Nuevo Laredo Mexico in 1958. At the age of 10, my family and I immigrated to the United States of America. We found our new home in Houston, Texas where I enrolled in school and quickly learned to speak English. I learned from my parents that I suffered from the genetic disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, known as (RP). RP is an inherited, degenerative eye disease; that causes severe vision impairment and often blindness. This disease was identified as passed on by the females on my Mother’s side of the family; and it affected their male son’s, only if the female is a carrier of this gene. From an early age, I knew that I would someday lose my sight, because (RP) had caused blindness in many of my Mother’s family members. Today, at the age of 60, I am legally blind.
In spite of my eye condition, I managed to provide for my family. I first worked in an auto body shop as a car painter. As my vision deteriorated, I was no longer able to paint cars, because of the detailed nature of the business. I ended up working odd jobs such as construction work and washing cars.
In 1985, I decided to apply for disability benefits, since I was no longer able to work. For many years, I struggled financially on a small fixed income. As my eyesight worsened, I began to suffer deep depression. I was in total denial and often refused to participate in social events or activities.
I was so afraid of losing my sight that many times, I locked myself in the bathroom, turned the shower on and cried. Thanks to my wife’s encouragement and endless support, I decided to ask for help. At that time in my life, I contacted the local Texas State office and I was interviewed by a counselor, who saw great potential in me and recommended that I take computer classes. This was a complete shock to me, because I had no idea that a blind person could operate a computer.
I went to the Lighthouse of Houston for computer classes. It was then where I first heard about the software, JAWS (Job Access with Speech, Screen reader by Freedom Scientific). This software enables a person to operate the computer by reading the screen. I quickly learned basic computer skills and began helping the students that were struggling with their own computer needs. After successfully training students, I made the decision to become an Assistive Technology Trainer.
I spoke to my Counselor about becoming an AT Trainer. In 2006, I passed the required written Windows, MS Office JAWS, and Phase II tests, to become an Assistive Technology Trainer.
I’m currently working for ‘I Can Connect’, a National Agency that provides distance communications equipment to the Deaf/Blind, which advocates the Helen Keller Foundation. I love working for this agency, because not only do I help Deaf/Blind individuals to stay in touch with others, by these special communication peripherals, I also help persons who are struggling to accept blindness by motivating them.
Another part of my services towards the Low-Vision and Deaf/Low Vision communities, is my participation with The Capsule Group Inc., which provides resources and services for all disabilities. I offer my advocacy advice and also, at times, I am a Foreign Spoken Language Interpreter for those that need Spanish to English interpreting. This is a skill in which that a Low-Vision person can also learn to master in their own career paths. I can also recommend I Can Connect products and training as part of my advocacy.
I’m blessed to live in a great Country that provides so much assistance to the disabled, God bless the USA.
- Eduardo Rangel Sr.
"EDDIE, YOUR LIGHT SHINES UPON ALL OF US. THE BLIND/DEAF COMMUNITY SHALL ALWAYS HAVE YOU AS THEIR BIGGEST ADVOCATE.
YOUR LEGACY SHALL CONTINUE! WITH ALL OUR HEARTS TO YOURS, WE LOVE YOU EDDIE, FOREVER!!" ~THE CAPSULE GROUP INC.
YOUR LEGACY SHALL CONTINUE! WITH ALL OUR HEARTS TO YOURS, WE LOVE YOU EDDIE, FOREVER!!" ~THE CAPSULE GROUP INC.