In memory of a wonderful man who had a real impact on my life. Wayne Sturdevant passed away last week. He was my Father Inlaw for 19 years. He always was so thoughtful, thinking of ways he could adapt things for me. He gave me a whole display of shells and fossils, glued them to picture frames and put braille labels on them with their names. He was always looking at different technology, thinking of how I may be able to use it in my life. This song was his favorite hymn and though it is a different arrangement for the tune, the words are the same. I know that whenever I hear this hymn, no matter which tune, the words will remind me of him.
O My Father
By Desiree Renae
I am a Mom, a professional and in my heart a performer. I enjoy singing and recording, not only for myself but I really feel it can bring joy to those around me. I was born blind, which comes with its own challenges and sometimes barriers. I am always looking for opportunities to give those around me positive energy. When others feel good, I feel good.
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Hello Desiree,
I met you briefly at a Cap Metro board meeting. I was chair of their Advisory Committee and court-ordered Work Group, which were each shams.
I have admired you long before, however, since before you were engaged. You have helped in significant ways in the passion we all share “a11y”. I am glad that there are those like you to carry on the flame of enhancing, and empowering a11y and full inclusion!
I have an academic and professional background in software development and engineering. Unfortunately, I was born too early to address a11y issues at a time when the world would be more receptive. I was born in 1953, lost my sight due to retinoblastoma when I was 11 months and 22 months. I am also a mom of 3 kids, now grown with kids of their own. Due to inaccessible operating systems, and Microsoft’s disinterest in making the Windows operating system natively accessible, I stopped working in 1995, reluctantly left my career, in order to save health insurance for my 3 minor kids. My employer would have laid me off, due to the fact that I could not “develop the skills” to use their inaccessible GUI and Windows NT. We developed products for large companies and government agencies. Xwindows was a very popular OS, at that time, but was unusable for me. When I was forced out of my job, and subsequently walked into the SSA office to apply for SSDI, I felt that I had finally become what others expected and made me be. Not wanting to disrupt my children’s environment, I stayed in Colorado Springs, Colorado until my youngest graduated from high school. I moved to Austin, in 2005, believing that it was more progressive, and would have much better public transit options. I was right and wrong! Now, I live in Denver, which has an excellent paratransit and public transit system, plus a more inclusive and progressive public attitude. Unfortunately, I am now experiencing many health difficulties which prevent my ability to be as active with accessibility issues, as I would like to be, though that will always be my passion!
Anyway, enough about me! I would love to communicate with you and others who are interested in improving accessibility for all!
Thank you for being who you are, and helping to make the world a better place!
Diane Bomar
Yes, I remember you. Wow!!! So glad you reached out! I live in Oregon now for similar reasons, needed better transportation options and access to a good eye clinic. I would love to connect. Email me at Desiree842@outlook.com and we can talk more.