Executive Director's Message
It’s happening; Oregonians who are blind are fully engaging in life! At the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB), we believe that with the right tools, training and opportunities for our clients, the possibilities for their future are endless. We are so fortunate at OCB to have a front seat to watching individuals work hard throughout their rehabilitation training and apply their newly acquired skills to achieve their employment and independent living goals. Whether it’s safely navigating a street crossing in one’s neighborhood, pursuing a career path that will make a difference in the lives of others, or running a business based on your passions, this edition of The Voice features Oregonians who have been able to pursue their goals and interests on their own terms. I hope you enjoy reading about the agency mission in action!
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Dacia Johnson, MS, CRC
Executive Director
Guiding the way: How a courageous client and tenacious mobility instructor worked together to create a safer pedestrian crossing.
 A photograph of a Rehab Instructor and her client Mr. P. They are standing in front of a house wearing winter coats and holding white canes. Mr. P is wearing a high-visability vest, and the Rehab Instructor is wearing a blue insulated jacket and backpack.
Enhancing Independence Through OCB’s Comprehensive Services
At the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB), empowering clients to navigate their environments independently is central to our mission. Our extensive services, including the Older Blind Program and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) training, break down barriers and build confidence for those with visual impairments.
Personalized Orientation & Mobility Training: A key aspect of our O&M training is helping clients traverse both familiar and unfamiliar areas safely. Our Rehabilitation Instructors work closely with clients to develop personalized strategies that meet their unique needs.
A Success Story: Overcoming Challenges: Mr. P sought mobility training through OCB’s Older Blind Program. Initially feeling unsafe navigating his neighborhood, Mr. P, with the guidance of his Rehabilitation Instructor, Julie Wright, and his determination, embarked on a journey to regain his independence.
A significant challenge was a new pedestrian crossing near a school. Despite having a white cane from OCB, Mr. P wasn’t confident drivers would see him. Julie confirmed drivers were not consistently stopping and advised that he use a more predictable, lighted intersection. However, without an audible signal, this wasn’t ideal.
Innovative Solutions: Accessible Pedestrian Signal
Julie noticed Mr. P’s strategy of listening for near-parallel traffic to determine when to cross. Realizing it was insufficient, she contacted a Clackamas County traffic engineer. Together, they arranged for the installation of an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) that talks, vibrates, and points in the correct direction.
After the APS was installed, Mr. P, Julie, and the engineer met to ensure everything worked seamlessly. With the crossing now accessible, Mr. P practiced diligently, growing confident. Celebrating his success, he proudly led his daughter across the intersection.
At OCB, we are committed to helping clients achieve independence. Mr. P’s story is a testament to the impact of our services and the resilience of our clients. We commend him for his perseverance and wish him continued success as he navigates his neighborhood with newfound autonomy.
Marina Rake: A Journey of Independence and Advocacy
A New Type of Education
From an early age, Marina Rake faced progressive vision loss, often being the only student with low vision throughout her school years. She adapted and found ways to fit in, but her perspective shifted during her junior year when she joined the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB)’s youth program. With OCB’s support, Marina realized there were better ways to navigate her world.
“You don’t know what you don’t know. When I started working with OCB, everything I learned was new information. Growing up, I was the only visually impaired person in my school and family. I had been trying to live as a sighted person. So, when I first talked with my counselor, I felt like ‘I already know how to study, I just need six hours a day instead of the two and a half my friends need. I’m fine.’ Regardless of when a person’s vision loss occurs, there’s still an adjustment.”
Broadening Her World: OCB’s Orientation and Career Center offered classes on blindness, independent living skills, and job training. This was crucial as Marina prepared to transition from high school in Oregon to college in Texas. “For the first time, I learned how to use a white cane! I was going to be living in a different state without my family. I gained so much transportation independence with that training.”
Marina's summer work experience at OCB’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) introduced her to employment. “Until then, I hadn’t worked at all and didn’t know what the possibilities were. SWEP was really great for me. I eventually went on to work as a job coach at OHSU.”
Using Her Skills and Experiences to Support Others: Job coaching led Marina to study law. At OHSU, she helped clients struggling with accessing social security benefits, which guided her toward policy work, aiming to advocate for others. She credits OCB’s Vocational Rehabilitation program for providing her with the necessary skills and tools.
Marina's Journey with OCB
Marina's journey with OCB exemplifies the power of our Vocational Rehabilitation and training programs. Her dedication to learning new skills and embracing the process with positivity and curiosity is inspiring. Reflecting on her experience, Marina shares, “I honestly could not do it without OCB. The agency is special because of its focus on blindness and low vision. A lot of agencies lump all disabilities into one big pot, and I think that does a disservice to both VR counselors and clients. As a lawyer, who knows? Maybe I can improve the systems that need it.” Marina, we are thrilled with your accomplishments and excited to see the incredible impact you will continue to make. Your future is bright, and we at OCB are honored to have been part of your journey.
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Stan Moore Prepares to Share his Incredible Story with the World
Owner of Medford's Stan's Bikes and Pool Supplies trains for 2026 Paralympic Games and works with Willie Brown III on a documentary about his life and achievements.
OCB client Stan Moore, owner of Medford's Stan's Bikes and Pool Supplies, is having an exciting year as he trains for the 2026 Paralympic Games and works on a documentary about his life and achievements with producer Willie Brown III.
Now in his seventies, Stan came to OCB 15 years ago to re-open his family’s bike shop. Due to retinitis pigmentosa, he was running his business without sight. The Commission provided start-up support, including signage, business cards, and inventory. Stan recalls, “They gave me a cane and taught me to use it. It’s amazing how many blind people don’t use a cane!”
Stan's approach to business is straightforward and engaging. “People come in and I act normal. I bring the bike out, run my hand over it, and visualize what I’m seeing. Sometimes I wait on people with my cane and say, ‘Oh hi! I’m blind, but that’s not my name.’ That helps to break the ice. The 2nd or 3rd year we were open, I got Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Despite being blind and having 20% of usable hearing due to childhood rubella, Stan continues to cycle competitively. His search for a tandem partner for the 2026 Paralympics led him to Willie Brown III, who was inspired to film a documentary about Stan's journey. Willie has worked on shows and documentaries for NatGeo, Discovery, Google, YouTube, MTV, Disney, and more. He says, “Stan's story is one of extraordinary resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a story that the world needs to hear.”
Stan wants to share his story with the world. “I believe in myself. Whatever challenge you’re facing, you need hope to overcome it. I want people to see how I manage and know they can do the same.”
"Stan, The Deafblind Cyclist" is set to be released in 2025. Learn more about Willie Brown III and his work at https://www.WB4Films.com.
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 An image from the film "Stan, The Deafblind Cyclist" shows a profile photo of Stan wearing racing gear, shown atop a bike with a second bicyclist fight behind him.
Two New Food Carts Find Their Homes in Key Oregon Locations
OCB’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is piloting two new food carts at Oregon Parks and Recreation (OPRD). Partnering with OPRD, the goal is to test park locations for suitable sales opportunities that are profitable and beneficial for the Vending Facility Managers (VFM) managing the logistics and operations of the food carts.
The food cart pilot program aims to generate new revenue streams and increase sales for VFMs, improving profits for lower-earning managers and making the program more equitable.
The "Outta Sight Food Cart" will be located in Willson Park on the west side of the Capitol Building in Salem, serving legislators, Capitol staff, and visitors. The food cart will be managed by Salvador "Sal" Barraza, a blind VFM since 1989. Sal previously operated the Capitol building cafeteria before its renovation and then moved to Silver Falls State Park’s South Falls Café in 2022. With South Falls slated for renovation in March 2025, Sal successfully bid for the new food cart site.
OCB is one of the first agencies in the country to add food carts to their array of vending opportunities through the BEP. Food carts, popular in Oregon and major cities nationwide, provide a means for pop-up style food and beverage sales without the high overhead of brick-and-mortar restaurants and cafés.
The BEP and its VFMs are excited to offer great food and customer service to all visitors to the Capitol and Willson Park. The Outta Sight Food Cart, opening soon, plans to operate Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm.
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Spotlight: Sal Barraza
Salvador "Sal" Barraza has been a dedicated Vending Facility Manager (VFM) with the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) since 1989. With over three decades of experience, Sal has become a cornerstone of the BEP community, known for his unwavering commitment to excellence and service.
Throughout his career, Sal has navigated the challenges of vision loss with resilience and determination. His ability to adapt and thrive in various roles is a testament to his dedication and expertise. Sal's success story exemplifies the impact of OCB’s support and the opportunities provided by the Business Enterprise Program.
Sal’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication continue to inspire those around him. As he embarks on this new venture with the food cart, we celebrate his contributions and look forward to his continued success.
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