“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams….”
When your entire life has been focused on a dream, of working to help make technology more accessible for blind and visually impaired individuals, this is simply a statement of passion.
Meet Jordyn, born blind yet at age 12 wrote her first computer program (Instant Messaging and Chat). As a pre-teen, Jordyn realized that she could be empowered by technology. And since age 16 she’s dreamed of how to help increase the quality and availability of accessible software and technology for those with disabilities.
Her parents were very supportive, with a mother always advocating for her. Jordyn said “she fought for me to accomplish new possibilities and to be myself”. And Jordyn’s involvement with ABVI’s mobility staff, through our STEPS (Successful Teens Exploring Positive Skills) program and SITC (Summer in the City), allowed her to grow with independence and confidence.
“ABVI’s team stressed our own reliance on personal travel and accountability, while evaluating options and acting on our own decisions. We learned cooking and other life skills, while ‘being ourselves’ among peers having the same challenges. They had high expectations of us.”
There were many times when Jordyn thought a task was beyond her limits. But giving up isn’t in her DNA. “I was the first generation of my family to attend college, and I wasthe first to study computer science”. She readily admits that her computing coursework at Michigan State University has been tough. But Jordyn also knows that education is essential to accomplish her dreams.
She was excited to build her life after graduating in December, 2015. Jordyn’s dreams became a reality. On May 10, 2015 she began her summer internship in Cupertino, CA at Apple Inc., on their “Frameworks Team”. Jordyn earned this remarkable opportunity through her professional networking and interviewing at the Fall 2014 “Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing”, in Phoenix, AZ., the world’s largest gathering of Women Technologists. Her previous experience included internships at Goldman Sachs in New York in 2014 and at USAA Financial Services, San Antonio, TX in 2013.
Says Jordyn, “there are so many possibilities with Apple. It’s where genius ideas are created. They’ve always been leaders in accessibility for blind and visually impaired individuals”.
Jordyn lived in the Cupertino area, with easy access to San Francisco. She explored through the summer, never having the opportunity to visit the area before. Of course, nothing would surprise anyone knowing Jordyn. She’s confident and always ready to learn and grow professionally.
Jordyn returned to Cupertino after graduation. Apple offered her a full time position within their accessibility team.
…live the life you imagined.” Henry David Thoreau