Lighting the Way: Reverend Garrett on Leadership, Inclusion, and Taking Action

What does it mean to lose your sight and keep moving forward? 

Reverend Michael Garrett has spent his life as a leader and advocate in the blind and low vision community. He’s faced changes in vision, learned new ways to adapt, and built up others…both on and off the field. 

On today’s episode:

• Michael shares what it’s like to grow up with retinitis pigmentosa and adapt over time
• He explains why community, confidence, and finding resources matter
• We talk about advocacy, sports, and why it’s important to reach out, not wait for help

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Key Takeaways

1. Reverend Garrett’s experience with retinitis pigmentosa and gradual vision loss built resilience and fueled his passion for advocacy. His story highlights the importance of early skills like braille and mobility in maintaining independence over a lifetime.

2. Both TSB (Texas School for the Blind) and later organizations provided a sense of community and belonging. Growing up among peers with similar experiences built confidence and demonstrated how critical peer networks are for personal growth and adaptation.

3. Participation in programs like beep baseball and other athletic events at specialized institutions proved that those who are blind or visually impaired can and should have opportunities for full inclusion—showing the impact of adaptive approaches and inclusive communities.

4. Technology has evolved into a critical equalizer for the blind community. The Lighthouse of Houston offers comprehensive tech training, ensuring that there are fewer obstacles to accessing information, employment, and daily life, promoting greater self-sufficiency.

5. Advocacy is essential for securing fair access to education, employment, housing, and benefits like SSDI. Reverend Garrett emphasizes the need for proactive engagement—identifying problems, finding strategies, and telling personal stories to those in power—to create systemic change, while also encouraging individuals not to isolate themselves but to seek support and resources.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Reverend Garrett's Inspiring Journey"

05:16 Confidence from Unique School Experience

08:05 Joining the Lighthouse Board

11:03 Houston Lighthouse Empowers with Technology

13:23 Blind Advocacy Involvement Overview

19:09 SSDI Limit Concerns for Blind Workers

21:14 Potential Benefits Reduction Concerns

24:52 Addressing Urgent Change Needs

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