[dropcap]S[/dropcap]uccess for Hays High alumnus Michael Espinoza is often a key press away.
Espinoza, a 26-year-old Buda resident who has been blind since birth, utilizes a specialized Braille computer that’s essential for his job and passions.
But when community members discovered the essential device was deteriorating, they turned to each other to answer the call.
Earlier this month, various community members united to help Espinoza obtain a new Braille computer.
Espinoza’s close friend, Kelsey Ross, posted a crowdfunding site Feb. 6, through YouCaring to raise $6,600 for his new computer.
By Tuesday morning, people had donated over $3,000, almost half the goal.
“I had no words,” Espinoza said. “I completely lacked works to describe how that felt.”
In only one week, 58 people donated a total of $5,210 to Espinoza’s crowdfunding site. Ross said one individual donated $3,000.
“I’m very encouraged by the response,” Ross said. “It’s enlightening to see people coming together and helping each other out. Sometimes we need to give help, sometimes we need to ask for and accept help.”
Espinoza graduated from Southwestern University with an English degree in 2013 and published his first novel in 2015. He is currently a writing tutor at Austin Community College and maintains a YouTube channel and writing website.
For all his reading, writing and editing, Espinoza uses a BrailleNote, produced by HumanWare.
“With his computer, Michael has successfully gotten a job, written a book, maintained a blog and YouTube channel and interacted with content he otherwise wouldn’t be able to access,” said Jessica Espinoza Glasebrook, Espinoza’s sister.
“A Braille computer is probably the single most important thing he owns,” Ross said. “Without it, he can’t do his job, let alone his hobbies, or keep up with friends and family. His independence and privacy would be greatly diminished.”
With the new and more modern BrailleNote Touch, a device with HumanWare software and Google technology, Espinoza said he can accomplish much more. The device has a Braille screen and an LED screen, which would allow sighted people to see what Espinoza is feeling in Braille.
“My current job depends on me being able to read quickly, efficiently and accurately,” Espinoza said. “I’m an avid writer and reader so having a Braille device is essential.”
Espinoza said this device would allow him to easily share feedback with his students and make writing, editing and formatting his next book more accessible.
“It’s just all-around a better device for work, for independence, and for technological efficiency and effectiveness,” Espinoza said.
Espinoza has been blind since birth due to an untreatable condition that impacts his optic nerves. Despite this, Espinoza has found success in life and hopes to continue doing so.
Due to the kindness of community members who donated and shared the site, Espinoza will be able to maintain his current job, and focus on writing and publishing his next book.
“With this new device, so much more should be at my fingertips, both figuratively and literally,” Espinoza said.
To express his gratitude, Espinoza said everyone who donated might receive a special mention on the dedication page of his next book or will be thanked in some way.
“I feel completely blown away,” Espinoza said. “It just blows my mind away that people are that giving.”
