Client Spotlight: Maureen Sierra

Meet Maureen

Maureen Sierra is a licensed massage therapist in Davenport, where she has worked full-time for about six months. She previously worked in interior design, but after experiencing vision challenges with the computer software she used for work, she decided it was time to explore a new career path.

Massage therapy was something Maureen had considered when she was originally deciding what to study. Although she ultimately chose a different path, the idea stayed with her. Now, she says her favorite part of her job is using her skills to provide customized care to her clients.

Finding a New Career Path

Maureen connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind to learn more about vocational rehabilitation services and began working with a VR counselor. She received training in technology and orientation and mobility, including cane travel, while also learning about educational support available through IDB.

As she considered her options, Maureen remembered her interest in massage therapy. She enrolled at the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness, a program with experience working with students who are blind or have low vision. The seven-month program provided classroom and clinical instruction that helped Maureen develop the skills she needed to become a massage therapist. After completing the program, she successfully passed her board examination with accommodations and became licensed by the state of Iowa.

Working with IDB

Throughout her career transition, Maureen received a variety of services from IDB. She worked one-on-one with rehabilitation staff on orientation and mobility skills, practicing on city streets and in a mall. She also participated in a Skills Retreat in Des Moines, where she received instruction in braille, technology, home management, and orientation and mobility.

For Maureen, having access to these services provided valuable support as she navigated changes in her vision and prepared for a new career. "I'm just really grateful that there is support and resources out there to help navigate vision and career changes."

Final Insights

Today, Maureen works in a hands-on environment where she can use her skills to help others. Her experience has shown her that a career does not have to be entirely visually driven, and her ability to work effectively in three-dimensional space has helped her succeed in her new role.

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