[Blindtlk] Blind Diesel Mechanics Out There?

[Jewel S.]

Dear all,

My friend, Mike, is planning on attending the local college to get an
Associate's in Heavy Equipment Mechanics. He got a certificate many
years ago, and worked as a Diesel Mechanic mostly working on the
engine of eighteen-wheelers. With this associate's degree, he will be
working on the entire diesel truck, and plans on looking into
specializing in construction equipment.

Though he has worked as a diesel mechanic before, it was before his
visual loss due to early-onset macular degeneration. Now, his vision
is 20/200 in the right eye and finger recognition in the peripheral in
the left. He can use a CCTV, and reads with a magnifier for everyday
use, and uses ZoomText. However, he is unsure of what accommodations
and/or adaptable equipment would be best for his education in the
Diesel Mechanic classes, as well as in the co-op work and employment
afterwards.

so, he is looking for other mechanics (especially diesel mechanics)
who are visually impaired or blind. He would like to hear from those
who use CCTVs and other visual aids, especially, on the types of CCTVs
that are good for working on engines (he has heard there is a good one
that is on an arm?), as well as things like monoculars, as well as
non-visual equipment and tips.

If you are or know soemone who is employed (or has been employed as) a
dieselmechanic, please write to Mike at mcwellduh538 at gmail.com

He has an appointment with someone next week for an assessment, but
the woman doing the assessment has already told him that she is not
sure about the mechanics program, and that they will have to figure it
out together, and he wanted to come prepared.

Thank you,
Jewel
NFB of NC