Meet Jackie Stallings, a vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Idaho Commission for the Blind.

Jackie is also a mom to five, a wife, an avid advocate for people with disabilities and legally blind herself.  

The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been serving Idahoans since 1967. Visit icbvi.idaho.gov for details.

1) How long have you been at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and what do you do there?
I have been at the Commission for the Blind for 12 years. I work with people who are blind or visually impaired all over North Idaho. My goal is to help people live full lives and be employed in careers that fit their skills and passions.  

2) What are some resources and help the commission offers that people should know about?
Our agency provides a variety of programs for all Idaho residents who have a visual impairment. Whether it is teaching somebody how to use alternative skills to overcome vision loss, support somebody in college or allow somebody to remain independent in their home, we customize services to fit clients' needs at no cost to the client.   

3) What are a few myths you can dispel for us about what it's like to be blind or vision impaired?
Most of the barriers we face are lack of understanding or low expectations. A blind person can live a totally "normal" life. We just do things a bit differently. And just for the record, we definitely do not want to touch your face. We also do not have extra senses or heightened senses; we just use our other senses more effectively. People who are blind are literally the world's best problem solvers!  

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm kind of an open book, so there is not much. One of my big dreams is to start doing more public speaking, so if you need inspiration, I work cheap!

5) Any events, activities or anything else coming up we can share?
We are always looking for businesses that may be willing to take on a student during the summer. We are also planning an event April 12 for transition students and their families. 

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Do you know someone in Kootenai County who makes our community awesome? Send Fast Five suggestions to Devin Weeks, [email protected], to highlight locals who contribute their time and talents to make North Idaho such a special place.