ACBVI Client Prepares for Hot Career Prospect


ACBVI is helping Raymond Moya, Jr. pursue his goal of becoming a welder

A high school welding class sparked Raymond Moya, Jr.’s imagination, leading him to dream of an independent life. Now that dream is about to become a reality thanks to donors like you.   

Moya, a 21-year-old Phoenix native, was born with combined vision and hearing loss (CVHL). As he grew up, Moya says his working-class family did what they could to help. They kept Moya safe, helped him stay in school, and gave him a great work ethic. 

His goal now is to go to school to become a welder, just as demand for the trade soars. The American Welding Society predicts a shortage of over 375,000 welders by 2023. 

Moya contacted ACBVI last summer because we run one of Arizona’s top rehabilitation programs for people with CVHL. Since then, he’s learned to walk with a white cane and he picked up some American Sign Language and Braille skills.

“Before (ACBVI) I never really knew anybody else who had disabilities like me ... It’s helped me feel a little more comfortable with myself," says Moya.

ACBVI staff also are helping Raymond apply to a local welding program and obtain the equipment he’ll need to succeed. That includes a laptop with screen magnification and math software that will help him master professional-level welds.  

Moya hopes to begin his program this August and graduate about this time next year. With a diploma in hand, he plans to pursue a position with the City of Phoenix. 

“I have had people tell me I can’t do anything,” says Moya. “You have to ignore that and just keep moving on. You’ll eventually find something that proves them wrong.” 

Arizona makes it easy to help people with vision loss and at no cost to you. The state offers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit – plus the usual deduction – when you give to ACBVI. That means singles can give up to $400 and couples can give up to $800, and potentially get that money back on your Arizona state taxes!

Will you please help more people like Raymond with a tax-credit eligible gift to ACBVI today?

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About The Author

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Jon Williams

Jon Williams is the Fund Development Officer at ACBVI. He has over 25 years of professional non-profit experience in development, fundraising, volunteer and event management with national non-profits including the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and three member food banks in the Feeding America network, including his last position as Development Manager with United Food Bank in Mesa. Originally from South Bend, IN and a graduate of Ball State University, Jon has devoted his career in giving back to the community and providing assistance to those underserved populations needing help. A resident of Chandler, Jon enjoys the Arizona lifestyle along with traveling near and far, a great live concert or an exciting sports game!

Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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