SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A program that helps blind individuals adjust, learn, and thrive is on the chopping block in Washington, DC, and a Brookings man is traveling there in hopes of saving it.

Life changed drastically for Ismael Collazo in his 30s. Losing his eyesight from diabetes, his world grew dark until he found resources to start again.

“We are functioning members of society; we just do things differently. We want to work, we want to do things. We just need to be trained,” Ismael said.

Training programs stemming from the Department of Education not only provided the basics, but they also equipped entrepreneurs. Ismael launched his own woodworking business.

“So they can be working members of society, so they don’t have to stay on government assistance later on in l

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