Terrell Jones has been blind from birth, but the 38-year-old White House resident “views” his existence as one full of opportunities, not obstacles.

Terrell, the son of Penny West-Andrews and Kevin Jones, has traveled alone by plane multiple times, booked many Über rides, built a successful career, served on a national organization’s board of directors, and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of computer technology.

What he hasn’t done — and vows he’ll never do — is feel sorry for himself.  

Even though he doesn’t have the gift of sight, Terrell does have light perception, which allows him to know when conditions change from light to semi-dark to fully dark. To those who’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with him, this inspiring man is a bright beacon indeed.

“Being blind is who I am, but it doesn’t define me,” says Terrell, who is approaching his ninth year as a full-time call center specialist for Goodwill Industries. “Every day is a gift. There are challenges, sure, but none that can’t be overcome.”

Given that can-do spirit, it’s no surprise that Terrell says he can cook a mean steak or bang out a drum solo when the notion hits. Independence, he stresses, is very important to him.

Any encounter with Terrell is one where you’ll find him smiling while he reviews the true crime documentary he “watched” on television last night or shares details about the latest technological advancements aimed at helping the visually impaired. 

“I’ve told Terrell from an early age that sitting on the couch and doing nothing for the rest of his life would not be acceptable,” his mother, Penny West- Andrews, says. “To his credit, he’s embraced that and experienced a lot in his life. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

Terrell says one of his most satisfying endeavors was being a board member for Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), a not-for-profit organization which fosters the career development of blind computer professionals; promotes the use of computer technology by blind persons; and advocates for improved information access for all visually impaired people.

“It really helped me grow professionally and as a person,” he says. “I learned the importance of follow-up, follow through, and maintaining professionalism.”

Enthusiasm shines through when he talks about all things tech-related. He says one of the greatest advances for the visually impaired has been audio description, which describes important visual content for people unable to see the video playing.

“My first experience with audio description was an episode of ‘Law & Order’ and it changed my world,” Terrell explains. “It helped me socially. I could say, ‘Hey. I watched last night’s episode of Law & Order. What did you think of the outcome?’ You can have a conversation that centers on something else besides your disability.”

Terrell is an inspiration to us all. 

“He sees more than most people ever will,” his mother says. “He sees others through their heart.”

‍