Jesus’ ExploreAbility Transformation

On-Screen: Dark text on a white background reads: “HKSB Success Story: Jesus’ ExploreAbility Transformation” with the Helen Keller Services for the Blind logo on top. The scene than changes to two images, one of a group of children and adults wearing light green t-shirts, and one of Jesus, a young man wearing a light blue suit holding a tray of mini-wraps. The scene finally changes to a woman wearing a pink dress standing in front of a large glasses display case speaking.

Female Voiceover Translator: Good afternoon, my name is Margarita Ocegedo. Jesus is my son. Jesus had a tumor— a cancerous tumor in his brain 15 years ago. He was two and a half. After that, it ruined his vision. Little by little, doctors noticed that his vision was decreasing. He had cataracts, and there was great probability he would lose his vision. That’s when I noticed that he was a special needs child.

On-Screen: The scene changes to a white background with black text that reads: “When did Jesus participate in HKSB’s ExploreAbility Program?” The scene then changes back to the woman speaking.

Female Voiceover Translator: He came as a youth. Two years ago, he came and participated in the program. It was an experience— a great experience. I’m very thankful to God for learning about this program. My son was not independent.

On-Screen: B-Roll footage of Jesus wearing a blue shirt walking down the street, pushing buttons on an IV machine, tucking a young boy into bed, and helping lift a young boy out of bed. The scene then changes back to the woman speaking.

Female Voiceover Translator: From the first to the second year, he changed. He’s not afraid of life. He says if I’m not with him, he’s He learned how to take care of his little brother. He changes his diaper, he changes my son’s position in bed, going to take care of his little brother. He feels useful! He feels that he’s capable of doing a lot of things. He’s got a different mentality, and I’m thankful to God and this program for putting Helen Keller in my path.

On-Screen: B-Roll footage of Jesus wearing a blue shirt scooping oatmeal flakes into a glass bowl, turning the dial on a stove, and ladling hot water from a small pot on the stove into a glass bowl.

Female Voiceover Translator: It’s not just a benefit for him, it’s a benefit for the entire family, it’s a benefit for me. Before, I was scared. I was scared of dying. I was scared of leaving them alone because they’re both special needs. But now I learned, and I feel Jesus helps me. He helps me to be strong.

On-Screen: The scene changes to a white background with black text that reads: “Have Jesus’ abilities changed since participating in the program?” The scene then changes back to the woman speaking.

Female Voiceover Translator: Before he learned about Helen Keller, I never thought that he would say “Mom, I’m going to earn money and I’m going to take you to buy a new dress.” and now he tells me. I always thought of being with him like he was going to be tied to me, and it’s not like that.

On-Screen: B-Roll footage of Jesus wearing a blue shirt crossing a large street on his own, passing people walking in the opposite direction to him.

Female Voiceover Translator: Now he says “I want to work, I want to have my own money, I want to take you out, I want to buy you your dress.” I feel good. I feel happy. I never thought he would speak to me that way.

On-Screen: The scene changes to a white background with black text that reads: “Meet Jesus!” The scene then changes to a young man with glasses wearing a white button down shirt standing in front of a bookcase.

Jesus: My name is Jesus, and I like this program ‘cuz I learn here, ‘cuz like, cooking, art, and also I always color with my assistant (job coach), I always use my iPod Touch, and I always use money reader, and the reader thing, and ‘cuz it’s always helped me. I always go outside and buy some food, like, I always do the snack bar, and I always go to trips, and… that’s it.

On-Screen: The scene changes to a white background with black text that reads: “What would you tell other people about Helen Keller Services?” The scene then changes back to a the woman speaking.

Female Voiceover Translator: I’m so thankful that people are supporting this cause. A million thanks for everything you’ve done. And please continue to help the foundations (HKS) that support this program because many people don’t realize all of the children they’re helping. Thank you.

On-Screen: The scene changes to Jesus wearing a blue shirt walking over to a woman and giving her a hug, then walking to a man and giving him a hug. White text reads ““Thank you for helping me, and for the program. It helped me take care of my brother” – Jesus Ocegedo”. The scene then changes to a white background with dark text that reads: “Help us Bridge the Future! Learn more at www.helenkeller.org/hks/get-involved” with the Helen Keller Services Tri-Logo on the bottom. [End of Transcript]