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  • A Young Man On The Move

  • Being Deaf-blind Isn't a Disability for Jason, By Guest Writer Peggy O'Dell

Jason Corning with Leader Dog "Spencer"

Leader Dog graduate Jason Corning has visited his favorite city, Washington D.C., many times. In 2007, he even completed his college internship there with the Department of Homeland Security. Like many visitors to D.C., Jason and his Leader Dog "Spencer" toured the White House, visited the monuments and soaked up the history. But on a special trip last summer, Jason did something that most people can only dream about: he met with President Barack Obama in the White House.

As the recipient of the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children "Yes I Can" award, Jason was one of six young adults invited to meet the president. The day began with a private tour of the White House, which included rooms that are not part of the public tour, and ended in the Oval Office.

Jason and Spencer were privileged to meet President Obama at the White House.

The President was waiting in the doorway of the Oval Office to greet them, and Jason was the first to meet him and shake his hand. "He is taller than I thought he was, and he has a nice smile," Jason recalled.

President Obama congratulated the group on their accomplishments, and pledged the support of his administration to the Deaf-blind community. Jason thought that even Spencer sensed what a special occasion it was. "He just stared at the President like he honored him too," Jason said. Spencer was rewarded with a presidential pat on the head.

At 23, Jason is a young man on the move. As a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, he spent time studying in Ireland, and found the Irish to be very welcoming to people with disabilities and their service dogs.

"The Irish people treated Spencer like he was a person," Jason said. "They didn't come up to him and start to pet him or make comments, and they didn't mind him sitting on a seat in the bus, sleeping in a public hostel bed, or parking in a private garden." One tour bus driver even produced a blanket for Spencer to lie on to make him more comfortable.

At home, Jason travels the country working with teens and young adults at Deaf-blind camps, schools and conferences. From rainy Seattle to sunny Georgia, Jason enjoys his role as mentor. "I want to spread the word that Deaf-blind people have value," he said. "And help them to get into the real business world like 'normal' peers and become successful."

Jason received his Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in May 2009, and shortly after began interviewing for a position with the federal government. He is not allowed to disclose any details yet, but he has received a Conditional Job Offer. "A CJO means that they offer you the job but it's not official yet until the clearance is complete," Jason explained.

If all goes well, Jason will be packing up and moving to Washington D.C. permanently. One of the many things he likes about the city is how easy it is to get around. "There are so many options of public transportation, like the metro, city bus, and train," he said. Perfect for a young man on the move.

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