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Defining His Identity Interview with Anil Lewis , Executive Director , Jernigan Institute at National Federation of the Blind
by St . Cloud Student Makayla Christen , B . S . in Psychology
Anil Lewis grew up in Atlanta , Georgia , as the third of four children in his household . Two of Anil ' s siblings became blind from retinitis pigmentosa , which , later at the age of 25 , affected his sight . Lewis has learned to live by his motto , " Everyone has opinions , and everyone can have their perception of your worth , but you need to develop and understand your worth and uniqueness . You must define and advocate your own identity ".
Lewis attended Georgia State University , where he received his Bachelor ' s in Business Administration Degree for
Computer Information Systems . He then gained his Master ' s in Public Administration Degree for Public Policy . Lewis ' experience in working towards and obtaining his degrees was a significant motivation to him . This motivation made him strive to work at a bank , nonprofit , or in an advocacy setting . Lewis became blind and later recognized that he could reclaim himself as an individual after a long and personally challenging experience . This experience led to him changing career paths and wanting to allow other individuals to reclaim their lives . The National Federation of the Blind , a civil rights organization for blind individuals , shaped his work today . The blend of academic training and personal experience created his drive for advocacy ; in 2010 , he worked as chairman of the disability committee at Georgia state . The position allowed Lewis to bring ability awareness to campus and make the campus more accessible to individuals such as himself and others who are within the disabilities community . Lewis is a very wellrounded and accomplished individual that found many meanings and outlooks within the various positions and advocacy roles he has held .