Story
Shirley relentlessly pursued her dreams
In loving memory of Shirley Ham (1953-2020).
Although Shirley Ham was born legally blind due to retinopathy of prematurity, she grew up believing that she could do anything once she set her mind on it. She went to elementary school with other children who were blind at Washington Park Elementary and was then mainstreamed into local schools. After attending the University of Cincinnati, she served as a social worker for almost 30 years. Working for organizations like the Salvation Army and the Council on Aging, Shirley assisted many people in need.
Things change every day and I received ongoing assistance with low vision aids, access technology to be able to do my work, and safe travel training to be able to visit my clients in the field. I tried to be upbeat and stay positive since there were always more people who needed help.