Edward DeBrae

Briefly describe your daily job duties.

On a daily basis I receive patients’ contact lens prescription (CL Rx), process payments accordingly, and manage shipping. Occasionally I will schedule exams and verify vision insurance, collaborating with optometrists or ophthalmologists.

As a person who stutters, share the most challenging part of your job.

As a person who stutters, the most challenging aspect of my job is sounding out the eye diseases, conditions, and medications, as well as various patient names. Everyday, I try to get my name clearly without stuttering.

What are your long-term career aspirations?

I have always wanted to be a published author.

Did you self-disclose your stuttering during the job hiring process? If so, how did you do it and how do you currently disclose your stuttering to unsuspecting co-workers, clients and or customers?

I did not disclose my stutter.

What is your proudest moment at your current company?

Each time I manage to say my name! For years, I have bullied for not being able to say my own name in school or in public settings, and when I said my name the first time at my job, I felt so proud of myself.

What’s your best advice for people who stutter just entering the workplace and for those in a career striving to achieve greater success?

Take your time and don’t feel discouraged. It’s hard knowing that you have so much to say with passion but your body doesn’t always let you. You more than the words you speak!