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For Greg DeWall, staying active and involved in the community has always been an essential part of life. After losing his sight in 1997, he found a new path that combined his love of sports with his professional career. Today, he helps others stay active and engaged.
Today, Greg works as an assistant supervisor at the Easterday Recreation Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he helps develop and implement adaptive recreation programs for youth and adults with disabilities. His work includes organizing clubs and coordinating summer camps. It also supports Special Olympics activities that encourage participation, health and community outreach.
Greg’s dedication to sports and entertainment extends far beyond his professional career. A long-time judoka athlete, he has trained for over two decades and won a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. His experience in competitive sports helped shape his outlook on life and career path.
Grow up active
Greg describes his childhood as an “all-American kid” who loved spending time outdoors and participating in sports.
“I played all sports including baseball, football, wrestling, basketball and soccer,” he says. “But I especially loved being outside hunting, fishing, biking and water skiing.”
After losing his sight, Greg was encouraged by his doctor to try judo as a way to stay physically active. Because of his background in wrestling, the transition seemed natural.
“I fell in love with judo because of how similar it is to wrestling,” Greg explains.
This passion eventually evolved into a competitive pursuit and a way to inspire others.
Entertainment in the blind and visually impaired community
Greg’s interest in recreation led to a degree in therapeutic recreation, preparing him to support individuals with disabilities through physical activity, health programs, and community engagement.
Prior to his current position, Greg served as a supervisor at the Nebraska Center for the Blind, where he coordinated recreation and health opportunities for clients. These programs included activities such as fishing, zip lining, geocaching, and nutrition education. It is designed to encourage participants to increase their physical activity. He also helped implement a wellness program that provided participants with Fitbits. The aim was to encourage increased physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Earlier in his career, Greg worked for the Association of the Blind in Sacramento, California, where he held several roles including Social and Recreation Programs Coordinator, Vocational Programs Coordinator, and Lead Orientation and Mobility Coach.
In those roles, Greg organized and led weekly recreational classes. Activities included cycling, yoga, dancing, judo, skiing, archery, bowling and walking clubs. He also developed a fitness challenge program that provided clients with free fitness trackers and created a supportive community to help participants stay motivated and active.
Lead by example
Greg believes strongly in leading by example. His background in athletics and recreation has shown him how physical activity can support confidence, independence, and career growth.
In addition to competing in judo, Greg shared his experience with others by serving as an assistant judo coach, teaching the sport to children and teenagers. His job training and leading recreational activities helped prepare him for a career supporting people with disabilities through adaptive recreation.
He later expanded that experience through therapeutic recreation training, arranging and leading programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Greg’s professional advice
Greg encourages students and job seekers with vision loss to actively participate in fields that interest them. It also emphasizes building relationships with others in those communities.
“The things that lead to career success are engagement and communication with people who can guide and support you,” he says.
Individuals interested in recreational or therapeutic services are advised to seek volunteer opportunities and community participation.
“Insert yourself into the community you eventually want to work in,” Greg says. “If you are interested in therapeutic recreation, get involved with your local Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, or community recreation center.”
Through a combination of passion, perseverance, and community involvement, Greg has built a career that allows him to stay connected to the activities he loves while helping others discover the benefits of recreation and physical activity.
Get to know Greg in career conversations
Sign up here for our highly acclaimed career talk series Monday, March 23 at 3pm where we will interview Greg DeWall, Parks and Recreation, Assistant Center Superintendent. This webinar series is designed for youth and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, as well as parents, educators, and rehabilitation practitioners to hear how adults who are blind or visually impaired do their jobs.
