Raymond Kwong

“Life has its own plans, and sometimes you’ve just got to go with the flow” - Raymond

How long have you worked for DRC?

7 years. 

What do you do in your current role?

I’m an Advocate with the Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) team. I provide people with information and assistance. Usually when people call us, we’re their last resort. It’s rewarding when I can provide them with resources that can resolve their issues.

I enjoy comedies and science shows. I like Bill Nye. I’m a huge science nerd, I actually wanted to go into chemistry and computer science when I was younger. I also recently rewatched all three of Ali Wong’s standup specials.

Do you have a connection to the disability community that you’d like to share?

I am visually impaired—I have what is called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), or just Leber’s for short. It's my little joke that I like to say I have enough vision to get in and out of trouble. I can generally see what's around me, but I can't really make out fine details and I can't tell colors.

What is something unique about DRC that you haven’t experienced at a previous job?

The emphasis on work life balance. I appreciate that the staff I work with and my supervisor are accommodating to family and pet emergencies.

What is something unique about you (a fun fact) that few people are aware of?

I was born in Hong Kong. I can speak conversational Cantonese, mainly with my family. I also played piano in Hong Kong. I used to play in malls and at small concerts. I can still remember where my fingers go on the piano, but that’s it.

I am a LEGO enthusiast. I like working with my hands and building things; it goes into my science background. When I work on a project, I make it so it’s accessible for me with a combination of my phone (if I need to take a picture of anything to magnify it) and finding instructions on the internet. When I do work on a project, I need three different desks around my chair — it takes up most of the living space here.

If you could tell your 13-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

To take opportunities that are presented to you. Don’t be afraid of change—when I was younger, I wanted to go into computer science or chemistry, and then I switched majors to psychology because it’s always been interesting to me what motivates people to act the way they do.

An example would be when I had the opportunity to join the youth leadership institute at Asian and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC). That led me to apply to DRC. Life has its own plans, and sometimes you’ve just got to go with the flow.

What is an accomplishment that shaped or impacted your career?

I started a support group with my sister and her friends called “Survive or Thrive.” It was a support group for blind, visually impaired transitioning high school students. Doing outreach, connecting with parents and the community, those are skills that I still use today.

Do you have a “motto”? If so, what is it?

“Always look on the bright side of life” the song from Monty Python and the Holy Grail’s “Life of Brian.” I think that’s very much me. I don’t really have a motto, but that’s something I really go by. Things can be grim, but there’s always a silver lining.

How would your friends and family describe you?

Quirky, I’m just weird in ways. loyal because I am very dedicated to my friends and family. I would drop anything if my friends and family needed help. Reliable. Fun.

How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?

I’m a full-time dog wrangler. I have two dogs—husky-shepherd mixes, they are blood sisters from two separate litters, Artemis (2-years-old) and Iris (10 months old). Keeping them entertained and healthy is a second full time job.

I also enjoy videogames and LEGOs. I have a few LEGO projects that are backlogged right now, a huge bat-mobile and a Back to the Future DeLorean. When it comes to games, I enjoy roleplaying games. I am currently playing the new Zelda.