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Visually Impaired People (VIP) Organization, Inc. President and CEO William Bowman presented the 2019 VIP Person of the Year award to Dana Brech on Wednesday afternoon.

“Each year we try to find people out in the community that are doing outstanding service for our community while overcoming the obstacles that [visually-impaired] people face,” said Bowman.

Bowman commended Brech for her 24 years of work at the Dallas County E-911 Office where she works in data management.

Brech, and the other employees at the E-911 Office, answer calls and dispatch responders from the Selma Police Department (SPD), Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Selma Fire Department (SFD).

Brech said she enjoys being a part of something and helping others.

“I may have to do things a little different but I can help just like other people can,” she said.

Brech said that when she was hired, in 1995, it felt great to finally find a job where she could help others.

“It was a great feeling. For a long time, it was difficult for me to find a job,” she said. “A lot of the time, when people find out you have a disability, they don’t want to give you a chance. They don’ want to look past what you can’t do and see what you can do.”

Breach said she was honored to be presented with the award on Wednesday.

As the recipient of the award, she hopes she can inspire others with disabilities.

“Don’t give up,” said Brech. “You can do anything you put your mind to. Keep trying and do your best.”