A few years back, I suddenly woke up to the fact that I was having trouble reading newspaper, magazine and book print and that my distance vision was somewhat hazy (not clear & sharp). Naturally, I thought I needed new glasses.
After a series of tests with my optometrist, I was sent to an ophthalmologist for another series of tests. The results indicated that macular degeneration had set in to a point where the verdict was "No further visual improvement can be gained through optometric or medical/surgical channels; you are legally blind!"
Anyone hearing these words goes through an emotional series of shock, distress and disbelief. Then comes depression and feeling sorry for yourself--or the "why me" factor. At least this was my reaction.
One day, I sat down and had a long talk with myself, saying, "This is ridiculous; you can cope with this situation, so do something about it." And so, with the help of friends, I started to investigate where help could be found.
I discovered that every state offers rehabilitation services that are supported by state and federal funds. These are provided through counselors, teachers and caseworkers and include in home teaching. Sources of service are often local offices of state vocational rehabilitation services. I contacted the nearest office in my region and made arrangements for an in home counselor.
The first step is to accept that one is legally blind. Then, you can take charge and help yourself. Beginning with the identification of voices (tones), I discovered everyone has a distinctive voice that I can use to identify them. Eventually, I learned to identify all types of sounds and to operate a talking clock, to use a magnifier lamp, etc. The counselors were marvelous, concerned and devoted people. Mainly, they worked to instill confidence.
One day, my counselor said he had gone as far as he could and suggested that I apply to a Blind Rehabilitation Center to further develop my skills. (Incidentally, do not let that word "blind" stop you--and don't be afraid to contact an agency that includes the word "blind" or "braille" in its name. Almost all such agencies work with the totally blind and the partially sighted/visually impaired.)
I did apply to one of these agencies and was accepted. What an eye opener it was (no pun intended) when I discovered that almost 90 percent of persons who are visually impaired still have some remaining, and often very useful, vision. Here is where the use of peripheral vision comes in.
In my case, when looking straight ahead like a sighted person with normal vision does, I found my central vision area to be a blank spot and that my vision was extremely blurred. Learning how to "look around" the central blind area took some doing. You have to retrain the eye completely, but when the art of sliding beyond the blind area is learned, a whole new world opens up to you once more and what a glorious feeling that is!
You are also trained to use a cane as a mobility aid. Communication skills are also taught and I learned to use a computer along with handwriting aids, digital recorders, signature guides and check templates. When necessary, reading and writing skills using braille is also covered.
After an evaluation of usable vision is made, you receive recommendations regarding helpful optical aids. Not knowing that such aids even existed, I was fascinated and delighted to discover them. Using small, magnifier lens reading glasses has enabled me to read regular small print. Of course, I had to hold the article being read practically up to my nose and learn to use the peripheral technique and to "read" very slowly, but it works!
For viewing television, there is a binocular aid which is worn the same as a pair of glasses that magnifies screen characters and print. Also, you can purchase vertical overlay magnifiers that are set in front of your TV screen. The two combined make TV watching quite pleasant.
Another item is a pair of fairly large magnified lenses for viewing distant items and a small hand monocular that enables me to locate and read street signs. These items are handy in stores to help me locate the aisle for a needed item and to read labels and prices.
Centers and clinics for the blind give you so much that it is hard to describe. Their programs usually are scheduled five days a week and last for two months or more depending on your visual impairment. They offer group discussions, usually once a week, which are most helpful and when I heard others who had been in the program longer than I talking about how they were overcoming problems, I came to believe "if they can, I can, too." With this new confidence I pushed and tried a little harder each day.
I went into this program feeling incompetent and helpless--but I came out bursting with confidence and ready to take on any challenge that came my way. I now do household and yard chores with ease and I have gone back to my favorite sport of bowling. Of course, my scores are not high, but it is wonderful exercise and being back with a social group is a delight.
In addition, other types of instructional programs are available; for example programs exist to teach the blind or visually impaired how to golf, ski or fish. Personally, I chose to experiment with knitting, crochet and other types of needlework, and I even tried painting. I find I do them quite well (of course, I still may need some help from family, friends or neighbors when I do certain things, such as getting to the market, or whatever.)
Sometimes, it is a little difficult to "train" helpers. Their first reaction is to either push or pull you, or they are constantly telling you to step up, down, or around or to turn this way or that. This can be corrected quickly by simply advising them of what works best for you; that is, by saying something like: "Let me walk a step behind you and I will lightly hold your arm just above the elbow. This way, I am guided by the movements of your body."
In fact, I taught this procedure to my best friend. We worked together so well that we took off on a trip to Europe and roamed the countryside of Turkey. What I could not "see" with my visual aids, she described. It was a wonderful experience.
This article by Joy M. Harris first appeared in Dialogue 36 (Spring 1997) and is reprinted with permission from the publisher. Dialogue magazine is published in braille, large print, 4-track cassette and IBM compatible 3.5-inch diskette.
