As
I have mentioned in past posts I belong to a support group for people
with vision loss. At one point in time the age of our members ranged
from 21 to 99. Currently the age range is more like 40 to 85. However,
it’d isn’t age that draws us together. Rather, it is our shared
experience with the challenges associated with vision loss.
Sometimes
at our meetings we share the frustrations of not being able to see well
or not see at all. These conversations often include the frustrations
experienced by our care givers. Hopefully the discussion will also lead
to ways we can cope with these challenges. At other meetings we might
listen to a guest speaker or learn about a new assistive technology.
Always, we try to encourage each other.
At our
most recent meeting we decided to share some tips we might pass on to
someone who was at the beginning of vision loss. The suggestions varied
from practical tips in the kitchen (e.g., tactile bubbles on the surface
of a microwave) to general thoughts on the use of audio technology
available on phones and computers. We had divided into two groups for
this discussion. While one group focused on practical issues, the other
group talked about working with a sighted partner or friend.
Denis
and Denise spoke about this. Denise has mobility challenges and uses a
walking frame. However, she is unable to lift the frame into the trunk
of the car. Denis can’t see to drive but is perfectly able and willing
to do the physical lifting of the walker. Both Denis and Denise claimed
this was just one example of their team work.
I
am fortunate. I have always had support from Lyle and my family who
are all fully sighted. My close friends who are also sighted, are also
supportive and encouraging to me. Nevertheless, there is something very
special about the friendships I have developed within my support group.
There is a shared understanding of what it is like to be on this
journey with partial sight.
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