"That really changed my life"
Living with low vision meant Karen was constantly explaining to others what she can and can't see. Then she found a tool that has made a big difference.
Hadley
That really changed my life
Karen: The issues I have, I don’t always recognize people, especially if I don’t see them very often.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Karen: My name is Karen. I'm from New York City. I have low vision. I can read if I hold paper up to my nose or use magnifiers, but the issues I have, and I don't know if it's getting worse or I'm just becoming more aware of it, I don't always recognize people, especially if I don't see them very often.
But the thing that really has changed my life was during the pandemic, I somehow became involved with ACB, the American Council of the Blind, and also its affiliate, the Councils of Citizens with Low Vision International, CCLVI. And even more recently, I've become active with the Greater New York Council of the Blind.
It was mentioned to me that there's such a thing as an identity cane. Now, an identity cane is used to let people know you have a visual problem. It's thin, it folds up into my purse, whereas a mobility cane, it's bigger and it's meant for people to find their way.
And so, I think having the identity cane answers some questions for people regarding my behavior and my eyes. In most cases, people are friendly and respectful. They realize, "Okay," and they may even think I'm totally blind, but that's okay because it gets me what I need. But I find that it’s made a big difference.
Marc: You never know who might need to hear your story. If you’d like to share with us, just leave us a message on our Insights & Sound Bites voicemail. By calling, 847-512-4867. Or, you can use your smartphone or computer and email us a recording to [email protected].
All Episodes
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Episode 60
Diabetic retinopathy has taken more and more of Charles' vision. To cope, he is learning new approaches to life AND leaning into areas of passion that don't rely on sight.
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Episode 59
Bruce's vision had been decreasing for years. When it reached the point where he was tripping over objects and bumping into people, he felt embarrassed and kept his vision loss a secret. His wife convinced him to try something new.
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Episode 58
Marie grieved the loss of her vision, and still does. Yet, on a sunny August morning, she came to a realization that made all the difference in the world.
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Episode 57
Terry's doctor told him, "There's nothing more we can do. You'll never drive again," and he was distraught. Then he recalled his military days as a Marine and sailor, and that got him through.
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Episode 56
When Emma lost her sight in just a few months, she struggled to cope. She felt alone, her insecurities grew, and self-esteem plummeted. With time, she came to a new understanding and that helped her tremendously.
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Episode 55
Dave calls his experience with vision loss a slow torture. In the face of this, however, he has found a sense of inspiration in explorers, history, and an activity you wouldn't typically connect with vision loss, sightseeing.
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Episode 54
When Albert's vision decreased to the point that he could no longer read print anymore, he found it stressful. But he's found a new source of comfort that helps him quite a bit.
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Episode 53
Jayne can feel isolated living with her eye disease, spending much of her days forcing herself to focus on things that have become blurry. The stress can be overwhelming, causing her to shut down. But there's one area of life that now brings her more joy than ever before.
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Episode 52
When Jeffry lost his sight, he felt a loss of control, a loss of dignity. Then, he began his long road to empowerment, one small goal at a time.
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Episode 51
Marilyn went through bouts of anxiety and depression with her vision loss and still grieves the loss several years into her journey. She also decided to do something for herself which has helped tremendously.
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Episode 50
Learning to live with vision loss wasn't always easy for Pam. But with time, her bad days are fewer.
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Episode 49
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.
The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"