"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 81
When Eddie lost a fair amount of vision, she was scared and didn’t know how she was going to cope. But she found a source of strength and inspiration.
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Episode 80
As Kenneth lost most of his sight to glaucoma, he was feeling increasingly isolated and alone. Then he made a commitment, forcing himself to find ways to stay connected to the rest of the world.
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Episode 79
When Carol Lee was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, she was angry and frustrated. Over time, resentment began to fade a bit and the shock wore off. Gradually, her perspective started to shift.
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Episode 78
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
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Episode 77
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
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Episode 76
Nikki has lost her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease. While she appreciates positive bits of advice and encouragement, she also stays grounded in the struggles she's facing and knows others do, too. She's feeling the loss.
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Episode 75
When a favorite hobby became more difficult for Dianne due to glaucoma, she learned to tap into something else. It turned out to be the ideal thing.
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Episode 74
Peter's sight slowly but steadily worsened over the course of several years. When he had to give up driving, his self-image took a hit. Working through his emotions has helped him cope and adjust.
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Episode 73
Sherry's vision loss has been gradual yet relentless. Asking for help to do things she used to be able to do on her own is a challenge for her, as it is for many. But she's finding some new tools and new ways to do things.
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Episode 72
Carolyn lost much of her vision after several glaucoma surgeries, leaving her feeling angry and discouraged. But a familiar childhood story inspired her to keep trying, even when tasks seemed impossible.
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Episode 71
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
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Episode 70
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.