"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
Presented by Douglas Walker
Douglas: Hello, and welcome to the Insights and Sound Bites podcast, where people facing vision loss share insights about what has helped them cope and adjust.
Karen: The issues I have, I don’t always recognize people, especially if I don’t see them very often.
Douglas: My name is Douglas Walker. When living with low vision, we often end up in situations where we’re having to explain what we can or can’t see. Today, we’ll hear from Karen. Karen shares with us, how she found a tool that explains everything.
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.
Douglas: Is there an insight you’d like to share? I‘d love to hear from you. You can leave me a voicemail by calling, 847-512-4867. Or, you can email me a recording to [email protected]. Again, my name is Douglas Walker. Take care and I’ll see you next time.
All Episodes
-
Episode 31
This week we hear from Appreciate. She found that a Facebook group, The International Blind Cafe, gave her a source of comfort and encouragement.
-
Episode 30
Marian's inner voice had her living in fear. Listen in as she shares how she redirected that voice to be more helpful for her.
-
Episode 29
This week Dorrie shares how technology has made all the difference for her in living with vision loss.
-
Episode 28
Today we hear from Ed who shares how the source of hope for him has changed with time.
-
Episode 27
Listen in as Cindy shares how advice from her son helped her adjust to her new normal.
-
Episode 26
Listen in as Tim recalls a conversation with a store clerk and how it helped him adjust to life with vision loss.
-
Episode 25
Listen in as Alice shares a boyfriend's advice from many years ago. Words that give her hope, even today.
-
Episode 24
Listen in as Bill shares how a chance encounter changed his perspective on vision loss.
-
Episode 23
Listen in as Ruth shares how her frustration and impatience turned around with just one phone call.
-
Episode 22
Listen in as Sam shares how he struggled trying to hide his vision loss-and how he finally turned the corner.
-
Episode 21
Listen in as Eugenia describes how her own determination and the support of friends helped her keep moving forward.
-
Episode 20
Listen in as Zenobia shares how she found the support and strength she needed.