"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
-
Episode 18
Sheri shares with us how the love for her horses helped her find purpose and peace.
-
Episode 17
Kendra shares with us how a visit to a low vision center gave her more than she ever expected.
-
Episode 16
Listen to Carol's story as she shares how owning her changing vision gave her the drive to discover useful resources and realize that it's important—and okay—to ask for help when she needs it.
-
Episode 15
Listen in as Chuck shares how he found hope in a chance encounter.
-
Episode 14
Listen in as Kara shares how she found new ways to express herself in her love of visual art, and redefining a meaningful life.
-
Episode 13
Listen in as Leah shares how it finally clicked for her—the realization that she's not alone.
-
Episode 12
Hear how Axel set one goal at a time and slowly took the steps to rebuild his skills, reengage in his art, and reestablish his emotional well being.
-
Episode 11
Gregory shares how finding a mentor made all the difference in the world to him, and his entire family.
-
Episode 10
Listen in as we hear from Sarah. For her, hearing a blind architect's story changed her perspective on what was possible.
-
Episode 9
Listen in as Tom shares how leaning on his faith helps him adjust to vision loss.
-
Episode 8
Pat shares with us the choices she made when faced with a visual impairment.
-
Episode 7
Darryl shares with us how a referral to a low vision specialist was where his life with vision loss began to turn around.