WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.589 --> 00:00:03.089 (soft music) 2 00:00:04.080 --> 00:00:06.390 Welcome to "Hadley Presents." 3 00:00:06.390 --> 00:00:08.400 I'm your host, Ricky Enger, 4 00:00:08.400 --> 00:00:11.370 inviting you to sit back, relax, 5 00:00:11.370 --> 00:00:14.490 and enjoy a conversation with the experts. 6 00:00:14.490 --> 00:00:16.680 In this episode, we share tips 7 00:00:16.680 --> 00:00:19.680 for attending a house of worship with vision loss, 8 00:00:19.680 --> 00:00:22.320 and our guest is Pastor Scott Himel. 9 00:00:22.320 --> 00:00:24.180 Welcome to the show, Scott. 10 00:00:24.180 --> 00:00:26.187 Thank you so much Ricky for having me on 11 00:00:26.187 --> 00:00:27.137 Hadley Presents. 12 00:00:28.237 --> 00:00:29.070 It's a pleasure to be here with you. 13 00:00:29.070 --> 00:00:32.250 Well, we are delighted that you could join us. 14 00:00:32.250 --> 00:00:36.960 We choose these topics not just by sitting around 15 00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:39.360 and thinking about hmm, what should we talk about? 16 00:00:39.360 --> 00:00:42.630 But actually, by hearing from people, 17 00:00:42.630 --> 00:00:47.127 hearing from our listeners and what's important to them. 18 00:00:47.127 --> 00:00:50.880 And this topic is one that has come up quite a bit. 19 00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:54.510 So, I'm delighted that you could be here 20 00:00:54.510 --> 00:00:58.050 and just share some tips with us. 21 00:00:58.050 --> 00:01:02.220 Before we get into the practical aspects 22 00:01:02.220 --> 00:01:04.590 and some logistics to consider, 23 00:01:04.590 --> 00:01:06.960 why don't we start by just 24 00:01:06.960 --> 00:01:09.570 having you tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, 25 00:01:09.570 --> 00:01:12.780 what you do, what your background is, that kind of thing? 26 00:01:12.780 --> 00:01:13.613 Sure. 27 00:01:13.613 --> 00:01:14.700 So, I'm senior pastor 28 00:01:14.700 --> 00:01:17.160 of North Shore United Methodist Church located 29 00:01:17.160 --> 00:01:19.680 in Glencoe, Illinois, just north of Chicago. 30 00:01:19.680 --> 00:01:21.120 We're a welcoming, inclusive, 31 00:01:21.120 --> 00:01:23.190 and service-oriented congregation. 32 00:01:23.190 --> 00:01:24.450 If you're in the area, we'd love for you 33 00:01:24.450 --> 00:01:26.310 to visit us anytime. 34 00:01:26.310 --> 00:01:30.510 I also have low vision and it's a result of my albinism, 35 00:01:30.510 --> 00:01:31.770 which I've had since birth. 36 00:01:31.770 --> 00:01:34.440 And I think it's helpful just to offer some examples 37 00:01:34.440 --> 00:01:36.510 of what I do see and don't see. 38 00:01:36.510 --> 00:01:39.300 So, I'm right on the edge of legal blindness 39 00:01:39.300 --> 00:01:41.280 and I have good peripheral vision. 40 00:01:41.280 --> 00:01:43.080 I can see everything anyone else can see, 41 00:01:43.080 --> 00:01:45.150 but it's low resolution. 42 00:01:45.150 --> 00:01:48.090 I just went on a fishing trip, and I can see where to cast, 43 00:01:48.090 --> 00:01:51.060 see the fish, but the line and some of the finer details 44 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:51.900 are really hard for me. 45 00:01:51.900 --> 00:01:53.370 I can play basketball, 46 00:01:53.370 --> 00:01:54.990 but shorter passes are better for me. 47 00:01:54.990 --> 00:01:57.060 A long pass I might miss the basketball. 48 00:01:57.060 --> 00:02:00.990 That just gives you a rough sense of what I see. 49 00:02:00.990 --> 00:02:02.760 My remarks today are going to emerge 50 00:02:02.760 --> 00:02:06.450 from my lived experience of a person with low vision, 51 00:02:06.450 --> 00:02:09.720 and I'm hoping that will help in particular, 52 00:02:09.720 --> 00:02:11.280 a person who also has low vision 53 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:15.300 and how to remain active in the life of her 54 00:02:15.300 --> 00:02:17.310 or his faith community. 55 00:02:17.310 --> 00:02:20.820 Some of my tips may help someone with total blindness, 56 00:02:20.820 --> 00:02:22.950 some may not, and I'll try to bear that 57 00:02:22.950 --> 00:02:23.970 in mind as I'm speaking. 58 00:02:23.970 --> 00:02:27.390 But I think primarily, it will be for those with low vision. 59 00:02:27.390 --> 00:02:28.676 Perfect. 60 00:02:28.676 --> 00:02:30.120 Thank you for setting that expectation. 61 00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:31.110 That helps. 62 00:02:31.110 --> 00:02:36.030 So I know that even before we get into talking 63 00:02:36.030 --> 00:02:41.030 about the service itself and how to navigate that, 64 00:02:41.610 --> 00:02:44.970 one of the biggest problems that people tend 65 00:02:44.970 --> 00:02:48.060 to have is how do I even get there, 66 00:02:48.060 --> 00:02:51.150 especially if I don't know anyone yet 67 00:02:51.150 --> 00:02:54.960 and I'm looking for a new faith community to belong to? 68 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:58.380 Maybe I've just moved or for any number 69 00:02:58.380 --> 00:03:01.050 of reasons people may find themselves 70 00:03:01.050 --> 00:03:04.530 in that situation where they're struggling 71 00:03:04.530 --> 00:03:07.950 to even get to a service. 72 00:03:07.950 --> 00:03:11.430 Are there ways that people can approach this 73 00:03:11.430 --> 00:03:14.700 and get that consistent transportation 74 00:03:14.700 --> 00:03:17.820 to just get there and get back home? 75 00:03:17.820 --> 00:03:18.780 Absolutely. 76 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:21.840 There are several options for a person to consider 77 00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:23.520 and I'd just like to first mention 78 00:03:23.520 --> 00:03:26.280 that this is a tough issue, 79 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.440 to have transportation struggles. 80 00:03:28.440 --> 00:03:30.990 I have a lot of empathy for it because I've gone through it, 81 00:03:30.990 --> 00:03:32.403 and I don't drive. 82 00:03:33.240 --> 00:03:36.630 There are days you just say, "Man, if I just had a car." 83 00:03:36.630 --> 00:03:40.020 But naming that and that emotional struggle, 84 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:43.320 then I think as a person with any disability in life, 85 00:03:43.320 --> 00:03:46.740 it's necessary to say, "Okay, that's true. 86 00:03:46.740 --> 00:03:47.700 I don't have a car. 87 00:03:47.700 --> 00:03:51.660 And there are actually several options at my disposal 88 00:03:51.660 --> 00:03:53.430 that I have to consider 89 00:03:53.430 --> 00:03:56.880 in order to overcome this challenge that is in front of me." 90 00:03:56.880 --> 00:03:59.520 I think you'll see that as we just list these. 91 00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:03.240 So, the ideal is if you have a family member 92 00:04:03.240 --> 00:04:05.100 or someone who lives in your household 93 00:04:05.100 --> 00:04:07.770 who also belongs to the faith community 94 00:04:07.770 --> 00:04:10.200 and you can ride with her or him, 95 00:04:10.200 --> 00:04:12.150 but let's assume that's not the case 96 00:04:12.150 --> 00:04:14.310 and that's where I think it gets more complicated. 97 00:04:14.310 --> 00:04:17.160 So going in order of what I would just imagine 98 00:04:17.160 --> 00:04:19.410 at a broad level that would be easy 99 00:04:19.410 --> 00:04:21.960 and then getting to the more complicated, 100 00:04:21.960 --> 00:04:24.630 carpooling with another church member 101 00:04:24.630 --> 00:04:26.100 is another great option. 102 00:04:26.100 --> 00:04:27.600 And if you go down that route, 103 00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:29.850 I would consider lining up two or three people 104 00:04:29.850 --> 00:04:31.260 because somebody travels. 105 00:04:31.260 --> 00:04:33.960 If it's one person and they're gone, 106 00:04:33.960 --> 00:04:36.450 then your whole system doesn't work for that week, 107 00:04:36.450 --> 00:04:37.980 and it could be a really important Sunday 108 00:04:37.980 --> 00:04:39.600 that you want to be there, or they can get sick. 109 00:04:39.600 --> 00:04:41.850 So having a few people is like your bench. 110 00:04:41.850 --> 00:04:44.820 You've got your people you can call on. 111 00:04:44.820 --> 00:04:47.100 And if you need help figuring out 112 00:04:47.100 --> 00:04:50.730 who can be on your team to help you reach the church, 113 00:04:50.730 --> 00:04:52.290 talk to the church administrator. 114 00:04:52.290 --> 00:04:53.850 Your church admin knows everything. 115 00:04:53.850 --> 00:04:56.760 They know everyone and they know who lives near you, 116 00:04:56.760 --> 00:04:58.380 and that's really important. 117 00:04:58.380 --> 00:05:00.660 That will help you to not feel like the person 118 00:05:00.660 --> 00:05:02.970 is going way out of their way to pick you up. 119 00:05:02.970 --> 00:05:03.900 Some people, by the way, 120 00:05:03.900 --> 00:05:05.250 don't care if they have to go out of their way, 121 00:05:05.250 --> 00:05:07.080 especially if they know you and have a relationship, 122 00:05:07.080 --> 00:05:09.510 but even so, it helps you feel good 123 00:05:09.510 --> 00:05:11.220 if you know they're in your neighborhood 124 00:05:11.220 --> 00:05:13.230 and it's no big deal for them to pick you up. 125 00:05:13.230 --> 00:05:15.540 Larger churches may have a church van 126 00:05:15.540 --> 00:05:18.873 and that's a great option if that exists. 127 00:05:20.130 --> 00:05:22.920 Smaller churches probably don't have that available. 128 00:05:22.920 --> 00:05:25.260 If we've exhausted those options, and again, 129 00:05:25.260 --> 00:05:27.120 think of it like these are all options 130 00:05:27.120 --> 00:05:28.710 and so maybe something falls through 131 00:05:28.710 --> 00:05:30.720 and you have to go to a different option. 132 00:05:30.720 --> 00:05:32.550 Another can be public transit. 133 00:05:32.550 --> 00:05:35.670 I wouldn't discount that depending on where you live. 134 00:05:35.670 --> 00:05:40.140 And bear in mind that your city may offer discounted prices 135 00:05:40.140 --> 00:05:42.330 on annual public transit fares. 136 00:05:42.330 --> 00:05:44.310 So that's something just to remember. 137 00:05:44.310 --> 00:05:48.360 Your city or town may offer a special bus transit service 138 00:05:48.360 --> 00:05:50.400 for people with disabilities. 139 00:05:50.400 --> 00:05:51.690 You usually need to pre-schedule 140 00:05:51.690 --> 00:05:53.610 with them at least a day in advance. 141 00:05:53.610 --> 00:05:55.350 And with worship, you can even 142 00:05:55.350 --> 00:05:57.450 have a standing appointment with that bus 143 00:05:57.450 --> 00:05:59.790 to come get you, pick you up. 144 00:05:59.790 --> 00:06:01.830 The downside can be you're sharing it with others. 145 00:06:01.830 --> 00:06:03.780 So sometimes, there can be a bit of a wait. 146 00:06:03.780 --> 00:06:06.210 They don't always arrive right on the minute, 147 00:06:06.210 --> 00:06:08.460 but it's a legitimate option to consider. 148 00:06:08.460 --> 00:06:11.430 Again, exhausting those options, 149 00:06:11.430 --> 00:06:14.190 I think Uber and Lyft are something not to discount. 150 00:06:14.190 --> 00:06:15.810 They can be expensive, 151 00:06:15.810 --> 00:06:18.330 especially if you have a long distance to go. 152 00:06:18.330 --> 00:06:20.610 I usually tell people over 10 miles, 153 00:06:20.610 --> 00:06:23.700 Uber or Lyft gets more expensive, 154 00:06:23.700 --> 00:06:25.560 but it's a good backup option even 155 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:28.500 if you do have to go a longer distance like that. 156 00:06:28.500 --> 00:06:30.090 If all else fails, don't forget 157 00:06:30.090 --> 00:06:31.530 that there's virtual worship, 158 00:06:31.530 --> 00:06:33.840 but I wouldn't rely on this every week. 159 00:06:33.840 --> 00:06:35.700 Virtual worship is great. 160 00:06:35.700 --> 00:06:38.040 It's a wonderful thing that's come out of the pandemic, 161 00:06:38.040 --> 00:06:40.140 but it isn't the same thing as physically 162 00:06:40.140 --> 00:06:42.000 being in the church, being able 163 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:44.040 to build relationships with people. 164 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:45.630 It's really best if you're traveling 165 00:06:45.630 --> 00:06:48.000 or can't make it for one particular Sunday 166 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:49.890 to have that as a fallback option. 167 00:06:49.890 --> 00:06:50.723 Absolutely. 168 00:06:50.723 --> 00:06:54.840 And it's great to know that there are so many things 169 00:06:54.840 --> 00:06:58.237 to choose from because I think people feel like, 170 00:06:58.237 --> 00:07:01.590 "I have this single option. I've got this figured out. 171 00:07:01.590 --> 00:07:03.960 And if that doesn't work, well, 172 00:07:03.960 --> 00:07:06.360 I guess I feel powerless. 173 00:07:06.360 --> 00:07:07.830 There's nothing else I can do." 174 00:07:07.830 --> 00:07:12.450 So having things to choose from is again, so helpful. 175 00:07:12.450 --> 00:07:13.822 Absolutely. 176 00:07:13.822 --> 00:07:14.655 You're not powerless. 177 00:07:14.655 --> 00:07:17.490 That's a huge thing with any disability, 178 00:07:17.490 --> 00:07:19.260 or I like to say that you're differently abled. 179 00:07:19.260 --> 00:07:21.420 You're not disabled, you're differently abled. 180 00:07:21.420 --> 00:07:22.410 You're not powerless. 181 00:07:22.410 --> 00:07:24.420 You just have to go through life differently 182 00:07:24.420 --> 00:07:25.590 than some other people. 183 00:07:25.590 --> 00:07:28.200 Yeah. And thinking ahead of time 184 00:07:28.200 --> 00:07:30.360 and figuring out some of those things 185 00:07:30.360 --> 00:07:32.430 can make it so much easier to deal 186 00:07:32.430 --> 00:07:36.480 with when the thing pops up where you're like, "Uh-oh. 187 00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:38.310 My plan A fell through. 188 00:07:38.310 --> 00:07:39.270 Now what?" 189 00:07:39.270 --> 00:07:40.560 Yes, exactly. 190 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:43.650 So, it's remarkable when we think 191 00:07:43.650 --> 00:07:45.660 about attending a service 192 00:07:45.660 --> 00:07:50.430 and just how much visual information there is. 193 00:07:50.430 --> 00:07:53.610 You may think of it as, "Well, we're here. 194 00:07:53.610 --> 00:07:54.443 We're talking. 195 00:07:54.443 --> 00:07:56.250 We're having a conversation. 196 00:07:56.250 --> 00:07:58.257 We're here to listen to a sermon." 197 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:03.150 It's all centered around speech, 198 00:08:03.150 --> 00:08:05.700 but there's a lot going on visually. 199 00:08:05.700 --> 00:08:08.460 So, I don't know that we'll be able to cover everything, 200 00:08:08.460 --> 00:08:11.520 but let's talk about a couple of the things 201 00:08:11.520 --> 00:08:14.400 that do crop up from a visual perspective 202 00:08:14.400 --> 00:08:17.580 and then how you might navigate that. 203 00:08:17.580 --> 00:08:21.780 So, one of the first things I think about is the gestures 204 00:08:21.780 --> 00:08:22.980 or the things that we do. 205 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:24.720 When is it time to stand? 206 00:08:24.720 --> 00:08:28.230 When is it time to kneel or again, perform a gesture? 207 00:08:28.230 --> 00:08:31.710 Everybody's looking to the worship leader 208 00:08:31.710 --> 00:08:32.970 for when to do that. 209 00:08:32.970 --> 00:08:36.510 But if you can't, how are you going to know 210 00:08:36.510 --> 00:08:39.900 when to do those things so that you're not a step behind? 211 00:08:39.900 --> 00:08:42.930 Most visual cues in the worship service 212 00:08:42.930 --> 00:08:46.867 have an audible accompanying queue such as, 213 00:08:46.867 --> 00:08:48.360 "Please be seated." 214 00:08:48.360 --> 00:08:50.550 If the clergy person waves to be seated, 215 00:08:50.550 --> 00:08:52.260 they usually say that too. 216 00:08:52.260 --> 00:08:54.000 If you need to come forward for communion, 217 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:57.097 usually they'll say at the end of the communion litany, 218 00:08:57.097 --> 00:08:59.520 "Please come forward at this time for communion," 219 00:08:59.520 --> 00:09:01.650 as they make a hand gesture. 220 00:09:01.650 --> 00:09:04.680 But for those cues that don't, and they certainly happen, 221 00:09:04.680 --> 00:09:07.680 listen and follow what others are doing. 222 00:09:07.680 --> 00:09:11.160 It sounds simple and it is simple. 223 00:09:11.160 --> 00:09:14.223 It's so simple you might not even think about that at times. 224 00:09:15.876 --> 00:09:19.350 And it's helpful to sit with a family member or a friend 225 00:09:19.350 --> 00:09:22.470 and tell them that you may need guidance, 226 00:09:22.470 --> 00:09:25.860 especially if it's your first time at a new faith community. 227 00:09:25.860 --> 00:09:28.290 That's challenging for anyone even if you do have vision. 228 00:09:28.290 --> 00:09:29.940 There's a lot of things you're figuring 229 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:31.470 out how they operate. 230 00:09:31.470 --> 00:09:33.397 And you can even ask that person next to you, 231 00:09:33.397 --> 00:09:35.340 "Hey, could you whisper in my ear 232 00:09:35.340 --> 00:09:37.440 if it looks like I don't know?" 233 00:09:37.440 --> 00:09:40.443 Or if I tap you on the shoulder, and no one's going to know. 234 00:09:41.400 --> 00:09:43.800 They just lean over, no big deal. 235 00:09:43.800 --> 00:09:46.320 Let's say this is your home church 236 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:48.030 where you're going there repeatedly 237 00:09:48.030 --> 00:09:50.940 and you're noticing that there are a lot of visual cues 238 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:52.740 without an accompanying audible cue 239 00:09:52.740 --> 00:09:55.170 or you're just struggling in general. 240 00:09:55.170 --> 00:09:56.070 I think at that point, 241 00:09:56.070 --> 00:09:58.770 I would then have a conversation with the clergy 242 00:09:58.770 --> 00:10:01.110 about your needs and your experience 243 00:10:01.110 --> 00:10:03.150 and ask them to be more intentional 244 00:10:03.150 --> 00:10:05.850 about their audible cues and they'll be glad 245 00:10:05.850 --> 00:10:06.900 to do that for you. 246 00:10:06.900 --> 00:10:08.250 And they'll probably say, "Oh. 247 00:10:08.250 --> 00:10:09.330 We do that automatically. 248 00:10:09.330 --> 00:10:12.960 I just forgot that day and I should be doing that." 249 00:10:12.960 --> 00:10:14.580 Let's talk about communion 250 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:17.223 because I think that's one where there 251 00:10:17.223 --> 00:10:19.950 can be more anxiety because there's movements that happen. 252 00:10:19.950 --> 00:10:24.180 And so that can be challenging, but it's easy to overcome. 253 00:10:24.180 --> 00:10:27.000 If intinction is how communion is being offered, 254 00:10:27.000 --> 00:10:28.650 meaning you're coming forward to receive 255 00:10:28.650 --> 00:10:32.160 from the clergy or attendant, the bread and the wine, 256 00:10:32.160 --> 00:10:33.660 follow the person in front of you 257 00:10:33.660 --> 00:10:35.340 because it's one row at a time, 258 00:10:35.340 --> 00:10:37.560 people are exiting and going toward the front 259 00:10:37.560 --> 00:10:39.510 and then they return back to their pew. 260 00:10:39.510 --> 00:10:41.130 So, follow the leader. 261 00:10:41.130 --> 00:10:43.200 And then if you get there and you're having trouble, 262 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:44.460 you're in front of the elements 263 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:46.350 and you're having trouble seeing things, 264 00:10:46.350 --> 00:10:50.130 just whisper to those serving, "Could you help me?" 265 00:10:50.130 --> 00:10:51.480 And be patient. 266 00:10:51.480 --> 00:10:52.620 Don't rush. 267 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:54.420 They're going to do a lot of it. 268 00:10:54.420 --> 00:10:56.610 So, open your hands and let them place the bread 269 00:10:56.610 --> 00:10:57.660 in your hands. 270 00:10:57.660 --> 00:10:59.220 And then usually, you dip that in the cup, 271 00:10:59.220 --> 00:11:00.960 so then just slowly dip it in the cup. 272 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:02.700 If you have trouble seeing it, let them know 273 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:03.780 and they'll guide you. 274 00:11:03.780 --> 00:11:06.060 If you're Catholic, you may drink from the cup and usually, 275 00:11:06.060 --> 00:11:08.700 the attendant will actually put the cup in your mouth. 276 00:11:08.700 --> 00:11:12.300 So just wait, and they'll do that automatically for anyone. 277 00:11:12.300 --> 00:11:14.910 And just go slow, tell them what you need 278 00:11:14.910 --> 00:11:18.180 and then follow the person who's returning to their seat. 279 00:11:18.180 --> 00:11:19.170 Follow them. 280 00:11:19.170 --> 00:11:21.240 If the person who is in front of you has already left 281 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:23.400 and you don't know where to go, that can be tough. 282 00:11:23.400 --> 00:11:24.510 Just go slow. 283 00:11:24.510 --> 00:11:26.640 Try to remember generally where you were. 284 00:11:26.640 --> 00:11:28.260 And again, if you've told the people you're sitting 285 00:11:28.260 --> 00:11:29.760 with you may need help, they'll wave at you 286 00:11:29.760 --> 00:11:32.670 or they'll whisper to you and tell you where they are. 287 00:11:32.670 --> 00:11:36.300 So, you can be seated there next to them. 288 00:11:36.300 --> 00:11:37.133 Great tips. 289 00:11:37.133 --> 00:11:38.430 Thank you. 290 00:11:38.430 --> 00:11:43.430 What about not just the how to navigate 291 00:11:44.850 --> 00:11:48.450 in an unfamiliar place or figuring out when to stand up, 292 00:11:48.450 --> 00:11:50.130 sit down, all of that. 293 00:11:50.130 --> 00:11:54.150 There is so much printed material to think about. 294 00:11:54.150 --> 00:11:56.970 So, there's the hymnals during the service, 295 00:11:56.970 --> 00:11:59.190 the bulletins that come out, 296 00:11:59.190 --> 00:12:03.690 and even projectors now with slides 297 00:12:03.690 --> 00:12:06.570 and things to follow along with during the service. 298 00:12:06.570 --> 00:12:09.900 What are some ways that people can deal with that 299 00:12:09.900 --> 00:12:13.830 and get that information that's so essential 300 00:12:13.830 --> 00:12:16.530 in a way that's actually accessible to them? 301 00:12:16.530 --> 00:12:19.230 Sure. I think at a high level, 302 00:12:19.230 --> 00:12:21.540 it's important to think when you have low vision 303 00:12:21.540 --> 00:12:24.780 that I need to prep before I go somewhere. 304 00:12:24.780 --> 00:12:28.350 And the more components that need to be considered, 305 00:12:28.350 --> 00:12:29.940 the more you may need to prep. 306 00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:31.290 Then if it's a recurring thing, 307 00:12:31.290 --> 00:12:32.850 it gets easier to prep because you know 308 00:12:32.850 --> 00:12:34.290 what you need over time. 309 00:12:34.290 --> 00:12:36.600 So, think about what you usually need a few days 310 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:38.130 before something like a worship service, 311 00:12:38.130 --> 00:12:39.990 especially if it's your first time going there. 312 00:12:39.990 --> 00:12:41.700 Make a list of what you need. 313 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:44.370 I like to say that any person with low vision needs 314 00:12:44.370 --> 00:12:46.603 to have a low vision toolkit. 315 00:12:46.603 --> 00:12:49.500 Maybe it's even something like it's your set of tools, 316 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:51.870 your things you generally take with you somewhere. 317 00:12:51.870 --> 00:12:54.450 You can always edit the toolkit as you need to. 318 00:12:54.450 --> 00:12:57.360 And maybe it's even physical objects you keep in a bag 319 00:12:57.360 --> 00:12:59.730 and it's a literal bag you take with you somewhere. 320 00:12:59.730 --> 00:13:01.440 It may even be helpful to put a reminder 321 00:13:01.440 --> 00:13:03.480 in your phone like on a Friday morning 322 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:05.640 to prep for Sunday worship. 323 00:13:05.640 --> 00:13:07.440 And we'll get into some of the specific things now 324 00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:09.090 of what you need to prep. 325 00:13:09.090 --> 00:13:11.730 So, let's think about first, the bulletin. 326 00:13:11.730 --> 00:13:14.640 And I suggest talking with the church administrator 327 00:13:14.640 --> 00:13:18.810 to see if he or she can send you a word version 328 00:13:18.810 --> 00:13:22.320 of the bulletin or liturgy prior to Sunday. 329 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:24.330 Usually, a church has that completed 330 00:13:24.330 --> 00:13:27.390 by Thursday afternoon a lot of times, or Friday morning. 331 00:13:27.390 --> 00:13:29.280 So, there is a time of the week 332 00:13:29.280 --> 00:13:30.300 when they'll have that for you. 333 00:13:30.300 --> 00:13:32.070 They're probably not going to have it on Monday. 334 00:13:32.070 --> 00:13:34.170 A PDF can work, but a Word document 335 00:13:34.170 --> 00:13:38.310 is ideal because you're probably, in the worship service, 336 00:13:38.310 --> 00:13:41.940 going to be viewing that Word document 337 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.830 on a tablet of some kind. 338 00:13:43.830 --> 00:13:45.742 I would say it's better than a phone. 339 00:13:45.742 --> 00:13:47.910 With a tablet you can enlarge things much bigger 340 00:13:47.910 --> 00:13:49.050 than you can with a phone, 341 00:13:49.050 --> 00:13:51.420 although a phone can work depending on your vision. 342 00:13:51.420 --> 00:13:53.820 But the Word mobile app is really good 343 00:13:53.820 --> 00:13:57.570 because it has something called scaling in its mobile view. 344 00:13:57.570 --> 00:13:59.730 You can either view a document in Word in print view 345 00:13:59.730 --> 00:14:00.563 or mobile view. 346 00:14:00.563 --> 00:14:01.980 It's a button you hit. 347 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:02.940 And in mobile view, 348 00:14:02.940 --> 00:14:06.600 you can scale a Word document really big. 349 00:14:06.600 --> 00:14:07.830 And what's nice about scaling 350 00:14:07.830 --> 00:14:10.290 is that it formats it where everything fits on the screen. 351 00:14:10.290 --> 00:14:12.630 You don't have to go back and forth on every line, 352 00:14:12.630 --> 00:14:14.700 makes it much easier to view. 353 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:16.920 And the Word app on iOS and Android 354 00:14:16.920 --> 00:14:18.660 is free for viewing documents. 355 00:14:18.660 --> 00:14:21.510 So, you can pay for it if you want to edit them, 356 00:14:21.510 --> 00:14:24.330 and Hadley is glad to help you to learn how 357 00:14:24.330 --> 00:14:27.240 to do this if you're unfamiliar with anything. 358 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:29.340 But let's say you don't have your tablet. 359 00:14:29.340 --> 00:14:31.440 You don't have a digital version of the bulletin. 360 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:33.000 All is not lost. 361 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:35.280 With a printed bulletin, there are solutions. 362 00:14:35.280 --> 00:14:38.700 That's where you want to have a digital magnifier ready. 363 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:42.750 The iPhone or Android magnifier is fantastic, 364 00:14:42.750 --> 00:14:44.580 and it's replaced the need 365 00:14:44.580 --> 00:14:47.760 to carry a physical digital magnifier with me. 366 00:14:47.760 --> 00:14:51.030 But there can be benefits to a physical digital magnifier. 367 00:14:51.030 --> 00:14:54.090 These are a device that all it does, it has a camera, 368 00:14:54.090 --> 00:14:55.860 and it lets you enlarge things. 369 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:59.010 So, it's up to you to see what works best for you, 370 00:14:59.010 --> 00:15:03.360 but I wouldn't discount using the phone magnifier apps first 371 00:15:03.360 --> 00:15:04.800 and see if those work for you. 372 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:06.330 You can even use them at a distance 373 00:15:06.330 --> 00:15:08.700 and enlarge things within some degree of distance 374 00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:12.030 so they can serve a function as a binocular as well. 375 00:15:12.030 --> 00:15:14.010 And again, Hadley can help train you 376 00:15:14.010 --> 00:15:17.310 with these items and how to use them. 377 00:15:17.310 --> 00:15:20.320 I think the projector is another item 378 00:15:21.270 --> 00:15:23.010 for someone with low vision to consider 379 00:15:23.010 --> 00:15:25.320 how to interact throughout the service, 380 00:15:25.320 --> 00:15:27.630 and some churches put everything on the projector. 381 00:15:27.630 --> 00:15:30.210 A lot have moved to that and away from bulletins, 382 00:15:30.210 --> 00:15:32.430 but there are many solutions here as well. 383 00:15:32.430 --> 00:15:35.220 So again, I would ask the church administrator 384 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:40.220 to send you the slides for the PowerPoint before Sunday 385 00:15:40.650 --> 00:15:44.220 and then view that on your tablet or phone. 386 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:45.750 And you're probably going to load them 387 00:15:45.750 --> 00:15:48.120 into the PowerPoint app, which is great 388 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:49.680 and very easy to use. 389 00:15:49.680 --> 00:15:52.110 Or they could send you PDFs of the slides 390 00:15:52.110 --> 00:15:54.240 and you could use a PDF viewer app. 391 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:56.760 Usually iOS and Android have them just built 392 00:15:56.760 --> 00:15:59.010 in into the operating system. 393 00:15:59.010 --> 00:16:01.560 But let's say again, you don't have the digital version 394 00:16:01.560 --> 00:16:03.420 to view on your tablet or phone. 395 00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:07.830 That's when I would use a binocular and a handheld device. 396 00:16:07.830 --> 00:16:11.430 The ideal just for ease of use for an hour long service is 397 00:16:11.430 --> 00:16:13.740 to have a binocular mounted to your glasses. 398 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:16.890 But usually, those only go up to about 3x in power. 399 00:16:16.890 --> 00:16:18.810 That may not be enough for you. 400 00:16:18.810 --> 00:16:21.510 The handhelds can go up to about 8x or 10x, 401 00:16:21.510 --> 00:16:24.270 and so you may need to use a handheld one. 402 00:16:24.270 --> 00:16:27.030 You really don't need to keep it to your eye the whole time 403 00:16:27.030 --> 00:16:28.920 throughout the service if you're using a handheld. 404 00:16:28.920 --> 00:16:30.480 You just need to read it for a time, 405 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:33.030 put it down and that's very doable. 406 00:16:33.030 --> 00:16:36.060 On Amazon, there's a lot of very affordable 407 00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:38.550 handheld binoculars that have come onto the market. 408 00:16:38.550 --> 00:16:40.290 These used to be very expensive, 409 00:16:40.290 --> 00:16:42.600 but I've recently bought some inexpensive ones 410 00:16:42.600 --> 00:16:43.433 and they're great. 411 00:16:43.433 --> 00:16:46.800 They're actually just as good as the expensive ones I used 412 00:16:46.800 --> 00:16:48.930 to have to buy years ago. 413 00:16:48.930 --> 00:16:51.030 And again, Hadley is a wonderful resource. 414 00:16:51.030 --> 00:16:53.430 They can help you, advise you on these tools 415 00:16:53.430 --> 00:16:54.263 if you need them. 416 00:16:54.263 --> 00:16:56.460 Or talk to your low vision doctor 417 00:16:56.460 --> 00:16:58.890 and they very well may have at their facility 418 00:16:58.890 --> 00:17:00.870 all of these items for you to experiment with 419 00:17:00.870 --> 00:17:03.240 and they can advise you what power you may need 420 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:04.440 for your vision. 421 00:17:04.440 --> 00:17:05.273 Exactly. 422 00:17:05.273 --> 00:17:09.780 And just helping to build that toolbox as you say. 423 00:17:09.780 --> 00:17:11.550 You got it. Exactly. 424 00:17:11.550 --> 00:17:15.450 So, outside the service itself, 425 00:17:15.450 --> 00:17:17.940 there are many, many activities 426 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:21.300 and why would you not want to be a part 427 00:17:21.300 --> 00:17:22.650 of those things just 428 00:17:22.650 --> 00:17:24.600 because you're experiencing vision loss? 429 00:17:24.600 --> 00:17:26.100 Maybe you want to be in the choir, 430 00:17:26.100 --> 00:17:29.820 maybe you want to attend the Bible study. 431 00:17:29.820 --> 00:17:34.800 You want to be participating equally in those things, 432 00:17:34.800 --> 00:17:36.720 but there might be some things 433 00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:38.220 that you have to think through. 434 00:17:38.220 --> 00:17:41.670 Are there ways that people can prepare 435 00:17:41.670 --> 00:17:43.830 so that they can fully participate 436 00:17:43.830 --> 00:17:48.830 in those extra things that are so important, 437 00:17:49.470 --> 00:17:51.360 even beyond the service? 438 00:17:51.360 --> 00:17:53.910 Sure. Well, for the choir, I sing in the choir, 439 00:17:53.910 --> 00:17:58.230 and I would say you need to have the hymns scanned 440 00:17:58.230 --> 00:18:01.500 and use them on a tablet to see them. 441 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:03.600 And I have another person in our choir who has low vision, 442 00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:05.010 and he does the same thing. 443 00:18:05.010 --> 00:18:06.210 It can be a little challenging 444 00:18:06.210 --> 00:18:08.880 just because choral music can be small, 445 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:10.590 but I also think it's important 446 00:18:10.590 --> 00:18:13.200 to sing it a few times before you go to rehearsal, 447 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:14.160 so you have the tune. 448 00:18:14.160 --> 00:18:16.110 So at least maybe you have to pay more attention 449 00:18:16.110 --> 00:18:19.650 to the words with your vision, but it's certainly doable. 450 00:18:19.650 --> 00:18:22.800 With bible study, again, I would prep before you go, 451 00:18:22.800 --> 00:18:24.570 talk to the teacher about your needs 452 00:18:24.570 --> 00:18:26.910 and to understand what the class entails. 453 00:18:26.910 --> 00:18:28.890 Don't hesitate to ask a fellow participant 454 00:18:28.890 --> 00:18:30.840 to help you with maybe reading something 455 00:18:30.840 --> 00:18:33.810 or if you just get lost in a reading of where you are, 456 00:18:33.810 --> 00:18:34.770 it's no big deal. 457 00:18:34.770 --> 00:18:36.870 But I think just a philosophy to bear 458 00:18:36.870 --> 00:18:38.850 in mind is that you are your own advocate. 459 00:18:38.850 --> 00:18:41.700 It's something the IEP specialists 460 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:42.750 when I was going through school 461 00:18:42.750 --> 00:18:45.037 would share with me repeatedly, 462 00:18:45.037 --> 00:18:46.530 "Scott, we're glad to help you." 463 00:18:46.530 --> 00:18:50.670 And over time, if you have a disability, 464 00:18:50.670 --> 00:18:52.890 you've got to tell others what you need. 465 00:18:52.890 --> 00:18:56.790 And 99% of the time, people are glad to help you in life. 466 00:18:56.790 --> 00:18:59.043 And for the 1% who aren't, we pray for them, 467 00:19:00.300 --> 00:19:01.860 and you move on, and you brush it off 468 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:03.390 and you don't let it get to you 469 00:19:03.390 --> 00:19:05.610 because you know that virtually everyone else 470 00:19:05.610 --> 00:19:07.020 has no problem. 471 00:19:07.020 --> 00:19:10.530 And in fact, it's a joy for them to help you 472 00:19:10.530 --> 00:19:13.590 or assist you with something specific you need. 473 00:19:13.590 --> 00:19:15.607 Going down to more specifics, 474 00:19:15.607 --> 00:19:17.610 let's focus on the Bible study setting 475 00:19:17.610 --> 00:19:19.263 and just work with that. 476 00:19:19.263 --> 00:19:21.540 Again, you need to bring a tablet or a laptop with you. 477 00:19:21.540 --> 00:19:24.120 I think with low vision, tablets work better 478 00:19:24.120 --> 00:19:25.320 because you can hold them, 479 00:19:25.320 --> 00:19:27.660 and you can also put them on stands on a table. 480 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:29.190 That's nice for your hands. 481 00:19:29.190 --> 00:19:31.200 Some stands you can get will lift them up a little bit, 482 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:32.490 which can also help you. 483 00:19:32.490 --> 00:19:34.800 The apps are important to consider. 484 00:19:34.800 --> 00:19:38.520 There's a great bible study app called Bible Study 485 00:19:38.520 --> 00:19:39.510 by Olive Tree. 486 00:19:39.510 --> 00:19:40.890 That's the software developer, 487 00:19:40.890 --> 00:19:42.810 but you can just search in either the Android 488 00:19:42.810 --> 00:19:44.310 or iOS store for Bible study. 489 00:19:44.310 --> 00:19:45.143 It'll come right up. 490 00:19:45.143 --> 00:19:47.070 It has a picture of a green tree. 491 00:19:47.070 --> 00:19:49.440 What's nice is you can enlarge text size 492 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:51.930 and change colors as much as you want, 493 00:19:51.930 --> 00:19:53.280 so it's very adaptable. 494 00:19:53.280 --> 00:19:54.660 You can highlight and take notes. 495 00:19:54.660 --> 00:19:56.160 You can compare translations 496 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:58.050 and you can purchase study Bibles 497 00:19:58.050 --> 00:20:02.280 and commentaries to supplement the text of the Bible itself. 498 00:20:02.280 --> 00:20:04.110 So, it's a very powerful tool. 499 00:20:04.110 --> 00:20:05.610 But let's say there's a book study. 500 00:20:05.610 --> 00:20:07.110 Depending on your vision 501 00:20:07.110 --> 00:20:09.480 and if you're able to read printed texts 502 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:13.500 on say on a computer, Kindle can be a great option. 503 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:16.110 And virtually every book you can imagine is on Kindle. 504 00:20:16.110 --> 00:20:17.490 If you need it to be read audibly to you, 505 00:20:17.490 --> 00:20:20.010 I like to use Voiceover on iOS, 506 00:20:20.010 --> 00:20:22.230 and Voiceover can read Kindle books to you. 507 00:20:22.230 --> 00:20:23.220 But talk to Hadley, 508 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:25.500 they can show you the steps of how to use Voiceover. 509 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:27.500 It takes a little bit of training. 510 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:31.200 The Voice Dream Reader app is phenomenal 511 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:34.260 and that's available on iOS and Mac. 512 00:20:34.260 --> 00:20:37.020 I don't think it's available on Windows, I could be wrong. 513 00:20:37.020 --> 00:20:39.120 But it allows you to take EPUB files. 514 00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:42.150 It's a certain type of book format, put them in 515 00:20:42.150 --> 00:20:43.560 and then it can read it back to you. 516 00:20:43.560 --> 00:20:46.110 You can also see it so it's not just audio 517 00:20:46.110 --> 00:20:48.150 and you can annotate and even connects 518 00:20:48.150 --> 00:20:49.860 into services like Bookshare 519 00:20:49.860 --> 00:20:51.300 that you pay a membership fee 520 00:20:51.300 --> 00:20:53.400 and then you can download pretty much every book 521 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:56.100 you can imagine into Voice Dream directly and read it. 522 00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:58.710 Audible is great to listen to books. 523 00:20:58.710 --> 00:21:02.130 And then for handouts in class, just ask for PDF files from 524 00:21:02.130 --> 00:21:04.650 the teacher or Word files beforehand or again, 525 00:21:04.650 --> 00:21:06.690 we go back to the digital magnifier solution 526 00:21:06.690 --> 00:21:08.220 if it's in print. 527 00:21:08.220 --> 00:21:10.080 Right. And that is an important thing 528 00:21:10.080 --> 00:21:15.080 to know is that this material already exists digitally. 529 00:21:15.150 --> 00:21:17.340 It wasn't handwritten by someone, 530 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:20.940 so they sent that digital copy to the printer. 531 00:21:20.940 --> 00:21:24.210 It's just as easy to send that digital copy to you 532 00:21:24.210 --> 00:21:27.720 via email so that you can take advantage of that. 533 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:29.790 You alluded earlier, Scott, 534 00:21:29.790 --> 00:21:33.780 to the idea of just how important it is 535 00:21:33.780 --> 00:21:38.670 to be together as we worship. 536 00:21:38.670 --> 00:21:40.710 So, fellowship is so important 537 00:21:40.710 --> 00:21:44.190 and having virtual services 538 00:21:44.190 --> 00:21:47.850 is a really nice thing, especially during the pandemic. 539 00:21:47.850 --> 00:21:52.080 Now people may be ready to attend in person again, 540 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:54.000 but it feels complicated, 541 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:57.000 either because they've lost more vision over that time 542 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:59.100 or are just out of practice or again, 543 00:21:59.100 --> 00:22:00.683 just want to approach this 544 00:22:00.683 --> 00:22:04.170 and are really concerned about some 545 00:22:04.170 --> 00:22:05.580 of the social aspects 546 00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:07.620 that have become a little more difficult. 547 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:10.020 I can't nod to people and say hello 548 00:22:10.020 --> 00:22:12.480 because I don't really see faces anymore. 549 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:14.250 I can't make that eye contact. 550 00:22:14.250 --> 00:22:18.300 Or maybe I'm brand new to the community 551 00:22:18.300 --> 00:22:20.400 and how do I meet people? 552 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:23.520 And that's not even talking about the refreshments table, 553 00:22:23.520 --> 00:22:25.980 which is its own fun little nightmare. 554 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:30.000 So, what are some ways that people can approach this 555 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:33.390 in a way that takes a lot of the stress out 556 00:22:33.390 --> 00:22:36.930 and gets to that nitty-gritty of connecting with people, 557 00:22:36.930 --> 00:22:39.180 which is what they really want to do? 558 00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:40.680 Ricky, I think starting out 559 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:44.100 by naming the emotional struggle of this is important, 560 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:47.040 like we talked about in relation to the driving issue. 561 00:22:47.040 --> 00:22:49.170 You're going through a lot internally 562 00:22:49.170 --> 00:22:50.040 with something like this, 563 00:22:50.040 --> 00:22:52.590 especially if you're in a new faith community 564 00:22:52.590 --> 00:22:56.100 or maybe you recently lost your vision later in life. 565 00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:57.540 And so, this is all very new, 566 00:22:57.540 --> 00:23:00.000 even if you're still in the same faith community. 567 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:01.770 It's important whenever we go through something 568 00:23:01.770 --> 00:23:02.910 in life that's very emotional, 569 00:23:02.910 --> 00:23:04.530 that we take time to reflect on that 570 00:23:04.530 --> 00:23:06.810 and not just bury that emotion, 571 00:23:06.810 --> 00:23:09.930 but really put our finger on it and explore that. 572 00:23:09.930 --> 00:23:12.510 Because I think so much of life is awareness, 573 00:23:12.510 --> 00:23:14.640 that when you can touch that emotion 574 00:23:14.640 --> 00:23:17.940 and connect with that vulnerability, it then, in a way, 575 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:21.660 helps you to not let it be so frightening 576 00:23:21.660 --> 00:23:24.630 and for you when you encounter it again, 577 00:23:24.630 --> 00:23:26.220 say when you're actually in the moment 578 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:28.514 of fellowship after worship to say, 579 00:23:28.514 --> 00:23:29.670 "Oh, I know what this is. 580 00:23:29.670 --> 00:23:33.300 I've felt this before and there are many ways 581 00:23:33.300 --> 00:23:36.060 that I can adapt in this situation 582 00:23:36.060 --> 00:23:38.400 and I'm not going to let this fear prevent me 583 00:23:38.400 --> 00:23:39.720 from connecting with people." 584 00:23:39.720 --> 00:23:40.920 Because we're going to talk 585 00:23:40.920 --> 00:23:43.830 about there really are many ways to overcome this. 586 00:23:43.830 --> 00:23:46.650 So one is, and I want to mention, Ricky, 587 00:23:46.650 --> 00:23:48.390 I really appreciated your conversation 588 00:23:48.390 --> 00:23:51.600 with Hannah Fairbairn on December 8th 589 00:23:51.600 --> 00:23:54.930 on ways to socialize with low vision or blindness, 590 00:23:54.930 --> 00:23:57.385 and she's informed a lot of these comments. 591 00:23:57.385 --> 00:23:58.710 So, you may find it helpful, the listener, 592 00:23:58.710 --> 00:24:01.320 to go and listen to Hannah's excellent talk. 593 00:24:01.320 --> 00:24:04.830 It's great to go to worship anytime you can in pairs 594 00:24:04.830 --> 00:24:07.950 or with a group and stay with your other person 595 00:24:07.950 --> 00:24:10.380 or your group during the fellowship hour. 596 00:24:10.380 --> 00:24:12.090 It could be a spouse or a family member 597 00:24:12.090 --> 00:24:14.220 or a friend you sat with in the service. 598 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:16.620 And depending on your vision level, 599 00:24:16.620 --> 00:24:18.600 if you really have trouble with faces 600 00:24:18.600 --> 00:24:21.540 and seeing people in a room, I do have this at times, 601 00:24:21.540 --> 00:24:23.400 depending on the room and the lighting, 602 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:26.730 ask them to point out where people are, 603 00:24:26.730 --> 00:24:29.310 especially if you want to connect with certain people 604 00:24:29.310 --> 00:24:31.920 or have them look for a group 605 00:24:31.920 --> 00:24:33.840 and they can guide you into that group. 606 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:35.190 That's a great thing to do. 607 00:24:35.190 --> 00:24:38.610 Another one is let's say that you are alone. 608 00:24:38.610 --> 00:24:40.260 That's certainly a possibility. 609 00:24:40.260 --> 00:24:43.350 I would suggest standing and not sitting. 610 00:24:43.350 --> 00:24:45.510 And if someone wants to guide you 611 00:24:45.510 --> 00:24:46.957 and let's say an attendant says, 612 00:24:46.957 --> 00:24:48.720 "Oh, well, you can sit over here in the corner," 613 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:51.240 don't let them put you in the corner. 614 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:53.460 You'll feel disempowered if you're over there sitting, 615 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.900 I think, in most situations, 616 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:57.480 especially if everyone's standing up and socializing. 617 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:59.130 Try to remain standing. 618 00:24:59.130 --> 00:25:02.310 And if you need to remain stationary somewhere, 619 00:25:02.310 --> 00:25:04.410 try to stand where the action is, 620 00:25:04.410 --> 00:25:06.840 which is usually near the refreshment table. 621 00:25:06.840 --> 00:25:08.850 You don't want to be in the way of the line, 622 00:25:08.850 --> 00:25:10.860 but you can hover in that area. 623 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:12.240 People will have no idea 624 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:15.630 that you're intentionally standing there 625 00:25:15.630 --> 00:25:18.393 and just let people come up to you. 626 00:25:19.823 --> 00:25:21.510 And if you feel comfortable approaching groups 627 00:25:21.510 --> 00:25:24.420 and you're by yourself, look for an opening in the circle 628 00:25:24.420 --> 00:25:27.960 and walk up to the circle and say hello. 629 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:30.630 And especially if someone knows you, they'll greet you. 630 00:25:30.630 --> 00:25:32.910 But let's say you don't know anyone in that circle. 631 00:25:32.910 --> 00:25:35.670 That can be an especially difficult situation. 632 00:25:35.670 --> 00:25:38.190 A line that I will say when I walk up to a new group 633 00:25:38.190 --> 00:25:40.050 and I don't know people sometimes, 634 00:25:40.050 --> 00:25:41.820 or maybe I know one person there, 635 00:25:41.820 --> 00:25:42.960 but I've forgotten their name 636 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:45.397 or I can't see them clearly is I'll just say to the group, 637 00:25:45.397 --> 00:25:48.390 "Hey, I have low vision, could you help me with your names?" 638 00:25:48.390 --> 00:25:50.340 And that really is a relevant line to say, 639 00:25:50.340 --> 00:25:52.560 especially in a church situation, because many times, 640 00:25:52.560 --> 00:25:54.090 people have name tags on 641 00:25:54.090 --> 00:25:56.490 and they think they don't need to tell you their name 642 00:25:56.490 --> 00:25:58.830 because they have their name tag, 643 00:25:58.830 --> 00:25:59.663 and I've had people say that. 644 00:25:59.663 --> 00:26:01.170 "Well, I have a name tag on." 645 00:26:01.170 --> 00:26:03.720 I say, "Well, name tags don't work for me, I'm sorry." 646 00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:05.100 And then they're like, "Oh, okay." 647 00:26:05.100 --> 00:26:06.750 Again, it's like this thing, 648 00:26:06.750 --> 00:26:08.640 they just don't know you have low vision. 649 00:26:08.640 --> 00:26:10.620 And once they know that, they're very empathetic 650 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.970 and glad to help. 651 00:26:11.970 --> 00:26:13.530 And they say, "Oh, well, my name is Jim." 652 00:26:13.530 --> 00:26:15.030 And then you share, 653 00:26:15.030 --> 00:26:17.490 and you can even do that if you've met them 10 times 654 00:26:17.490 --> 00:26:18.323 in a row. 655 00:26:18.323 --> 00:26:20.250 I'll say that it's like the ultimate card. 656 00:26:20.250 --> 00:26:23.430 If you forget someone's name, "I have low vision. 657 00:26:23.430 --> 00:26:25.237 I have trouble seeing. Can you help me?" 658 00:26:25.237 --> 00:26:26.739 "Oh." 659 00:26:26.739 --> 00:26:28.920 And then they'll usually, over time in a community, 660 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:30.487 they know, and they'll come up to you and they'll say, 661 00:26:30.487 --> 00:26:31.590 "Oh. Hey Scott. 662 00:26:31.590 --> 00:26:32.647 It's Lisa." 663 00:26:32.647 --> 00:26:34.680 "Oh, great to see you, Lisa." 664 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:36.690 Because ideally in a church community, 665 00:26:36.690 --> 00:26:39.180 we should be a people of compassion and sensitivity, 666 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:42.030 and so people are thinking in that frame, 667 00:26:42.030 --> 00:26:44.070 and they want to be helpful. 668 00:26:44.070 --> 00:26:47.640 Another topic to consider is the refreshment table. 669 00:26:47.640 --> 00:26:50.130 So here, just speaking briefly, high level, 670 00:26:50.130 --> 00:26:51.660 ask your family member or friend 671 00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:54.330 if you need them to serve you a plate. 672 00:26:54.330 --> 00:26:57.300 But let's say you don't want someone to do that for you. 673 00:26:57.300 --> 00:26:58.710 I don't like doing that personally. 674 00:26:58.710 --> 00:27:00.810 So, I go and I serve myself a plate, 675 00:27:00.810 --> 00:27:03.450 but there are times you have no idea what food 676 00:27:03.450 --> 00:27:04.380 is on that table. 677 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:05.213 And you know what? 678 00:27:05.213 --> 00:27:06.450 A lot of other people don't know what 679 00:27:06.450 --> 00:27:09.810 that thing is either half the time, especially casseroles. 680 00:27:09.810 --> 00:27:11.865 What is it? A casserole. 681 00:27:11.865 --> 00:27:12.847 So, you can make it a joke. 682 00:27:12.847 --> 00:27:14.370 "Do you know what that is?" 683 00:27:14.370 --> 00:27:15.203 Just say it like that. 684 00:27:15.203 --> 00:27:17.760 "Oh, that has chicken in it and da, da, da, da, da." 685 00:27:17.760 --> 00:27:19.830 Because sometimes, they put little itsy-bitsy signs 686 00:27:19.830 --> 00:27:21.480 in front of it or nothing. 687 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:23.250 So, there's a way you can joke with people, 688 00:27:23.250 --> 00:27:25.920 and they have no idea that you're even trying to assess 689 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:27.993 because of vision reasons what it is. 690 00:27:29.049 --> 00:27:29.882 And just take your time. 691 00:27:29.882 --> 00:27:31.590 Let someone know if you need help. 692 00:27:31.590 --> 00:27:33.630 But again, you need to be your own advocate. 693 00:27:33.630 --> 00:27:35.100 If you need help, ask someone 694 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:36.840 and people are glad to help you. 695 00:27:36.840 --> 00:27:37.673 Perfect. 696 00:27:37.673 --> 00:27:40.590 Those are some really great practical solutions 697 00:27:40.590 --> 00:27:45.060 to problems that I think can feel insurmountable, 698 00:27:45.060 --> 00:27:46.770 at least initially, when you're trying 699 00:27:46.770 --> 00:27:49.140 to navigate your way through this. 700 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:52.830 So, it's been so helpful just to go through those things 701 00:27:52.830 --> 00:27:56.043 and again, really get some perspective on, 702 00:27:56.970 --> 00:27:59.160 it may feel difficult initially, 703 00:27:59.160 --> 00:28:01.290 but there are ways through it. 704 00:28:01.290 --> 00:28:03.990 And I think that's what people need sometimes, 705 00:28:03.990 --> 00:28:08.070 is just to know that this feels overwhelming, 706 00:28:08.070 --> 00:28:11.100 but it's not impossible. 707 00:28:11.100 --> 00:28:14.490 Scott, I want to thank you so much for stopping by 708 00:28:14.490 --> 00:28:16.950 and again, just sharing your experiences 709 00:28:16.950 --> 00:28:20.130 both as a pastor and as a person with low vision. 710 00:28:20.130 --> 00:28:22.890 It helps to have both those perspectives. 711 00:28:22.890 --> 00:28:26.370 Any final thoughts that you have before we wrap things up? 712 00:28:26.370 --> 00:28:27.750 I just say, especially to someone 713 00:28:27.750 --> 00:28:29.790 who may have lost vision later in life, 714 00:28:29.790 --> 00:28:31.590 and this is all very new, 715 00:28:31.590 --> 00:28:33.750 is to realize you're not powerless 716 00:28:33.750 --> 00:28:35.460 and you're not even disabled. 717 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:38.700 You're differently abled and seeing yourself 718 00:28:38.700 --> 00:28:40.680 that way is really a game changer. 719 00:28:40.680 --> 00:28:42.630 It's a perspective shift. 720 00:28:42.630 --> 00:28:45.240 And trying to be aware of the emotions 721 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:47.280 that you're going through, putting your finger on that, 722 00:28:47.280 --> 00:28:49.170 not letting that debilitate you, 723 00:28:49.170 --> 00:28:51.300 but having that mindset of, "Okay. I feel this. 724 00:28:51.300 --> 00:28:53.850 How can I overcome this and adapt," 725 00:28:53.850 --> 00:28:56.820 and find a way to remain active in your faith community 726 00:28:56.820 --> 00:28:58.530 and in all areas of life? 727 00:28:58.530 --> 00:29:01.260 Fantastic. Thank you so much for joining us. 728 00:29:01.260 --> 00:29:02.709 Thank you, Ricky. 729 00:29:02.709 --> 00:29:04.650 It was a pleasure to be here with you and your audience. 730 00:29:04.650 --> 00:29:06.180 Got something to say? 731 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:09.240 Share your thoughts about this episode of "Hadley Presents" 732 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:11.820 or make suggestions for future episodes. 733 00:29:11.820 --> 00:29:13.440 We'd love to hear from you. 734 00:29:13.440 --> 00:29:17.730 Send us an email at podcast@hadley.edu. 735 00:29:17.730 --> 00:29:22.730 That's P-O-D-C-A-S-T @hadley.edu. 736 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:25.987 Or leave us a message at 847-784-2870. 737 00:29:29.370 --> 00:29:30.513 Thanks for listening.