Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Too soon to learn assistive technology? (self.Blind)
submitted by kbm24
I had posted on this subreddit not long ago as I was feeling some anxiety. I’m 25 and was diagnosed with myopic macular degeneration four years ago (properly due to nearsightedness due to premature birth). I have phakic lens implants and glasses and my vision is good and my doctor is good about monitoring me. But maybe he’s not very good at explaining things to me since the visits are super short. He said I could go blind in 30 years or tomorrow.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I probably over worry, I don’t want to live my life constantly worrying about this and have it hanging over my head. I know that no matter what I’ll be okay and I’ll learn what I need to learn and get shit dealt with. But I think it might help me feel better if I could be more in control. I can’t control my eyes, but I can control my actions.
I wanted to kind of get ahead of whatever happens and “prepare”. I was thinking about maybe learning braille (even just for enjoyment cause I’m also learning sign language for fun), or learning to use a screen reader. Or maybe finding a counsellor or support group for people with low vision. Or even just attend an event or something. I think I’d just like to get some questions answered, put my mind at ease. I’ve heard on reddit too that it’s good to learn assistive technology early.
But I talked to CNIB (I’m in Canada) and they can’t do anything unless my doctor sends them my files. So I asked today and he refused, he said that it’s a waste of CNIB’s time if my vision is better than 45/20 or something. He also said that I worry too much (but then other times he tells me I need to come in at the first sign of an issue, so it’s hard not to worry a little). Also, the man at CNIB I spoke to said that no one learns braille anymore, it’s obsolete. Is that true? I had liked the idea of using it to read books every now and then.
So I am probably worrying too much, so tell me if that’s the case (and any tips for not worrying would be great). I’m not worried right now, I just feel a little bummed cause I wanted to learn braille or other things so I didn’t feel so uncertain.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I probably over worry, I don’t want to live my life constantly worrying about this and have it hanging over my head. I know that no matter what I’ll be okay and I’ll learn what I need to learn and get shit dealt with. But I think it might help me feel better if I could be more in control. I can’t control my eyes, but I can control my actions.
I wanted to kind of get ahead of whatever happens and “prepare”. I was thinking about maybe learning braille (even just for enjoyment cause I’m also learning sign language for fun), or learning to use a screen reader. Or maybe finding a counsellor or support group for people with low vision. Or even just attend an event or something. I think I’d just like to get some questions answered, put my mind at ease. I’ve heard on reddit too that it’s good to learn assistive technology early.
But I talked to CNIB (I’m in Canada) and they can’t do anything unless my doctor sends them my files. So I asked today and he refused, he said that it’s a waste of CNIB’s time if my vision is better than 45/20 or something. He also said that I worry too much (but then other times he tells me I need to come in at the first sign of an issue, so it’s hard not to worry a little). Also, the man at CNIB I spoke to said that no one learns braille anymore, it’s obsolete. Is that true? I had liked the idea of using it to read books every now and then.
So I am probably worrying too much, so tell me if that’s the case (and any tips for not worrying would be great). I’m not worried right now, I just feel a little bummed cause I wanted to learn braille or other things so I didn’t feel so uncertain.
fastfinge 3 points 6y ago
Just for the tech side of things, $1 is free, and cheap training material is available. If you have the time and interest, you don't need the CNIB (or anyone else) to get you started.
tymme 2 points 6y ago
Totally agree. Can also play with other accessibility options already included on computers, phones, etc.
KillerLag 2 points 6y ago
I think you mean your vision is 20/45, the other way around doesn't make sense.
Also, I work for CNIB, and I have no idea why they said no one learns Braille anymore. Not as many people learn Braille, because adaptive technology is easier, but I have a few clients who are still learning Braille.
Degenerative myopia is most commonly associated with people of Asian descent (often Chinese or Japanese, although some Middle Eastern countries), although it is a genetic condition that anyone can get. One of the dangers of this particular eye condition is due to higher myopia (I would guess that you have a fairly strong nearsighted prescription?), the retina at the back of your eye is stretched more than average eyes. As a result, the stretched retina sometimes ends up with abnormal blood vessels growing along cracks, which causes scarring. Additionally, because the retina is stretched, you also have a higher likelihood of retina detachment. You may also have a higher likelihood of acute angle glaucoma. If that happens, that is an ocular emergency and you should go to the hospital immediately. The symptoms include extreme eye pain (like someone shoving red hot pokers into your eyes) and headache so bad it makes you vomit.
I should also mention, I will likely get this condition myself in the future.
You can still get training, even if your vision isn't too bad. I am currently working with someone who has better vision that I do. Even if your doctor suggests against it, you can still ask for a copy of your eye report and fax that in to your regional office. Here is the link for the refferal form if you want him to fill it out.
https://www.visionlossrehab.ca/Documents/REHAB_DrReferral_FORM-1_pager-Rev.pdf
Technically speaking, you can also make a self-referral. That gets a little more complicated, because they do want to get an updated eye report, but it is possible to get service without it.
Also, I work for CNIB, and I have no idea why they said no one learns Braille anymore. Not as many people learn Braille, because adaptive technology is easier, but I have a few clients who are still learning Braille.
Degenerative myopia is most commonly associated with people of Asian descent (often Chinese or Japanese, although some Middle Eastern countries), although it is a genetic condition that anyone can get. One of the dangers of this particular eye condition is due to higher myopia (I would guess that you have a fairly strong nearsighted prescription?), the retina at the back of your eye is stretched more than average eyes. As a result, the stretched retina sometimes ends up with abnormal blood vessels growing along cracks, which causes scarring. Additionally, because the retina is stretched, you also have a higher likelihood of retina detachment. You may also have a higher likelihood of acute angle glaucoma. If that happens, that is an ocular emergency and you should go to the hospital immediately. The symptoms include extreme eye pain (like someone shoving red hot pokers into your eyes) and headache so bad it makes you vomit.
I should also mention, I will likely get this condition myself in the future.
You can still get training, even if your vision isn't too bad. I am currently working with someone who has better vision that I do. Even if your doctor suggests against it, you can still ask for a copy of your eye report and fax that in to your regional office. Here is the link for the refferal form if you want him to fill it out.
https://www.visionlossrehab.ca/Documents/REHAB_DrReferral_FORM-1_pager-Rev.pdf
Technically speaking, you can also make a self-referral. That gets a little more complicated, because they do want to get an updated eye report, but it is possible to get service without it.
[deleted] 1 points 5y ago
[deleted]
bradley22 1 points 5y ago
As fastfinge said, NVDA is completely free and will help you if you wish to learn about screen readers.
I will worn you that the voice probably won't sound very nice to you but you can change that.
as for braille, it is not a bad thing to learn. I don't use it much as I have my IPhone and laptop but I am very glad I can read it as it does help.
I will worn you that the voice probably won't sound very nice to you but you can change that.
as for braille, it is not a bad thing to learn. I don't use it much as I have my IPhone and laptop but I am very glad I can read it as it does help.
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