Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Should I get mobility training? (self.Blind)
submitted by KrolPolski
I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa last week, and my field of vision was tested this morning. I'm in my early thirties.
My central vision is fine, and my outer periphery is also fine. However, my mid-periphery is completely shot - I have a donut shaped blind spot in both eyes, about fifteen degrees wide. I have been struggling with night vision for some time. My doctor said that my vision isn't so bad that the state would revoke my license over it, but that I should consider carefully whether it is a good idea for me to still be driving.
I trip over curbs and miss steps on stairs sometimes, which I had always assumed was just due to clumsiness.
Does it make sense for me to go do mobility training and start using a cane for someone in my situation? Should I wait until my vision gets worse? I don't want to be too quick to give up on driving, but I also am trying to keep an open mind about how I need to adapt to my new condition.
My central vision is fine, and my outer periphery is also fine. However, my mid-periphery is completely shot - I have a donut shaped blind spot in both eyes, about fifteen degrees wide. I have been struggling with night vision for some time. My doctor said that my vision isn't so bad that the state would revoke my license over it, but that I should consider carefully whether it is a good idea for me to still be driving.
I trip over curbs and miss steps on stairs sometimes, which I had always assumed was just due to clumsiness.
Does it make sense for me to go do mobility training and start using a cane for someone in my situation? Should I wait until my vision gets worse? I don't want to be too quick to give up on driving, but I also am trying to keep an open mind about how I need to adapt to my new condition.
matt_may 5 points 5y ago
If you get O&M then you might be in the odd position of using your cane to find your car. There are also legal considerations to consider if you crash. You can't claim ignorance. I stopped driving but when I found out my vision was much worse. Good luck.
lHawkeye16l 4 points 5y ago
Hey there. I'm speaking as a guy who was diagnosed with the same thing last year, and I have the exact same struggle of tripping over things on the ground. I'm only a senior in high school, but hopefully I can still offer some advice.
I would definitely begin mobility training. I started it last year, and ever since I've had the confidence to walk around without looking directly at the ground. Being able to use a cane has been a lifesaver.
Driving however, is ultimately up to you. Personally, I decided to never get my license, because I don't want to be the reason someone gets hurt.
Sending good vibes! And wishing you luck as you adapt. If you don't mind, keep us updated :)
I would definitely begin mobility training. I started it last year, and ever since I've had the confidence to walk around without looking directly at the ground. Being able to use a cane has been a lifesaver.
Driving however, is ultimately up to you. Personally, I decided to never get my license, because I don't want to be the reason someone gets hurt.
Sending good vibes! And wishing you luck as you adapt. If you don't mind, keep us updated :)
AllHarlowsEve 3 points 5y ago
I personally recommend anyone with vision loss to get O+M training.
I have a friend who was in your same situation, not quite legally blind, able to drive and get around, but she fell off a curb and *thankfully* didn't get run over, but she almost did.
After that, she still didn't use a cane until she fell down her steps at home.
I know it's a pride thing, or you don't want to be looked at differently, but it's only tools. You should be as safe as you can be, and having the tools and techniques to fall back on can only benefit you.
I have a friend who was in your same situation, not quite legally blind, able to drive and get around, but she fell off a curb and *thankfully* didn't get run over, but she almost did.
After that, she still didn't use a cane until she fell down her steps at home.
I know it's a pride thing, or you don't want to be looked at differently, but it's only tools. You should be as safe as you can be, and having the tools and techniques to fall back on can only benefit you.
KrolPolski [OP] 2 points 5y ago
I'll reach out and get O&M training then. I ordered an NFB cane.
For me it's not a pride issue it was more a question of whether it was relevant at this stage. I'm honestly more concerned about people getting the wrong idea if I run into them. If I have a cane at least they'll immediately know I'm not trying to cause a confrontation.
For me it's not a pride issue it was more a question of whether it was relevant at this stage. I'm honestly more concerned about people getting the wrong idea if I run into them. If I have a cane at least they'll immediately know I'm not trying to cause a confrontation.
KillerLag 3 points 5y ago
It is better to get O&M training earlier than later.
I had a client with whom I had offered O&M training about 3 years ago, but they declined because "they were doing okay", despite them missing curbs and bumping into corners. About two months ago, I got another referral for them... they had missed a step, fell down and broke three bones.
You don't have to necessarily give up driving when doing mobility lessons, but you also may want to think about the safety aspect. If you are missing things currently... how much more would you be missing at 55 miles an hour? And the consequences of bumping something with a two ton vehicles are noticeable more severe.
I had a client with whom I had offered O&M training about 3 years ago, but they declined because "they were doing okay", despite them missing curbs and bumping into corners. About two months ago, I got another referral for them... they had missed a step, fell down and broke three bones.
You don't have to necessarily give up driving when doing mobility lessons, but you also may want to think about the safety aspect. If you are missing things currently... how much more would you be missing at 55 miles an hour? And the consequences of bumping something with a two ton vehicles are noticeable more severe.
KrolPolski [OP] 1 points 5y ago
How long does O&M training usually take?
KillerLag 2 points 5y ago
There are a lot of factors that come into play, so there isn't really one right answer. The amount of vision, any vision changes, complexities of routes, what skills are need, etc. It would be best to talk to an O&M instructor and get an assessment done, and they can probably give you a better answer.
If your condition changes over time, then you may need more training as it progresses because you may not be able to see certain landmarks anymore. Also, RP commonly presents with night blindness, so you may find that you have more trouble seeing at night or low light conditions. Coupled with shorter daylight hours in winter time, it may get more difficult to travel in some situations, and need more specific training.
If your condition changes over time, then you may need more training as it progresses because you may not be able to see certain landmarks anymore. Also, RP commonly presents with night blindness, so you may find that you have more trouble seeing at night or low light conditions. Coupled with shorter daylight hours in winter time, it may get more difficult to travel in some situations, and need more specific training.
ErtaySh 2 points 5y ago
Hey,
Fellow RP guy here. I can't add anything to what other's have already said about O+M and considering to stop driving soon, but I was wondering, did your doctor give you any lifestyle change advice? Like direct you to [](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140207114059.htm)a more healthy diet and aerobic activity?
There's some research that exercise may help slow down the progression of the disease. Link to article.
If you're not much physically active, I'd strongly recommend picking up a cardio activity. This can be anything like running (treadmill or outside if you have decent, obstacle free routes near you), cycling (stationary bike), or my current favorite, indoor rowing (look up Concept2 Model D).
Fellow RP guy here. I can't add anything to what other's have already said about O+M and considering to stop driving soon, but I was wondering, did your doctor give you any lifestyle change advice? Like direct you to [](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140207114059.htm)a more healthy diet and aerobic activity?
There's some research that exercise may help slow down the progression of the disease. Link to article.
If you're not much physically active, I'd strongly recommend picking up a cardio activity. This can be anything like running (treadmill or outside if you have decent, obstacle free routes near you), cycling (stationary bike), or my current favorite, indoor rowing (look up Concept2 Model D).
KrolPolski [OP] 1 points 5y ago
I had actually just started a couch to 5k program to try to get more active before I found out I had a vision problem.
Might have to move to indoor rowing or something to achieve the same outcome.
Might have to move to indoor rowing or something to achieve the same outcome.
ErtaySh 1 points 5y ago
Heh, I did the exact same program (c25k), a couple months after I was diagnosed as well. I had to stop running eventually because my sight deteriorated quite a bit and I simply wasn't feeling safe anymore. If you like running, and you feel safe while running, just continue. The program is fantastic. If you do continue with running, I strongly recommend in investing a few bucks in proper running shoes.
If you have a gym, crossfit or rowing club nearby you can try indoor rowing there to see how you like it. Look for a Concept2 rowing machine though. The C2 rower is an amazing machine for the visually impaired, probably the best investment I've done in the past 5-10 years.
If you have a gym, crossfit or rowing club nearby you can try indoor rowing there to see how you like it. Look for a Concept2 rowing machine though. The C2 rower is an amazing machine for the visually impaired, probably the best investment I've done in the past 5-10 years.
pokersnek 1 points 5y ago
You can always do tandem running with a guide. People usually prefer to hold their guide’s arm, a rope, or a baton. Don’t give up on your fitness and hobbies because of your vision.
ErtaySh 2 points 5y ago
If you can find a guide, yeah, definitely! But when you want to do something independently, and still get the same fitness benefits, indoor rowing is fantastic :)
Jshrad 2 points 5y ago
How's the public transit in your area?
KrolPolski [OP] 2 points 5y ago
North-South links are pretty good (following the major freeway) but east-west and last mile options kind of suck.
There is one bus that runs one direction at rush hour only that goes near my neighborhood. I can get to and from work on that bus but it is pretty useless for anything else.
Where I work is very well-connected to transit; I may end up moving to a different neighborhood to have better transit options.
There is one bus that runs one direction at rush hour only that goes near my neighborhood. I can get to and from work on that bus but it is pretty useless for anything else.
Where I work is very well-connected to transit; I may end up moving to a different neighborhood to have better transit options.
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