Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Tips for a low vision student?? (self.Blind)
submitted by Cupcakegirl02
Hi! I'm a junior in high school and I'm visually impaired. In fact I'm the first visually impaired student in my school to receive my own Chromebook and special vision aids!! I only know of two other people in my school who receive large print but I don't think they're as bad as me. Anyways I only get the new aids today and I'm not sure what people will say about them :/ you know how it is in high school! I was thinking to get a guide cane to help with depth perception on stairs but I don't think I need it as a mobility aid right now. But my aids are a blue plastic overlay, a magnifier, and a Chromebook, plus I no longer take scantrons, and I've had large print for about 3 or 4 years now. I also have uncorrectable vision at best acuity of 20/40 on top of not being able to read well so that's also a problem. Just was wondering how to deal with this? Are people going to make fun of me or treat me like I'm disabled?? :( I don't want to be treated differently! I just want to fit in sometimes.
GoBlindOrGoHome 6 points 4y ago
I'd just be jealous of another student who got a chromebook, who cares if you also use an overlay and a magnifier? They might make silly jokes, but it's all in fun. Nobody who matters will say anything truly negative about your vision aids. As long as you don't draw attention to yourself in a negative light, you'll be okay!
22, legally/functionally blind.
22, legally/functionally blind.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Thanks! I'm usually positive and open about it so I don't usually care about what they say, but I just don't like hearing them I don't get why people can't just mind their business and just realize that we're totally normal and exactly the same as them just we can't see very well!!
I'd be totally jealous about using a computer if I wasn't able to use one haha
I'd be totally jealous about using a computer if I wasn't able to use one haha
GoBlindOrGoHome 4 points 4y ago
Most people will just be interested, different is cool nowadays!
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
That's true! Sometimes it's fun to stand out, like I said I'm usually positive about it and just laugh with them but some days it catches up to me and makes me feel stressed that they don't like me or something. Haha I'm always over worried about everything!!
FiverNZen 3 points 4y ago
In my experience it’s best just to act like yourself. I know it sounds lame but the people worth being friends with you will just look at your visual aids is just a part of how you do your schoolwork and they should not think any less of you for it. If you’re comfortable, just put yourself out there. Talk to others, socialize and people will see you for the awesome person that you are regardless of your educational needs. The people who judge you for it aren’t really worth keeping in the long run in my opinion :-) I hope the rest of high school goes well for you!
Edit: I also forgot to add that one good way to approach things is if people approach you with questions or curiosity, answer their questions if you feel comfortable. I know it can get repetitive and kind of annoying but it helps to educate them and also allows you to Segway the conversation into something else, and maybe you can start up new friendships that way. :)
Edit: I also forgot to add that one good way to approach things is if people approach you with questions or curiosity, answer their questions if you feel comfortable. I know it can get repetitive and kind of annoying but it helps to educate them and also allows you to Segway the conversation into something else, and maybe you can start up new friendships that way. :)
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
That's a great idea I've never thought of it that way! Thank you :)
KillerLag 3 points 4y ago
Congrats on getting the equipment you need! I find most people are reasonably understanding about needing aids, although people are still people and some of them are asses.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Thank you! :)) I'm sure they'll be understanding as well. Still think I'll benefit from using a cane but I just don't know how to ask my parents about it, I think they'll deny that I need it :/ I guess they just don't understand what it's like when you can't see!
KillerLag 2 points 4y ago
They have a website that can help simulate what vision loss can look llike.
https://www.cnet.com/news/sight-simulator-see-now-prevent-blindness-legally-blind/
Maybe that would help?
https://simulator.seenow.org/
Here is the actual link, the first is an article about it.
https://www.cnet.com/news/sight-simulator-see-now-prevent-blindness-legally-blind/
Maybe that would help?
https://simulator.seenow.org/
Here is the actual link, the first is an article about it.
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Maybe it would, but I don't know haha
I could try that!
Just how would I even ask them for one? I can't buy it myself and hide it because how would I use it then? I have the money for it but then how could I use it if they didn't know. My mom goes through my room so she's just destined to find it. My parents are not even close to struct they just aren't understanding sometimes
I could try that!
Just how would I even ask them for one? I can't buy it myself and hide it because how would I use it then? I have the money for it but then how could I use it if they didn't know. My mom goes through my room so she's just destined to find it. My parents are not even close to struct they just aren't understanding sometimes
FiverNZen 3 points 4y ago
You could have a conversation with them and connect it to your safety. Explain to them that having a cane keeps you safe and away from dangerous situations, such as falling down stairs and bumping into things. Maybe if you link it to your safety they will be more willing to listen. You can also get canes online from Amazon and a few other really easy sources. Let me know and I can link you if you’d like
KillerLag 3 points 4y ago
It's just a regular website. You wouldn't have to buy anything, a computer with a screen should be fine.
delha4 2 points 4y ago
Did you contact your state blind and low vision department?
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
No, I haven't. How do I find out what department it is? And what are they going to do for me?
aam22 4 points 4y ago
You can google Blind Rehabilitation Services in your state and I'm sure an agency will pop up. You can also contact Vocational Rehabilitation. Request services through your IEP at your school.
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Also, take ownership of what you need and the devices you use. Invite other people to learn about your magnifiers, have them experience it as well. At the end of the day, it's mostly curiosity what others have. You can be as open as you want. As long as you advocate for yourself and explain your needs, you are going to be fine!
​
Also, take ownership of what you need and the devices you use. Invite other people to learn about your magnifiers, have them experience it as well. At the end of the day, it's mostly curiosity what others have. You can be as open as you want. As long as you advocate for yourself and explain your needs, you are going to be fine!
Cupcakegirl02 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
What kind of services should I request and how do I talk to my parents about it? They don't understand what it's like and just don't listen to me sometimes.
I'm always really open about it and most attention I get is just others being curious, which is fine with me! I'm a big worrier so maybe I'm just overthinking this :/
I'm always really open about it and most attention I get is just others being curious, which is fine with me! I'm a big worrier so maybe I'm just overthinking this :/
aam22 3 points 4y ago
OK so,
\-Services. First thing I would do is request a meeting with your IEP team. You want to express the difficulties you are having and you would like to be assessed in those particular areas to determine appropriate services. You might not need particular instruction, but you might benefit from the assessment process to have a better understanding of your condition. At the meeting you can request having the state agency involved. You can ask for a separate meeting with them, or have them at the same one. With then you can request transition services. There you will most likely find a group of students going through the same situations you are. There you might be able to receive some of the services you might need. Again, this all depends on the original assessments you are going to request.
\-Parents. I would have them attend all these meetings. Maybe just talk to them about getting checked and having professionals explain what is happening. They might need someone else to confirm what you are going through. The world of visual impairments is very small. Not a lot of people have had contact with us, so it's hard to understand how you can see some things, and how you are not seeing others. Be patient with them and with yourself. It's a matter of finding the appropriate tools and outlets to make things happen.
\-I think you might be overthinking this. Allow yourself to go through the experiences before reacting to them. You are recognising that you need help, and you are seeking it. It's just one step at a time.
\-Services. First thing I would do is request a meeting with your IEP team. You want to express the difficulties you are having and you would like to be assessed in those particular areas to determine appropriate services. You might not need particular instruction, but you might benefit from the assessment process to have a better understanding of your condition. At the meeting you can request having the state agency involved. You can ask for a separate meeting with them, or have them at the same one. With then you can request transition services. There you will most likely find a group of students going through the same situations you are. There you might be able to receive some of the services you might need. Again, this all depends on the original assessments you are going to request.
\-Parents. I would have them attend all these meetings. Maybe just talk to them about getting checked and having professionals explain what is happening. They might need someone else to confirm what you are going through. The world of visual impairments is very small. Not a lot of people have had contact with us, so it's hard to understand how you can see some things, and how you are not seeing others. Be patient with them and with yourself. It's a matter of finding the appropriate tools and outlets to make things happen.
\-I think you might be overthinking this. Allow yourself to go through the experiences before reacting to them. You are recognising that you need help, and you are seeking it. It's just one step at a time.
aam22 1 points 4y ago
How is it going so far?
[deleted] 1 points 4y ago
[removed]
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