I'm sorry you're being met with such frustration. Have you checked out the Lighthouse for the Blind in Orlando? They may have someone who can help guide you through the process.

Lighthousecfl.org

ACCESS LYNX appears to be the paratransit system in Orlando. You may want to consider applying for it. However, the paratransit system in my city (san antonio) requires an explanation as to why users are unable to use the regular bus. You may need to consider hanging up your keys to access ACCESS LYNX, which is a very personal decision.

The nice thing about paratransit is that you can call and schedule it to pick you up at your door for the cost of a bus fare ($2).

If you can have a certified orientation and mobility specialist help you fill out your DBS and paratransit applications, it may help you. Often times the applications are worded in ways to trip people up. Its a huge barrier and a problem. Professionals such as COMS are often aware of the issue and know how to word responses correctly.

Your schools disability service dept may also have someone who can help you appeal the DBS decision.

As a vision teacher, my state qualifies students by acuity but most adult services qualify clients by visual field loss and acuity. Its usually much more holistic. Did they give a reason why you weren't eligible?

I would highly recommend scheduling an evaluation with an Optometrist that specializes in Low Vision. They have various resources that they can provide such as electronic devices that can help with schoolwork and specialized telescopes..there’s a lot of options out there. They can give you more information about services in your area to help serve your specific needs!

I'm very familiar with how much Orlando sucks for the VI community. First, get medical documentation about the nature of your vision along with a formal letter from an ophthalmologist to argue for your eligibility. Contact your state representative to help with the process. It's a fight to get services, it's one of the reasons why I'm leaving this city.

new member and first post. I am 60 yrs old and have found that blind people can do anything that sighted people can do. It just takes more time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. I am still learning new ways to stay independent. Reach out to everyone and u/everythinQuestion? Is this platform accessible? Please send me feedback..Fighting and overcoming isolation is always present vbut never never give up

I can't drive. I grew up in a rural town and it was all very limiting. I used to walk 2-3 miles just to get to a minimum wage job. I moved to a city with excellent public transportation and it's been life changing.

Hi, I'd like to tell you that I went through a very similar experience with glaucoma though i was much younger when all it happened to me. It's very tough trying to get around when you can't drive, it's was also quite heartbreaking when I was told that I couldn't drive as it is really a loss of independence. I did manage to get through college though by making plans of bus routes and keeping track of their times, or getting dropped off by a family member.

I do work now, though it's very tough for me to get to and from work, I either get Taxis in the morning as buses aren't operational at the time I'd need to catch them, or I get dropped off by a family member. I also have a friend who's offered to drop me off once they've learnt to drive.

I will agree that it's very tough to get around though when you live somewhere where public transport is extremely limited.

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A lot of good options mentioned but there is 1 nobody has discussed yet. You’re in the land of Disney which means tourism. Tourism means lots of ride share options. Start using Uber or lift. They are almost always a lot quicker than a cab or bus.

That sounds really tough
You can make it through friend, I too have dealt with subpar Bus systems
Like others have said it sounds like you could benefit greatly from seeking orientation and mobility lessons
I start to live like someone who is losing sight and you’ll adapt much more quickly then if you put it off, it’s not something worth struggling over