Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
1
↓
I (24/F) have recently become blind, looking for advice for me and my fiance to help us adapt. (self.Blind)
submitted by Keiracat1337
I was born with a birth defect in my optic nerves, that recently has made my vision near non-existent. Thankfully this condition causes no pain, but it is quite hard to do things when only every now and again I see color and movement. No depth or anything else. This week we saw a doctor again to double-check it is just the wrong placement of my optic nerves, and it is. Next week we go to a specialist to double-check those tests. We are looking for any advice that can be given on what to do next, how to get things in braille, or how hard it is to learn. The first doctor I saw was not sure what to tell us, so I was hoping someone here could at least point us in a good direction. I have known of this condition in me for almost two years, so it's not a surprise or anything. Once again, no pain. We just want some advice other than "have you tried audiobooks?" My wonderful fiance has switched my phone and computer to screen reader and messed with the voice commands to help. I am also new to this subreddit and might have broken a rule without knowing. Please just let me know and I can edit this post.
scaram0uche 7 points 3y ago
Where do you live?
In the US, each state has a department for the blind or other government agency that you can contact first. They can get you trained on some technology, help you learn braille, and teach you how to use a cane. They'll have the expertise to answer specific questions and give suggestions based on your individual needs.
(Currently living with a visually impaired person)
In the US, each state has a department for the blind or other government agency that you can contact first. They can get you trained on some technology, help you learn braille, and teach you how to use a cane. They'll have the expertise to answer specific questions and give suggestions based on your individual needs.
(Currently living with a visually impaired person)
Keiracat1337 [OP] 3 points 3y ago
I live in Ohio. Are these buildings easy to find?
scaram0uche 6 points 3y ago
Usually there is 1 office per county.
Here's the department to contact: https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/services/services-for-the-visually-impaired
You can search by location here: https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/find-us/
Don't get discouraged if you don't hear from them right away --- keep calling! You are your own biggest advocate!
Here's the department to contact: https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/services/services-for-the-visually-impaired
You can search by location here: https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/find-us/
Don't get discouraged if you don't hear from them right away --- keep calling! You are your own biggest advocate!
LaceBird360 3 points 3y ago
Google Maps has a feature that can voice-guide you to the location if you're walking.
zkbthealien 6 points 3y ago
First call the state commission of the blind. Get registered with the government as being completely legally blind. This helps free up some resources going forward. There are actual schools for the blind where they teach you basic life skills like learning to handle a cane, crosswalks, Braille, and even cook and can give info on leader dogs if you want to go down that path. Know that this is a hard journey but not a hopeless one. There are lots of screen reader programs for computers windows uses JAWS screen reader and with the government help you can get this program for free or really reduced. and most main line smart phones have them built in now too. My blind wife recommends iPhone but to each there own. For you fiancé it will be hard. Assuming they are able bodied they get to always be the designated driver for everything. I can give more info if need be PM me. Best wishes.
Keiracat1337 [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Sadly, and I guess in a way thankfully. He is used to driving me and so is my mama. I have not been able to legally drive my entire life, thanks to seizures. so I still know how to get a ride if I need it. Part of what we were worried about is things about life you can't really avoid. Like possibly cooking for yourself, doing dishes, taking my dogs outside to pee. I'm really glad that there is a facility that could possibly help.
and about the lead dog, it's looking more and more like that's the route we're going to take. I originally got my dog as a possible candidate to be a therapy dog for me, but I think now she's starting to realize I've gone blind and she's really stepping up and helping.
and about the lead dog, it's looking more and more like that's the route we're going to take. I originally got my dog as a possible candidate to be a therapy dog for me, but I think now she's starting to realize I've gone blind and she's really stepping up and helping.
zkbthealien 5 points 3y ago
To give more context I am the sighted one and my wife is blind and deaf and has seizures and a few other problems. I knew about the blind and the deaf issues when I asked her out at age 16. I am now 32 and been married for about 9 years. It is a hard rode but worth it. I can give you two advice about college and things I wish we knew at the beginning. There is tons of help and resources out there just no one tells you about them. I live in MI so should be similar set ups. Also know public transit is always an option. In Lansing we have a door to door service that is like a cab almost and a bit less scary than full on buses. I am willing to give advice on anything including the mental stress toll this puts on both of you.
msimmons024 3 points 3y ago
I would highly recommend a training center like the Louisiana center for the blind or Colorado center for the blind because they will drill in the skills u will need to be independent. In general Apple is better than android for accessibility, but I’m sure a Pixal will be fine. Good luck and I’m sure you’ll be fine! Asking for help is a very good first step
DrillInstructorJan 3 points 3y ago
Some people I know have been in a similar situation, often a bit younger than you (I was 19 myself) and they wouldn't have been online shortly afterward depending what you mean by shortly, so I guess you're doing pretty well to begin with!
I live in the UK so I can't really be that specific about particular sources of help, but there seems to be lots of other people who can so I guess listen to them. The only thing I'd say to be a bit careful about is that in my experience, a lot of people who lose sight are older and sometimes the organisations who help out are totally set up for them so it can be a bit offputting. If that's the case keep looking as there's probably someone you can hang out with for a bit who will help you learn the ropes in a way that's not weird or awkward. It doesn't need to be a big formal training thing. That works for some people but not for others, so if you find yourself doing something you hate, keep looking around. There's a hundred and one ways to do this and none of them is more right than the others.
I live in the UK so I can't really be that specific about particular sources of help, but there seems to be lots of other people who can so I guess listen to them. The only thing I'd say to be a bit careful about is that in my experience, a lot of people who lose sight are older and sometimes the organisations who help out are totally set up for them so it can be a bit offputting. If that's the case keep looking as there's probably someone you can hang out with for a bit who will help you learn the ropes in a way that's not weird or awkward. It doesn't need to be a big formal training thing. That works for some people but not for others, so if you find yourself doing something you hate, keep looking around. There's a hundred and one ways to do this and none of them is more right than the others.
Keiracat1337 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I had been losing my sight for months, in one eye. And as of two months ago, it is of no use (The birth defect is way more pronounced in that eye). Then about a week and a half ago, I lost most of the sight in my right eye as well.
As far as being online, I am telling Cortana what to do for most of it. And my narrator (the basic one that comes with windows ten) is a pain. It took me over an hour to type that post because it just kept closing windows in the middle of my typing. Thankfully someone recommended different screen readers and once my fiance is home, he can deal with my pc lol. I am frustrated with it, to say the least.
As far as being online, I am telling Cortana what to do for most of it. And my narrator (the basic one that comes with windows ten) is a pain. It took me over an hour to type that post because it just kept closing windows in the middle of my typing. Thankfully someone recommended different screen readers and once my fiance is home, he can deal with my pc lol. I am frustrated with it, to say the least.
DrillInstructorJan 1 points 3y ago
I'm not going to tell you not to be frustrated with it. I'll never sugar coat it, nobody wants to be in this situation.
There is no trick, but what you have to do is find ways to live with the fact that it sucks, or at least find ways to not yell about it until you get somewhere you can take your feels out on your loved ones. In the end you find yourself doing that less and less.
I kid of course but when it happened to me I had a lot of people telling me how everything was okay, and I didn't think it was okay. There are people out there who get it.
I'm trying to think of useful stuff to suggest. Personally I know I didn't get a cane soon enough because I thought it was just for cripples, and I didn't feel like a cripple. What stuff is particularly winding you up? Some stuff is easy to fix so you can concentrate better on the stuff that's hard to fix. More importantly, what are you into? The good stuff is always way more important than working on the bad stuff.
There is no trick, but what you have to do is find ways to live with the fact that it sucks, or at least find ways to not yell about it until you get somewhere you can take your feels out on your loved ones. In the end you find yourself doing that less and less.
I kid of course but when it happened to me I had a lot of people telling me how everything was okay, and I didn't think it was okay. There are people out there who get it.
I'm trying to think of useful stuff to suggest. Personally I know I didn't get a cane soon enough because I thought it was just for cripples, and I didn't feel like a cripple. What stuff is particularly winding you up? Some stuff is easy to fix so you can concentrate better on the stuff that's hard to fix. More importantly, what are you into? The good stuff is always way more important than working on the bad stuff.
Keiracat1337 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Right now it's these things bothering me. One, my screen reader. But that got fixed thanks to other people in this post. My finance is against me getting a cane just yet, but I am tired of walking into things. I have a bruise now on my hips for sure! My friend bought me one, though I wish he wasn't so against it. Other than that its just not being able to enjoy things the same.
This for sure has one hell of an adjustment, and I am tired of the pity. It's not even been a month and it's so annoying. My family switches between "This is fixable, just wait." to "I want to pray around you even though we are of different religions." And when I want to pray in mine, they leave cause it's "un-religious." for them to hear it.
I am really glad you are being realistic with telling me this. That its frustrating, it's a changeling. I just want them to say "well that sucks, what can I do to help?" That would be enough.
This for sure has one hell of an adjustment, and I am tired of the pity. It's not even been a month and it's so annoying. My family switches between "This is fixable, just wait." to "I want to pray around you even though we are of different religions." And when I want to pray in mine, they leave cause it's "un-religious." for them to hear it.
I am really glad you are being realistic with telling me this. That its frustrating, it's a changeling. I just want them to say "well that sucks, what can I do to help?" That would be enough.
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 3y ago
Bruised hips are nature's way of telling you to get a cane. I can't believe anyone would have a problem with it. I'd be giving that person a serious attitude adjustment. One of my apprentices had the same attitude for a long time until someone walked her full tilt into a signboard and she then limped for a week. But that wasn't someone else telling her not to, that was her being too stuck up about it. Even now she has a really shy and bashful cane that likes to hide in her bag whenever someone is guiding her. I just keep reminding her that someone was guiding her when she hit that sign and not everyone is awesome at guiding, especially when they're inexperienced. There's only two people I don't have the cane out for, my long term boyfriend and my dad. Everyone else, including my mom, I guard myself with it. How long is your cane and where does it come up to on your body if you stand it between your feet? Do you have anyone to talk to about using it?
I would be careful about the idea that it is fixable and just to wait. I was told the same thing and in the end it was not fixable, and I got into a real rut of sitting around doing nothing because oh, it'll be fixed. Obviously if it's fixable great, get it fixed. If it's not fixable, you might as well start figuring it out. There's no long term downside to doing that.
What are you interested in otherwise, in terms of work and fun and stuff? My approach is to start with that stuff, the stuff you want to do, and work backward to where you are. I think that's better than trying to build up on where you are right now which is going to be a process no matter what you do. Totally happy if you want to message me privately too.
I would be careful about the idea that it is fixable and just to wait. I was told the same thing and in the end it was not fixable, and I got into a real rut of sitting around doing nothing because oh, it'll be fixed. Obviously if it's fixable great, get it fixed. If it's not fixable, you might as well start figuring it out. There's no long term downside to doing that.
What are you interested in otherwise, in terms of work and fun and stuff? My approach is to start with that stuff, the stuff you want to do, and work backward to where you are. I think that's better than trying to build up on where you are right now which is going to be a process no matter what you do. Totally happy if you want to message me privately too.
Jess_dillon 2 points 3y ago
If you're using Narrator, check out the $1 Also, Microsoft has a free disability answer desk and you can call or chat with them anytime. They are very good. Phone number is 1-800-936-5900. On this page, scroll down and on the left is a "launch chat" button. $1 You can also get support through $1 which is a great app to have for many uses.
KC1162 2 points 3y ago
I am not blind, However- My husband has lost his sight. So my comment will be more directed to your fiance as I am 'Sight-Impaired".
The first thing that I would have you realize is that everything that you take for granted is now going to be 1000x harder for your fiance. things that you don't even think about like, eating spaghetti, or rice, soup, everything, and anything! Being with somebody that has lost their sight takes way more patience than a lot of people to realize, especially when that person is learning how to live life. So, invest in a heavy-duty carpet cleaner for accidents and gain a whole lot of patience.
The depression is another thing that I combat a lot. So be on the constant lookout for it and understand that you can't "cheerleader" it or "Fix it" away. You can only listen and attempt to understand. As stated in the previous paragraph- patience is going to have to become your middle name.
The other, less mentioned thing, is fear. My husband has been blind for five years now and his greatest obstacle is fear. He is afraid of his cane because he doesn't like people pointing him out. (Fear of people's perceptions), he is afraid to walk on his own. (He is afraid of getting lost or hurt). He is afraid of getting a guide dog because he doesn't want to grow a bond with it, and then have it taken away once the dog "retires" (Fear of attachments)- this is something that I have found that I can cheerleader away. As long as I am being as supportive, and patient as can be I have found that he is happy and the fear doesn't bother him half as much.
lastly, WRITE YOUR LISTS- this has been a lifesaver for my marriage. You will find that there are a lot of people around that will say negative about your relationship without truly realizing their own callous behavior, and for me- these little comments began to grate on me and my relationship. So I created two lists- the first list was everything that I loved about my husband. Why I wanted to marry him. The second list- though, it might be ridiculous, was every single 'Pro" of being with a blind guy. Things like "My chocolate stash is always safe because he won't be able to find it." and 'He won't be staring at other women." it makes me grin on difficult days when people take it upon themselves to have me face "Realities" of my relationship.
I wish you luck and happiness in your relationship AS WELL AS GOBS OF PATIENCE!
The first thing that I would have you realize is that everything that you take for granted is now going to be 1000x harder for your fiance. things that you don't even think about like, eating spaghetti, or rice, soup, everything, and anything! Being with somebody that has lost their sight takes way more patience than a lot of people to realize, especially when that person is learning how to live life. So, invest in a heavy-duty carpet cleaner for accidents and gain a whole lot of patience.
The depression is another thing that I combat a lot. So be on the constant lookout for it and understand that you can't "cheerleader" it or "Fix it" away. You can only listen and attempt to understand. As stated in the previous paragraph- patience is going to have to become your middle name.
The other, less mentioned thing, is fear. My husband has been blind for five years now and his greatest obstacle is fear. He is afraid of his cane because he doesn't like people pointing him out. (Fear of people's perceptions), he is afraid to walk on his own. (He is afraid of getting lost or hurt). He is afraid of getting a guide dog because he doesn't want to grow a bond with it, and then have it taken away once the dog "retires" (Fear of attachments)- this is something that I have found that I can cheerleader away. As long as I am being as supportive, and patient as can be I have found that he is happy and the fear doesn't bother him half as much.
lastly, WRITE YOUR LISTS- this has been a lifesaver for my marriage. You will find that there are a lot of people around that will say negative about your relationship without truly realizing their own callous behavior, and for me- these little comments began to grate on me and my relationship. So I created two lists- the first list was everything that I loved about my husband. Why I wanted to marry him. The second list- though, it might be ridiculous, was every single 'Pro" of being with a blind guy. Things like "My chocolate stash is always safe because he won't be able to find it." and 'He won't be staring at other women." it makes me grin on difficult days when people take it upon themselves to have me face "Realities" of my relationship.
I wish you luck and happiness in your relationship AS WELL AS GOBS OF PATIENCE!
Keiracat1337 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
OMG I had to laugh at the chocolate stash. He already does most of this, which helps so much. I still will have him read it, as he might find a different meaning in this than I could. That's just the nature of being two different people.
Hellsacomin94 2 points 3y ago
You may want to check out the YouTube Chanel “Cayla with a C”. Cayla is a recently married, young blind woman who you may have much in common with.
BlueRock956 2 points 3y ago
Hi, the state agency will try to train you little by little sending people to your home to teach you for some hours every week. The training is usualy sporatic...
I recommend you look for a rehab training center and get your training in 6 months, and go on with your life after that being independent. I went to the Louisiana Center for the Blind.
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/training-centers
I recommend you look for a rehab training center and get your training in 6 months, and go on with your life after that being independent. I went to the Louisiana Center for the Blind.
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/training-centers
pinksweetspot 1 points 3y ago
Get in touch with your local agencies and begin working with Vision Rehabilitation Specialists to help you with adaptations. Also, they will help you in obtaining and training you with devices to be placed in your home (i.e. kitchen gadgets and whatnot) to help you keep your independence.
bjayernaeiy 1 points 3y ago
What screen reader did your fiance install for you on your computer? What kind of phone do you use?
Keiracat1337 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I have a windows 10 basic screen reader, it came with the program. And my phone is a Google pixel 1.
bjayernaeiy 3 points 3y ago
Pixels are good.
As to the basic screen reader, are you talking about narrator? If we were to rate screen readers on a scale from 1 to 10, that screen reader would get a 0 from me. I recommend you get something like NVDA or JAWS. Both are good, personally I prefer NVDA because of all the addons that you can use to customise it with and the fact that it is free. You can't go wrong by using JAWS either though. Here are links for both.
NVDA: $1
JAWS: $1
You might also find this site of use, it has tons of software and apps for blind people.
$1
As to the basic screen reader, are you talking about narrator? If we were to rate screen readers on a scale from 1 to 10, that screen reader would get a 0 from me. I recommend you get something like NVDA or JAWS. Both are good, personally I prefer NVDA because of all the addons that you can use to customise it with and the fact that it is free. You can't go wrong by using JAWS either though. Here are links for both.
NVDA: $1
JAWS: $1
You might also find this site of use, it has tons of software and apps for blind people.
$1
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.