Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Might lose my vision, looking for advice on how to prep (self.Blind)
submitted by ffj_
I have papilledema, unsure of the cause, and with the way my doctors were talking, not much time to figure it out (but we're working on it). I'd like any advice/resources for those who lost their vision later in life. Whether that's using the internet, coping, day-to-day stuff, etc.
I'd rather be somewhat "prepped" than it happening and me spiraling badly.
Thank you all for any advice.
I'd rather be somewhat "prepped" than it happening and me spiraling badly.
Thank you all for any advice.
AnonSnowRaven 5 points 2y ago
Get in touch with your local resources for the blind, here in Canada there is something called CNIB, Canadian national institute for the blind. They can help with how to use a cane, modifying your computer for you, learning to use your phone with text to speech, etc. Don't put it off for later, it's better to get familiar with the area, building, people and how to get there while you have some sight.
ElfjeTinkerBell 4 points 2y ago
I have heard that learning Braille is easier when you have (some) vision.
However, I don't read Braille and I might be an internet cat, so do your own research before believing me :)
However, I don't read Braille and I might be an internet cat, so do your own research before believing me :)
kelpangler 2 points 2y ago
I lost my central vision fairly quickly from December of last year to February. I still notice minor vision loss but it's slowed down.
It's a scary feeling and I'm still in the process of coping. I've worked in tech my whole life so that was my #1 thing to catch up on regarding accessibility. The iPhone/iPad really helped me to slide into things quickly. I learned VoiceOver and an entirely new way to interact with my devices. My Macs have been a little more difficult and I wish Apple would employ the iOS accessibility features into macOS.
Tech pro-tip: I still have some vision when I look really close to things. The zoom feature has been my best friend. Again, easier to setup and use on the iDevices in my opinion.
Coping… Like I mentioned it's still all new and fresh to me. Everyday is a new, raw emotion of anger, sadness, and fear. However, I also have hope and a little confidence that I'll learn to live happily with this new life. I have a supportive wife who has been there for me. I'm working to be more independent because I know it's a burden on her but she's very patient and willing to take those responsibilities for now.
Life pro-tip: Be ready to accept that everything will move to a crawl. Practice patience and don't be hard on yourself. It's a frustrating thing to spend hours just figuring out one thing at a time but you can do it.
Lastly, as you probably know the Blind sub is a great community and resource. You'll learn a lot here.
It's a scary feeling and I'm still in the process of coping. I've worked in tech my whole life so that was my #1 thing to catch up on regarding accessibility. The iPhone/iPad really helped me to slide into things quickly. I learned VoiceOver and an entirely new way to interact with my devices. My Macs have been a little more difficult and I wish Apple would employ the iOS accessibility features into macOS.
Tech pro-tip: I still have some vision when I look really close to things. The zoom feature has been my best friend. Again, easier to setup and use on the iDevices in my opinion.
Coping… Like I mentioned it's still all new and fresh to me. Everyday is a new, raw emotion of anger, sadness, and fear. However, I also have hope and a little confidence that I'll learn to live happily with this new life. I have a supportive wife who has been there for me. I'm working to be more independent because I know it's a burden on her but she's very patient and willing to take those responsibilities for now.
Life pro-tip: Be ready to accept that everything will move to a crawl. Practice patience and don't be hard on yourself. It's a frustrating thing to spend hours just figuring out one thing at a time but you can do it.
Lastly, as you probably know the Blind sub is a great community and resource. You'll learn a lot here.
viciousSnowFlake 1 points 2y ago
I'm in tech and I've started losing my central vision... Are you still in the industry? That is my biggest fear, being unable to provide for my family.
kelpangler 1 points 2y ago
I understand. I’m a UX designer so I couldn’t begin to figure out how I might learn to design with this disability. I have a lot of uncertainty about providing for my family which I imagine anyone would.
Here’s what I’ve done so far.
- Get your checking, savings, investments in order now
- Can you take work disability? I was laid off just before all this and I missed out. Seriously look into it
- Apply for state and federal disability. It’s such a tough, long, and inefficient process so be patient
- Reach out to your local vision center for job resources
I’m still new to all this but these are what I’ve done and considered. In the end, you need to focus on you immediately. I can’t work and I can’t drive and that’s scary. I understand.
Here’s what I’ve done so far.
- Get your checking, savings, investments in order now
- Can you take work disability? I was laid off just before all this and I missed out. Seriously look into it
- Apply for state and federal disability. It’s such a tough, long, and inefficient process so be patient
- Reach out to your local vision center for job resources
I’m still new to all this but these are what I’ve done and considered. In the end, you need to focus on you immediately. I can’t work and I can’t drive and that’s scary. I understand.
Ant5477 1 points 2y ago
Here is my channel, you may learn something from it, check out the link https://www.youtube.com/c/3rdeyevisions
kkolb7 1 points 2y ago
Contact your local association for the Blind. Every region in the USA has one.
Ask for help with white cane mobility.
If this affects your job, ask about disability benefits. Learn Braille, sign up for free talking books.
All the best.
Ask for help with white cane mobility.
If this affects your job, ask about disability benefits. Learn Braille, sign up for free talking books.
All the best.
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