Visually Impaired, seeking advice about getting help(self.Blind)
submitted by Tattooed_Ducky
I (39, female) have decent vision (20/40 corrected, but still must use reading glasses and very enlarged font to read and no depth perception) with no peripheral vision in my right eye, completely blind in my left. I get intense anxiety going out in public because I can't see people/objects coming towards me from the side or behind. I'm seeing a therapist who has encouraged me to seek services, but everytime I ask for help or referrals to get help, I'm told that I don't qualify because I have perfectly adequate vision in my right eye. I'm at loss! Before covid, I would not leave the house unless someone was with me because of my anxiety. When I've been out and about, I've ran into people, objects, displays, curbs, etc. I've fallen before too. What can I do???
shiningeagle_3 points2y ago
What sorts of services do you think would be the most beneficial? I’d suggest orientation and mobility from the anxiety you’ve described about leaving the house. Would you be open to learning how to use a cane? Even if you have some vision, those can help immensely with uneven sidewalks, stairs, curbs and signaling to other people that they need to move out of your way.
shiningeagle_2 points2y ago
If you have a PC, try opening up Windows magnifier. It’s a basic screen magnification program where you can adjust the zoom level and invert the colors on your screen. If you have a Mac I think it’s just called Zoom.
Tattooed_Ducky [OP]2 points2y ago
I'm definitely open to cane training. I also think that job training would be beneficial as well. I was an office manager, but I have found that using a computer and reading print on paper is difficult because it's so small, and a lot of the programs used in offices are not friendly with screen readers, or there is no option to increase the font size. Honestly, I'm open to any services that will help me. I'm in Morgantown, West Virginia if that's helpful.
Grey-Cats-Daze1 points2y ago
I don’t know if either could help, but there’s an accelerated O&M course at both Leader Dogs for the Blind in Michigan and Pilot Dogs in Ohio. Both programs are free of charge to the client. Pilot generally has less strict criteria for admission to both its O&M and guide dog training programs, with a policy tending toward greater inclusion. Maybe worth reaching out to ask? If they can’t help, ask them if they know of any resources?
TheBlindCreative1 points2y ago
Have you considered having your vision reevaluated? I know that you mentioned having too much vision to qualify for services. I wonder if there was a test error or if your vision has changed since you were last tested. Can you ask your doctor for a referral for a low vision assessment maybe? It sounds like you are falling in that grey area of having to much vision for more severe vision loss services yet too little vision to be considered fully sighted. While I wouldn’t recommend it in most situations, but you could potentially buy a cane online and self teach yourself how to use it. The National Federation of the Blind might have some resources. They also have a free cane program as well. Of course, do this at your own risk. There are definitely risks for injuries if you choose to learn how to use a cane without an orientation and mobility specialist present.
Tattooed_Ducky [OP]1 points2y ago
I do have a cane! At one point I was blind, but I only had one lesson on how to use it. I've sent my Drs an email asking for advice. Thank you!
niamhweking1 points2y ago
I see lighthouse being mentioned for US residents. Or have you contacted schools for the blind they may have links for you
siriuslylupin61 points2y ago
Have you looked at your states programs and see if they could help or blind centers in your area?
Tattooed_Ducky [OP]1 points2y ago
I have and I don't qualify.
niamhweking1 points2y ago
Interesting, in Ireland a charity NCBI will help with any low vision, even age related. You dont need to have a certain level or condition. Would a regular occupational therapist help at all? Or a employment outreach, back to work scheme, mentorship - not disability linked but for anyone and that could boost your IT skills,confidence etc
Tattooed_Ducky [OP]1 points2y ago
Yes it would. I have reached out to them, however I live in the poorest state in the US (poverty is RAMPANT here) and there is a wait list 2-4 years long, plus they are not equipped to handle my vision issues, so back to square one. I hate living in the US.
siriuslylupin61 points2y ago
Hmm... I see for most you have to qualify to get any help.
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