Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Was told I'd likely be blind within a few years, how to prepare with kids? (self.Blind)
submitted by Ancient_Ad_5809
I have no idea why, and neither do the multiple eye doctors I have seen. I've worn glasses since I was in kindergarten, and at this point I am essentially useless visually if I don't have them. I'm not scared of going blind, it's something I've thought about for twenty years now and honestly just accept that if it happens, it happens.
Here recently my vision has deteriorated greatly, but there's no detachments or anything in my eye. Much worse than the trend usually is. And somehow there's not an answer as to why.
But my question is, is there anything that I can do now to prepare myself for parenting as a blind dad? I have four children, three are autistic, and they have taken notice that I'm seeing as well as I used to. I have a very supportive wife who is fully prepared to help me as much as she needs to, but I'd like to be as less of a burden to her as possible because again, we have multiple special needs children. But I know that the initial transition will be rough. Is there anything that you would do to prepare yourself to live as a blind dad to little ones??
Hopefully this won't be for some time, but my current eye doctor is not very optimistic about it, and I prefer to be realistic about things. I'm not upset about it, just want to be prepared to tackle it when/if the time comes. Thank you all so much.
Here recently my vision has deteriorated greatly, but there's no detachments or anything in my eye. Much worse than the trend usually is. And somehow there's not an answer as to why.
But my question is, is there anything that I can do now to prepare myself for parenting as a blind dad? I have four children, three are autistic, and they have taken notice that I'm seeing as well as I used to. I have a very supportive wife who is fully prepared to help me as much as she needs to, but I'd like to be as less of a burden to her as possible because again, we have multiple special needs children. But I know that the initial transition will be rough. Is there anything that you would do to prepare yourself to live as a blind dad to little ones??
Hopefully this won't be for some time, but my current eye doctor is not very optimistic about it, and I prefer to be realistic about things. I'm not upset about it, just want to be prepared to tackle it when/if the time comes. Thank you all so much.
meeowth 8 points 1y ago
People who help prepare you for going blind are called Orientation And Mobility specialists. There are a few on this sub that are probably going to chime in. How to get hook up with one depends on where you live
KillerLag 5 points 1y ago
Start getting rehabilitation training now. Training is definitely easier with some vision. Orientation and Mobility training is learning how to get around safely (that's what I do). Independent Living Skills training (I think it has a slightly different name in the US) works on learning the day to day skills (cooking, cleaning, money ID, etc). There is also training for learning how to use tech (screen readers, etc).
May I ask how old are your kids, and how far on the spectrum they are? Children with autism often don't like change, so you may want to sit down and have a talk with them (if they are old enough). If they are very young, some of the ILS training if also regarding childcare.
May I ask how old are your kids, and how far on the spectrum they are? Children with autism often don't like change, so you may want to sit down and have a talk with them (if they are old enough). If they are very young, some of the ILS training if also regarding childcare.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
No we call it independent living skills training too so nope sounds right in the US too. Sometimes we shorten it to ils. But yeah.
DHamlinMusic 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, that always confused me cause at least in NJ all the things that aren’t tech/work related are part of the ILL division including ONM.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Well that’s interesting and that may make sense because o&m can help with living independently but interesting depends on what it is it could be too broadly defined too.
DHamlinMusic 1 points 1y ago
Yeah like just the people I see who are all from CBVI ILL we have everything from cane stuff to household chores/cooking to things like tinted shades and referrals to low vision drs.
nathanglimpse 4 points 1y ago
Depending on what state/country your in, there is program that can help you either when you go blind or before. I'm not sure how your days look like or your job but maybe getting to know your store more on what item is where. I've went through a program before I'm sure other here did. You'll be using hearing a lot especially for crossing streets.
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
Get training now mobility, assistive tech, independent living skills. Label everything, learn to use screen readers like I said assistive tech, learn to advocate nicely but advocate for yourself. If you’re in the United states connect with vocational rehabilitation and they can help you with modifying or finding another job. You can do work if it’s modifiable a lot of things are. Get smart home stuff like a smart thermostat so you can control it think about accessibility when buying appliances. If they are touch screens and the options can change that may not be a great idea.
When going shopping if you lose all your vision you can ask for assistance.
When going shopping if you lose all your vision you can ask for assistance.
DHamlinMusic 1 points 1y ago
Yeah all of this, though with kids/other people in the house I have found stuff never stays where it's supposed to be, I just make sure the important things are and call it good, same with labels tbh. If you're already used to tripping over toys that'll likely be just like an old habit, I was used to tripping over clothes/shoes so have not had issues with those still being in random places on the bedroom floor lol.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Makes sense. Hopefully your labels stay on though.
DHamlinMusic 1 points 1y ago
Not even one :D
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Wow! That’s bad. What’s happening and how old are these kids. Are they pealing or picking it off then?
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