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CREATING NEW POSSIBILITIES - Art
My world went black in 1962 when I was working in Army counterintelligence, learning Romanian for an overseas assignment. Basically both of my retinas detached, plunging me into darkness. I was in the military hospital for six months and went through twelve surgeries. In one operation they slit open my eyes, stretched the muscles, rotated the eye and stretched it out. It hurt like heck and I couldn't see anything for two months. I remember experiencing fear, great fear. I would sometimes wake up unable to breathe, trying to remember what it was like to see.
I regained much of my vision, but not enough to continue with surveillance work. I received an honorable discharge and returned home to work on my family farm. However, I was told by my doctor that continued physical labor would result in total blindness within two years. I needed to support my growing family. I worked in pharmaceutical sales for 10 years and then began my career in the securities business.
Eight years ago, I woke up and my vision was like looking through milk glass. I somehow managed to get to the office, but I was terrified. I called the Veteran's Administration and walked over. I walked right into a homeless man with a shopping cart full of aluminum cans on the way. At the VA, I asked for a white cane so people would know I was blind. Going back to the office was much easier. I didn't know how to use the cane to navigate on my own, but people stopped to help me all along the way.
I discovered the Guild for the Blind when I needed to purchase a new cane. On my first visit I found a friendly and compassionate staff in a very convenient location.
When I began experiencing increased vision loss several years ago, reading my computer screen became difficult, even with magnification. In my position as an investment counselor, I must navigate the Internet to manage my clients' portfolios. In addition, my employer uses the firm's web site as a means of communicating sales information, research, and written communication.
When I discussed the situation with a manager, he suggested I retire with dignity. I told him I would never retire otherwise, but not because of my eyesight. I had come too far to give up now. Rather than take his comment as an insult, I took it as a challenge. So I approached management at our home office. I was encouraged to get the training and equipment I needed to do my job – though they were unwilling to purchase the necessary adaptive equipment.
Fortunately, I was able to get the support I needed from the Guild and VICTORS, a program of the Veteran's Administration. VICTORS — Vision Impairment Center to Optimize Remaining Sight — provided me with all of the equipment I needed to continue working, and the Guild provided me with the training.
I enrolled in a computer course at the Guild to learn to use adaptive technology—software that could read everything on the screen to me. I got to know people in the class—one worked in radio and one was a school teacher. During breaks we talked about how we coped with our vision loss. We exchanged tips and tricks with each other. Just knowing other successful people who are visually impaired meant so much to me.
The Guild’s instructor also brought a lot to the table. Tutorial tapes are useful, but they are no where near as helpful as a professional who provides hands-on instruction. The instructor told us about the shortcomings of the program and how to get around potential problems. I am now able to breeze through the Internet pages with much greater accuracy and confidence.
I also met with Judi Jasek, the Guild's manager of rehabilitation services, for a low vision consultation. Judi, who is also blind, showed me different types of magnification and lighting options, all with the goal for making my life easier. That really opened things up for me.
At the Guild, I met people who shared my same view of life. Low vision and blindness need not be a barrier to a productive, happy life. We are able to add significant input to our society by doing our jobs accurately and efficiently. It is our duty to take hold of all the resources available to us—resources like the Guild. This way we can remain productive, self-sufficient, and a role model for others who have disabilities. I want others to know they need not give up, no matter what they have been told.
The Guild is where a person who is visually impaired can find the help and confidence they need to remain independent. Working with people who are qualified professionals, visually impaired, and incredibly supportive gives you the confidence to pursue your dreams. Return to Success Stories
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