Salvation comes in many forms. Mine came in the guise of a state agency called the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS).
I had worked in special education for over 35 years when I developed AMD. I had a good working knowledge of what they offered. I never ever thought I would be a client but fate often has plans we cannot predict.
There is a pile of research out there concluding the best adjustments are made by those who learn skills. Depression and hopelessness are lessened in those who can do their own, basic living tasks. Agencies like Blindness and Visual Services are where you get your skills
I had a case manager who helped me coordinate my services. He lined up the tech guy as well as the habilitation lady and the orientation and mobility guy.
Technology for the blind and visually impaired is fantastic. With the tech guy’s assistance, I learned how to use a CCTV and ZoomText. With the help of the habilitation person, I learned about apps for my iPad. There are things available that were impossible to imagine 20 years ago.
The habilitation person also taught me about contrast, UV sunglasses, and several other things. She helped to initiate me into my new “fraternity”, the brotherhood of the visually impaired.
O&M (Orientation & Mobility) training was a bit amusing I wanted to cross the street with my bicycle. The O & M guy brought me a white cane! We ended up compromising and worked on both.
Two and a half years later, I use much of what I was taught. A lot of it is used daily. It was this training that taught me how to get through a day. It was this training that allowed me to return to work. It was this training that saved my sanity…such as it is! This training was my salvation.
Here at Mymacularjournal.com we have tried to pass on much of what these fine people taught me. We hope you have been able to profit from some of it.
The future? No crystal ball here but if I had to predict from the natural history of this disease, I have not reached the bottom yet. There will be losses to adapt to, work around, what have you. I will return to Blindness and Visual Services for more assistance. Maybe even a little extra salvation. Salvation comes in many forms. This agency was mine.
Written September 14th, 2018
Finding Low Vision Rehabilitation
- One way is to ask your retinal specialist for a referral.
- In the US and Canada, click here for a searchable database. Not only can you find low vision rehabilitation, but there are other categories for your search as well.
- Worldwide, click here for International Agencies, Centers, Organizations, and Societies.
- There are other sources as well. Do a search for ‘low vision rehabilitation’ with your city and country name.