I imagine, when first becoming blind, it can be very difficult to handle.
I’ve had a disability since birth. Although, I was able to walk until the age of 32, I still had to deal with the challenges cerebral palsy brings. When I lost my ability to walk, I was not a happy camper but thanks to my faith, family, and friends, I made it through.
During my challenge of losing my ability to walk, I kept wondering how to fill that void. Afterall, I loved doing the Electric Slide, taking the stairs, and not having to really think about physical barriers that would hinder me from having fun or living everyday life. Just like me, Molly Brockman was thinking the same thing after losing her vision due to diabetic retinopathy.
Molly described losing her vision as being very daunting. Afterall, she had been able to see for years. She was used to being an able-bodied person not needing anyone’s help to do basic things and enjoying life, which had everything to do with being able to see.
After losing her sight, Molly said, she fell into a depression. She was having problems finding activities she previous loved doing like visiting art galleries and museums, especially Wright Patterson Air Force Museum; she loved going to see the planes.
Molly’s boyfriend suggested she find museums that featured tactile art, but after searching, she found there were only a few in the country and there was not one near her. With that, Molly came up with a brilliant idea.
There’s a saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! That’s exactly what Molly did by creating her very own tactile art. Molly put her mind to it and created an exhibit for people to feel. As a result, her creativity did not just help her, and others who were blind, but it also interested people who could see as well.
Often when I feel excluded from the activities of the world, I must remember it’s not intentional. Some people just don’t understand that individuals with disabilities want to do everything, just like everybody else.
To achieve a world of disability inclusion, it must be at the forefront of discussions, and sometimes, we must take the bull by its horns to create opportunities of change.
Molly is now a woman with a great passion for the arts and is on a mission to bring more tactile art exhibits to the city. She vowed to have more exhibits featuring her work and works of others, who are blind.
Molly could’ve given-up due to her situation, but she pushed to make something good happen and I’m so glad she did. Life can be hard but when you give it your best it’s bound to work out.
As for me, I may not be able to do the Electric Slide anymore, but I can do a mean shimmy! Don’t let the scooter fool you!