Linda’s Vision

February is Low Vision Awareness Month.

Some people may have the perception that a person with low vision can be incapable and not have the ability to live life to its fullest. Well, I am here, along with my friend Linda, to break down that perception. Like with other disabilities, you find ways of bringing quality to your life so you can live it to the fullest and that’s exactly what my friend, co-worker, and amazing regular guest-blogger has done for years. Check her out as she drops a little knowledge on you. Take it away Linda!

Shari

My good friend and co-worker, Shari Cooper asked me to briefly chat about living life with a visual impairment.  I have 6 decades of being in this world as a totally blind person.  I also experienced the added support of a brother who is blind.

When people ask me about what it means to navigate the world as a blind woman, I find it challenging to break it down into a few words. Blindness is one part of who I am as a human being.

I welcomed seven seeing eye pups into my life, and each has taught me how to be a better human.

I learned the beauty of connecting with Braille at age five. My love of books continues today. Now, I can read on my phone no matter where I am.

I communicate best with children and animals. I am impatient and snarky. If you are part of my little circle, I will stand beside you no matter what.  Put simply. I am human.

I was born without sight in a time when there were few programs in place to guide parents. Mine did the best they were able with the limited information they were given.  Having a sibling I could count on was a definite asset for me.  We have our own unique personalities. We also have a shared lived experience.  I am an excellent Braille reader. My brother makes friends easily. Years later, we continue to support one another through the hills and valleys of life.

What we both have in common is a snarky sense of humor. We talk about how being able to laugh has gotten us through some rough times.  We have walked together through loss of beloved seeing eye dogs. We have each experienced lengthy times of unemployment. We had the joy of collaborating for a radio show about how disability is presented in film.  We may banter as any siblings will; still, we got each other’s backs.

We are also a perfect example of how no two blind people experience the world in the same way.  There is no right or wrong way to “do life as a blind person.  We each bring our talents and skills to a situation.  Meeting one visually impaired person does not represent all of us.

As someone who has witnessed the advance of technology for people with and without disabilities, I embrace the opportunities that make it possible for me to thrive and contribute meaningfully to my community.

For instance, I am using special software as I type.  I can now read almost any book because of technological advances. I enjoy films and plays accompanied by narration that tells me what action is taking place.

I like to say that we should all have as many tools in our toolbox as we can.  I will never judge another for how they manage the daily tasks that are a part of living a fulfilling life as a person with a disability.

I am a blind woman. Many individuals identify as visually impaired.  This typically means they have some sight.

You may ask how to interact if we meet.  It is simple.  Treat me the way you wish to be treated.  Feel free to identify yourself by name. If you believe that I need assistance, ask first.  Never physically grab myself or my Seeing eye dog.  This is dangerous to a working team.

Keep in mind that blindness is just one piece of who I am.  This will be true for all persons with

disabilities you meet on your travels