“In just the few times I have seen Debbie, I can already feel my confidence growing and knowing I CAN get my independence back.”
Hi, I’m Helen,
I’ve worked for Vison Support since January, and I have recently started my cane training journey. I have no sight in my right eye and limited in my left. I am also completely night blind. For this reason, I wanted to be cane trained so I can keep my independence.
Before losing my sight, I was very social – going out with my friends and family, and one of my favourite things to do was to take my son out for dinner. I was so independent – going shopping on my own and going for walks. All the things a young woman likes to do. However, after losing my sight, these simple pleasures were taken away. I could no longer go out on my own as I didn’t feel safe. I completely lost my confidence and I had lost my independence because I had to rely on people to help me. I knew they didn’t mind, but I did. I felt like I became a burden to people, so I would simply not leave the house or ask for help.
This was all until I met my VRS (Vision Rehabilitation Specialist), Debbie. She is amazing!
Debbie’s role was to evaluate my vision loss and determine the best course of action to improve my quality of life. This may involve rehabilitation techniques such as low vision aids, orientation and mobility training, and other specialised services. She came to my house and gave me an assessment. We chatted, and Debbie asked what I wanted to achieve. I explained how I was feeling and that my main goal was to be able to leave the house/work on my own in the evening without any help. We decided that she would give me some long cane training so I could achieve my goal. I explained that I was feeling nervous and anxious to start my training, but Debbie instantly made me feel at ease and explained that we could go at my own pace that there was no rush. We arranged to start my long cane training, and I felt like everything was all coming together and although I was scared, I was starting to feel hopeful I could get my confidence and independence back.
The next time we met I learnt the basics and then picked the route I wanted to go. I’ve now had two lots of training with Debbie and I am feeling great! We have been up and down the route I want to do, picking out landmarks, feeling for curbs, listening for cars, and building my confidence so eventually I can walk the route on my own.
In just the few times I have seen Debbie, I can already feel my confidence growing and knowing I CAN get my independence back. It makes me so overwhelmingly me happy. I no longer feel like I am a burden on my friends and family. I feel like there’s no stopping me now…watch out!!
