Newly blind
So thanks to an auto immune disorder I am now blind. It mimics macular degeneration. Thanks to this disorder, I am now a stay at home mom to a 7yo and a 4mo. My husband is the soul income provider. It’s definitely been a challenging thing for all of us having to adjust. Ive thought of seeing a therapist in regards to my blindness, but also Im not even sure how to go about it. What are some ways you have adjusted to being blind or disabled?
@SunshineCheyenne93. I’m not blind but became disabled about 10 years ago. It has been a very difficult adjustment. I didn’t have small children either. So I can only imagine how much more difficult that would be. It is definitely a loss so I think there is grieving involved. I have found organizations for my disability to be helpful for support and finding resources. It may be helpful to check out organizations for the blind. I learned some things here at 7cups that had helped me. Hearing about other people struggles and disabilities had helped me to feel less alone. Not being too hard on myself for the things I can’t do anymore is very important also. I even find telling myself “I’ll get the this” helpful.
I became blind a little over a year ago. It has been a rough journey relearning life. I was so lucky to find a grant funded program that taught me some basics. I mostly learned orientation and mobility (white cane skills and using my other senses) as well as technology (phone, tablet and computer access).
The National Federation of the Blind has many resources in the USA. Hadley offers free braille courses.
Some useful apps are Be My Eyes and Seeing AI.
Going blind is isolating and traumatic. You literally have to rewire your brain to understand and navigate the world. You are not alone!
In December my right eye acted up, now , I can't see out of it, I'm looking for all kinds of help but no help as of yet, and it's tough getting around...or reading or looking at phone, tablet, or tv ...any suggestions?
Firstly; if you haven’t already see an eye doctor as soon as possible! Do not wait!
I am only blind in 1 eye but I’ve seen an immense change in my life. Being blind in both eyes must be so incredibly challenging. It sounds like you have a good support system with your husband. Your 7yo I’m sure loves you no less and your 4mo will only know a life with a blind mother. The most important thing is that you feel heard and validated about the trauma being blind causes. Therapy is definitely something you should explore outside the scope of this app. My support system is what keeps me going. They assist me in so many of the things I have trouble doing (due to other disabilities not the blindness) The most important thing is to remember you still are who you were before your disability and you will only grow stronger each day!
Be my eyes app + meta AI glasses do magic!! You can also ask chat GPT for finding you better equipment. You can pair your app with your glasses and ask your glasses to call a volunteer anytime you need, a volunteer can see the world you see through your camera on your glasses and help you with anything. You can also ask your glasses any questions and hear the response, you can even ask to read something or describe what you're looking at. There is also envision app, pretty much the same thing, but it uses your camera on your phone and it doesn't really use AI, But you can ask the colors, ask you're looking at, asked to describe a person or anything, asked to read something for you, etc. same with seeing AI. There are a lot of opportunities to get the stuff you need for free, A lot of non-profit organizations and volunteers. And remember, you're not alone!! People want to help you!