Visual Impaired Members

csno01

How do you find asking people for help? 

This is something I have always struggled with, although I am getting better at it over time.
Sometimes it is how you ask for assistance. For me, I find it difficult to get a good balance of both asking and showing my inititive. Has anybody else experienced this?

Ross_Alumni

I've always had challenges with asking for help @csno01, but it's something I've become much better at doing with experience. When I was younger I would regularly not ask for help at all when I needed it, even in important situations such as exams, I think it was probably due to not wanting to draw attention to myself and a feeling of embarrassment about needing the help.

You mentioned initiative there, and I think that's something that is really important to show when it comes to asking for help. Not only does it allow you to get the help you need, but I think other people appreciate it too when you are honest and direct about what you need, because it can take the burden off them to make suggestions and after all other people don't exactly know what support you need at any given moment.

In recent years one thing that has helped me feel more comfortable around people is mentioning to them beforehand that I may need help at certain points and do they mind if I ask them for it. Of course, pretty much everybody says yes because most people are lovely and helpful, but I find that it helps to ease any anxiety I have. For example, if I'm going to a concert with a friend I might say that I will have challenges with X and X, and do they mind if at any moment I ask for their support? I find it better than having to ask somebody in the moment and it kind of coming as a surprise to them too.

csno01

That’s great to hear Ross, thank you for sharing.

I can totally relate to what you said. I too have become better at asking for help as I’ve got older, although I feel at times striking a balance , in both asking for help and showing initiative  difficult.
Having said that,  I too am getting better at asking for assistance. 

L_Volunteer

It sounds really positive to hear you have become better at asking for help as you've got older @csno01. Though, I can hear how you sometimes find the balance difficult.

If we can do anything to support you please don't hesitate to let us know, we are all here for you.

Though it sounds like you are doing such a great job already at reaching out for help when you need it. Well done - I recognise the courage it takes 

csno01

Thank you @L_Volunteer. I hope you are well. :-)

PurpleQueen81

Hi all 

I am sight impaired I lost most of my sight/visual capacity in my right eye as a result of an injury when I was a child and over the past 2 or 3 years my left eye sight has been reduced significantly meaning I am no longer able to read books, emails, text messages, letters... anything in print and I also have nystagmus in both eyes too aswell other health conditions  unrelated to my eyes.
I was devasted when optician told me that glasses were not an option anymore I find daily life such a struggle even with modern technology and phone apps helping me keep intouch with family and friends at the moment I have 2 apps on my phone and tablet 1 to read messages out loud as they come through and the other reads attachments in emails, books it has a option to copy text from Web pages too.

Speaki is a free app and reads messages out loud 

And t2s reads everything else for me this app is also free

(I have android so not sure for iPhone availabilty)

These apps have helped me so much and if anyone here can recommend any other apps or gadgets to help me navigate the world would be appreciated.

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for sharing the apps you find useful @PurpleQueen81 and welcome to the community

I'm not visually impaired myself, so can't share my own recommendations per se. Hopefully our members with lived experience can share their own thoughts here too. 

Hope you're enjoying your weekend so far!

Alex

csno01

Hello and welcome to the forum @PurpleQueen81. 

Thank you for sharing your story.

I am visually impaired myself and can’t say I have heard of those apps. I will bear that in mind.

I use an iPhone and really  find the voiceover and magnifier app usefull. I also have a Mac and use the voice over  and magnifier features on there as well. 

I also have a nice stag mess so can relate to what you’re saying.

Regards
CSno01

PurpleQueen81

@csno01
Tts apps and dictation keyboards have been vital for my adjustments I'm currently under referral with hospital for my eyes but I doubt surgery will improve my eyesight lifestyle much im more at a point of accepting the fading vision but I also know its going to hard adapting mostly because I'm stubborn and like to do things for myself and asking for help has never been something I've done... until recently, I also suffer with vertigo and migraines alot so not only is my world very foggy but its always in motion so to speak.

I have been referred to my local vision impairment team but as with everything it seems a long wait ( I've never been good at waiting for anything) and anxiety is through the roof if I attempt a "simple" trip to local shop alone.

Have you always been vision impaired or has it come about as you have gotten older?

csno01

I bet it feels a long wait for you, especially when you want to be seen asap. I can be like that too sometimes. Lack of patience lol. 

I can certainly relate to what you are saying, especially when it comes to accepting your disability / impairments. 

You mention that you like yo do things by and for yourself although you find going to the local shop by yourself is a challenge. Do you have someone who you could perhaps go with for support perhaps? 

I have always been visually impaired but did not start to come to terms with it until I was in my late 20s. Until recently, i would never ask for help, although now I am stepping up and doing so, it makes things that bit easier. 

csno01

@PurpleQueen81
please refer to my response in the last message. 

janer1967

Hi there 

I'm visually impaired too and found lots of help from my sensory team even helping me get out on my own locally.

I am also in a wheelchair so that has its challenges 

Recent deteriation means I can no longer use my electric chair so back to not being able to go out alone 

Hold on for the sensory team they can be great 

One gadget I wouldn't be without is my one cup water boiler for making drinks no lifting hot kettle 

Also use slow cooker a lot put in ready prepared veg and meat etc one pot meals no boiling pans I use a steamer too 

PurpleQueen81

@csno01 I live a little out of the way for it to be easy for me to ask friends or family to pop round and take a walk to shops, I've been getting supermarket deliveries to make sure I have basics in so to speak.


@janer1967 I too have a one cup boiler which has proven its worth keeping up with my coffee addiction.

Yes it's hard adjusting to loss of sight and the world feels quite scary attempting to step out alone right now but independence is important to me so the sooner the sensory team get intouch and hopefully help me with techniques to at least navigate locally safely and with confidence the better for my sanity I'm all up for learning new ways and trying new apps and gadgets.

prasoon

Hi,

I have a rare condition, it's called Cone Rod dystrophy. Almost like Retinitis Pigmentosa, but the Cone receptors gets affected first and therefore, my day vision is poor. I am interested in Entrepreneurship. Is there anyone here with similar interests?  

bluebeetle1976

Hi I have only partially lost sight in my eyes 2 months ago which no one can diagnose, I have got an NHS ophthalmology appointment in 2 weeks! When you all first partially lost your sight how did you navigate going out for dinner as I can’t see my dinner properly so I don’t enjoy dinner time at all anyway. 

Shaheen585

Hi to all

I'm new to the site please be gentle 🥰 I'm registered blind due Retinitis pigmentosa, it would be nice to chat with anyone with a visual impairment.

Take care