[Blindtlk] An Update on my Independence

[S L Johnson]

Roanna:

I've seen your posts before.  I am glad you are striving to gain 
independence.  I'll have to admit that I do not understand.  What is so hard 
about ordering and paying for your own lunch?  Have you been so 
over-protected that you were never given the chance to do these things for 
yourself?  I lost my sight at age 17.  I taught myself to read Braille while 
recovering from the failed surgery.  After just a few lessons from an O&M 
instructor, I immediately began traveling independently with a cane and 
finished my junior and senior years of high school then went on to college. 
I am not sure why you did not have that same of independence.  I've never 
attended any kind of rehab center or training since loosing my sight.  Is it 
common for people to struggle so much to become independent?  Is it fear 
that prevents someone from learning the skills that are necessary to be a 
functional blind person?  If so, what can be done to make sure all blind 
people can gain their independence after loosing sight?  My family tried to 
stop me but, I stood up to them.  Is it a problem of families being too 
over-protective and not letting the blind person do anything by themselves? 
If so, then obviously some families need to be given more information about 
how blind people can lead productive independent lives.  Is there any kind 
of mentoring programs where those of us who have gone through loosing sight 
and become independent can help others adjust to their vision loss?  This 
topic has always bothered me because being independent was never a problem 
for me and I truly don't understand why it is a problem for other people.

Sandra

-----Original Message----- 
From: River Linda via blindtlk
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2015 6:31 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: River Linda
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] An Update on my Independence

Hi Roanna,

That is great. I am following your updates because it is inspirational to
me. One day I will get the courage to do the same things you are doing. God
bless!

On Sunday, October 11, 2015, Roanna Bacchus via blindtlk <
blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Dear Members,
>
> I just wanted to give you an update on my independence.  Two weeks ago I
> found my way from the parking lot to the UCF library.  I also ordered and
> paid for my lunch at the cafe.  These are small steps toward improving my
> independence.
>
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