[Blindtlk] An Update on my Independence

[Cindy Ray]

Sandra, there is no easy answer to the questions you ask, but really, you should not set Roanna up as an example. Some people don’t have the courage you do. Some people, particularly, people who were always blind, were over protected and have not had these opportunities. You had always done things on your own when you lost your sight; therefore, you would be likely to strive to get back that independence. There are some people who have never imagined having the dream to succeed because they have been told for so long that they cannot. It is sad and also difficult to understand, so we need to look upon such folks as people to cheer on when they are able to order their lunch. There are some mentoring programs, but sometimes people are held back by families even to touch base with them. Some of the rehab programs are not what they could be. This is not an easy road for people with road blocks. So why not ask her if there are any ways in which you could help her.
Cindy

> On Oct 12, 2015, at 10:47 AM, S L Johnson via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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