[humanser] Adjustment to blindness

[Lisa Irving]

Hello Sharri, 

I am familiar with the Hadley course taught by Dean Tuttle. I believe Dr. tuttle was a psychologist. I have a very vague recollection about participating in a doctoral student's survey on adjustment to vision loss. I think she was out of, perhaps, Berkley

Lisa Irving 

. 

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of mzanderson27 via humanser
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2015 10:29 AM
To: Human Services Division Mailing List
Cc: mzanderson27
Subject: Re: [humanser] Adjustment to blindness


    
Thanks Dog! And I love this " Valley of Transition" may I use this? And this is the perfect description of where I found myself when my vision changed, I had no one to talk to or to help me through the process. I lost so much during that time and it seemed but there was nothing available and I really do not want someone else to endure that hardship if possible. Graduation is in June so I will be working on this project and presenting it in May, I really want to wow them and make them think! I do not just want to stand in front of them and present a boring presentation! If anyone has any suggestions I welcome them! Be blessed!


Blindness Doesn't Define Me!
Sharri Anderson

-------- Original message --------
From: Michael Abell via humanser <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Date: 10/26/2015  1:08 PM  (GMT-05:00)
To: 'Human Services Division Mailing List' <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael Abell <bigdog4744 at gmail.com>
Subject: [humanser] Adjustment to blindness 

Okay, Let's try this again!

               I forgot that the menu hotkeys are different in applications!
The reference is below.

Tuttle, D., Tuttle, D. W., & Tuttle, n. R. (1996). Self-esteem and adjusting with blindness: The process of responding to life's demands. Springfield,
Ill: Charles C. Thomas Publisher.

 

               This is a great reference and contains some good information across the board. The "gap" that is brought up by Sherry is in the construct that currently reigns regarding "blindness" and those impacted by it. No matter what arena you are in, the narrative is that the valley of transition from first encountering blindness to reintegration into productive members of society is a place that is rareley discussed. We try to "stage" the process and categorize individuals so that we can understand what to expect; ignore. We also have programs that are designed to rescue individuals from blindness and to transform them into the "inspiring" figures that are advertised as the successes that we can become.

               I recently attended a conference where an individual was sharing about his father's death. His father was an artist and had died of Pancreatic cancer. As we all listened with compassionate hearts, he told us that the blessing in the experience was that his father had been diagnosed with an illness that would take his sight and that his death preempted that event.

               Yes, society still considers death a preferred alternative to blindness. Is it any wonder that there is a link to depression and maladjustment to blindness? Individuals need to grieve the loss that they experience of blindness when it comes to them along side of the life that they live. Life is a journey that need not have a sideline that is reserved for those that don't fit into the uniform that society has designed. If the playing field is ever to be level, the players need to be welcomed by the league that the game is played; and, players need to stay in the game!

               I hope that this rant gives some insight to the place that I seek to bring light. Adjustment to blindness is a field that needs much research. This topic needs reformation as well. Until blindness is no longer thought of as something that individuals "get over", individuals will rarely be able to adjust to a life that includes blindness. After all, this world is in darkness half the day! Shouldn't we all enjoy the night!

Regards,

 

Michael "Big Dog" Abell

 

Helping individuals to find their eyes in the dark.

(480) 369-0805

 

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