[NFBOH-Cleveland] Blind community advocates believe injured security guard will live fulfilling life once healed ? WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

[Suzanne Turner]

Ohio, we have work to do.

Let's help people to heal.

Great article President Payne.

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Blind community advocates believe injured security guard will live
fulfilling life once healed

Milliner spoke about her mom, Gloria Courtney, exclusively
with News Center 7 on Sunday. She said her mother now needs around-the-clock
care.

By WHIO Staff
October 30, 2023 at 5:55 pm EDT


Article: DAYTON - The family of 66-year-old Gloria Courtney confirmed to
News Center 7 that she lost her eyesight due to the vicious attack she
suffered on Oct.
22.

‘Anger, rage, frustration;’ Daughter of security guard who was attacked
speaks out

Police said James Fickling walked up the street and into the Premier Health
building on the 100 block of N. Main Street when he allegedly began the
attack.

Fickling pulled a fire alarm and when Courtney responded he allegedly
attacked her, which resulted in her losing her sight.

“My mom, because of what happened to her, she lost her sight,” Chiquita
Milliner said.

>>
PHOTOS: Family of attacked Security guard in Dayton speaking out

Milliner spoke about her mom, Gloria Courtney, exclusively with News Center
7 on Sunday. She said her mother now needs around-the-clock care.

“She needs assistance to the restroom...assistance with getting dressed,”
Milliner said.

Milliner said her mother will also need professional help dealing with
nightmares she has gotten about the attack.

>> RELATED:
 3 injured after man allegedly attacks security guard, Dayton Fire crews

News Center 7′s Mike Campbell spoke with advocates for the blind community
and how this outcome for Courtney, won’t be the end of her productive life.

Richard Payne is the President of the Ohio Chapter of the National
Federation for the Blind and he said dealing with the loss of sight at any
age is emotionally,
mentally, and physically tolling.

“We believe with the right training, the right technology, and the
opportunity, blind people can lead a very full life,” Payne said.

>>RELATED:
‘We need help now;’ Audio captures moments after security guard, Dayton
Fire crews attacked

Payne is blind and he lost his eyesight at 15 years old during an acid
attack.

He said he found mentors, resources, and examples of people living their
lives, which helped him continue his.

Payne now lives independently, has held jobs, and started companies over the
last 41 years of his life.

>>RELATED:
66-year-old woman’s eye gouged out in attack on security guard, Dayton
firefighters

He said once people are ready to move forward after healing physically and
emotionally, everyone should raise their expectations of what is possible.

“We’re not the organization that believes blindness is the end of the
world, it can be reduced to a physical nuisance,” Payne said.

>> RELATED:
Charges expected to be upgraded for man accused of attacking security guard,
firefighters

Payne said he does everything anyone else can do, except driving. He
mentioned that he would like to run out and drive his own vehicle where he
needs or
wants to go.

Payne believes Courtney is no different, and once time has passed and she
heals, she will be able to live her own life again.

(c)2023 Cox Media Group

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curity-guard-will-live-fulfilling-life-once-healed/FGUUHVVYW5H4PJC6ERLSCSEFG
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