Learning and Making Friends: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss
Renee Man, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
February 1, 2009
Meeting other visually impaired people can make a difference in one’s acceptance of vision loss; it is a reminder that others face similar situations and no one should feel alone. Perkins Outreach Strategies for Life runs adapted adult education programs for people who are 55+ and experiencing vision loss. These group classes have been very successful, both in terms of teaching adapted skills as well as providing a way for people to connect with others who understand what it is like to be living with vision loss. Other people choose to attend support groups or recreational groups that are specifically for those who have lost vision. This month’s column will share some of the benefits of participating in these group situations.
When working in a group setting, teachers with years of schooling and experience can bring lots of knowledge and ideas to the table. Yet the participants often learn as much from each other as they do from the teachers or leaders of that group. As one participant said, “We get feedback from each other. Everyone learns in a different way so something that works for someone else that you never would have thought to try might work well for you too.” A simple example of this occurred in a writing class. One participant found a pen that allowed her to write legibly and to read back what she had written. She passed the pen around the group so that everyone could try it. Those people who liked the pen then went out and purchased one for themselves. One person’s chance discovery became a help for the whole group because she was willing to share what she had learned.
Learning is an ongoing process in life, no matter how long we live. One client shared that she learns something every time she attends an adapted cooking class. Recently she learned to peel potatoes while they are dry so that it is easier to feel the spots she missed with the peeler. The potatoes can simply be washed after they are peeled. “Even though I’ve been cooking for years I learn something new every time I come- these little tiny tips that help so much!”
Of course being in a group also brings social benefits. One person shared that “it’s nice to meet people with like problems so you know you’re not alone.” People in a group can understand each other’s daily frustrations, challenges, and joys because they are often sharing very similar situations and feelings. They understand each other more easily. And that leads to wanting to spend more time together. Some of our class participants have met outside of class to attend the symphony or go out to lunch on a regular basis. One group came back from a trip to the North End proud to announce that they had even charmed a waiter into giving them all a free dessert!
One last piece of advice comes from a client in a crafts class. “Always remember to laugh. That’s a big reason why I come here. If we don’t laugh, we’re done!”
Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.
RSS
Bookmark
