(the setback feels more like a bump in the road after her appointment). I sleep better knowing that my mom has gotten help from the wonderful people of the Association of the Blind and that they will be by her side during this major set back in the her life. At that time, she is bringing special lights and more adaptive equipment and will be looking at my mom's house, the needs mom has and helping to find ways to meet them.
Ask and it is given success stories how to#
We left that day not only with equipment on loan, but with instructions on how to blow up the print on her computer, how to position furniture to see TV, and a huge smile on our faces.Ī follow up visit has been scheduled for 3 weeks out and Kathy will do a follow up site visit to my mom's house. They assured her that they'll be with her now and in the future to help keep her independent.
They have lights, magnifying equipment, special glasses, access to books on tape, and tons more in the huge black boxes for us to see!īesides giving my mom and I understanding of her condition, they gave her the most important gift of all: hope. They explained why she could see better with light and assured her that they have lots of adaptive equipment to help with these vision problems.
They patiently explained her condition in layman's terms: how it affects vision and how it won't go away, but that she wouldn't go blind. We met 3 wonderful women who did a lot more than exam her (yes, they did an exam and screening).
The agency immediately set up an appointment for my mom in Muskegon at their Low Vision Clinic. I had no idea of how much they do, what they really do, and how much they could help until I called them. I also thought they were based in Grand Rapids, so they probably didn't do much around here. I figured they provided books in Braille and helped the blind. I thought I knew most of our United Way agencies, but the Association for the Blind was one I guess I knew little about. It broke my heart to see her condition and how it was affecting her life. These everyday tasks were becoming harder and harder for my 86 year old mother, a highly independent woman. Things we take for granted such as reading books, prescription bottles, the controls on the stove, and driving can become difficult if not impossible. My mom has mascular degeneration, a horrible eye condition that robs one of their central vision. Let me tell you about my mom and about how the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has impacted her life. For as long as I can remember, United Way has said “you never know when you will need a United Way program.” We say it, but we really, really believe it when we or a family member actually needs the service. "As a former employee of a United Way funded agency and as a volunteer for the United Way, I know how important the programs our agencies are providing. We received the following letter from Penny Albertie, a volunteer and supporter of United Way, to let us know how a United Way funded program impacted her family: Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired