Client Story Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Outlook

Rachael’s Diagnosis

In September 2014, Rachael was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer and began chemo treatments, and by March 2015, Rachael had finished her fourth treatment. Rachael started noticing changes in her vision, and “things were getting blurrier.” Rachael believed that her eyes were changing with age and waited until she was done with her chemo treatments to see an eye care professional.

Thinking she just needed glasses, she went to a big box optical center with her sister-in-law since she no longer felt safe to drive. During the visit, Rachael discovered she couldn’t read anything below the first line of text on the eye chart. The optician began to write a prescription, not divulging that in her current vision, she was classified as legally blind until her sister-in-law asked the doctor when Rachael was told that she was now legally blind.

Over the next year, Rachael was connected to several eye care professionals and had extensive testing. Rachael was eventually informed that she had bleeding in her retina and significant scarring in her eyes. She eventually was sent to a retina specialist, who later sent her to a neuro-ophthalmologist. After numerous hours of testing, Rachael still had no answers. At a loss, it was recommended that she see a low-vision specialist and prepare for a future without vision.

At this same time, Rachael went in for a routine check-up on her cancer and was informed she needed additional chemo treatments. As the treatments progressed, Rachael experienced a continual loss of vision, to the point that she could no longer see facial features and could only see silhouettes. Eventually, all central vision was lost, and peripheral vision slowly dwindled to nothing. By the beginning of 2017, Rachael had no vision left.

The Impact of Rachael’s Vision Loss on Her Well-Being

Her doctors encouraged her to see an eye doctor, but Rachel was resistant and did not see the point of seeing an eye doctor because she was blind. In May of 2020, Rachael was finally connected with someone who could give her some answers. Rachael was told she had cancer of the eye, and in June 2020, her left eye was removed.

Rachael pulled back from all social activities, limited her interaction to only her family, and rarely left her home. She found herself slipping further into depression and felt vulnerable and alone. With the vision loss, she could no longer help others in her family, was angry, and felt helpless because she needed so much assistance to complete tasks. “I felt like I no longer had control over my life.”

Gaining Acceptance and Seeking Support

Rachael reached out to Outlook Enrichment in January 2022. She was at the end of her rope and felt distraught, lonely, and useless. “It was a very tear-filled conversion.” Rachael was emotionally at her breaking point. As she talked to staff who described services, Rachael started to see that there was hope after being told for so long that nothing could be done.

“I started to see there was hope and people genuinely cared about me. I never heard we can’t help you with that, all I heard was, you can do it. We just have to figure out the right way. I felt like someone had tossed me a life preserver and was told to hold on tight.”

Rachael initially started receiving training in Adaptive Technology and received an individualized adjustment to blindness services to assist with the changes she now faces and the emotional grieving process.

As Rachael became more confident, she started taking Moby transportation by herself. “It was a big day. I was so proud of myself.” Rachael had new freedom and confidence not experienced in a long time. Gradually, she joined more Enrichment programs. Rachael regularly participates in the Color Outside the Lines arts program and is an active member of the weekly support group, sharing and empowering others through her Journey.

Article was written by Jane

Jane’s Diagnosis

In 2022, at age 74, I was diagnosed with Leberʼs Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). It is uncommon for women to have this eye condition because while they carry the gene, it manifests more frequently in males. LHON is a genetic eye disease inherited from the mother. We found out in 1989 that it was in the family when a family member was diagnosed.

Later, in 2006, my son was also diagnosed and became blind. My vision loss was a speedy progression. Initially, I started struggling with clouding, and what I saw would appear blurred. Images looked less sharp, and I started seeing fewer details. Tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and completing household tasks became more challenging. Now, I can only see shadows and tell when it is light or dark outside.

Turning to Outlook Enrichment

My son and other family members informed me about services available to blind individuals. A family friend recommended that I contact Outlook Enrichment. I started working with Enrichment because I was struggling with using my phone.

Through the training, I decided to switch to the iPhone because it is more accessible and more apps are available for blind people. I am now learning more things, like how to access Zoom meetings. I look forward to my weekly adaptive training classes, which are very important. I need to learn these things, and my trainer is kind and accepting of my insecurities. I have looked at my vision loss as a project. I donʼt have a choice, I have to keep learning. Losing my vision threw me into a tailspin, as everything is so different now. The world is not welcoming to those with vision loss, and the day-to-day impacts vary from person to person.

I like that Outlook Enrichment uses other individuals who are blind to teach the blind. I support any employment of the blind and visually impaired. I support Outlook with my donations because they have assisted me with moving forward on my vision loss journey.

This past year, Ken missed eye doctor appointments because of COVID-19. When he finally got in to see the doctor, his vision had changed. His optic nerve was damaged. As a result, he would probably lose vision in the left eye, which would be very similar to the already lost vision in his right. When Outlook called, Ken responded and was able to get help.

“The VA Hospital sent a referral to Outlook for me to receive services,” he said. “I needed assistance using the applications on my Android phone.”

Virtual programs and adaptations

Ken, who lives outside of Omaha, worked remotely with Outlook Enrichment’s adaptive technology team. Since he has low vision, they were able to help Ken use the smartphone’s magnification features. He also learned little tricks, like taking pictures of objects and enlarging them for better viewing.

During this time, instruction became virtual to meet the needs of the blind and visually impaired community. Your help allowed Outlook to pivot during the pandemic. Some programs were adapted, while new ones were established to continue providing continuous services to the more than 15,000 people whose lives are impacted by vision loss in the Omaha area.

Usually, adaptive technology training occurs at Outlook in person, with direct one-on-one instruction. Now, those sessions are online in a virtual classroom, and enrollment has actually increased. Clients from greater Nebraska, greater Iowa, West Virginia, and several clients in other states found Outlook online. Additionally, your support helped Outlook establish a technology helpline for people with visual impairments: (531) 365-5334.

The adaptive technology trainers respond to messages within 24 hours, providing technology solutions to help the blind stay connected to their loved ones and continue to conduct business.

Virtual Independent Living Series

People with vision loss seek ways to regain their independence and self-confidence. Living with vision loss can be overwhelming without support. Outlook Enrichment has created programs to assist people with visual impairment live an inclusive and fulfilled life.

The virtual Independent Living Series offers training classes and workshops, safe cooking skills, and home and time management classes. We also provide educational programming, such as understanding various forms of transportation in the community.

TJ learned how to type on her computer using a screen reader. She also took recreational classes and went bowling. She accomplished all of this with help from God and encouragement from the instructors at Outlook.

“They helped me with my self-confidence. You feel like you have no fear anymore and can do anything,” she said. They helped me realize my potential, which I thought was gone.”

Outlook Enrichment started enhancing our arts and culture activities to meet a more diverse population of ages and interests. Depending on individual comfort levels, many opportunities are offered via Zoom or in person.

Audiobook clubs, virtual game nights, and social gatherings are offered. In-person activities include adaptive soap making, tactual art workshops, audio-described tours of local venues, and houseplant gardening.

“We did all kinds of art projects at Outlook. I’ve taken mosaic, essential oils, soap-making, and aromatherapy classes,” said TJ.

How we can help

Outlook Enrichment knows it can be helpful to have someone to talk to about the unique challenges people with vision loss face. Others with vision loss understand and can help with solutions.

We host ongoing virtual peer support groups led by a trained facilitator. Our clients can participate from the comforts of home via phone or videoconference.

You can help more people with limited vision, like these clients, use their technology, socialize, and increase their confidence. We get calls every day from people losing their vision and family members seeking help.

The support of your time, gift, or talent is needed today. Outlook’s technology training, art classes, peer support groups and other programs are not sustainable without your help. Donate while shopping through AmazonSmile or by completing a donation form today.

In this blog, Rachel acknowledges visual information’s critical role in everything we do. However, it is also important to look beyond what we see.

Networking events

After receiving verbal directions to the networking event, I listen for voices and use my cane to navigate to the large double doors. I take a few steps into the room and notice the dim lights. I feel awkward at these events.

Many people attend networking events alone. They share the same anxiety of meeting strangers in a professional setting–but my blindness makes things more interesting.

I hear two conversations happening at once. I turn towards one, waiting for the right time to interrupt. I take a deep breath and add my comment to the discussion.

I feel the three women exchange a glance and look at me and the cane I carry. They shake my hand, introduce themselves, and keep talking.

A woman asks if I want to sit, and I shake my head. I want to be a part of the group like everyone else. I don’t like extra attention.

Friendships

It is a sunny summer day. I sit on the chairs with friends, feeling the warm sun on my face. Our children play, running off the seemingly endless energy they have. Two of my friends pass a phone around, talking about a photo. I smile and ask what it is.

“Oh, sorry, Rachel,” one replies and describes the photo.

I chuckle, but the moment has passed. Sometimes, things just are different when you have to verbalize them.

School drop-off and pick-up procedures

I arrived at my son’s school with my driver behind the wheel. COVID-19 has completely changed the world of education. Parents cannot exit vehicles to drop off and pick up their kids. I rolled down my window as he approached and opened the back door. The new booster still had packaging around it. I paused, wondering if I should get out.

“Sorry,” my driver says. “I was going to pull into the parking lot and help him with that seat.”

“It is all right,” his teacher says, stepping over. “Let’s get you buckled in.”

I wonder if the teacher assumes I need help because of the cane I carry, or if she helped my son with the seat because of the rules. The second option seems logical. I let it go and continued about my day.

I entered the small, crowded house with my husband and son for the birthday party. I lean against the wall beside my husband as my son scampers down the hall to find his classmates.

“Does she need to sit down?”

I scowl. I can’t help it. I get asked this question a lot. And it wasn’t even asked of me directly this time.

“I’m fine. I sit all day at work,” I answer the woman.

Transportation

Holding my son’s hand, I step onto the crowded bus. I know I will need to stand, but I want my four-year-old to sit somewhere. I work my way toward the back, and a woman offers one seat. I direct my son to it and grab the railing next to him as the bus pulls forward.

Another woman squeezes past me at the next stop. I can tell she is evaluating me and my young child sitting beside me. I grit my teeth and silently beg her not to speak, but no luck.

“You should let your mom sit, little man,” she says.

“No.” I point my dirty look in her direction. “I am fine. He is my son, and I want him to stay where he is. Please do not tell my child what to do.”

I do not like people overstepping when it comes to my parenting. My blindness made this woman feel entitled to give my son a command. And I had to be polite about it because I’m supposed to be the friendly, happy, blind person who always wants to educate others.

Employment

I step into my Chief Executive’s office. I find my seat with my boss’s instructions. I smile gratefully. She gave me directions and did not feel the need to give me her chair, which was closer to the door. Blindness does not prevent us from walking to an available chair, we just need to know where it is.

Blindness is part of me. I am not ashamed of it and do not try to hide it. I educate people about the capabilities of blind people.

However, I wonder if some people do not look beyond what they see. Most people rely on vision to navigate, interact with people, and care for their children. It is hard for them to comprehend not having sight. I watched my husband adapt to changes with his own eye issues, so I know the significance of full vision.

Being second-guessed, questioned, and treated differently wears on me. I want people to see beyond my blindness. Ask me questions, and be willing to listen. Trust me when I tell you I am fine, I do not need a seat, and I know what is best for my child.

I sometimes feel like I hover on the edge of a group, not quite fitting in but wanting to. With the exception of learning more about my trade and professional growth, I am at a point in my life where I am who I am.

If you have a question, ask. If you want to make a difference, you can start by seeing more than what is in front of your eyes.

How Rachael Found Confidence & Freedom