by Siobhan Midgley, CVRT, COMS, TVI
It’s a blizzardy Saturday in Chicago; sidewalks slick, visibility low, fingers and toes frozen. I get a text from my client, and he has a conundrum. His usual route to his book club is just one stop away on the L. He knows the route well and normally has no difficulties traveling it. But he […] Read More »
Tags: Independence, interdependence, Mobility
by Kathy Austin, Community Outreach Specialist
Three cheers for Madeline for getting past a very difficult hurdle! Madeline was introduced to the white cane with her first lessons at Second Sense. In honor of Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness month, Madeline shares how she conquered her insecurity and turned her white cane into a fashion statement. We are so proud of her! Many of […] Read More »
Tags: Independence, Mobility, proud, strong, white cane
by Alex Jones, Guest Blogger
I am drawn to O&M, or orientation and mobility, because I think it is an interesting and multifaceted field of work that draws on proven methods, progressive thought and creative instincts. Vision and Gait Lately, I find myself incredibly invested in how blindness and visual impairments affect one’s gait. I have become increasingly aware of […] Read More »
Tags: Independence, Independent Travel, Mobility, O&M, Vision loss, Visually impaired
by Andrés J. Gallegos, Esq., Guest Blogger
Andres Gallegos, a disability rights attorney, recently visited Second Sense and shared information on your rights under the ADA to receive healthcare in a way that meets your specific needs. Below he writes about one situation and provides options for handling this difficult situation. If you have had a similar experience when accessing medical care, please […] Read More »
Tags: ADA, Advocacy, Health care, Independence, Patient's rights, Vision loss
by Kathy Austin, Community Engagement Specialist at Second Sense
“Opening the Door” can be a euphemism for discovery and learning. Today, I’d like to “open the door” and provide a little education on opening a door for someone with vision loss. I know lots of people out there have kind souls and a genuine desire to help someone in need. As a person with […] Read More »
Tags: Daily living skills, Guide dog, Independence, Independent Travel, Vision loss
by Polly Abbott, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Second Sense
Relaxing is easier said than done. When life is stressful and challenges daunting, we need to take some time to relax and regain some energy to keep going. Stress is your body’s normal reaction to any demand for change. How you handle stress varies from person to person. Here are five reasons why you should […] Read More »
Tags: Daily living skills, Independence, Relaxation, Stress
by Marv Commerford
How I Lost the Battle! Since I’ve been involved with Second Sense for a long time, I knew about the iPhone’s accessibility from the time it was introduced with the 3GS. Both staff and students were surprised that I didn’t jump on board with the iPhone early on because I do like new technology. I […] Read More »
Tags: Adaptive technology, Independence, Vision loss
by Polly Abbott, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Second Sense
Last year I had the big idea to offer cooking classes based on different ethnic themes. From a skill-building standpoint, it worked as all cuisines need slicing, measuring, and organization to successfully complete. Unable to face another electric skillet pizza, I decided to offer dishes from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Italy and India. Spring rolls! Noodles! […] Read More »
Tags: Cooking, Daily living skills, Independence, Vision loss
by Marcia Knudson, Manager of Counseling Services at Second Sense
[getty src=”481897087?et=g8dNCNwlG0yVT_nDdRTTYg&sig=12LN4QiUDGxYPIFxIN0rIKoeViYxBCTppjBAPIPXwN0=” width=”507″ height=”398″] If you’re anything like me, your thoughts and energies are directed toward lists and responsibilities. When your activity level goes up, so can your stress level. The close relationships we have go more smoothly when expectations and intentions are clear. But they often aren’t clear, and misunderstanding, frustration and impatience ensues. Bringing some […] Read More »
Tags: Counseling, Family, Independence, Support group, Vision loss
by Polly Abbott, Director of Services at Second Sense
CNIB 2013 National Braille Conference I recently returned from the CNIB National Braille Conference in Toronto. The conference is entirely devoted to braille: production, transcription, instruction and how it all intermingles with the new developments in technology. The morning keynote was given by Peter Osborne, Head of International Development, RNIB (Royal National Institute for Blind People). […] Read More »
Tags: Braille, Independence, UEB, Vision loss