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Second Sense - Beyond Vision Loss

Archive: July 2022

A street scene under an overcast sky, with snow swirling and slick sidewalks.

Redefining Independence

July 14, 2022 | 1 Comment

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 »

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Madeline poses with her white cane

Madeline Conquers Her Insecurity and Turns White Cane into Fashion Statement

February 22, 2016 | 2 Comments

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 »

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The Language of Mobility

October 15, 2014 | 1 Comment

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 »

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Patient Advocacy: Quiz Time

October 6, 2014 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Please Don’t Open the Door for Me!

August 14, 2014 | 4 Comments

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 »

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Relax, Take it Easy

July 21, 2014 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Do I Really Need an iPhone?

June 16, 2014 | 1 Comment

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 »

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What’s Stopping You?

May 15, 2014 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Have Intentional Discussions with Your Loved Ones

April 16, 2014 | 1 Comment

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 »

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Loretta proofs her braille at the braillerwriter

Are You Ready for Unified English Braille?

November 20, 2013 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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