When I was growing up, I never understood what visually impaired meant. I was only 4-years-old when my mother was diagnosed with Stargardts, a juvenille onset of macular degeneration. When I was old enough to understand that my mom had difficulties with her vision, I still didn’t comprehend what the problem was. I knew that my mom couldn’t drive a car, I knew that my mom couldn’t see people when they waved at her from far away, but it always confused me because she could certainly see the lint on my sweater, and she always knew when I had failed to clean what I said I had cleaned.
As I grew older and became involved with the Ensight Skills Center, I finally gained an understanding. Macular degeneration affects the central vision, not all of the vision. With the help and support of the Ensight Skills Center and the many wonderful people I have meet through working with them, I feel more confident that I can not only understand vision loss, but help other family members ‘get it,’ as well.
For this gift, I am very grateful. I hope that it helps me to be able to reach out to many more people in my years at Ensight and offer support.
Everyday I learn a little more.
Melody Bettenhausen