FAFTB Foundation Recipient of Assistive Technology: Kate's FAFTB Story
Kate is going on four years of vision loss. In that time, she struggled to find resources in her home state of Mississippi. When she started broadening her search to nationwide resources, she was able to connect with First Aid for the Blind.
"First Aid for the Blind just fixes the problem," said Kate. "They aren't looking at paperwork or politics, race or religion. The only qualification they have is, 'Are you blind and do you need help? We have resources to help you.' The FAFTB team just cut through all of the extra stuff."
Kate was a recipient of scholarship funds for training and assistive devices through the First Aid for the Blind Foundation. She was able to receive an iPhone and worked with our trainer Brian to learn how to use assistive apps like VoiceOver and BeMyEyes.
"I cannot tell you what a gift the iPhone was, just to keep track of my life," said Kate, who learned how to navigate her clock, calendar, appointments, emails, notes, and more. "I am really truly grateful for the technology."
She continued describing her training experience, saying, "The people at FAFTB are patient. As long as I keep trying, they keep trying."
Along Kate's vision loss journey, she has been made aware of how important genuine support is, especially in the blind community. She had unfortunate experiences that showed her not everyone had her best interests at heart, but making friends who are also blind has helped.
"There are things that no one mentions about losing sight, but once you're in the blind community, they say, 'Oh yeah, that happens,'" said Kate.
To others who are also navigating life without vision, Kate advises on the importance of friendships in the blind community, as well as advocating for oneself.
"Blindness is nothing you can really prepare for," said Kate, who's vision loss stems from medical problems with her retinas and optic nerves. "There's just so much that goes on with such a life change. You have to not be passive when you become blind. If you allow people to take over your life, getting your life back on track to what you want will be difficult."
Kate also has advice for caregivers of loved ones who experience vision loss, encouraging them to help their person progress instead of keeping them out of the way.
She says, "Don't sit people down for their safety all the time. Put them on their feet and get them out walking."
Of course, Kate also recommends reaching out to First Aid for the Blind.
"First Aid for the Blind was immensely helpful," said Kate. "I hope they can extend their services, especially to poorer states. I'm really grateful that I got the help."
If you would like to support efforts to bring assistive devices and training to those, like Kate, who are blind and low-vision, please donate at www.faftbfoundation.org/donate.
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