A local group dedicated to dealing with vision issues and blindness is trying to get the word out about what they do and what they can offer with people who have lost, are losing or never had their sight.
The group, tentatively titled the “Vision Support Group,” has been meeting for several years now, currently in the boardroom of Vancouver’s Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB).
The group has attendance from some who are completely blind as well as others who have vision loss from different ailments said Chris Carstensen, facilitator for the group.
Meetings start off with a roundtable, addressing any issues that the group members have. Other group members can offer advice based on their own experience going through the same things. Dealing with “the little things” is a big part of discussion, Carstensen said, giving an example of something seemingly simple, like getting toothpaste on a toothbrush, as something those with vision issues have problems with. Occasionally the group will have demonstrations and speakers as part of the meetings.
New members can share their stories, but it isn’t mandatory, Carstensen explained.
“If they want to talk, great. If they are kind of overwhelmed or just want to listen, that’s okay,” Carstensen said, explaining that the meetings were a “non-judgmental, safe atmosphere” by design.
She said the group also has access to other resources, like the American Printing House for the Blind and hearing and vision aid catalog LS&S among others to help meet the needs of group members.
The “official” name of the group is in transition as a goal of the group is to have a name more accommodating than the “Blind and Visually Impaired Support Group” which wasn’t too inviting, Carstensen explained. After losing some members Carstensen has set out to spread the word that the group is around.
Although the group meets at the WSSB, Carstensen said that members are independent of the school or any other agency.
“We’re not driven by anything other than trying to help each other,” Carstensen remarked.
In her own experience she said the realization that she was going blind was a major shock, explaining that the group helped to provide some camaraderie in how those facing similar issues with eyesight go about finding solutions.
“We’re all there to learn,” Carstensen remarked.
“People don’t feel odd when they come to this group,” Carstensen remarked. “We are all dealing with (vision issues) that are there.”
