Norine's Notes

Independent Living

The primary focus of my rehabilitation was independent living. My instructor worked with me at home and in a classroom setting.

In the classroom I joined with other women who had recently lost most or all of their vision. It was its own little support group as well as a wonderful learning experience.

We learned how to use guides for writing, and the importance of contrast and magnification for those with little vision. We were provided with guides for such things as signatures, addressing envelopes, and writing checks.

Instructors introduced us to numerous helpful devices such as talking watches, clocks, timers, calculators, and thermometers. One of my favorites was a small battery-operated device that can be positioned over a cup or glass and beeps so you know when to stop pouring. One of my most used, but least favorites, is my talking scale. What a way to start the day!

We learned how to sew. There are measuring tapes with raised marks. A person can thread a needle without seeing simply by using a tooth flossing device. There are guides that can be helpful for using a sewing machine.

Jeanine teaching Dorothy how to use the talking book player.

We were introduced to helpful devices available to the blind and visually impaired. The Talking Book Library, through the Library of Congress, provides hundreds of thousands of books on four-track tapes and a player. We can order any books we want, by phone or on computer, and they are delivered to our homes. When we finish them we simply return them in the provided container. I have almost never not found a book I wanted. Since the time of these classes, many books are available for immediate download through the use of MP3 devices.

These books, for me, were a first giant step in reclaiming my life. The novels provided a needed diversion. The biographies inspired me and reminded me of how so many people have overcome much greater obstacles than I am facing. The spiritual and inspirational books reminded me of the strong resources I have within me, especially my Christianity and relationship with Christ. There were numerous self-help books that reinforced what we were learning in class. When I decided I wanted a guide dog there were books to read on that subject that helped me make an informed decision. To this day, books are a cornerstone of my life and keep the world open to me

Dorothy and Arline making brownies.

One of the most fun parts of our classes was the cooking classes. Jeanine taught us how to safely use the stove, oven, microwave, knives and things that I had had to temporarily give up because of not being able to see. We learned how to label and taste things so we could find the flour, sugar, etc. We learned which cups and utensils were best suited to our needs. We learned to simplify.

My self-confidence soared as I learned to eat and use my utensils without feeling like a real table disgrace. Oh, the things we take for granted! I learned so well that when I successfully cut some of the fat off my ham at a family dinner, my daughter accused me of being able to see just fine

A memorable day to me in cooking class was my birthday. The group baked a cake and spelled out Happy Birthday in Braille using M and Ms.

We learned systems and techniques for cleaning. We graduated from dishes and dusting to windows and floors.

Organizing and arranging clothing to assure matched outfits was another important lesson. Various methods can be used to mark and identify clothes. What works best for me is a box of buttons of all different shapes. I pin the same- shaped ones on skirts and blouses, or slacks and shirts, and thus can match the outfit back together when taking clothes out of the dryer.

Identifying money was another lesson of major importance. Bills can be folded in ways to distinguish a five from a ten or twenty, or they can be brailled, the method I prefer. I also use a wallet with compartments for each denomination of bill I carry. Coins are quick and easy to learn to identify.

Jeanine helped us fill in applications for use of Dial-A-Ride, which is a community transportation service for the disabled, and accompanied us on our first use of this system. This is an unusually good comprehensive transportation system, used only in Tallahassee and a few other places. You arrange your ride the day ahead and can go anywhere you want within the city limits. This could be to go to shopping, work, medical appointments, visiting friends, or attending clubs or social groups, anything. They will pick you up at your home and take you to the door of where you are going and back home or elsewhere. It costs two dollars each way. You build an hour into both ends of the schedule so they can arrange for the most efficient accommodations. My experience has been that it is rare I have to wait the hour, usually only a few minutes, and this is a wonderful opportunity to listen to my books on tape.

Over the years I have come to know many of the drivers and other riders. I look forward to our chats as we ride together and exchange news and keep up with each other’s goings on. Dial-A-Ride has really given me a great deal of independence to do the many things that interest me.

For more information check out the Dial-A-Ride web site: http://www.ci.tallahassee.fl.us/citytlh/taltran/dial-a-ride.htm

The independent living classes helped us with the practical aspects of everyday life and also taught us the coping, social, and communication techniques we need to function in a sighted world. We learned, we coped better, and we gained self confidence. We learned to put our problem of blindness in a more global perspective. We can make changes and adjustments that keep us in step with the human race

Arline, Norine & Moses at the office of Governor Bush of Florida.

We also learned advocacy skills and how to speak up courteously, effectively, and assertively. We learned to not waste our time on idle complaining but to be an instrument for change and improvement if that was what was needed.

Norine, Moses, Jeanine, Arline, Dean with our Representative.

At home, I was taught numerous skills that would once again enable me to cook, clean, and care for myself and my home. One of the first things I learned was how important it is to eliminate superfluous things and clutter. We got the kitchen cabinets down to the essentials only so that I could readily find the measuring cups, or small sauce pan. The same was true for those drawers in the kitchen where I had accumulated every gadget known to humankind over the past fifty years. The tools in the drawers had to be reduced to what I used most every day.

Jeanine, my instructor, taught my husband and me numerous techniques to assure my safety around the house. Again, we had to get rid of clutter and things we didn’t use. Not only did this make it safer for me to navigate without knocking over or falling over things, it made cleaning much less of a chore. Since only two of us live in our house we both quickly adapted to the necessity of putting everything we used back in its place so I could find it.

Any potential hazards were eliminated such as small rugs, cords, or clutter in the environment. Next we marked things so I could identify them or how to use them. In very little time I was once again able to use my appliances because we had placed raised marks at the strategic places I needed.

As we progressed in our basic skills we branched further and further out of the house and into the community. We learned how to get needed assistance with shopping in super centers, grocery stores, and malls. A fun part of our educational experience was going to restaurants and becoming confident and independent in handling social situations away from home.

Norine, Dorothy, Arline, Brenda, Jeanine, Kalyn, Moses, and Wila at Tallahassee Regional Airport.

A very helpful experience for me was a trip to the local airport. We experienced finding our way around the terminal, concessions, restrooms, ticket counter, security, and gates, and where to go and who to ask for specific types of assistance.

Every week our world expanded. We took field trips. We went to art museums and learned new ways to appreciate art, history, and nature by touch and sound, and through the eyes and voices of others. One great trip was to the Gulf Coast Marine Specimens lab. The guides gave us many opportunities to hold and feel various shells, plant life, and sea creatures.

I was holding a slimy sea slug in my hand when in an instant I felt Moses, my dog, mouth and swallow it. I immediately asked if it was poisonous and was told “no.” Then I asked if it was rare or expensive and was told “no.” At that point I confessed what Moses had done and we all had a big laugh about his first seafood dinner.

We enjoyed many leisure activities together. We played cards, using Braille cards, and board games with adaptations. We participated in exercise classes and swimming. We went bowling and learned to play golf. Once again, we saw ourselves as a real part of this big wonderful world.

The classes and experiences at F.I.R.E. on independent living gave us all the skills and incentives to go on to a fuller more productive life than I had ever imagined. I wish everybody with serious vision problems or blindness would take advantage of such services. They do give a whole new lease on life.

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Last modified: 03/25/05