As promised, here is the first installation in a series of blogs from Pastor Derek Daniel. In case you need a little reminder of Derek’s story, here is a quick recap of the blog posted about him a couple of short weeks ago. Derek Daniel lost his sight in 2001 due to a rare form of a disease known as Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy or LHON and is now a pastor in Indianapolis. About 9 years ago he and a member of the Easter Seals Crossroads team joined together to help him navigate the immense waters of assistive technology. But we’ll let him tell you the rest of the story…
Find Your Belva
If you would have said the phrase “assistive technology” to me 10 years ago, I would have looked at you with quite an odd look on my face. However, today, those words have changed my life. From computers that magnify the screen to a phone that reads my text messages, assistive technology is an everyday part of what I do. The things I use are amazing and make such an impact on how I live life. So, how do I get these things? And, better yet, who teaches me to use them? Well, for that, we need to meet Belva.
Ok, I know you are like me and asking yourself, “Belva? Who?” Well, Belva is an Assistive Technology Training Coordinator at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indiana. Basically, she helps folks like me who have a disability find assistive technology items that will meet their needs the best and help them to use those items to their best capabilities. Now, I consider myself a pretty “techy” guy, but Belva can sure show me a thing or two. How did I meet her? Well, let’s go back a bit….
I lost my sight in 2001. Speaking in technology times, that is almost the Stone Age! I mean, there wasn’t even such a thing as an iPhone back then! I know, I know….but, such as it was, that was when my sight began disappearing. I lived in a very small town and there weren’t really many other blind folks out there for me to meet and glean knowledge from. I had to figure it out myself. So, I just thought of what I wanted to do and went on a search to figure out how to do it. It has been much easier since the Internet has become such a crucial part of our lives, yes, but that couldn’t stop me. I searched for the items, figured out how to use them and found ways to get them. Was it great? No, but it was the only means I had.
Fast forward about 9 years and I am living in Indianapolis now. I got hooked up with a group called Easter Seals Crossroads and a wonderful gal name Belva. She came to my place of employment, asked what I did on a daily basis and then offered suggestions on what she thought would work best for me. Not what would simply work, but what would work BEST. As I received those items, Belva delivered and then showed me how to use them. This was so great for me because I found out lots of little things about these items I would have never known.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Belva and all those who help us blind folks. It is not an easy job, I’m sure, and she did it with such grace. Thanks, Belva.
So, what does this have to do with you? Well, know that there are people out there that are ready, willing and more than able to help you meet your needs. Just search hard enough and you will find the Belva in your area. Sure, you can research and get access to these products on your own. However, the vast knowledge that these folks have will certainly be worth it in the end. And, when your find your Belva, use her up! Soak in as much of her knowledge as you can. It will be so rewarding for you and your Belva. God bless!
~DD
