Throughout our 80-year history, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been a thought leader in the programs and services offered to those with vision loss. What began as a summer residential camp for women with vision loss has grown into an organization that provides unique state-of-the-art programs. Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been ahead of its time every step of the way.
Debbie’s Story
Debbie, a VLANJ program participant, shares her story below:
It all began when I was nine years old.
Countless eye doctor visits and big scary buildings in the city. Drops that stung and bright lights as strong as the sun were put in my eyes. Gooey pads with wires sticking out were attached to my head.
I was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Stargardt Disease. I only see parts of things and can’t tell if something is a shadow or a real object. This means I am always questioning what is happening around me. It makes me anxious, afraid and exhausted.
My mom and dad were wise and strong. They gave me my wings so I could find my own way in life. I was allowed to walk to school or a friend’s house, go downtown and take a bus to the mall by myself.
They loved me enough to put their fears aside so I could gain my independence.
I was crushed when I realized I would never drive, and I hated when my eyes grew too tired to read. The accessible technologies we have today did not exist yet, so I opted to forgo college. I got married and raised two daughters. My life was happy and normal until…
My vision loss progressed to the point I could no longer find workarounds to do many things on my own. I knew I needed to find help!
By some miracle, I found Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey. Here, people just like me were doing remarkable things.
This was the right place! The right people! Here, I was determined to learn.
We come to VLANJ from all over and are taught the skills we need to maintain our independence.
Here, the playing field is level. The burden lifts, the dark clouds of fear and insecurity part, and our hearts are light!
For a few hours each week we forget we are blind.
The only color I see clearly is bright yellow – that’s why I love sunflowers!
At home, I surround myself with bright yellow. I tell my eyes, “I know you can see this color, here it is!”
SUPPORT VLANJ
Debbie’s story is one among many woven into VLANJ’s 80-year dedication of empowering those living with blindness and low vision.
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Your gift will continue to grow programs and services at VLANJ. Thank you!