Author: Olesya Perepechenko - typhlopedagog, rehabilitator. Executive Director of the All-Ukrainian League of Organizations of Persons with Visual Disabilities "Modern View".
In times of war, constant shelling and destruction, no one can be sure of his safety and no one is immune to the fact that a person with vision loss may appear in his family. This situation negatively affects the microclimate in the family, your psychological state, mutual understanding and communication. Family members, as a rule, begin to show hyperopia, and the blind person - to become nervous and express aggression. In such a situation, it is especially important to help both parties quickly adapt to life in new conditions. And here the question arises: how can a family adapt to the loss of sight of a loved one? Who and where can help with this?
Vision loss in adulthood is a complex phenomenon that changes the normal life of a person and his family. In the book "Inclusive society in Ukraine. Handbook of practical recommendations", created with the support of the Representation of the European Union in Ukraine and the International Renaissance Foundation, you can find the following useful information: from psychological aspects of vision loss in adulthood to family adaptation and rehabilitation of a blind person, as well as about the organization of space, dining room etiquette, self-care skills and independent living. You will learn important and practical advice from experts who have lived with vision loss for many years.
It may seem that you need to put an end to your own life and dedicate it to a blind person, justifying yourself and, as it were, erasing your guilt. But you are not guilty of anything, and you do not need to make yourself a servant. Learn to live together fully, qualitatively and fun: go to the theater, cinema, concerts or football and do everything you are interested in together. Want to conquer Hoverla - go ahead! Do you want to go kayaking or go camping? We don't see any obstacles. Adaptation of the blind to the world and the way of life of the sighted is possible only when there is understanding and help from others between them, which promotes the development of independence and freedom.
What should be done to live comfortably with a blind person?
You, family and friends, need to reduce your hyperopia of a blind person as much as possible - it's better to help him express himself and become independent! We realize that this elementary advice is difficult to apply, but we assure you that its implementation will determine the fulfillment of your life.
Of course, it is necessary to arrange a common life, which our Handbook will also help you with. It provides accessible and simple recommendations on how to arrange housing, what rules must be followed and what absolutely cannot be done. In order for a blind person to feel free in the apartment, it is necessary to establish a certain order and never violate it. These seemingly simple tips will help you avoid misunderstandings. Of course, it would be very good if there was a readaptation center where you could always ask questions and get answers. The creation of complex training centers with the appropriate material and technical base, in which a person with a disability will be taught the necessary skills by experienced physiotherapists and occupational therapists, is still ahead. Today, there are several public organizations that provide psychological support to people who have lost their sight and their relatives. There are also comprehensive rehabilitation centers that may provide some recovery services. Therefore, our Handbook and getting to know our experts will be your first guide in these matters.
Modern technologies have become great helpers in the lives of blind people. The first assistant for a person with vision loss is a white cane - it helps with orientation and mobility. Although this device cannot be called modern, now there is a wide range of materials from which they are made, and different options for the ends make it much easier to move. Screen access programs on the computer and the sound function in various applications on the smartphone also help in everyday life. In the kitchen, such a variety of accessories will come in handy, such as a liquid level indicator that will sound when the water rises to the edge of the mug, various dispensers, knives, marking devices, voiced household appliances and devices that are launched via a smartphone application. Monitoring your health will become easier with voiced thermometers, tonometers, glucometers, etc. There is also plenty of entertainment like checkers, chess, dominoes, cards, special table tennis and much more.
Be sure to watch the videos https://youtube.com/@yarmizcenter449 and read all chapters, and the "Handbook of practical recommendations" will become your desk book and helper in your life and in the life of your loved ones.
Download the Handbook of practical recommendations: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hIvuN969KGUwgvv0UYFpkOA55v1izB7l?fbclid=IwAR1VVvLpHhWJfh28w9bBTK885uBtShC34_iSWnATJZFk3OBHWelp_ynq-k8