WATCH THOMAS'S FEATURE ON ABC NEWS 4
At the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina (ABVI), we provide free adjustment to blindness training to help individuals learn adaptive approaches to daily tasks, how to move safely through various environments, use low vision aids, cope with the emotional aspects of vision loss and so much more.
We help people like Thomas who suffered a stroke brought on by Covid that left him in a coma. Later, when Thomas woke up, he could no longer see. Upon learning his vision was permanent, he was scared and felt hopeless especially as he did not know where to turn for help learning to live with his vision loss.
Thomas eventually found ABVI and began adjustment to blindness training to develop adaptive skills and new approaches to daily tasks. He developed skills that helped him walk safely with a white cane, travel in public independently, use his smartphone to talk to friends and family and so much more.
Thomas told us, “[i]f ABVI wasn’t here, I would probably still be sitting at home, going out of my mind… super depressed. They’re just so helpful.”
“[o]ne would be surprised how innovative, flexible and adaptable humans are capable of being when faced with something as terrible as losing your sight. If you have never gone through this, you can’t even begin to think about the things you will need to do and accept. I am extremely appreciative of the professionalism, caring and understanding of everyone I have interacted with at ABVI.”
Thank you for helping us enrich the quality of life of adults who are blind or visually impaired in the Tri-County.
