ANNA QUINT (CLB): When did you start working with Annie Linda (CLB Manager, Rehabilitation Services – Vision Rehab Therapist/Orientation & Mobility Instructor)?
EDGAR TYLER: I began working with Annie Linda in October 2019.
ANNA QUINT (CLB): Can you tell me about your vision condition?
EDGAR TYLER: I have glaucoma and cataracts. I am fully blind; my vision is totally white, like staring at a white, blank screen. Mammals judge time by light, so I am always thrown off with time, always checking the time to see what time of day it is. You don’t know if it’s evening, morning, or night. I wake up in the middle of the night and think it’s the morning, but it’s the evening. In 2018, I went from low vision to no vision.
ANNA QUINT (CLB): How have you benefitted from CLB?
EDGAR TYLER: When I met Annie, I was using a broom stick for a cane. Annie immediately gave me a cane. Annie was an excellent instructor and explained how to do things perfectly. She was strict — if I made a mistake, I did not want to make a mistake again. I learned how to get around a neighborhood with no sidewalks; we walked in the street, and Annie taught me how to use a cane, listen to traffic, and use my other senses to move around. It made sense. Annie said, “your cane will be your best friend.” I don’t want to go anywhere now without a cane.
I also participate in the CLB weekly Social Support Group which is a conference call led by Annie. Every Friday has a new subject such as “Gadgets for low vision,” “How do you go to a store, find, and pay for items,” or “How do you maneuver in the snow and ice?” Annie and the participants plan the next week’s topic on each call and we prepare. Annie is always fully prepared. Every week, I learn something new. Outside of this group, I don’t know people who are visually impaired. It’s very important for me to get to know them. Participants keep in touch, email and call one another, share doctors, communicate.
ANNA QUINT (CLB): What has CLB done to aid in your independence?
EDGAR TYLER: Previously, just leaving my front door made me very nervous; I started to sweat when leaving the house. Training put faith in me, and my cane, and showed me that “I can do it.” I’m still nervous, but not as nervous. Without the training, I would not be a confident person, and I am thankful for that. The weekly calls have also tremendously helped aid in my independence – I got the gadgets now we talked about. I feel much better since contacting CLB and look forward to more in person training after the virus. Annie informed me about Independent Living Skills instruction, such as learning how to cook, clean, do laundry, and everyday living. I am hungry for everything CLB has to offer.
ANNA QUINT (CLB): Would you recommend CLB?
Since meeting Annie, I am extremely happy with CLB. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. I tell others “call this number as soon as you get home.” I look forward to more training. Make sure that people who don’t know about you, know about you. They should know CLB. CLB is wonderful. Make some noise, radio, television, so people know about you.
