For many years it was felt that the key to adjustment was learning and mastery of independent living skills, but I think it needs to be much more intentional than that. We use Dean and Naomi Tuttle's book about Self-Esteem and Blindness in our classes with rehabilitation counselors to address this very critical issue. I have heard psychologists say it takes 2-7 years for someone to accept the reality of blindness into their lives. We also distinguish between adjustment and acceptance. I think support groups can be very helpful, especially if they have skilled counselors and positive role models as part of the process. It takes time and it takes direct and intentional work. NFB has used positive psychology and their support groups to address this issue and it has been pretty effective. When we see returning consumers or consumers who still struggle with anger, dependency, discouragement or self-esteem it is an indication that these issues are not being adequately addressed. Mike Bullis wrote an interesting letter in the Braille Monitor that I have used in my classes when we discuss this issue. There are some critical decisions that people have to make early on about how they are going to address their rehabilitation program and where they are in accepting their blindness can impact the decisions they make. Some states have psychologists on staff or at their rehabilitation centers to assist with this very critical process. BJ B. J. LeJeune, M.Ed., CRC, CVRT NRTC on Blindness and Low Vision Mississippi State University P. O. Box 6189 Mississippi State, Ms 39762 bjlejeune@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 662-325-2694 FAX 662-325-8989 >>> "Shelley L. Rhodes" <guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx> 8/25/2013 1:01 PM >>> Hi Susan, In our office we have social workers and vocational rehabiliation counselors who help our customers with the adjustment. I do on occassion also help with it, as I am usually one of the ones the customers eee on a regular basis while we are working through the plan and instruction. Sometimes people are not read for Rehab that the adjustment hasn't come far enough a long to be ready to embrace other ways of thinking and doing, even if it might be safer, quicker or easier. We do have some programs we call them "Jump start" I call it group class, and this sometimes does help. Sometimes seeing a psychiatrist is also helpful. I have run into some customers who I have had to wait on for them to be ready to try a new form of technique. But good questions. I also agree with the other people's comments that adjustment can take a short ammount of time, or be repeated over and over depending on if it is a gradual loss. Mine is a gradual loss from RP. Shelley L. Rhodes, M.A. CVRT and Ludden black Labrador Guide Dog. The cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea. -Isak Dinesen (pen name of Karen Blixen), author (1885-1962) ----- Original Message ----- From: Susan-Marie ( mailto:susanmarie9@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ) To: visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 9:44 AM Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Adjustment To Blindness Question Hi Everyone! Sorry for more questions out of left field. Can any of you tell me your opinions regarding services for clients/consumers making the psychological and emotional transition from being sighted to life as a partially-sighted or blind person? I am aware of the mini-adjustments, (many lasting about 5 days and varying from state to state), but can any of you give your opinions about how you feel the transition is being addressed in general? Also, have you ever felt that the individual is not quite ready for services because he/she may be struggling with adjustments to the new lifestyle? If I am not clear in what I'm asking, please let me know. Also, please feel free to answer me off-list. Thanks so much in advance for your responses and have a great weekend! Best, Susan-Marie
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Open Letter to a Blind Person - Choices.doc
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