Joined at the Hip: Graham’s Story

Graham, a retired broadcaster living in Auckland, first realised something was wrong with his vision when he noticed changes in his right eye. A visit to his GP confirmed he had developed macular degeneration and was referred to a specialist. However he experienced a haemorrhage and lost sight in that eye before he could be seen.

Tests showed Graham’s left eye was at risk and he was provided treatment. Doctors told him it was likely he would lose the sight in that eye also. They recommended and arranged for him to join Blind Low Vision NZ so that he could learn to use a white cane. They advised “If you’re conversant with a cane, then it’s going to be a major hurdle out of the way.” Watch Graham’s story below.

 

 

At first, Graham was hesitant to learn this adaptive skill. He was proud and, like many people adjusting to sight loss, worried about how others would see him. He said “I didn’t want to advertise that something was wrong and that made me a somewhat reluctant learner.” He was paired with Ania, an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist.

Ania  made it clear the O&M training was a serious undertaking. “When I teach you, you’ll be the best you’ll ever be with a cane,” she promised. Graham needed to be prepared for the future, and Ania helped him learn the proper skills and tools from the get-go.

Over the next several months, Graham trained in all kinds of environments including shopping malls, busy Auckland streets, escalators and ferries. It wasn’t easy, but he stuck with it. As time went on, training became part of his daily life.

Graham trusted in his cane, not just to move around, but to stay self-sufficient. His confidence grew as his skills increased, and he stopped worrying about what others thought. “It gave me independence. I don’t need to rely on others. My life is enhanced by my white cane… I can’t live without it.”

Graham later wrote to Blind Low Vision NZ to thank Ania. “If it wasn’t for Ania’s perseverance and professionalism,I wouldn’t be where I am now. What she taught me has paid off ten times over. The work Blind Low Vision NZ  does changes lives. It changed mine.”

He no longer needs to rely on others. His white cane gives him freedom, and he’s never looked back.“I am joined at the hip with a piece of carbon fibre rod… It is an integral part of my life and essential for my welfare.”

These days, Graham leads a support group that meets once a month. They share snippets of their lives and often welcome guest speakers from Blind Low Vision NZ and other support organisations. At one meeting, someone said, “You’re so inspirational, Graham.” He smiled and replied, “No – the fact that we’re all together is inspirational.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, call Blind Low Vision NZ on 0800 24 33 33 or use the Make an Enquiry form on our Contact Us page.