“There’s a huge misconception about blind and visually impaired people in the world that, ‘Oh, blind people can’t do anything.’ The world seems to think that if you lose your eyesight, there’s a lot you can’t do.
Yes. Some people go in their house, shut their doors, and don’t do anything. But I believe you just have to find alternative ways to do things. I just see differently now….”
These are comments, reflections and observations Bruce Parkinson made when interviewed for his hometown newspaper. They demonstrate his “can do” attitude and outlook on life.
Bruce has been legally blind for 25 years. A former English and speech teacher, Bruce has maintained a very active life. Among his numerous community activities, he serves on the boards of the American Council of the Blind-Wisconsin Chapter, the Statutory Council on Blindness for the State of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
“Being visually impaired,’’ Bruce remarks, “isn’t a handicap, because I won’t let it be a handicap.”
To help manage daily activities, Bruce has purchased numerous items from the Council’s Sharper Vision Store. These include: an indoor/outdoor talking thermometer, a talking atomic clock, a talking travel alarm clock, lighted magnifiers, a large-faced watch, tactile cribbage board, and large-faced playing cards. Bruce also bought locator dots for kitchen appliances and his CD player, as well as braille overlays for his computer keyboard and a small portable CCTV.
Bruce appreciates that the store carries a large variety of items for reading, keeping track of appointments, bill paying, cooking and recreation. From the comfort of his home—and at any time of the day or night— he can log on to the store’s new web site (www.shop.wcblind.org) and shop. If he and wife Kathy are in Madison, they can stop by the store and check out new items.
We are inspired by people like Bruce, and we are pleased to provide him with powerful tools for independence.
