visual impairment

I've always been of two minds when it comes to change. Entering the last year of my undergrad is no exception to this rule. On the one hand, I'm incredibly excited to start whatever new adventures lie ahead...but I also fear the many possible outcomes of this change in my life.

While I realize that many young adults experience these same feelings, for me they are forever linked with my lived experience of #CerebralPalsy , #VisualImpairment , and #MentalHealth struggles. One area that I'm particularly struggling with at the moment is my aspirations for the future. The music program I'm currently in specializes in performance. While I have a deep love for performing and know that it will be an integral part of my future, I also have to face that my body won't let me do it in the same ways or for the same length of time as others with my level of training. I would absolutely love to have a career as an academic and/or an accessibility consultant in the arts, while striving to perform professionally a few times a year. When I share these plans with others, I'm often met with a lack of understanding - although it's completely unintentional, people don't see any middle ground between throwing oneself into performing and giving it up completely. My challenge right now is to be radically compassionate towards myself, and know that my plans for my life are just as valid and wonderful as anyone else's. I have spent far too long trying to prove myself to others, and now I want to invest in my own growth on my own terms.

And that brings me to the joyous part of this year of my life. I think living with a disability has brought me an incredible sense of wonder - such that making plans for myself feels not like an everyday thing, but like a true adventure into the unknown. Because of the hard work I've put into getting there, each new step feels like a massive leap forward, and I celebrate it with all my heart. This is what I am most looking forward to this year...growing into that feeling even more as I continue to shape my future.

Update: A miracle has occurred sooner than expected! My new corrected tinted filter and filter cap for my glasses are in and am very grateful as insurance covered the cost. All I need to do now is get over this cold so I can pick them up! This is such a huge relief as I haven’t been able to go out in months without #Migraines , #Photophobia , eye pain, meaning I wasn’t really going out. And now I can be pain free very soon! Now I just need to advocate and figure out how to get the other custom pair that is for everything else that isn’t distance magnification or telescopic use covered!

Hi! I've been lurking on this site for a few years but felt like sharing something today. I'm going into my senior year of a music degree, living with #CerebralPalsy #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Anxiety and #VisualImpairment . If anyone's interested, I'd love to share more about my experiences, and to meet other people in similar situations!

In July 2020 I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. According to my Eye Doctor, my risk factors put me at risk of "vision loss" at 60% in the next 5 to 10 years.

That was a massive pill to swallow considering I was 30yo with 3 small kids and had never even heard of MD before. I did a ton of research and could not find any articles or medical journals related to MD in people younger than 50yo. Hence the name "Age Related Macular Degeneration"

After a 2nd opinion at a facility known for their state of the art technology, it was confirmed. And yet, I find myself wondering ... how can this be?

I go back and forth between believing it, and then freaking myself out if I feel like I'm noticing visual changes to Total denial and not noticing a damn thing.

Am I crazy? Am I just losing my shit? Am I really seeing visual changes and ignoring them? Or manifesting visual changes because I'm thinking about MD?

Is there anyone else around my age with this condition? I need to know I am not crazy or making this up.

Over the past two weeks, I have consistantly been running into the topic of Angel Therapy. Generally, when these types of occurances happen to me, it is some realm of existance attempting to enlighten me. It doesn’t matter to me what name one elects to assign to this occurance be it spiritual, universal, a religious, or alternative health care. It only matters that I pay attention!

I decided I needed to research Angel Therapy. I simply can’t tolerate having a conversation with myself and not knowing what I am talking about. Angel Therapy has existed since the 1980s. There are actually Angel Therapy practitioners. It is a art form connected to Reiki Therapy in some manner but a non-denominational method of connecting with our angels. This type of therapy, requires one to be open minded about ones angel beliefs. So, the researching is underway.

Since joining The Mighty, I have been plagued with one consistent thought. That is how do we stop the pain and fatigue that is robbing us of all life’s quality. I must take pause and explore this topic. I now seek Mighties who have heard of this therapy and are a bit or largely knowledgable about Angel Therapy and or tried Angel therapy. Share what you know of this modality.

#Rheumadoid Arthritis, #SystemicLupusErythematosus #PsoriaticArthritis #CrohnsDisease #UlcerativeColitis #Upallnight #Disability #BipolarDepression #ServiceDogs #communityleader #Deaf #VisualImpairment #MentalHealth #ChronicPain #AutoimmuneDisease #RareDisease

we are able. let's help each other.