November 18, 2013: Disability Legislation

I usually am not much for legislation or politics. However, I am very grateful for legislation that helps individuals with disabilities obtain equal access and gives them the supports to help them live independently and gain/maintain employment, as well as be protected against discrimination. (That doesn’t mean it doesn’t still happen but they are protected and legal action can be taken). As a guide dog user, I have found myself even more happy about this legislation than ever before. I am very thankful that we, as American citizens, have these protections because I am learning how many countries do not have these programs and laws to serve individuals with disabilities.

Sorry, I haven’t posted.. Let me fill you in

Hi Readers,

I’m sorry my posts seem to come in bursts. Hopefully, that will change soon with all the talk about getting a guide dog. I wanted to explain my recent time away from my blog. The first week of November my Dad got really sick and was diagnosed with advanced stage cancer. Over the next two months, he went through many surgeries, was in the hospital most of the time, we almost lost him a few times, had a lot of heartaches and scares, and we were also told his cancer was inoperable. We thought we had about a year with my Daddy but on January 2nd, he passed away. My Dad was my best friend AND my father, and he was the best at both of these two jobs. I miss him dearly.. he was so supportive of me with my RP. He did go through the grieving process and did not always understand how limited my vision is, but that’s expected. He was always there to help, whatever I needed, when I needed, and I miss him like crazy. Things are pretty hectic nowadays but we’re making it work.

-Jess

 

Miss you like crazy Daddy, I know you’re watching me from up there.

Support System, Support System, Support System!!!!

Having a support system when you go through any major transition or crisis is super important. I know this from my counseling classes, but also from personal experience. I have always had the loving support of my parents, but most recently they also understand way more than they did before so that’s an additional support that has been extremely helpful. I have some of the best friends in the world and am lucky over the past several years that I have played “clean up” and the sour apples are no longer around. Pretty much everyone around me, those I work with, go to school with, hang out with, etc., know that I am visually impaired but I do still really love my independence. I do need help at  times, and they understand that, but they also understand that I like to do everything that I can on my own. When I do have those times when something with RP frustrates me, I have many people to turn to, and that is just so important. There is also an amazing Facebook group out there called “Room with a View” and it is for visually impaired women, and occasionally I see women that aren’t visually impaired but a loved one is. It’s all about women though and so we talk about, of course, all the issues that come with being VI (visually impaired), but there is also some talk about other stuff. It’s a pretty neat resource.

I love my friends and family! 🙂