Debra’s Story

Debra’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of the right tools to transform life experiences. As an avid reader, she faced the challenges of low vision with determination, navigating her way through training and various devices to enhance her daily activities—from reading at home to participating in her weekly Bible study and engaging with her community.  

Debra’s work with Vision Forward began with the exploration of magnification options through our low vision services program.  The occupational therapist introduced her to a hand-held magnifier with a light. This simple yet effective tool became invaluable for tasks like reading labels at the grocery store. However, her enthusiasm truly shone when she started using the Explore 8 portable video magnifier. “I use it like crazy,” she exclaimed, highlighting how this device enhanced her reading experiences. Whether it was viewing menus at restaurants or checking her Bingo cards, it proved to be a game-changer.  

Her creativity didn’t stop there; Debra also utilized the magnifier to match clothing colors, showing her resourcefulness in the face of challenges. Moreover, she expressed deep appreciation for being introduced to these tools by the team at Vision Forward and for the support she received through the Racine Community Foundation, which made these tools accessible to her.  

While Debra found success with portable devices, she recognized the limitations when it came to lengthy book reading. Eager for a solution, she sought a larger video magnifier that could remain on her kitchen table, but the cost was a significant barrier. Fortunately, a donated unit became available at Vision Forward, and Debra was quick to learn how to use its settings. The new device worked wonders, allowing her to enjoy reading her Bible, books, and even her mail with ease.  

Debra’s proactive approach is commendable; she not only worked with our low vision occupational therapist (OT) on her daily living goals but also took the initiative to research tools and techniques before each session. This level of motivation underscores her commitment to overcoming obstacles and embracing new possibilities.  

As Debra continued to adapt successfully, she was referred for orientation and mobility (O&M) training. With her new white cane in hand, she gained the confidence to navigate her environment independently. The Racine Community Foundation played a crucial role in supporting her O&M training and follow up home visits with the occupational therapist, further enhancing her journey toward independence.  

Debra’s journey exemplifies how the right combination of tools can enhance quality of life for individuals with low vision. Her enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and proactive mindset have enabled her to face challenges head-on, making her a beacon of hope and inspiration. As she continues to work towards her goals, Debra reminds us all of the importance of embracing our unique toolbox for life. 

To see the Vision Forward Store of in stock magnifiers, click here.