Gina's Preparing For Blindness
Donation protected
Greetings!
My name is Gina and I am embarking on a new challenge in my life. When I was 19 years old, I was diagnosed with Progressive Cones Dystrophy, which is not a corrective condition. It has left me with no central vision, and although I can see images of shapes and bodies, I am unable to make out any details. Over the last few decades my vision has continued to deteriorate. It wasn't until last year that I truly accepted my disability. It was at this point that I started using a white cane and realized my potential to remain independent. Although I still have some minimal useful sight, it is highly likely that I will go blind at some point.
Canada does not have any full-time extensive training centers for the blind. I have been accepted to attend the Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB). This is a 9 month training program which involves me being blind folded for 9 hours a day. I will be taught intensive cane travel, braille, daily living skills, and most importantly, technology training. I am both excited and terrified about this opportunity.
I have been working part-time in Victoria, BC as a waitress at Paul's Restaurant for 25 years which supplements the disability assistance I receive each month. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to perform my duties, especially those related to using the computer to enter orders. I rely on my job not only for financial means but more so for self-sufficiency, and to feel productive, social, and appreciated.
By attending LCB I will gain the skills and knowledge necessary for me to remain employed and continue supporting myself. Without these tools, it will be difficult for me to reach my full potential that I now believe I am capable of. This training opportunity is coming at a perfect time in my life, as I feel that I am now ready and willing to embrace this challenge. It is time for me to prepare myself for the likelihood of being totally blind.
My hope for the future is to one day share my knowledge and skills with other visually impaired people here on Vancouver Island. This education may also allow me to make a career change in order to continue to support myself.
Any monies raised will go towards my flights, housing, tuition, medical insurance, maintaining my housing in Victoria while I am away, food, etc. If I am to exceed my fundraising goal of approximately $28,000, I will donate all extra funds to the Pacific Training Center located in Victoria BC.
I appreciate any support I receive and thank you for taking the time to read about my story.
If you would like to learn more about the training center that I will be attending, you can click here. .
My name is Gina and I am embarking on a new challenge in my life. When I was 19 years old, I was diagnosed with Progressive Cones Dystrophy, which is not a corrective condition. It has left me with no central vision, and although I can see images of shapes and bodies, I am unable to make out any details. Over the last few decades my vision has continued to deteriorate. It wasn't until last year that I truly accepted my disability. It was at this point that I started using a white cane and realized my potential to remain independent. Although I still have some minimal useful sight, it is highly likely that I will go blind at some point.
Canada does not have any full-time extensive training centers for the blind. I have been accepted to attend the Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB). This is a 9 month training program which involves me being blind folded for 9 hours a day. I will be taught intensive cane travel, braille, daily living skills, and most importantly, technology training. I am both excited and terrified about this opportunity.
I have been working part-time in Victoria, BC as a waitress at Paul's Restaurant for 25 years which supplements the disability assistance I receive each month. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to perform my duties, especially those related to using the computer to enter orders. I rely on my job not only for financial means but more so for self-sufficiency, and to feel productive, social, and appreciated.
By attending LCB I will gain the skills and knowledge necessary for me to remain employed and continue supporting myself. Without these tools, it will be difficult for me to reach my full potential that I now believe I am capable of. This training opportunity is coming at a perfect time in my life, as I feel that I am now ready and willing to embrace this challenge. It is time for me to prepare myself for the likelihood of being totally blind.
My hope for the future is to one day share my knowledge and skills with other visually impaired people here on Vancouver Island. This education may also allow me to make a career change in order to continue to support myself.
Any monies raised will go towards my flights, housing, tuition, medical insurance, maintaining my housing in Victoria while I am away, food, etc. If I am to exceed my fundraising goal of approximately $28,000, I will donate all extra funds to the Pacific Training Center located in Victoria BC.
I appreciate any support I receive and thank you for taking the time to read about my story.
If you would like to learn more about the training center that I will be attending, you can click here. .
Organizer
Gina Huylenbroeck
Organizer
Victoria, BC
