Give India the Gift of Sight

My name is India Iman West. My middle name means “faith”. I am a senior in high school. I am visually impaired due to a brain tumor on which I had surgery when I was 4 years old. Following surgery, I was unable to see, and became totally blind. I could not speak, walk, nor feed myself. I was wheel chair bound and told I would never see again. I had faith that I would, and today, I have regained a small amount of vision in one eye. I use Braille to read, a cane to navigate when I walk, and all of my other senses to get through life as best I can. I survived the brain tumor, and am graduating high school next year. I wasn't supposed to make it this far. But I am here, and I want nothing more than to use my disability to change the world.

I was given the opportunity to try the E Sight device recently during a visit to my opthamologist’s office. When I wore the device, I could see things I have not seen before, or couldn’t remember seeing before having lost my vision. It was like a miracle. The things I could see…my mother's face. My own, in a mirror.  To see your own face, for the first time since you were a child; I don’t have any words to describe what this felt like. All these years, I had no idea what my face looked like. Colors, pictures, birds, TV shows. Tables, chairs, print books, street signs, all things I was once only able to imagine, I can see with E Sight. I may even be able to drive  with the use of this device!

To purchase these glasses, I need to pay $15,000. I was recently notified by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons in Michigan that I have been approved for $7,000.00 in funding for the E Sight device! This is the first pair they have authorized at this amount; I am extremely excited, and need your help to raise the remaining amount needed, $8,000.00. Once I raise these funds, E Sight can begin the process of devising my individual unit, as they build them to individual specifications. I would very much like to have the glasses finished by my 18th birthday, on May 14th of this year.

if you have a moment, please watch my video in the link here. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of this intership with UM students. This semester, I have been invited back to again collaborate with up and coming computer science engineers on a multi disciplinary project aimed at developing a “smart building” within the University of Michigan campus. This design will create an easily navigable environment for the blind and visually impaired.

After high school, my dream is to become a software developer, and create technology for the blind community from OUR unique perspective. The gift of E Sight will greatly aid me in being able to do this.

The visually impaired and blind community is one that spans millions of people around the globe. In the United States, less than 1/3 of our community graduates from high school; even fewer graduate from college. Nearly 2/3 of the blind and visually impaired community live at or below the poverty level. This is not because we lack ABILITY; what we lack is ACCESS. Technology is the ultimate equalizer, the infinitely powerful tool by which we can bridge the gap between the sighted and non sighted world.

By helping me achieve my dream, I can then help others achieve theirs. I will dedicate my life to this work. I am going to make sure I make a difference.

I will be very grateful for anything you can contribute. Some won't be able to contribute; if you would spread the word and share my link, that is a gift, too! Thank you so much.

India