Remembering how it was 5 years ago

Facebook memory from 24/2/2019

https://youtu.be/XyYBlJY3LbM?si=O1WV0zG4-McYM5cX

Just watched this video and love it

1. Seeing
   I’m legally blind but have some residual sight. I can read a screen if it is close to my eyes (4 inches from my nose) however as my eyes continue to deteriorate that is getting harder. At arm’s length people are blurred enough to have almost no features (if you remember the episode of Doctor Who where TVs sucked people’s faces off that’s pretty much how people look to me). 8 feet away people can be invisible unless they contrast from the background, I may see movement but not be able to process it.
2. Using phones.
   I can see the screen if it’s close enough but I’m beginning to learn to use Voiceover ready for when that is no longer possible. I have various apps specifically to help me including Seeing A I.
3. Reading.
   I rely on audiobooks and get totally peeved when people suggest I’m not reading. If your mind drifts when reading text it’s easy enough to flip back a few pages in print or on kindle and scan to see where your mind switched off… it’s harder when using an audiobook so you actually have to concentrate more. When studying it’s easier in print to cross reference either by flipping back to what you are checking or having more than one book open, and making written notes. Using audiobooks it is far more difficult as is making the notes.
4. Looking at someone
   I can see where the empty blur that is your face is
5. Using stairs.
   I use my white cane to help me negotiate stairs (& escalators) and find it no worse than before I lost my sight
6. Watching TV
   Audio description is my friend as is currently using my iPad so I can watch the screen up close and personal (now just need to get the tv apps to always have an audio description available as it can be pretty sporadic with one episode in a series audio described and the next not 🤦‍♀️)
7. Being Alone
   The number of people that panic about me being out on my own never fails to amaze me. Yes I’m fine walking through local woodland solo. Yes I know the safest places to cross busy roads. Yes I’m capable of catching a bus solo… though I may have to double check with the driver if it is the correct number, and yes I try to stop all big blurs, fire engines and lorries included
   And yes sometimes I prefer to have someone with me especially if where I’m going is likely to be crowded.
8. Coordinating Colours
   Currently I can still see colour and strangely how an outfit looks is more important to me now especially colour and contrast.

So yes I found this video fascinating and loved learning Emily’s point of view