05/07/2025
I have lived with a degenerative vision disease for over 30 years. My life wasn't terribly affected in the early years, but things (expectedly) started to decline little by little when I got into my late 20s.
I choose to identify as lucky in some regards. One example is that my eye disease has advanced slowly (for me it has, there are others with the very same eye disease who have not had it like that), therefore my brain and body have adapted in organic ways that aren't overtly noticeable to me unless someone points them out.
Those who know and spend any time with me will catch the tiny moments of me "not seeing." I quote that because I do have vision, it is just heavily impaired, but not impaired to the point of requiring the cane or obtaining a seeing eye dog.
I am lucky that (on the off chance I can get rides from neighbors or friends) I can function largely autonomously when out in the world.
Most days, though, I operate out of my home, and while I love my home and my work, I can tend to get tired of the same scenery after a while - just like anyone else - except I can't just hop in a car to shake things up.
So what options does this leave me with?
Nature.
It's a good thing I love it, right?
Except even going for walks can prove to be hazardous when your road is riddled with potholes.
Yep, whatever you just thought happened -did.
And yes, a strongly worded call was placed to our DPW, especially since nothing was done about this when I called nearly a year ago.
Some may say this may not be the wisest thing to post as a business owner, but I say I am here for the rest of our disabled community members who get overlooked and underserved.
I am here to remind them that Self Advocacy is the best tool you have to ensure you get to enjoy the same amenities this town has to offer as every other taxpayer.
If you don't advocate for yourself, your needs won't be known and they won't be addressed..
You deserve to take up space in this town, in this world.
I am here to help you find and/or develop your voice!
Send a message to learn more