Dave.Willey@f7.n125.z1.fidonet.org (Dave Willey) (02/02/90)
Index Number: 6559
(This message is being resent over the echo, as our hub got shut
down about the time that I sent this originally out. I'm not sure
if it made it out into the system or not. If this is a repeat for
you, my apologies....DSW)
Hello all,
My local BBS has just picked up this echo recently and I'd like
to present a difficult problem that I'm having, to you more
"experienced" people on this echo. Maybe someone might be able to
enlighten me as to the proper direction I might take. I'm planning
to make a career change from a "high - tec" job to a completely
different field for a number of reasons, the biggest one is that I
am low vision (advanced Diabetic Retenopothy) and that it is
progressing to the point where soon I won't be able to guarantee my
quality of work at all levels of my job, day in and day out.
I have been doing a lot of self - evaluating and have come to
the conclusion that I'd like to set a goal of work with blind/low
vision youth and young adults in an recreational setting. I enjoy
working with kids. (I do volunteer work as a tutor, as well as
Scouts.) And I've excelled in this area myself as a youth, do to
equal parts of it being a personal challenge and because Abled
people kept telling me that (do to my Diabetes and low vision), I
was unAbled to accomplis an activity such as long distance cycling,
solo backpacking, or getting a SCUBA certification.
Anyway, to make a long story longer, I've been unable to locate
anyone who has attained a similar goal with similar disAbilities as
I have. Calif. State Rehab has not been willing to help me in
this effort. I've looked at the local junior collage career center
and found the closest thing is defined as "Therapeutic Recreation"
but the information is so vague as to be about worthless. Mostly
working in rest homes with the elderly.
A Abled friend mention that I might be "breaking ground" in
this field and there might not be any set defined path that I could
take to accomplish this goal, but I find that hard to believe.
So has anyone on this echo know of anyone else who in this line
of work? How did they get their schooling? And where? Whom do
they work for? Is it even possible to realistically expect to
perform this type of job for low/no vision clients when the
therapist in in fact themselves low/no vision? Would this person
be willing to let me contact them via the voice phone or US
Snailmail?
Any info would greatly be appreciated! Your response can be
left here on the Echo or at node 1:125/7.
Thanks!,
Dave Willey
"My doctor has advised my to give up those intimate little
dinners for four, unless there are three other people eating with
me."
ORSON WELLS
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!125!7!Dave.Willey
Internet: Dave.Willey@f7.n125.z1.fidonet.orgPat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Pat Goltz) (02/12/90)
Index Number: 6649
Hi.
I read your message concerning your career change. In it, you said that
the reason which prompted the change was failing eyesight. You also said
that you have decided that you want to go into the career of helping kids
with poor eyesight in a specific way, which you specified.
I realize that you have wrestled with your situation, and feel that you
have found a good solution, and I respect that. My reason for writing is
to suggest that it may be possible to continue in your present career, if
you really want to (I gather that you see it as an opportunity for the
change rather than the other way around). I am curious to know what
technical field you presently work in. The folks here have a lot of
information about ways in which people can accomplish any goal they set
their hearts to, through the use of specialized devices, and could help a
person figure out how to overcome the problems your present job presents.
Just on the offchance that you have decided to make the change because
you didn't see how to continue with your present field, although you
would like to, I mention this. One other thing I would like to suggest,
and that is that you teach your present expertise to others, especially
those who have the same limitations you are experiencing. You could be of
considerable help here, because you already have the knowledge, and you
would be prompted to find ways they could work out their own
difficulties. Just a thought.
Pat
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!300!3!Pat.Goltz
Internet: Pat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.orgJoe.Chamberlain@f302.n141.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (02/12/90)
Index Number: 6690
DW> Anyway, to make a long story longer, I've been unable to locate
DW> anyone who has attained a similar goal with similar disAbilities as
DW> I have. Calif. State Rehab has not been willing to help me in
DW> this effort. I've looked at the local junior collage career center
DW> and found the closest thing is defined as "Therapeutic Recreation"
DW> but the information is so vague as to be about worthless. Mostly
DW> working in rest homes with the elderly.
If you are losing your job because of your disability and need
retrained in another occupation then Calif. Vocational Rehabilition is
the place to go. DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. If it is necessary
they are required to everything resonable to make you employable.
-=joe=-
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!302!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@f302.n141.z1.fidonet.org