low vision CAN NOT be put in a box

So...I just got out of a meeting that enraged me to the point of cursing in front of my mother, doctor, and occupational therapist (which is not something i do on a daily basis). While we were brainstorming about the future of Songs for Sight funds, Dr. D. told many horror stories of low vision in the public school system. Before I start on my rant, I must state that not one, but TWO people groups are responsible for these serious issues. .

First of all, I will state the obvious: the school boards. School boards across many areas of Alabama are denying visually impaired students the services they need. These boards lack the ability to see the big picture. if a student is said to have low vision, then put 'em in the front row.....if only this was a magic cure. Low vision means that one lives with an eye condition glasses or contacts can not fully fix...so how can sitting in the front row aid this matter? Honestly, people. Also, school boards tend to over-examine report cards of the visually impaired. If a little girl with OCA is making A's and B's...why should she have special services? She is doing just as well as the other kids, right? WRONG. Certain school systems only want to provide services for students struggling to pass. Why can't students who strive to excel at the same rate as their peers benefit from these services, as well? Why must students (in certain areas) with visual impairment be forced to choose between academic excellence and accommodations? Why can't they have both?

The second group of people who could be benefitted by further education on the topic of vision impairment is the actual medical community. While it is obvious for optometrists and ophthalmologists to recognize visual impairment, what is NOT as easily recognizable is the ample amount of resources available and essential for their patients success in the real world. As a little kid, my doctors simply told my parents to take me home and treat me like a regular kid. My parents searched and searched for other opinions but just did not find any successful ones. It was only a matter of luck that we found the UAB Center for Low Vision Rehab right in our city's backyard. Many medical doctors focus solely on the medical, anatomical side of vision impairment...they do not look at the rehabilitation side. Structure does not need to be vs. function....these two assets need to be combined into one to ensure the most successful treatment of the patient from ALL ANGLES.

I could continue to rant and rave all afternoon, but I'll spare you. ;) Typically on this note, I would launch into my self-advocacy speech...but y'all know I have beaten that horse to death. In summation, EDUCATORS, and HEALTH CARE PROFFESSIONALS need to get educated and be adequate advocates for patients and their families. READY, SET, ADVOCATE!