Deafness and Vision loss

Thursday April 6th – Today we simulated having both a vision loss AND a hearing loss. Jhaneen had us wear these attractive ear muffs as well as low vision simulators while we walked around town using our canes. As always we alternated between being the student and teacher. We had to cross several intersections both lighted and uncontrolled. While our simulated hearing loss allowed us to hear our instructor speaking in a louder voice while walking next to us, hearing vehicle engines was another matter. Vehicles idling or passing by without accelerating were almost impossible to hear. If you weren’t diligent about scanning the area using your residual vision, these cars could easily take you by surprise.

Our class went with Grant to a tasty Indian food restaurant for lunch. Grant is highly entertaining and lunch with him always provides opportunities to share cultural differences. Because Ron is off this week, Ron’s Aussie of the Day is brought to us again by Jhaneen. “No flies on you” is an expression used (sometimes sarcastically) when a person makes an accurate or quick witted statement. The obvious origin of this expression is that if you are physically quick you can ovoid being covered in flies (a real problem in the outback during summer).

The afternoon was spent using our creative juices to make tactile maps out of various materials, pipe cleaner, Popsicle sticks, pieces of foam, etc. We also were given a referral sheet for a “client” played by one of the staff members. We had to review the referral and call our “clients” to schedule an appointment for their assessment. We will actually be meeting our “clients” on Monday where we will make an assessment. My client’s name is Richard Cranium (played by one of the ABI mobility instructors). He has a whole host of issues; retinal detachment, Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, neuropathy in his hands and feet, not very well controlled diabetes, an amputated right foot, and anxiety problems! I actually ran into “Richard” on campus and he told me he based his character on an actual client he worked with some time ago. All I can say is that Monday ought to be interesting!