Toward Independence

By Terry (aka, Tee) Johnson

In 1984, I was struck by a hit and run vehicle. After this occurrence, I was afraid to leave my house without my husband or a sighted-guide. I was dependent on people for thirteen years.

In 1997, I began mobility lessons with an O&M instructor. It was a tremendous struggle. I wished to quit the lessons many times. She would not permit it. I am grateful for her encouragement and tremendous expertise in training a visually impaired person.

After many lessons, I would return home and my neighbors would be sitting around the pool. They would laugh with me because I would be excited that I was able to travel to the store by myself. I would exclaim that it was a great feeling that I could do this without any one traveling with me.

There are some people who do not understand the fear of being struck by a car. I still have that fear, immensely; but what my instructor said to me is that to be afraid of the fear should not be my focus on mobility. This is very sensible to me. I think of this advice while I am walking in my neighborhood.

Now, with my confidence in my mobility, I was able to take a bus from my area to downtown Los Angeles. I am able to travel along a busy street and use the traffic to my advantage so I will not endanger myself.

There are some obstacles that I need to conquer before I am a proficient mobility person. This means so much to me because I never thought that I would be able to travel by myself ever again. This is due to the excellent O&M training I was taught.

In conclusion, I thank my O&M instructor for her consideration, cooperation, patience, and tremendous understanding in my training.