Differently Abled and Thriving

Social work with people with disabilities is a vast field that requires deep understanding of how different and unique the challenges these individuals face with various impairments. Social workers plays an important role in helping individuals navigate these challenges, providing support, resources, and advocacy. The goal is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives, despite their disabilities.

My Uncle IK's Story

My uncle IK has lived with visual impairment for most of his life. With time, it got worse until he was no longer able to continue his regular studies in university. This led to him being incredibly sad, and isolated as he could no longer study, drive, read, and do the things he loved to do. As days turned into weeks, then months, and then years, he felt increasingly disconnected and frustrated. However, his life took a positive turn when he discovered the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI), in America. This center provided him with all the help necessary to regain his independence and reconnect with the world again. Being part of the CVI has had a tremendous impact on the quality of his life over the years in various aspects including:

• Support Groups: He found a community of people with similar experiences, which gave him emotional support and a sense of belonging.
• Service Linkage to Professionals: The center connected him with professionals who specialize in visual impairments, offering personalized assistance and guidance.
• Acceptance and Adjustment: Through counseling and support, my Uncle Ik came to terms with his disability and learned to adapt his daily activities to suit his challenge.

How They Help the Visually Impaired

The Center for Visually Impaired, offers a wide range of services to help the visually impaired like my Uncle IK. Here are some of the keyways in which they help their client:

• Training and Rehabilitation: The center provides assistive tools such as screen readers and voice recognition software, as well as training on how to use these tools.
• Educational Resources: They offer educational materials and workshops to help the visually impaired to learn new skills and stay informed about their rights and opportunities.
• Community Outreach: The center organizes events and activities to bring visually impaired individuals together, thereby giving them a sense of community and mutual support.
• Advocacy: They work to create awareness about the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and advocate for policies that promote accessibility and inclusion.

Using Digital Media in Social Work

Digital media has changed the way social work is done, offering new methods and tools to support clients. Here are some methods used in the digital media environment:

-          Social workers provide counseling and support through video calls, making it easier for clients to access services from home.

-           Digital platforms help put out formation of online communities where individuals with disabilities can share experiences, offer support, and build connections.

-          Websites and apps provide valuable information tailored to suit the needs of individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate their challenges more effectively.

-          Tools such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and other assistive technologies empower individuals with disabilities to use digital media independently.

Social service professionals can now offer more accessible, personalized, and effective support. My uncle IK's story shows people with disabilities can adjust to lead fulfilled lives, regain their independence, and reconnect with the world with the right support and resources.

At the end of my conversation with Uncle IK, I wanted to know what point he is at now, and He said to me that he has come to terms with his disabilities and can now live an independent and fulfilled life. And in response to what he is grateful for, My Uncle IK said, “I am grateful that I found Center for Visually Impaired, because of them, I have gone back to my books, which used to be my favorite thing to do.”

- Brenda Obewe

Sources:

Center for Visually Impaired [online] https://cviga.org/ 

Phone conversation with Uncle IK