Do you need help adjusting to vision loss?

Darby Martin is starting a new job at VisionCorps:  he will be the first person working as an adjustment to vision loss coordinator.

His new position is tailor-made for him. Darby has been adjusting to vision loss throughout his life.

“I was born with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). I found out I had RP when I was about five years old and I couldn’t see the birds in the sky,” said Darby, who added it wasn’t a surprise because four generations in his family have RP. “The women in my family weren’t hit as hard as the men. My Mom can still drive with RP, but I was never able to drive.”

He has noticed that his sight has worsened throughout his adult years. He understands what it’s like to have vision and then lose it and continually readjust what and how you do things.

“I hope to be a kind of coach to people who are experiencing vision loss for the first time or continuing vision loss,” said Darby. “I will listen and help them talk through their emotions.

“It’s terrifying for anyone to lose their vision,” said Darby. “Clients need help adjusting to this new condition and I’ll be able to work with them.

“Losing your vision is a grieving process – you do go through all the steps of grieving,” he said. “It’s normal to be upset and get emotional. It may take some time to accept the loss.”

Vision loss can be a life-altering experience, said Chris Ament, senior vice president and chief programs and services officer.

“Some people may struggle with feelings of grief, anxiety, depression, or frustration as they come to terms with their new reality,” said Chris. “Adjusting to vision loss is incredibly important because it helps individuals navigate the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges that come with losing vision.

“Darby can provide professional coaching based on his educational and personal journey through vision loss,” said Chris.

Darby experienced some of these emotions when his sight began to worsen.

In high school, he was still able to read regular print by holding the books and materials closer to him. After graduation, by the mid-1990s, he couldn’t read anymore.

“I thought I would never be able to read again,” said Darby. “Then I went to a blind center in Chester County where I learned both how to use computers with large text and magnification programs, and orientation and mobility skills.”

Knowing that his vision would worsen, Darby said he planned to go to school and find a trade or profession that he would be able to do from his home so he wouldn’t have to drive to a job.

He returned to attend community college in Lebanon, where he got a social science degree and then finished his bachelor’s degree in sociology at Lebanon Valley College. He said he really enjoyed learning about psychology and took as many courses as he could.

Darby then attended Evangelical Theological Seminary where he received a master’s degree in counseling even as his vision continued to decline.

“I needed additional assistance with mobility, and I asked the administration if we (VisionCorps) could paint the edges of the steps. They did agree to do it outside. It helped me be safer  to walk up and down some steep inclines with my white cane.

He started to work at the seminary counseling clients in marriage and family therapy.

As his vision worsened, he looked for a job closer to his home. He started working with VisionCorps in the SABVI plant in Myerstown. Later He worked on the rice packaging line in a warehouse setting in Lebanon. It was close enough for him to walk back and forth to work.

When the rice line moved to Little Rock, he began looking for a new position and was thrilled to hear that VisionCorps was interested in creating a position that fits his background and experience.

Darby is finishing training before he begins meeting with clients. He learned more about various eye diseases and reviewed classes on vision loss and adjustment. He learned about elder abuse and how to recognize it and help.

Much of his training is focused on learning new technology.

“I used to use a computer when I could see it and it was much easier than using and memorizing keystrokes. There’s a lot more to it now,” said Darby. “I previously used a magnifier but because my vision is getting so much worse and I need more help, now I’m also using JAWS, a screenreader. I’m learning how to use it to find things on the Internet too.

“I really appreciate the technology and the training I’m getting, it is very helpful to me,” said Darby. “I’m getting paid to learn something I really need to know.”

“I have to remember to be patient, I’m not going to get it right away.”

Darby will meet with clients after they complete an initial assessment. He will ask them how he can help adjust to their new reality. He will be working with any clients, including the families of clients to support them support their loved one.

“I’m able to work with clients throughout the process – when they first come to us for help and later, if their vision changes and they need additional support.

“My goal is to help people with impaired vision accept their vision loss and learn to live with it and prosper.”

###