Things Are Looking Up

Thanks to VisionCorps, Myke Krout is beginning to put the problems caused by his 2017 auto accident into the rearview mirror. The accident left him with a traumatic brain injury and took his vision. Recovering his independence has been a long and arduous process, but he is resilient.

Recently, Myke moved into an apartment, and VisionCorps’ orientation and mobility specialist (O&M) gave him a tour. “We walked around feeling the walls so I could understand the layout,” he said. “She sliced pool noodles and put them on the corners, so if I misjudge where I am, I won’t hit my head.”

His O&M taught Myke to use tactile maps to get oriented, and a white cane to navigate independently. He takes “The Rabbit” door-to-door paratransit, and will soon learn about ride-sharing apps. Using the accessible technology on his phone and “Alexa” to answer his questions, he sets alarms, searches the web, and dictates and reads text. “I have a shared calendar with my caregiver so I don’t miss appointments,” he said. “And VisionCorps set up my phone to work with my doorbell as an intercom so I can stay safe.”

The 20 members of Myke’s VisionCorps peer support group offer emotional support and helpful tips. “As someone who’s never lived alone without vision, I’m always asking them: ‘How can I make this work?’ VisionCorps has taught me that I can accomplish anything; I may just do it differently.”

Unfortunately, people don’t always understand how to converse with someone who is blind. “When my doctor says, ‘Please sit over there,’ I have to point out that I don’t know where he’s pointing,” Myke said. “When a waitress says to my lunch companion, ‘And what will he have?’ I refrain from saying, ‘I can still talk, you know.’ I’m glad that I have a good sense of humor. It comes in handy.”

Myke was a top fundraiser in the 2023 VisionCorps Eye Drop event and was overwhelmed by people’s generosity. He plans to rappel again in this year’s event. From his perspective, things are looking up!