Vision: Coping With Loss: Recent Episodes
Dr. Bill Takeshita
Produced by AIRSLA, this podcast series is intended to provide a support system for those learning to cope with their vision-impairment by presenting success stories and helpful hints. Each podcast either describes a success or includes tips for fighting your demons.
This LA Times article will explain what it takes to be a great guide dog and how to spot one. By Melissa Healey.
A presentation about low vision and blindness. The topics included are: individual experiences, support groups and technology.
Natalie, a 10th grader with congenital glaucoma tells about growing up with low vision, overcoming teasing, and succeeding in school.
"It's Just Another Hurdle for Blind Athletes." By Jere Longman, from Chandler, Arizona for The New York Times
"Blind Man Awarded $3000 for Employer Discrimination"; "iPhotography for the Blind"; "Braille for Tibetans"; "Master Chef Ramsey Supports Blind Contestant"
"Kevaughn Merrill waits his turn during a lesson in blind tennis at Lighthouse International in Manhattan, an early adopter of the game". by Thomas Lin.
Dr. Bill reminds listeners to create a calendar of events that you my look forward to each month.
Dr. Bill shares his story how he finally learned that life is much more than having clear sight.
Dr. Bill shares tips on how you can bake a cake with low vision and make a friend happy!
Dr. Bill encourages listeners to try horseback riding. He shares his recent experience.
"One of the more difficult tasks to perform is grooming. Dr. Bill shares some helpful tips."
Dr. Bill shares helpful tips to allow you to enjoy attending sporting events, plays, musicals and movies with low vision.
Dr. Bill informs listeners of ways to obtain large print newspapers, books, and magazines.
Dr. Bill talks about a new computer software called C Desk Suite that allows people with low vision to learn the computer quickly and most easily.
Dr. Bill shares his story of how he learned to overcome his thoughts of depression and pity to learn to live happily with low vision.
Dr. Bill provides helpful info on these reading devices, popular with those having macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
One of the more common complaints of people with low vision is insomnia, the difficulty of falling asleep. Dr. Bill shares helpful tips that may help you to sleep better.
"Five Things You Can Do to Preserve Your Vision. Helpful tips for you, your friends and family."
Dr. Bill shares easy recipes you can make to create great snacks for your Super Bowl party.
The new iPhone 4S is one of the most helpful tools for any person who has vision problems. Dr. Bill discusses how this smart phone can give you much more independence and freedom.
Dr. Bill shares various exercises and guidance to help you begin an exercise program that will strengthen your legs.
Dr. Bill says to learn a new activity each week. It can be enjoyable and rewarding for people of all ages.
Write Your Autobiography. Your life is full of important events and wisdom that can be shared with friends and family.
Make 2012 the year that you learn something every day. Here's how to search for the information.
Filters to improve your vision during winter months. Colored lenses can improve your vision outdoors during the winter. Here are Dr. Bill's recommendations.
Holiday shopping can be very difficult if you have low vision. Dr. Bill shares some ideas that will make your holiday shopping easier and more meaningful.
Dr. Bill shares his tips to help you to send your greetings to friends and family during this magical time of year.
Having low vision doesn't have to mean the end of celebrating Thanksgiving and cooking. Dr. Bill shares information that will allow you to have a great Thanksgiving dinner.
Dr. Bill shares his experience of losing his vision and being angry. However, he emphasizes the importance of changing your attitude today and begin to live life.
Schedule an appointment with a low-vision specialist. Did you know that there are doctors who specialize in helping you improve their remaining vision? Why you should have a low-vision exam.
Make your home safer for walking. Falls are one of the most common causes of injury among those with low vision. Here's how to prevent those falls.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame! Dr. Bill shares tips that will help you enjoy the ballgame - low-vision aids as well as game audio.
Educate Your Community About Low Vision. Each of you is an expert in vision impairment and are encouraged to show others that those with low vision can be independent.
"Seeing With Other Senses: Gardens for the Blind. Gardening techniques, sources and public gardens for the blind & visually impaired." by JoAnn Gardner of HerbCompanion.com
How to Be a Parent With Low Vision. Dr. Bill shares insights into being a parent. He encourages you to demonstrate your capability for independent living and a happy life.
Resources for People With Low Vision. Dr. Bill shares these sources of information, resources and programs.
Dr. Bill shares shares information on the benifits of using a computer even if you have low vision, incuding a discussion of the very popular C-Desk computer system made by AdaptiveVoice.
"Start a cooking club - A cooking club is a great way to develop your cooking skills and to have a lot of fun, food, and friendship."
Tips To Help You When Writing. Writing can be difficult for those with low vision. Dr. Bill shares his tips to help you write letters, sign checks and take notes.
Call a Friend. Dr. Bill tells how beneficial it was for him to call friends and family each day - to overcome the feeling of being isolated that's common to those with low vision.
Nutritional Tips for Your Eyes and Your Brain. The latest research findings on various foods that are helpful for your eyes and brain.
The Benefits of Using a Cane. Dr. Bill shares his experience in using a cane to assist mobility and how to get training.
For an hour or so, this participatory exhibition takes you through the experience of adapting to total lack of sight. By Edward Rothstein
Dr. Bill shares tips that will help you identify bottles and containers in the bathroom while brushing your teeth and performing other grooming tasks.
Dr. Bill shares helpful tips to make your dining experience more enjoyable, including how to read the menu and eat more easily.
Advances in medical treatments for macular degeneration. Dr. Bill describes some of the new research being done to help people with macular degeneration.
Here are some tips to help you make airline reservations and to cope with flying when you visit family and friends this summer.
Dr. Bill shares some tips that will help you to grill on your BBQ even if you have low vision.
Dr. Bill encourages people with low vision to join support groups. There are many types and they are a great place to learn and to help others.
Capture Life's Moments. Dr. Bill tells how those with low vision can capture life's great moments with digital photos or audio recordings.
Dr. Bill shares important information about the types of sunglasses and how they protect your eyes, reduce glare, and improve contrast.
Tips to help you in the bathroom and shower. How to identify items in the bathroom and stay well-groomed.
Tips to help you travel inside your home more safely. People with low vision often trip or fall in their homes. Dr. Bill shares his tips to keep you safe.
Dr. Bill tells how he overcame anger, bitterness and self-pity after being diagnosed with vision impairment. Life has so much more to offer than what we can see with our eyes.
Dr. Bill discusses the importance of regular exercise to clear your mind and improve the way you feel and gives you some exercises to try.
Control Your Mind. Dr. Bill shares helpful tips to help you learn to control your mind so that you can move forward with your life after experiencing low vision.
Tips for using the telephone. Dr. Bill shares helpful tips for using your telephone more efficiently. How to obtain free 411 dialing - and More!
Tips to help you pour and serve drinks. Mastering the art of pouring liquids without spilling them.
Dr. Bill shares tips and encourages those with low vision not to be afraid to travel on an airplane alone.
Tips to help you write with low vision. Dr. bill shares many helpful tips to help you see what you're writing using visual aids.
How to read the newspaper with low vision. Dr. Bill shares valuable tips and recommendations to help you read the newspaper, including the use of glasses, magnifiers and reading services.
Walking Safely Through Your Home. Dr. bill shares tips that will help those with low vision to walk more safely and comfortably in their home.
Tips For Reading Small Print. This is one of the most common complaints from those with low vision. But low vision doctors can design special reading glasses to magnify the print.
This tipsheet from MIUSA gives an overview of the technology available to blind and low vision people and refers you to other resource lists.
Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Sunlight can damage the cells of the eyes. Dr. Bill shares important tips to help you protect them from the sun.
Low Vision Rehabilitation Centers. Dr. Bill discusses the benefits of visiting a comprehensive center and tells you what you can expect there.
Learn from others who have low vision. One of the best ways to learn how to do things is to speak with others and learn from their experience. Dr. Bill offers tips on how you can do this.
What do you fear? Most with low vision have many fears. Dr. Bill shares how he overcame his own fears about losing his vision.
Talk to your friends and family about your vision problem. Keeping your vision problem to yourself can lead to stress and cause other problems.
Tips when seeking a second opinion. Dr. Bill shares tips to help you to identify a doctor who can provide you with a second opinion regarding your eye condition.
What you should do if you've just been diagnosed with a vision problem. Get a second opinion, have an exam with a specialist, talk to friends and family.
A New Years Resolution. Dr. Bill encourages you to make the vow of "Living a Happy Life" your New Years Resolution. Although losing vision is difficult, there is much to live for!
"Recording Those Special Moments. Many take photographs to store memories of special occasions. Dr. Bill tells listeners of the benefits of storing special moments using a digital audio recorder"
"Gift ideas for people with low vision. Dr. Bill shares some great and affordable gift ideas for friends and family who have low vision."
VisionAWARE is a web site featuring many resources for those with vision impairment. In this podcast, Barry relates tips for gardening.
Dr. Bill shares many helpful tips to help those with low vision see their television more easily.
Tips to help you do your laundry. Dr. Bill shares many tips to make the chore of doing laundry much easier if you have low vision.
Dr. Bill Shares tips and suggestions to help you address, mail, and produce your holiday cards.
Tips for Safe Cooking. Dr. Bill shares tips to help people with low vision to cook more safely and efficiently.
Tips to help you with grocery shopping. As Thanksgiving approaches, many of you will need to go to the grocery store. Dr. Bill shares helpful tips to assist you.
"Don't let your vision interfere with your Thanksgiving. Dr. Bill shares tips and ideas so that you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family."
Join organizations to meet and learn from others with low vision. This can be the most valuable way to learn how to cope. Hear Dr. Bill's advice on meeting others with low vision.
Nutrition and exercise can improve your mood. It's common for people with low vision to feel down and sad. Dr. Bill reminds you to exercise and eat the proper foods to improve the way you feel.
Train Your Mind to Have a Positive Attitude. Loss of vision is very difficult and can cause a person to be bitter, angry, and even unlikeable. But you do not have to become the type of person you never wanted to be.
Dr. Bill describes helpful tips to enable you to pay your bills, including low vision aids, video magnifiers, and some of the special services provided by many companies.
Dr. Bill provides helpful tips to help you to get organized. These tips will save you valuable time and frustration when you are looking for things.
Dr. Bill shares tips on cooking with low vision. Learn how to use lighting, contrast, touch and taste to cook your favorite meals.
The First Blind West Point Officer. Dr. Bill tells of an inspiring young man named Scotty Smiley, who lost his sight in the war and overcame his blindness to become West Point's first blind officer.
"Remote Control: A Blind Man Sails With Help From Afar." By Nick Burns in the Wall Street Journal, September 14, 2010
"Take it one step at a time. Dr. Bill reminds us that adjusting to low vision is something that takes time. Successful rehabilitation is a step-by-step process."
Use technology to help you perform your daily tasks. Some of the latest devices are simple to use and will allow you to cook, read, write, and help you through your day.
Tips on making coffee. Did you know that drinking coffee reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? Dr. Bill tells how you can easily and safely make your own coffee each morning.
Low vision does not mean the end of exercise. Dr. Bill provides some basic exercises you can do at home without expensive equipment to strengthen your lower body and improve your balance.
"What's good for your heart is good for your eyes. Dr. Bill summarizes lifestyle habits that are good for both your heart and your eyes."
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision is a great organization for people with low vision to meet others with low vision and learn to live their lives independently.
Vacationing With Low Vision: Dr. Bill talks about enjoying your vacations, including helpful tips that can make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
Did you know some people with low vision may be entitled to a driver's license? Dr. Bill discusses how to apply for a license and some of the devices you might use to improve vision while driving.
Helpful ideas for the bathroom: Here are Dr. Bill's tips for improved lighting, the use of contrast and other great suggestions to help you to get ready in the morning.
Dr. Bill provides helpful tips for people with low vision when they wake up in the morning.
You may qualify for a special accessible telephone from CTAP, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission that provides specialized equipment and services to those who have an active phone line. Details are provided herein.
Take it one step at a time. Dr. Bill talks about the importance of taking small steps as you learn to perform daily activities independently.
Dr. Bill urges people with low vision to take the advice of coach John Wooden. By making the best of each day, you can overcome life's difficulties and become independent.
Coping with retinitis pigmentosa. Dr. Bill provides information about retinitis pigmentosa and how to enhance your vision by using low vision aids, adaptive technology, lighting, and contrast.
Things you should know if you have glaucoma. Dr. Bill reveals important information about glaucoma, the importance of having appropriate eye examinations and how to take blindness-preventing medications.
Understanding Diabetes. Dr. Bill discusses the principles of diabetes and how it affects vision.
Living with macular degeneration (M.D.) Some important facts about macular degeneration and strategies to cope with it.
Make a list of things to do. Dr. Bill tells how making a list of things to do helped him to overcome much of his depression and move forward after losing his sight.
Dr. Bill talks about how beneficial it is to help others who are also visually impaired or less fortunate in your own road to recovery.
Dr. Bill feels that helping others is often the best way to begin living with low vision. Here are some success stories that will inspire you to help others.
Blindness: It's not the end of the world! Dr. Bill shares his experience with vision loss and how it was definitely not the end of the world for him. It simply opened up new doors!
Living With Low Vision: Things to remember when you've been told you have a vision problem.
Dr. Bill reveals all the things you should remember to do when going to your eye doctor's office for an appointment.
Talk Radio. Dr. Bill discusses the many benefits of talk radio, a free source of entertainment for people with low vision.
N.F.B Newsline is a great free service allowing the legally blind to read over 300 newspapers, magazines and even T.V. listings over the telephone.
Dr. Bill tells you about the latest in medical treatments that can help people with wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to read easier and better.
Teach yourself to read with macular degeneration. Dr. Bill gives tips on how to read using your peripheral vision.
Dr. Bill tells of a technique that can help people with macular degeneration and other eye conditions learn to use the healthier parts of the retina to see.
Dr. Bill discusses how beneficial video magnifiers are to the visually impaired. They help you read, write, and perform other daily activities.
Dr. Bill discusses ways to help people with low vision see their television more easily, including the use of specialized glasses.
Dr. Bill discusses the warning signs that may suggest changes in your vision and the need to visit an eye doctor.
Dr. Bill discusses how important sunglasses can be in protecting your eyes and sharpening your vision and tells you what features to ask for when buying them.
Calling Friends, family and loved ones is a wonderful holiday gift. Dr. Bill talks about affordable solutions for making those holiday long-distance calls.
Dr. Bill discusses ways that people with low vision can continue to read books and participate in book clubs and other reading groups.
Dr. Bill discusses how taking dance classes can be a source of entertainment, exercise and fun!
"Running Blind No Trouble for Auckland Athlete: When Rob Mathews lost his sight, he began to run. Now he's the fastest blind runner in the world!" from the New Zealand News
Dr. Bill talks about the importance of taking on the responsibility of helping others despite your own vision impairment
Dr. Bill's topic for today: Begin living your life with low vision by changing your attitude; choosing tasks you want to do, and learn.
Dr. Bill talks about exercises that you can do during your lunch hour to help with your digestion, regulate your blood sugar, and give you more energy for the rest of the afternoon.
Dr. Bill discusses the importance of speaking to your children about your vision problems.
"Triumph of a blind clothing designer - Mason Ewing overcame more than just an inability to see" from Global Post International, July 26, 2009
"Willing and able: Lincoln West wrestlers Dartanyon Crockett and Leroy Sutton excel on mats - teammates support each other to overcome obstacles" from www.cleveland.com.
Today, Dr. Bill discusses strategies to use when meeting people at work or school for the firsst time.
Dr. Bill discusses the best and safest options for shopping: Credit card or Debit card?
Being Deaf and Blind Doesn't Stop Me. Helen Wessels is a college graduate, career woman, wife and mother of two girls. And she's both blind and deaf! From The Northern Echo in the UK.
Dr. Bill tells you how to identify money and write checks so that paying bills becomes a snap.
US computer giant IBM has named Chieko Asakawa as the first blind engineer - as well as the first Japanese female - to receive the company's highest technical honour.
Dr. Bill summarizes the disability income benefits that you may be eligible for as a person of low vision.
The State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation may be able to help you to receive the training, equipment, and devices to help you to gain employment or live independently.
"Blind girl who travels hundreds of miles to school each week seeks national title in Braille-reading competition", by Barbara Carmen. From the Columbus Dispatch.
"Dog Fight: A new resident in Copperas Cove, Texas, is considering legal action after being forcefully removed from a local restaurant" by Crystal McCoy.
Confused by all the magnifiers available? Wonder which features are worth having? Dr. Bill cuts through all the confusion and tells you how to select a magnifier to help you at work or school.
Dr. Bill introduces some simple modifications you can make to your office to help you use your vision more effectively and increase your independence.
Dr. Bill tells you why and how you should communicate your vision problem openly with your employer and co-workers.
Hesitant about taking public transport? Dr. Bill's tips will help you get the most out of the resources available.
"Goalball is the game of choice for visually impaired" by Amy Donaldson, from the Deseret News, Friday, March 27, 2009.
This article, by Daniel Kish will introduce you to an astounding technique for getting around based on the principles of sonic echolocation.
Many people with low vision aren't aware that they can get restricted, even unrestricted driver's licenses. Dr. Bill discusses your options in detail.
"Unusual part of American Idol singer's success story" by Randy Cordova from the March 3, 2009 Arizona Republic
Legally blind North Fort Myers man to sail around the world" from the Fort Myers, Florida News-Press, March 23rd 2009
"Matt Steven is blind, but that didn't stop him from being a hoops hero." From "Life of Reilly" by Rick Reilly, in ESPN The Magazine, March 11, 2009.
"Blind coach helps players "see" their way to the top" from the Washington County Nebraska Pilot-Tribune, March 2, 2009, by Scott Kerber
Tips and tricks with magnifying mirrors and other gadgets to help with shaving and applying makeup.
Dr. Bill offers low-vision folks some sage advice on how to properly light your bathroom.
Exercise is an important part of your life. This talk gives people with low vision important tips on staying in shape.
A comprehensive low vision rehabilitation center is one of the best places to get help improving your vision.