Suzie’s Story

Photo of Suzie at graduation 2009 with Tewai

Suzie leads a busy, fulfilling, independent life. Having attended the school for the blind then known as Homai College, and worked at the now closed workshops run by the Blind Foundation, Suzie now gives a little back by helping out with the Foundation’s annual guide dog appeal.

Suzie loves to read, and veraciously devours talking books from wherever she can get them, be that her local public library or the Blind Foundation’s talking book library. Her reading and communications horizons are expanding further now, thanks to her computer, which is equipped with a screen reader so she can hear what’s on the screen.

She has four cats she adores, and volunteers for the SPCA. She and her cats love their South Auckland flat.

But there was a time when Suzie’s life was very different. “Vision Pacific have been absolutely amazing,” Suzie says. “They care so much, nothing’s too much trouble, and they understand because they’re blind like I am. I think that makes a big difference”.

When Vision Pacific began working with Suzie, she was in residential care. Her good friend Peter took the plunge and left the rest home to move into his own flat. That gave Suzie the courage and inspiration to follow his lead, and Vision Pacific were pivotal in providing her with the skills and support systems to realise her goal.

Suzie and Peter married in 2005, and as Suzie describes it, had two wonderful years together before his death in 2007.

Discouraged, Suzie for a time considered returning to residential care, but with the support of Vision Pacific, has been able to maintain her independent lifestyle in the community.

Eager to give back and share her experience, Suzie, who also deals with mental illness, is determined to become a mental health peer counsellor. Vision Pacific has been both a support and an inspiration to her in this goal, having provided practical support and encouragement.

“I don’t think there’s anyone better to help someone, than someone who’s experiencing the same thing,” she says. “I have mental health issues, but it doesn’t stop me from getting on with my life and living in the community. And just like Vision Pacific has done for me, I want to give back to others,” she says. “I want to be there, share my experience, and just listen”.

The credit belongs to Suzie for achieving her goals, but Vision Pacific has been the catalyst and support system she needed to achieve her potential.

Carita’s  Story

Carita and Patricia

Carita is a woman on the move, thanks to her own determination, and assistance from Visionary Living. Through her tenacity, she demonstrates that a quality, independent life is possible with the right tools and support.

Carita is Vision impaired, and underwent an operation in 2012 to remove cataracts and implant new lenses in both her Left and Right eye. She has regain good functional long vision as a result of the operation, enough to enable her to use a scooter safely in her local environment.

That’s exciting news, since she also lives With a form of congenital arthritis which has progressively deteriorated  to severely restrict her mobility.

“Once I got some vision back, I made inquiries to see if it would be possible to get a scooter to help me get out and about locally,” to the shops and back, things like that,” Carita says.

“They told me, as long as you’re aware of your limitations and use the scooter sensibly, there’d be no problem. It makes such a big difference”.

Carita lives with a third disability, a severe hearing impairment. She wears hearing aids,  and finds she has to have someone with her to help with her communication with specialists when she attends her appointments at the various clinics she must attend. Many people with full sight don’t realise how much they rely on lip reading when their hearing isn’t fully functional, so dealing with a vision and hearing impairment poses special challenges.

Her arthritic condition limits her movements and causes considerable pain, so she benefits from personal care. Patricia from Visionary Living assists her in performing tasks  including  shopping, or they may go out for coffee together.

“I feel totally comfortable with Patricia,” Carita says. “She understands my needs, nothing is too much trouble. I call when I need help, and Patricia’s so willing to drive me to appointments and provide other assistance. It’s wonderful.”

An active member of her community, Carita appreciates the support, while also valuing her independence. Visionary Living is there when she needs the support, while respecting her autonomy and dignity.

With a lot of grit, help from Visionary Living and that mobility scooter, Carita is going places.