Donna T. of Spencer, Iowa, is living proof that aging and vision loss don’t mean the end of independence, engagement, or capability. With determination, a passion for learning, and a positive outlook, Donna is #FlippingTheScript on what it means to grow older with blindness.
She has lived with diabetes mellitus since 1958, so she has long understood the potential effects that can come with the condition. One of those effects—vision loss—has now become part of her daily life. While her doctors did everything possible to slow its progression, their final advice was to be prepared.
Donna connected with the Iowa Department for the Blind, which provided her with valuable resources and monthly home visits. These visits offer practical advice, tools, and encouragement to help her remain self-sufficient. She also participated in a three-day training in Des Moines, where she gained skills in using a white cane, navigating money management, cooking with adaptive techniques, and using assistive apps. “I am so glad I attended,” she says. “After attending this training, I realize there are many things I can still do for myself.”
Independence is at the heart of Donna’s story. “Being independent means staying in my own home and caring for myself as much as I can,” she explains. And she’s doing just that—proving that with the right attitude and training, she can be self-reliant.
Donna also makes time to stay connected with her community. She regularly attends a local Blindness Support Group, where she finds fellowship and practical advice. “It’s important for me to socialize with others with vision loss and to learn how they handle the challenges we face,” she says.
When asked how she redefines the expectations placed on aging and blindness, Donna is clear: “People tend to perceive us as less capable, but we’re still capable of so much. We just have to stay positive and do as much as we can for ourselves.”
