(CHARLOTTETOWN – Sept. 22, 2011) Blind since birth, Darcy MacDougall recalls the tough decision his parents made regarding his education as most children his age with vision loss were sent to a boarding school in Halifax. If MacDougall was to remain on the Island with his friends and family, he needed vision rehabilitation and support to lead a full, active and independent life.

“Thankfully CNIB was there to help my transition into the public school system and allowed me to live my life here on the Island,” says MacDougall. “Growing up in O’Leary, my parents made those early connections with the CNIB centre in Charlottetown to ensure I had access to as many resources as I could.”

With the Prince Edward Island election approaching, MacDougall would like to see more resources available to Islanders so they can overcome the challenges of blindness and partial sight – and become more independent.

“Vision loss doesn’t have to get in the way of obtaining an education, employment or living life to the fullest,” he says. “If our next government ensures vital vision rehabilitation services are strong and available, our province can better serve Islanders from diagnosis through to rehabilitation.”

MacDougall knows first-hand the value of having community-based support on the Island.

“Some of my earliest memories are borrowing audio and braille books from the CNIB Library, using braille playing cards and my parents buying me a talking watch,” says MacDougall. “Through CNIB’s social functions, I connected with other blind and partially sighted youth and realized there were others who were experiencing similar things – it was a great comfort.”

When MacDougall began attending the University of Prince Edward Island, he says he did not make use of CNIB and its services – and while he was able to obtain his textbooks in alternate format, he was dependent on others to travel to and from his classes.

“My issues with mobility prevented me from travelling independently so I relied on my peers as sighted guides to make my way around campus,” MacDougall says. “During this time, I regretted having learned only basic outdoor mobility.”

Now in his early 30s, and an employee with Veterans Affairs Canada, MacDougall is discovering the solution to his mobility issues through CNIB’s Orientation and Mobility (O&M) program.

Weekly O&M lessons have helped MacDougall build the skills to navigate new environments like his office and workplace, walk safely with a white cane and travel confidently within his community.

“O&M has been instrumental to my success in my career,” MacDougall says. “Helping me with everything from finding fire exits to items within the workspace, CNIB has equipped me with the independence to carry out everyday activities.”

With his newfound confidence, MacDougall is now stepping outside of his comfort zone – literally. 

“Travelling alone with vision loss can be a frightening thing but I’m gaining the skills to get over this fear,” he says. “My new mobility means I’m no longer anxious about certain things like taking a cab on my own. It’s little things like that which allow you to see everyday challenges as obstacles you can overcome rather than limitations.”

Kevin Walsh, a CNIB board member who also lives with vision loss, would like to see further investment in vision rehabilitation services, vision loss prevention and an overall vision health strategy.

“More than 4,000 Islanders are living with blindness or partial sight and what’s more, the cost of vision loss in the province is staggering,” says Walsh. “Increased support of CNIB and its vision rehabilitation services can significantly reduce these costs and enhance the quality of life of Islanders affected by vision loss.”

MacDougall is hopeful that his journey will help Islanders realize that vision loss is life-changing, not life-ending.

“When the Island makes vision health and rehabilitation a priority, more people can recognize that vision loss doesn’t have to define or limit your life,” says MacDougall. “There are thousands of Islanders who can be more independent, productive and engaged in their communities if we ensure the right support and resources are available across the province.”

It was those accessible resources more than 30 years ago that allowed MacDougall to live his life and career on the Island.

“An investment in vision rehabilitation is an investment in quality of life for thousands of Islanders like me,” he says.

For more information about CNIB’s vision rehabilitation services, call 1.800.563.2642 or visit www.cnib.ca.​