Group for visually impaired gets into rodeo spirit

Members of the Tucson Society of the Blind have a motto: “We don’t have much sight but we have a lot of vision.”

They have channeled that creativity and motivation into a rodeo concert and silent auction showcasing Rusty Dutton and his band at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Fellowship Square, 8111 E. Broadway.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will support the nonprofit’s mission to provide support for the visually impaired.

“Losing your vision is very difficult. We wanted to offer educational and social resources and especially emotional support for those going through this process. So many people out there don’t know there are resources and ways of coping that make it a little easier, and one of our goals is to get the word out,” said Barbara Macpherson, who helped found the organization in 2003.

Macpherson lives with retinitis pigmentosa, the umbrella name for a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration that results in a gradual decline in vision.

The National Eye Institute estimates that it impacts one in 4,000 people in the United States.

It is just one of many diseases that cause significant vision loss for more than 157,000 Arizona adults, according to estimates by the 2013 American Community Survey as interpreted by Cornell University’s Employment and Disability Institute.

At this point, Macpherson can see shapes and colors, but her vision is very blurry. To remain as independent as possible, she uses practical coping methods: extra lights throughout the house, organization and distinguishing marks such as dots to highlight “start” and other buttons on appliances.

She also utilizes technology — Computer software that reads for her, the Talking Book Library to listen to books and Newsline, which reads the news of the day. (See box.)

Sharing coping mechanisms is extremely helpful, particularly with those who are newly diagnosed and learning to deal with limited vision, according to TSB President Erma Seal-Seigler, 84.

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“It is such a nice source of support. Sometimes it helps people who may be new to the problems of macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy to be among others who are visually impaired. They feel much more comfortable and can share their problems with them,” said Seal-Seigler, whose sight has been impacted by macular degeneration and glaucoma.

A retired medical assistant and private duty nurse, Seal-Seigler still has some vision, but she is no longer able to drive and struggles with her loss of independence.

“It is very frustrating. You become angry. I don’t like to mention it, but there is another thing that happens to the best of us, and that is depression. I feel depression because I can’t do the things I used to do. I want to try, but I am not able to do them,” she said.

Seal-Seigler said that group helps to stave off unhappiness and isolation with meetings at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway.

Meetings include Bingo games and feature guest speakers on topics ranging from the latest in technology for the visually impaired to information on other local agencies and nonprofits, such as Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired, that provide additional resources and connections in the community.

Recently, a guest speaker from Youth On Their Own generated another community connection by inspiring society members to hold a toiletries and supply drive for homeless students.

Additionally, Seal-Seigler said she appreciates links to the community provided by group field trips. Upcoming outings include the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Reid Park Zoo and Old Tucson.

Macpherson, who spearheaded the country-themed fundraising concert, said the overall intention of the organization is to encourage those with low or no vision to remain active and to be the best that they can be.

She encourages everyone dealing with low or no vision to attend a meeting and said they will welcomed “with open arms.”

“Even if you are visually impaired you can be productive, but people have to come out of their houses to get help. The biggest thing is that people have to have the courage to come to a place like TSB to get help rather than staying home and putting their hands in the air and saying, ‘Nothing can be done.’ There is so much out there that can help,” Macpherson said.