Back

Continuously Learning and Sharing Hadley Resources

Linda Wilder

When Linda Sue Wilder was 28, she fell ill. Suddenly, she became paralyzed from the neck down and lost her senses of sight, hearing, taste, and smell. Doctors diagnosed her with a rare autoimmune disease and did not expect a positive outcome. However, Linda defied the odds.

That was 46 years ago. "I was motivated to get better to care for my three boys, who were then one, four, and seven years old. I am very fortunate to have regained everything, except my vision."

Linda, who was not married at the time, was determined to build a stable life for her family. She enrolled in college to become a vision rehabilitation counselor, and then she earned her master’s degree in this field. "I tried to be a good example to people losing vision, to show them what can be done without sight," she reflects. In addition to helping them find employment, she encouraged them to reach their goals by “celebrating their successes every little step of the way."

Now retired, Linda lives in Washington state and enjoys spending time with her husband and 11 grandchildren, serving on several boards, reading, and traveling. She is also continually learning. "I believe that is what keeps us all vibrant and alive. It is wonderful to have new things to absorb and practice."

Hadley is an important part of this. "I really enjoy all the things that it has to offer," declares Linda. Recognizing that “everyone can learn something through Hadley," she also promotes Hadley’s resources to others.

When Hadley began working on the new website, Linda was asked to be an advisor. "I am the perfect person to do this because I get in more technology tangles than anyone," she remarks. She is very happy with the result. "I really like the new website. I truly enjoy how concise the programming is. There is nothing complicated about it. If I do hit a glitch, help is just a phone call away and someone from Hadley responds soon."

Hadley learning experts have been another important part of her experience. "I like how articulate and personable Hadley experts are. I feel like I'm right in the room with them. I often make presentations to blindness organizations. I get all kinds of ideas from Hadley and hearing Hadley's experts inspires me."

As soon as she receives a notice about a new Hadley Presents podcast, Linda tunes in to listen because the topics and people interviewed are relevant and interesting. For example, she and her husband, who is sighted, listened together to the episode about the impact of vision loss on marriage and picked up useful information.

Linda's belief in Hadley has translated into financial support. "I have gained so much and want to give back so Hadley can help another person. It brings me happiness to know that others can go to Hadley to learn. It is the very best organization that is available to everyone, and it is free. Hadley has so much to offer. Hadley can lead you on an incredible journey, and it is there for all of us, all over the world."

 

Back to Learner Stories