Glaucoma first set in when Clifford Miyashiro was in his late 40s. Over the years he underwent multiple procedures and surgeries to correct this condition. However, after his last surgery about five years ago, he lost most of his remaining sight. Now 74 years old, Clifford has no vision in his right eye and just a narrow tunnel of vision in his left eye.
A native Hawaiian, Clifford lives in Honolulu with his wife and has family nearby, including his two-year-old grandson, who is a frequent playmate and source of great joy. Although now retired from the retail store he owned for 27 years, Clifford declares, “I have never used my brain as much as I do now. It is a challenge to learn to live without sight. It requires a lot of problem solving.” He is focused on maintaining his independence and is working hard to build needed skills—such as regularly practicing his cane walking around the neighborhood.
Recognizing that technology is an important tool to help him maintain his independence, Clifford turned to Hadley. He started with Hadley’s iPhone workshops so he could learn to use the full functionality of his smart phone. Hadley’s online format has been ideal because he can easily replay the material to find the information he needs and reinforce his understanding. While he was a self-described “rookie” when he started, he quickly learned simple things, like how to change the phone settings to make it easier to see the screen with his remaining vision. Now, through patience and persistence, he has become very proficient, and his iPhone is an indispensable tool for communicating and emailing friends and family.
Through Hadley, Clifford has also learned VoiceOver, which allows him to listen to text on the screen rather than read it. “VoiceOver is a good companion,” he says, “I like that it talks and listens to you.” With VoiceOver he can easily read and dictate communications, access music and entertainment options, browse the web and research topics of interest. Much of his research is about managing with vision loss.
Clifford first learned about Hadley from fellow students at the Ho’opono Services for the Blind, a branch of the Department of Human Services, where he attends classes regularly. He finds that his Hadley and Ho’opono learning complement one another.
Clifford describes his Hadley experience as “very positive and encouraging, with good techniques and support.” During COVID-19, Hadley has been especially convenient. Using the vision that he still has, he is building braille skills through Hadley’s online series for sighted learners. And, when time allows, he enjoys tuning into Hadley’s podcast and connecting with fellow Hadley learners in the Embracing Braille and What’s Cooking discussion groups.