I remind my clients, it takes courage to get out of bed, open the door and face the world you can no longer see.
Artist Jolene Nemeth has found a clever way to incorporate blindness tools into her creative process. Because her mother unknowingly was exposed to measles while pregnant, Jolene was born with cataracts and glaucoma. Jolene credits Hadley's videos for inspiring her to do things differently after she lost what remained of her eyesight.
After learning tips on using tactile markers, Jolene started thinking about using those materials for her artwork. "Before losing my eyesight I used to draw animals as cartoons. [What I learned from Hadley] inspired me to invent my own way of using Wikki Stix (pliable wax-covered yarn) to outline pictures and then fill them in with colored pencil or marker." Jolene also used tape and foam to mask off areas while painting. "Hadley helped me to regain my skills as an artist."
In late 2017, Jolene was excited to move into a larger apartment with a separate space for an art studio. Jolene says, "I used as many tips as I could during packing and unpacking, labeling items in braille so I could put them away without waiting for help. Orienting to the new space took time. The skills I learned helped in designing the living space and with furniture placement. The safety tips helped me set up the kitchen and determine where things should go." Jolene’s new kitchen is safer with more counter space next to her stove, reducing the risk of accidents.
Jolene, who works in a vocational rehab agency in Connecticut, encourages her clients to take Hadley workshops. Jolene says, "I remind my clients, it takes courage to get out of bed, open the door and face the world you can no longer see. But when you see with your heart rather than your eyes, the world is a better place."
Learn helpful daily living tips with Hadley's Daily Living workshops.
Story originally published in 2017.