The Holiday Season, A Great Time To Be Selfish?

The day after Thanksgiving and through the weekend, all over the U.S.  147 million shoppers are expected to visit stores and shop online...


This is according to a preliminary Black Friday shopping survey put out by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Black Friday, the name given to the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, is traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Since 2005 it has been the busiest shopping day of the year.

The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia around 1966, where it originally described the heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic which occurred the day after Thanksgiving. In 1975, the term spread outside of Philadelphia with a different explanation: the period during which retailers are turning a profit or become "in the black."

That is pretty cool information; 147 million people were shopping that day, Wow!

With the Holiday season being such a busy time of year, I think it is the most important time to not lose focus on taking care of you. Yes shopping main purpose is to buy gifts for family and friends, but it can also become a check off the list time; one less person to buy for. The time and effort put into this amazes me. People are willing to go to any length to get items on sale and to get the perfect gift. And the STRESS!

What do I mean by taking care of self? Yes you guessed it; this is the time of year to be selfish. I am only kidding, they say it is the time of giving, but I see it more as a time of stressfulness, to get everything done. Everything? Really? Something I have been doing for a while really works and not only in the Holiday Season.

Upon awakening, take some time to think about your day ahead. Where are you going? What people are you going to be around? Are you clear on your purpose for that day? Will you be adding to the stream of life? Since this is a time of giving it most certainly does not need to be material. Something I ask myself before I enter meetings, presentations, and working with the public is, what can I bring to this situation that will make it better for all involved?

For years I woke up late, jumped out of bed and rushed around the house to get ready for work. Eat breakfast, the most important meal of the day, no way which takes too much time. My kids were young at this time, but please do not ask me too many questions in the morning I am already behind and if you did I was unable to give a well thought out answer and it really just irritated me. See my motives were all about me, I have a lot going on, I am running late, can’t this wait, and the list goes on. These days made for a difficult start to my day and I rarely thought how I can be of service. The sad part is that I did not even see that I was this way. Thankfully today I am awake and able to live my life, not have life live me anymore.

For me this is the time of year to be of maximum service and to keep an eye out for those in need. And remember the more you give the more you get. Now that was not a formula I understood until I put it into practice and experienced the rewards over and over.

Take charge of your life or not, your choice

Take charge of your life or not, your choice


Take charge of your life or not, your choice

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to do the closing keynote address to a group of visually impaired students and their parents at an event hosted by the Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind. What excited me most about this was how many were in attendance and how eager they all were to learn more on how to live life to the fullest. Throughout my talk I reminded them that how they live their life is up to them; not their parents, teachers, or the agency for the blind.

The majority of the students were of high school age. That’s a difficult time for anyone, and having a vision impairment doesn’t make it any easier.

The topic of my talk was to take charge of your life. The first step in making that happen is to take responsibility and I mean 100% responsibility. It is not always easy to do, but a must if you want to live a life free of blame, resentment, and rationalizing your decisions. I reminded the students to look in the mirror and that is the only person to blame if they are not happy with their life. We are the only people who can change ourselves and how we perceive who we are.

For years I blamed my parents, my teachers, and my (insert any name here). I would walk around and say, “Well I had to do this” or “I have to live like this, because I am legally blind” - that is a bunch of crap. This mindset only builds the victim mentality and people then fall into the entitlement mindset.

Nice try, my life is not easier because I have been legally blind since age thirteen. I did not receive an easy pass because I have extra struggles. No, I get the same opportunity to make life what I choose on a daily basis and today I choose to believe in myself and operate out of an “I can” attitude.

If you have a plan, a vision of success and work towards that, then you are on your way to living the life of your dreams.

This works for anyone and the biggest problem I see is that most people are not operating out of their vision; they are letting life live them. I remember those days!!!!!! Blind or not we all have vision.

The White Cane

A white cane is the universal symbol of blindness or vision impairment. When you find out that someone is legally blind, you most likely will assume that they use a cane; however, you may not know why they’re using a cane and how it helps the individual.


Most blind people are misunderstood because the people around them are misinformed about what this cane actually does for the user.

There are several different types of canes, they mostly differ by how length, kind of tip they have and if they are collapsible or not.

The height of the person determines how long the cane must be and the cane tip is what gives the feedback to the user. There are many different types of tips: marshmallow, pencil, metal or plastic. Each create a different experience for the user and it is personal preference as to which one works best. Marshmallow tips are round and plastic; these tips glide easier on services but give less feedback to the user. Pencil tips can be plastic or metal and give much more feedback due to the smaller tip size the user knows where practically every little nook and cranny is.

Decided to use a collapsible cane also personal preference, although individuals with complete blindness usually prefer non-foldable canes since it gives a lot more feedback compared to the collapsible, because the vibration is not muffled among the joints of the cane

The visually impaired individual would most likely prefer the collapsible cane because they might not need to use it all the time and it can be folded into a small confined package that is easier to store and carry around. The loss of feedback will not affect the user as much because they still have some residual vision to rely on.

Feedback is the vibration the cane gives off when it scrapes along the surface allowing the user to identify what type of surface are they on as well letting the user know if there is anything in front of them. The cane acts as a buffer for the user.


Now you have a better understanding of how the cane helps the blind and visually impaired. Remember to ask the individual if they need help, do not just grab their arm, you may startle them – remember they can’t see you coming. Imagine yourself in their position, you wouldn’t want someone to just take hold of you and go. Also, the blind and visually impaired can be very independent. If they need help, they will ask.

At Vision Dynamics we carry several different sizes and types of white canes, as well as replacement tips to fit any preference. We also provide tips and information on cane use and suggestions for what type may work best for you.

Vision Dynamics Youtube Channal

If you ever thought about bringing your loved one or one of your parents to our store but are hesitating because you have no idea what to expect, check out our introduction videos on YouTube. You will be shown around the store and shown how the products we carry help individuals with vision impairments and blindness to live more independent lives.




When you purchase from Vision Dynamics we make sure that you know exactly what you’re buying and how to operate it. We do our best to go over everything, and cover every single aspect that we can. We do all this before you leave the store so you know exactly what you’re investing in.



We also know that when you get a product home you may still have questions, and that’s okay! We encourage our customers to contact us for support. Our trained staff is available for free phone support to our customers during business hours. If you feel you need more training on a product, Vision Dynamics also offers individualized training on adaptive technology and computer software.



In addition to our phone support we have created the Vision Dynamics YouTube channel. This is the place where you can find informative content on our most popular products such as our video magnifiers or OCR products. These videos will take you step by step how to set-up, troubleshoot and operate your new product.



From how to videos to testimonials, we even have information about the store, our videos show you every single aspect of each item. Each one of the videos are worded and explained in simple easy to understand terms, the same way as if you were in the store with us.



Our testimonials are real costumers’ that explain how we wore able to provide them with the tools they need to live a normal and independent life. It’s always better to hear from another customer how these products changed their life and how they can benefit you as well.

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the store, but want more information first. Visit our website and our YouTube channel for more information, videos and much more information! Our website is www.VisionDynamics.com and our YouTube Channel

Sunglasses for the Visually Impaired

 If you have an eye condition, especially if you have macular degeneration, the importance of wearing sunglasses is crucial and should never be forgotten. Good-quality eyewear can provide you with protection for your eyes and help to improve contrast. Sunglasses protect your eyes from low-hanging branches that you just might not see and to protect your eyes from harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun. Everyone is aware that UV rays are a major contributing factor to such things as melanoma or other skin cancers. We are told that wearing proper clothing and using sunscreen protects you from these harmful UV rays, but it is almost never mentioned that your eyes are affected as well. Those same UV rays are incredibly harmful for your eyes and contribute to an increased chance of macular degeneration and also can speed development of macular. UV rays are the most harmful to your eyes and it is important to protect them to keep your eyes healthy. Sunglasses can help your eyes maintain vision, heighten contrast, and protect your eyes and eyesight.

Sunglasses come in a wide variety of lens colors, from yellow and ambers to grays and greens. All are designed to help improve contrast to see those hard to see curbs and fade corners, or anything that you might experience trouble with and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Vision Dynamics offers many different styles, shades and options of sunglasses. Contact us today to learn more and take the step to properly protect your eyes!

Flick the solution for all the visually impaired students

Being a visually impaired student presents you with different challenges than a sighted student would normally experience. A typical student wouldn’t think twice about being able to read hand outs or books, or copying notes off the board or even writing your own. These tasks cannot be completed in the traditional way for a visually impaired student. Without help from another person or adaptive technology it becomes nearly impossible to succeed in the classroom.


Most visually impaired students want to remain independent and do not want to rely on another student or classroom aid for assistance. That is where adaptive technology comes in. In the past few years adaptive technology for students has come a long way.

The flick is the perfect solution for any kind of visual disability that you may be faced with.

Flick being easy to use it helps rather than distracting you. As other portable video magnifiers take time away from learning flick lets you do the work faster than ever before. The camera being design with the visually impaired in mind it is the simplest to operate. You will never find yourself troubleshooting ever again due to the great easy to use software that comes with along with is camera.

The flick is able to magnify anything it’s pointed at, up to 80x times with incredible image quality. Which Is grate when you look in the distance and at print while still having the same crystal clear sharp image, this one camera Is also able to (OCR). Having the ability read back any piece of paper that you decide to throw under the lens, taking the strain off your eyes and take in information in an auditory way/

The small sleek and compact design is great when you don’t really want to stand out and not become the center of attention. Carrying it around is not a struggle when your classes are not close to one another. Other than just removing the camera and arm of the base and slipping it in to its bag, letting it be carried around without an issue.

The flick has its own built in 9 hour battery, so it will not draining your laptop or windows tablet. Letting you get the most out of your assistive technology

Overall this camera is perfect for anything, being a student and telling you from my first hand experience I just can’t recommend this camera enough.

Fantastic Ideas for Summer Fun

Having low vision is difficult, often times you may be the only individual within your group who has low vision and you may have trouble finding activities that everyone is able to enjoy.


Since it’s the season of hot weather, it would be a crime to go the whole summer without going swimming. This would be a great way for one with a vision impairment to step out of their comfort zone and do an activity with the same amount of confidence as if they did have perfect vision.

Another thing that a lot of visually impaired people seem to miss out on is bike riding; but there can be a way to experience the same thrill. With your help and a little thing called a tandem bike, this allows the sighted person to steer and the visually impaired individual to pedal. This allows both people to experiencing the same thrill and rush of wind.

Hiking is another great activity to consider. Although, it doesn’t offer the same adrenaline rush as biking – it can be a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy nature. Be sure to describe to the visually impaired person what the scenery looks like and enjoy it along with the sighted individuals in the group. There is nothing quite as relaxing as taking a calm stroll through the woods appreciating nature’s beauty.

For most blind or low vision people walking in an unfamiliar place is a terrifying struggle that doesn’t have a happy ending. Depending on how sever the vision impairment is, walking may be dangerous without a sighted buddy.

Now for a something a little more extreme but still a lot of fun – indoor rock climbing! This is perfect for someone that’s visually impaired because it’s safe and everything is in a controlled environment. Going indoor rock climbing can be loads of fun and it gives you the sensation of actually climbing on a real mountain side, but it is completely safe.

Have a child or teen with low vision? Look into the following camps!

The following camps are one week long summer camps for children/teens with low vision. Both camps, “Life” and “Campabilities”, are designed specifically for blind or visually impaired kids.

At “Campabilities” you sleep in a cabin along with other campers and have an opportunity to do things such as water skiing, archery, swimming, hiking, and many more great activities. This is the perfect opportunity for any child with a visual disability to interact with peers who are also visually impaired.

Another great thing about gatherings like this is that you get to meet other people with the same kind of vision problems that you are facing; making you feel more comfortable. These camps are a ton of fun and the kids always look forward to going back the following year.

I hope that these summer activities help you to have a great summer!

Spring is Here! Get Walking

Spring is here and it is time to get outside and enjoy the nice weather so put on your walking shoes. For many who are visually impaired getting outside to stay active can be a daunting task. However, walking and hiking can be a great activity that can be enjoyed if you follow some helpful tips.

First consider meeting with an Orientation and Mobility Specialist who is trained to teach you safe techniques for maneuver your journey. You will want to let them know if you will be walking alone or with friends and family. Here are some other things to consider. Create a routine our route that you can follow consistently to learn the particulars of the route, such as sudden drop-offs, curious pets, brush or protruding branches.

Walk with a friend or family member who will be able to point these things out and let you now if there are unforeseen objects in your path including construction. Ask if your local parks have special paths for bicycles and joggers so that way you'll know what side to walk on. Carry water for hydration and a mobile phone in case of an emergency. Try taking a sensory walk or hike so the focus is on enjoying the environment with your senses instead of focusing on the distance. The other thing you may want to consider is joining a walking club in your area.

This will allow you to get outside and meet some new people and enjoy a healthy activity. So get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather! Please let us know what types of other activities you are doing to stay active. ruth@visiondynamics.com

" I wish I could read but I can't see a thing"

So you want to read but you feel like there is nothing out there that can help you accomplish this because your vision is almost non existent or you are completely blind. Well I am here to tell you that is malarkey. Whatever your vision challenges are you CAN read. We are so excited to introduce NEW scan and read products from ABiSee! Smart Magnifiers that read printed text ALOUD to you. Just sit back and enjoy effortless reading with confidence that you wont miss a word. The Eye-Pal Vision and Eye-Pal Reader are completely redesigned with simple to use buttons an impeccable quality camera that will amaze you with its accuracy, and an easy listening voice that allows you to choose a female or a male. The Vision's reliability, accuracy and ease of use will enable users to overcome challenges of everyday life and create opportunities to enhance their quality of life at work and at home. With the auto-focus zoom able camera you will be able to read pill bottles, recipes and other fine printed materials as well as documents and your favorite books and magazines. Multiple pages will no longer be a problem. Say goodbye to eye strain. The monitor allows an added feature to follow along and is the perfect size for the magnification mode. The Vision also serves as a powerful electronic magnifier to view photos, crossword puzzles, billing statements or packages that come in the mail. You can place just about anything under the camera and even change the contrast with the push of a button. This is a much simpler and hassle free way to read with no training required.

For those blind users or those of you that would like to give your tired CCTV eyes a break let the Eye-Pal Reader take over by reading out loud to you! Instantly scan an entire 8.5 X 11 page without missing any text lines. The Reader does the same thing as the Vision without the magnification mode. Give yourself the gift of reader and contact us with any questions about these wonderful new products. Live better, your worth it. Call today! We look forward to hearing from you. 203-271-1944

Staying active this winter.

We have had such a mild winter here in Connecticut that it has allowed many of us to stay active outside. Regular physical activity benefits both physical and psychological health. and reduces the risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and stress-related illnesses. It has also show that along with some simple lifestyle changes and a regular routine it can significantly improve the quality of our lives and increase our chances for longevity.
There are many activities for visually impaired people to enjoy and participate safely in. Jogging and running is a great one. A site challenged person can use a sighted guide to help direct them in there running course or they can use a tether which would be an item, such as a towel or rope, held between the guide and the individual with the vision impairment. This allows the runner the ability to feel free and safe while running and it also gives them the ability to enjoy an activity with others. If you have low vision and do not need assistance then running on a track can be a great option for those of you who want to be independent but not alone. Most tracks have high contrast lines to mark the lanes and do not have bumps or other items that may inhibit a runner. Some people use a caller. This technique requires someone to run towards a voice or a sound. The runner is able to freely move and is not restricted by having to hold anything. If you are the caller you can use verbal commands or even a bell. This technique is often used at track meets for the visually impaired athlete and allows him or her the ability to compete in a sport for there school. Another option, if it's too cold out or there is bad weather, is a treadmill. These machines can be enjoyed in a controlled atmosphere and gives people the sense of confidence and independence because they can do this activity on their own.
Whatever your visual impairment or level of fitness is anyone can benefit from some physical activity so get out there and give it a try. You will feel better!

Computer Solution for Blind and Low Vision Users

Welcome to a great product called CDesk! This is a stand-alone, all inclusive software program for the blind, low-vision, seniors, cognitive disabilities, or anyone one who wants their computer to be easy,( including new users) that enables access to the most used functions of their computer. CDesk in not just a screen reader or magnification program. It is a single program with 8 core applications, built from the ground up to be extremely intuitive, simple to use, and easy to learn by utilizing a consistent user interface. "PEGGY" is the friendly speech recognition system ( with a personality) that allows a totally hands free user experience. This is a high-contrast, large print, and fully speech enabled desktop that will allow you to do all of your important daily activities simply, easily, and cost effectively. You may even have a little fun.

One of the reasons we love this product is because it was created out of love. Randyce Wechter, a successful owner of a wholesale bakery company, was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis and lost her sight in both eyes. She was welcomed into the blind community and offered lots of support. Randyce tried many options on the market to try and maintain her independence with her everday computer needs and found that many were too complicated, too expensive, or both. She and her husband, Michael, a respected computer developer and programmer for 35 years , decided there had to be a better way. The development of the CDesk program took place and they were able to give back to the community that helped them and gave them support and friendship. CDesk is finally ready to help others regain the ability to be part of the computer world or join it. Additionally, every sale of CDesk results in a donation back to the low vision community to keep the resources flowing to those who need it most.

If you are interested in more information or you have any questions about this amazing technology that can change the way you feel about computers, please call us at 203-271-1944.

Skiing For The Visually Impaired

Many people who are blind or have low vision can enjoy the sport of skiing. Whether you are a first time skier or you used to ski and would like to try again the sport can be enjoyed successfully. Depending on where you live there are adaptive skiing programs offered where the low vision or blind skier is offered free instruction or a reduced rate. Some places even offer a reduced rate for friends or family members that would like to be a guide. Most places have you fill out an Adaptive Application Waiver so make sure you call before showing up.

Skiing allows the blind or visually impaired person the ability to move freely and independently, in a controlled setting, in a physical and fast paced sport. This is an exhilarating experience and provides the skier with confidence and a physical independence that may not have been felt before.

There may be some concerns for those who have never taken a risk to try something like this but do not let that stop you. Guides are available and the instructors are amazing and understanding. The guide will provide the skier with verbal descriptions and instructions while traveling behind the skier or preceding them. A portable amplification system is often used as well. Visible identifying vests are also worn to prevent other skiers from skiing between them.

Our very own Tracy Andrews has been part of an adaptive skiing experience and said it was truly amazing and her sense of accomplishment carried over into other areas of her life. Her husband was trained to be her guide and they bonded closer together through their skiing adventure. She said that the instructors made her feel a part of with no pity which allowed her to feel like she was just as entitled to ski as a sighted person. "Each time I went out on the slopes my skills improved and that's a phenomenal feeling. Flying down the hill and maneuvering down the slopes was so awesome and to share that with my friends and husband was great"

This is a great way to stay active in the winter and to be a part of something that you can enjoy with others. So get out there this winter and go for it. You will not regret it and the experience will hopefully inspire you to continue to challenge yourself in other areas of your life. It sure did for Tracy. She has been away from the sport for awhile but would like to start up again and involve her kids. Stay tuned!

Some places that offer programs for the visually impaired are Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT. 860-379-7669 and Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in Carrabasset Valley Maine. Sugarload is offering a week long program in February. For more information just click Here

What is Low Vision?

In this industry we use the word low vision all the time and just assume that everyone knows what it means. Until I started working at Vision Dynamics I thought I knew what it meant and I was so wrong.
Like most people, I assumed that if you were diagnosed with low vision it could be taken care of with a pair of glasses and you would be on your merry way. This is not true. Below is the definition and description of low vision to clear up common misconceptions.
Low vision is a class of visual disabilities, which result in progressive loss of visual acuity and functionality and cannot be cured by medication, surgery or corrective lenses. Low vision disorders include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and certain types of stroke-related vision disabilities.
Low Vision is the third leading cause of disability among seniors - ranking only behind heart disease and arthritis. It is a major cause of falls leading to fractures, head injuries and hospitalizations. It is also a significant cause of depression as it robs seniors of the opportunity to lead safe, independent and fulfilling lives. It leads to enormous health care costs for the elderly.
Symptoms of low vision include difficulty recognizing objects at a distance, distinguishing colors (particularly in the green-blue-violet range), and seeing well up close (such as reading or cooking). Those afflicted with low vision often cite difficulty recognizing faces of friends and relatives, doing things around the house because lights seem dimmer, and matching colors of clothes. Age-related macular degeneration affects 26% of those over 75 and strikes one American every three minutes.
If you or a loved one is struggling with any of these symptoms there is hope and help available even if your Doctor has said to you, "I am sorry there is nothing else I can do for you".
There is something that can be done about it. Come to Vision Dynamics and let us help you try a new way.