"Training at Bosma has taught me I can still live a normal life."

Before losing most of her vision to diabetic retinopathy, Melissa had a job, a driver’s license, a supportive family, and the ability to care of her son, Brandon, who has autism. When her vision began to fail, she lost transportation to work, and she lost the ability to care for the son and her disabled mother the way she wanted to.

Melissa lost her confidence. She was fearful, angry, and in denial about her vision loss. She felt her way through a room, had no knowledge of adaptive technology, and had no high school degree and few prospects for a future without vision. Her very countenance before coming to Bosma wore the worry of her situation.

Eight months later, after five months in training at the Bosma Rehabilitation Center, and weekly visits for GED preparation at the Center, Melissa has a new outlook.

No longer does she fumble through a room. She knows how to travel with a cane. Her face no longer wears the worry it once wore. She has been taking classes to prepare for her GED. She has a plan and goals for the future after earning her degree: enroll in college, get a certificate, and open a childcare business.

“The training at Bosma has taught me I can still live a normal life. You learn how to make the necessary changes to live your life with a loss of vision.”