Kokomo INsight no longer in the dark
Support group reorganizes to assist those with impaired and complete vision loss
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Mike Geiselman began losing his sight a few years ago. He and his doctors did what they could to hold off the advance of diabetes, which was affecting his eyes. Unfortunately, the disease prevailed.
Everyday tasks became difficult to impossible. Travelling without assistance was no longer a reality. Even simple things like brushing his hair and teeth took significant adjustments. And there was no playbook, no guide, to help him re-learn the things in life one takes for granted with full sight.
Recently, Geiselman volunteered to head up an effort to assist people with impaired vision and complete vision loss. Kokomo INsight is a support group designed to connect these people, where they can share their challenges, successes, and “life hacks” to cope with and even overcome obstacles unique to those with vision loss.
“This is a reorganization of what the group was before,” said Geiselman. “The last time the original group met was in March 2020. At that time, it was called the Wise Owls and was run by Debbie Bronson. She did a good job, but resources were limited. Once COVID happened, everything shut down, and it never got back up and running.
“Debbie had to step away because she had other commitments. I told her I would take it over, but I realized I would need some help. That came in the form of someone who is very enthusiastic about getting involved; my sister-in-law, Susan. So, we’re starting things over with a new name, a new location, and a new day.”
INsight will meet on the second Thursday of each month, beginning on March 9, from 2-3 p.m. The group will be located at the Kokomo Senior Citizens Center in Foster Park, 721 W. Superior St.
Geiselman expressed his gratitude to Kokomo Parks Department superintendent Torrey Roe for ensuring the group could meet regularly at the senior center. He also credited the senior center staff for their assistance in accommodating the group’s needs.
With the dates and locations set, Geiselman now is focused on defining the support group and promoting what it can provide.
“At its most basic, the group is about getting together to share situations and experiences with people who know what you are going through,” said Geiselman. “There is a great benefit in that. We want to provide resources, as there are a lot of things out there for us.
“It can be really simple things that maybe you never thought about before vision loss. The first meeting I attended, I was lamenting how difficult it is to just put toothpaste on a toothbrush when you can’t see. One of the people pointed out that you can just take the tube and squirt a little in your mouth instead of putting it on the brush. I had never thought of doing that. It just shows that everybody has something to share.”
Geiselman explained that the previous Wise Owls group was sparsely attended, with perhaps four to 10 people participating. Knowing the prevalence of impaired and complete vision loss, he hopes INsight will attract more people.
“I know it’s just an hour a month, and maybe it is difficult for people to attend, as those of us with vision loss need assistance getting most places,” said Geiselman. “But I have to think there are more people out there coping with vision loss. We want to reach them. We need to get the word out to let them know that we are here.”
In addition to speaking with and learning from their vision-impaired peers, participants in INsight will get to hear from guest speakers, such as eye physicians and optometrists, and Geiselman hopes to expand the group’s activities once things are up and running.
For more information about INsight, send a text to Geiselman at 765-513-8724 or visit the group’s Facebook page by clicking here.