“Out of Sight” – 4 People’s Stories that will Change Your Vision of the World (Part II)
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Updated: 8:41 PM Nov 10, 2008
“Out of Sight” – 4 People’s Stories that will Change Your Vision of the World (Part II)
In a series of special reports, NewsChannel 7 shares a few people’s stories that will change your vision of the world. In this report you will see how living without sight makes even the simplest every day tasks seem impossible.
Posted: 6:00 PM Nov 10, 2008
Reporter: Jonalee Merkel
Email Address: jmerkel@wsaw.com

“Out of Sight” – 4 People’s Stories that will Change Your Vision of the World (Part II)
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We’ve all had tough days when we complain life just isn’t easy, but take a moment to imagine how much more difficult it would be if you couldn’t see.

"The challenge is being able to function in the everyday world with everyone else," said Sandra Volhard, who has limited vision.

From reading to paying bills, cooking to determining what denomination of money you have, when you lost your sight, everything becomes a daunting task.

“I bump into things,” said Todd Rasmussen, who lost his peripheral vision. “I’ll drop something at home and I’ll hear it hit the floor and I’ll look down and I don’t see it.”

Not only that, but when a person loses their sight, they can feel as though they’ve lost much more.

"When I gave up my license to drive, that was a tough time, because you lose your independence," said Jim Unger, a man who has virtually no sight left.

"I don't make any money anymore,” Todd said. “I used to be the assistant general manager of a private dining club in Wausau."

And just living in Northcentral Wisconsin poses its own challenges – especially this time of year as fall and winter roll around.

"I have sometimes more problems with leaves like this time of year because you never know where they're going to be,” Jim said.

"This is my first winter,” Todd said. "Ice and snow - I'm thinking it could be hazardous. So, I'm just going to have to wait it out and see what happens."

Todd is hoping a pair of shoes with little spikes on them will help navigate through this winter’s snow and ice. He’ll probably find more help, however, at a place right here in Northcentral Wisconsin, known as the Caroline S. Mark Center.

“Out of Sight” will take you there Monday night on NewsChannel 7 at 10.

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