Harold Ryan's Story

Harold Ryan, of Springfield, MN, was first diagnosed with “wet” age-related macular degeneration six years ago. 

This condition results in the loss of central vision making it difficult to do many daily activities. 

When acquaintances started asking how he coped, it dawned on him that most people were unaware of the variety of resources available for vision loss including services from SSB’s Senior Services Unit.

“SSB is a wonderful organization,” Harold says. “Lynne Zick is our area representative. She comes right to your home. She’s friendly and outgoing, and so willing to help.” Ms. Zick helped Harold with hand-held magnifiers, writing guides, talking devices, computer screen magnification software, large print items and the Talking Book Program.

Having received services and now knowing about the resources available, he decided to start a support group. “I figured why not a group for the visually impaired?”

Harold enticed Chaplain Mary Pauluk of St John’s Lutheran Home to co-facilitate. “In our first conversation, Mary said that we shouldn’t call it a support group, because that might indicate feeling sorry for ourselves. She thought it would be best to call it a ‘Low Vision Resource Group’.” Harold has high praise for his co-facilitator Chaplain Mary Pauluk and credits her with helping group members adjust to their vision loss.

Low Vision Resource Group’s first speaker was an ophthalmologist. Over a year later, the group is going strong. They have had a variety of speakers including a low-vision store owner, a state trooper from 55 Alive – a program designed to promote safe driving for mature drivers, a retinal specialist, a dietitian and a computer specialist who demonstrated how blind and visually impaired people use technology to improve their lives. SSB has been instrumental in the group’s success providing topic-specific modules, tapes of workshops, in-person presentations and technology demonstrations.

Low Vision Resource Group meets the second Tuesday of every month at Harold’s senior housing complex in Springfield. “We’ll often share stories on how we cope with our disability. I started this group to help others, but I am actually helping myself!”

At eighty-four, Harold’s life has improved. “Instead of dwelling on what I used to be able to do, I concentrate on what I can do now.”