Enjoying Sports with Low Vision

As February’s Low Vision Month comes to a close, we’d like to share the story of Jennifer, her sister Tina, and how Brooks has helped change Jennifer’s life.

Jennifer first lost vision in her right eye at the age of 7, when doctors removed a benign brain tumor. When she was in her late 20s she suffered seizures and was diagnosed with another mass on her brain, which again required surgery. It was at this point she lost vision in her left eye.

After recovery from surgery, Tina went to Brooks for rehabilitation, where she worked with occupational therapist, Sarah J. LaRosa, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, SCLV, CLVT, and optometrist, Katelyn W. Jordan, OD, FAAO, at the Brooks Center for Low Vision.

Jennifer had been living with her mother, and unfortunately was not able to do much or get out of the house. That changed when she moved in with Tina, who has been able to supply transportation and help her be more active – including taking part in Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation.

“It’s definitely needed for people in her position to get out more and not feel like they are isolated,” said Tina. “I really like the adaptive sports programs for Jennifer. It gives her an opportunity to get out and do more things with help. There are therapists and volunteers around of help them out if they ever need any assistance. Everyone enjoys each other’s company and they have a lot of fun out there.”

Jennifer’s favorite activities are yoga on Mondays, and rowing on Tuesdays. “I love to work out,” she said. She also participated for quite some time in a once-a-month dance class. Another fun activity is bowling. “So, we go to a regular bowling alley, and they have half of the lanes blocked off,” said Tina. “They have the little bumpers set up. They’re set up for all of us, but Jennifer is a pretty good bowler – she can really swing the ball.”

When asked to sum up her Brooks experiences, Jennifer said, “Really, whoever out there has low vision like me, join Brooks – it’s a good opportunity.”