Blind Abilene Couple Adapts to Life Without Vision
By: Morgan Bond and Stetson Samuel
Updated: November 14, 2011
Kerry Stoval has been playing the piano since she was three years old. Kerry also has been blind her entire life, but she doesn't let that hold her back. She plays the keyboard at her church, and most people there don't realize she's blind.
"They will come up after the service and ask about where was the blind keyboard player, and the pastor will say, oh, that was her playing. They don't believe him," said Kerry.
Kerry and her husband Lee have been married for almost a year now. They are both blind. Lee wasn't born blind, but lost his vision six years ago.
"At first it was really hard. But, I got used to the fact that I don't have the sight anymore. Now, I'm very comfortable with it," said Lee.
They say it's hard for most people to understand what it's like to be blind. There is a lot of new technology, that's made it easier to live their life.
"I've got things that will help me read books for entertainment and a scanner to read the mail," added Kerry.
Kerry even has a special device that she can store her addresses and check her email. It's called the Braillenote Apex. It changes braille, so she can read it like a book.
Lee loves to cook. He says after he went blind, he had to get used to using cooking tools like knives without using his eyes.
"People think blind people don't know how to do anything. All they need to do it sit down somewhere and just be blind. I say different," said Lee.
Kerry also has her seeing eye dog, Rosco, who helps her when she needs to hit the town.
They both said they just want people to feel comfortable coming up to them and saying hi. They do the same things everyone else does, just differently.
"A lot of times we are truly looked down on. All I ask for is the opportunity to show people I can do this," said Kerry.
And hopefully put an end to any stereotypes people have about the blind community.
"They will come up after the service and ask about where was the blind keyboard player, and the pastor will say, oh, that was her playing. They don't believe him," said Kerry.
Kerry and her husband Lee have been married for almost a year now. They are both blind. Lee wasn't born blind, but lost his vision six years ago.
"At first it was really hard. But, I got used to the fact that I don't have the sight anymore. Now, I'm very comfortable with it," said Lee.
They say it's hard for most people to understand what it's like to be blind. There is a lot of new technology, that's made it easier to live their life.
"I've got things that will help me read books for entertainment and a scanner to read the mail," added Kerry.
Kerry even has a special device that she can store her addresses and check her email. It's called the Braillenote Apex. It changes braille, so she can read it like a book.
Lee loves to cook. He says after he went blind, he had to get used to using cooking tools like knives without using his eyes.
"People think blind people don't know how to do anything. All they need to do it sit down somewhere and just be blind. I say different," said Lee.
Kerry also has her seeing eye dog, Rosco, who helps her when she needs to hit the town.
They both said they just want people to feel comfortable coming up to them and saying hi. They do the same things everyone else does, just differently.
"A lot of times we are truly looked down on. All I ask for is the opportunity to show people I can do this," said Kerry.
And hopefully put an end to any stereotypes people have about the blind community.
