Another week at blind school

Mobility and orientation training has continued for the past two weeks. It is getting better, but this is the hardest thing I've ever tried to do in my life. We've tried several different approaches. First, I used my wheelchair, and felt my way along with my elbows or hands on the wall. Then, we tried me using a power chair and a cane to feel my way along. With the power chair, I also used a guide some. The therapist walked along beside the chair and I held onto her arm. She explained this can also be done with a guide dog. I have to say using the power chair with the guide was the easiest, but I don't want to be stuck using a power chair! As we talked thru that delima, she said she had another idea. Next week, she's having a manual chair brought in for me to try that has two push rims on the same side. That way I can push the chair using my right arm for example, and hold the guides arm or cane in the left hand. I'm anxious to see about that. For now, the manual chair and feeling my way along seems to be the most likely outcome for me.
Braille has continued as well, and I continue to make strides there. My reading is improving and I feel pretty good about the alphabet and other things on the braille charts. I am reading much better, though still not quick at all. And, I still stumble through some of the words and phrases. In many ways it's like being a child all over again. Having to learn to read and do everything for myself, well, everything that I can do for myself.
I also get physical therapy 3 days a week. Stretching, mostly, but also some time in a standing frame which is nice in a way, even though I cannot see anything or anyone, it is nice to speak face to face with them, rather than always being below the person I'm talking to.
Yesterday afternoon we started something else new. The therapist took me to the computer room and introduced me to screen readers. These are programs that read out loud whatever is on the screen. That way, the blind person can hear the screen. There are certain commands that have to be remembered to navigate. For example, CTRL V on one of them took you to the internet address bar so you could type in a new web address. I can see how this will be a huge benefit once I learn to use it, but it's just one more thing I have to learn and memorize. My mind is already so full!!!
Being a blind paraplegic is so much harder than I could ever have imagined. And those of you who've followed my story know that I have only myself to blame for this situation. Now there is nothing I can do about it. Doctors have repeatedly told me both the blindness and paralysis are permanent, there is no hope of recovery.
This weekend I get to go home again. I am looking forward to that so much. I am learning a lot here, and I have to learn it, but sometimes I just need a break.