April 2005 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

get things done,” she recalls. “I think I found
at that moment that blindness wasn’t the
issue but that as members of the Church we
need each other.”
Some people with partial or total vision
loss may try to hide their blindness, not
wanting to be thought of as different from
or less capable than others. Several members
of the Ruston group say that finally
acknowledging their blindness was liberating,
allowing them to move toward adapting
to their own challenges in life.
Unlike the other blind members in the
ward, Sister Jakeman was not born blind. She
lost her sight over time, the last of it fading
away not long before she married her husband.
The experience was very difficult; for
a time, she harbored much anger. She recalls
seeing the Church film The Testaments: Of
One Fold and One Shepherd before her
vision was gone and being angry at the final
scene, in which the Savior heals a blind man.
She had long prayed for such a healing in her
own life, and it did not come. But Sister
Jakeman says she has since learned to reconcile
her feelings with the gospel and to experience
the Savior’s love in her life. “The Spirit
sees our inner hearts. As an individual I have
started to realize that everyone needs Christ.
In our society, we put way too much emphasis
on physical perfection.”
Sister Sexton points out that the confidence
she feels in being able to function in
life comes not from any particular kind of
training or from her own intelligence but
from her faith in Jesus Christ and His
Atonement. It is comforting to know that
when she accepts a calling given by inspiration,
the Holy Ghost will help her magnify
it if she prepares properly.
Jeff Pearcy says, “I would like people to
observe what blind members can do and
trust their abilities rather than automatically
looking for a deficit.”
Bishop Anderson learned quickly to
overlook any possible
deficit and see these
members of his ward
as great assets. “They
have testimonies of the
gospel,” he says. “They
are well educated. They
have all the needed
skills. All the qualities
that are needed in a
good teacher and leader
are there.” The only
help they may require is
with transportation.
Zena Pearcy says,
“I’m so happy that the
Church stresses over
and over that we are
all equally loved by
Heavenly Father.”
When leaders think
in terms of finding
opportunities for individuals
to serve, she
adds, no one has to
miss out on the
growth that comes
with a calling. ■
Here are some things we can do to
help those who have lost their sight:
As an Individual
• Identify yourself when greeting
someone who is blind.
• Know the individual’s needs and
abilities. She may not want assistance.
But when not using a cane, she may
appreciate your offering an arm or an
elbow to help.
• Talk directly to the individual who
is blind; do not ask questions through
someone else.
• Offer transportation.
• Offer to read aloud visual aids or
information written on the chalkboard.
Jeff Pearcy (right) teaches student Phil
Templet how to use a barbecue grill.
HOW OTHERS CAN HELP
As a Teacher or Leader
• Remember, the blind cannot read
printed agendas, bulletins, and classroom
handouts. Offer to read aloud or
record special materials for them.
• Be sure that your members have
access to materials for the blind listed
in the Church Materials Catalog. These
materials are available in various formats
(half- and standard-speed recordings,
compact discs, braille) and
in electronic form at www.lds.org. Be
sure a braille hymnbook is available.
• Preview videos used in teaching.
Portions may need verbal description.
• Arrange to accommodate a guide
dog as necessary. Guide dogs must
remain beside their masters.
ENSIGN APRIL 2005 53