A Donka Student Spotlight – Alicia Green – A Visionary

For Low Vision Awareness Month, we are honored to spotlight the journey of one of our incredible students – Alicia Green – a resilient woman who has transformed her loss of sight into newfound insight. Though Alicia can navigate completely independently, she acknowledges that stepping outside her comfort zone requires careful planning. “Independence is everything. It’s not just about getting from one place to another, it’s about dignity, confidence, and the freedom to live life on my terms, don’t take that from me!” she shares. “Just because I lost my sight doesn’t mean I lost my ability. I just had to learn a new way to do things. And I did.”

Her journey with vision loss began with a Glaucoma diagnosis that came as a shock. As a dedicated Nurse for 26 years, she had built her career on helping others, and the thought of losing her ability to work was devastating. “At first, I was in denial, but as my vision faded, I knew I had to face reality. It was scary, but I refused to let it stop me.” Alicia sought resources, connected with specialists, and took control of her future. “I had spent my life caring for others, and suddenly, I had to learn how to care for myself in a whole new way.”

Take Early Action

For those newly diagnosed with low vision, her advice is urgent and heartfelt: “Start adapting now. Don’t wait until you lose all your sight—equip yourself with skills, technology, and strategies. I took action early, and when my vision faded completely, I was ready.”

Her greatest source of inspiration? “Myself,” she says with quiet pride. “I had no roadmap, no one to show me the way. I had to figure it out on my own. But that struggle made me stronger.” Alicia also emphasizes the need for systemic change: “We live in a seeing world, they don’t live in ours,” she continues, “which is why we need visually impaired leaders in government, someone who truly understands our struggles and can fight for real change.”

Alicia recently began her 1:1 training with Donka focused on mastering essential skills in assistive technology and workplace adaptation. Ann Byrne, her instructor, describes Alicia as one of the most dedicated and determined individuals she’s ever worked with. “She approaches each challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn, which makes it a joy to work with her,” says Ann.

Beyond her training at Donka, Alicia remains actively engaged in the low vision community. She participates in support groups and classes with Hadley – a leading organization providing resources for those with vision loss. “Learning never stops. I’m always looking for new ways to adapt, grow, and connect with others who understand what I’m going through.”

Carve Your Path

Employment remains one of the biggest hurdles for individuals with low vision. “It’s not about ability, it’s about opportunity,” Alicia explains. “There are jobs out there, but the doors need to be opened wider. Employers need to see past disability and recognize the potential.” Her advice to employers is straightforward: “If someone has the skills, give them a chance, provide the right tools, and you’ll see just how much they can contribute.”

Reflecting on her own experience in the workplace, she recalls, “I was terrified to tell my employer about my vision loss, fearing they’d let me go. But instead, they provided everything I needed to succeed. My coworkers rallied around me, and I proved that I could do my job just as well as anyone else.”

Alicia’s story is a powerful reminder that while the world is designed for the sighted, people with vision loss are just capable of leading fulfilling, independent lives. “The world doesn’t always accommodate us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t carve our own path,” says Alicia. Her parting words capture her unwavering spirit and serve as a call to action, “Keep smiling, keep shining.”