Christmas and January this year gave us a reminder of what it means to be an Alaskan. There were many times in December and January when, walking dogs, the cold nibbled on my cheeks, and many of you pulled out the portable heaters to bring the temperatures up in your old Alaskan homes. It was well below zero for days on end, maybe one of the longest cold streaks I can remember in Anchorage.
In spite of this, here at the Center, our doors stayed open, and the coffee kept flowing.
Open doors mean a lot to us. No payment needed to come by and join us. A hot coffee pot means there’s a chair for you, and a little warmth, a place to settle and be in a safe space.
It’s getting harder to find places that haven’t changed much over twenty years. The world is moving fast, and sometimes it feels very disorienting. Businesses open and close, move or change beyond recognition, and important people in our lives move on. We have tried to continue to maintain a steady warmth and welcoming community throughout the rapid changes that many of us are experiencing.
We bring the community, training, the tools, and the experience; you just need to bring yourself, as you are.
For some, this time of year can feel lonely, long, and too quiet. If you’re finding yourself alone more than you’d like, reach out. We have support groups, our monthly book club, art club, and our Care Partners Support Group — a space where family and friends can talk honestly about the dynamics of living and loving in the presence of disability.
We are still providing home visits as well. If getting out of the house isn’t possible, we will come to you. Training, support, problem-solving — and if you ask nicely, even a cup of coffee.
If you are part of a business or organization and would benefit from learning more about how we serve Alaskans living with blindness and low vision, we would be glad to visit. We offer presentations and Blindness Sensitivity Training for teams who want to understand access, independence, and inclusion in practical ways.
You can reach me directly at NKile@AlaskaBVI.org.