Ory’s Story

Try to imagine going about your day, feeling a little off, and then passing out. The next thing you know you are in the ICU, and when you wake up, you are totally blind.

This is Ory Watson’s story. At age 30, he was sighted one day and blind the next. The doctors told him he was lucky to be alive, but Ory didn’t feel very lucky.

He would tell you that all changed when his eye doctor told him about Bosma. Ory’s world began to change when he started at Bosma’s rehabilitation center.

“The rehab program showed me how to navigate being blind. They taught me everything: daily living skills, like cooking; technology just for people with vision loss; and how to move around outside with the white cane. They even took me to downtown Indianapolis to learn how to safely cross intersections. Bosma gave me back the independence I had lost,” said Ory.

“What I really liked was learning to use the computer. I even went through the Salesforce training, which I really enjoyed, but COVID cut the class short before I could get certified. I’d like to work with computers someday.

“The group sessions were really helpful. I knew others were experiencing what I was going through and could relate to what I was going through. In fact, I wouldn’t mind going back to group sessions and talking with the people who are there now,” said Ory.

After completing the rehab program, Ory started volunteering at Bosma. He filled out surveys on the computer and helped others learn to type. He also helped the senior citizens play bingo and Jeopardy games.

Bosma’s employment services helped Ory look for a job for almost a year, and this summer, he started working at Buttons Galore in Brownsburg, just five minutes away from his home. “I haven’t worked in so long that I really have to get used to working again!

“I would tell anyone who finds themselves in my position that going to Bosma is the best decision they will make. Everyone there is helpful, friendly and provides whatever you need. “They stay in contact with you when you leave and continue to be a great resource,” he concluded.