Grayson Naff, an 8-year-old from Ohio, faces a future without sight. He was diagnosed with Batten disease last year, a condition leading to vision loss, seizures, and eventually death.
With his vision fading, Grayson, supported by his mother Emily Blackburn and specialists, begins adapting to a world he can no longer see. Currently, he's legally blind, with his best vision a mere 5 to 10 inches in front of him.
Grayson has started "white cane training" to navigate without sight. The white cane, vital for the visually impaired, helps detect obstacles and changes in the environment.
"White cane training is important for certain individuals with vision loss to increase their independence while traveling throughout their environment," Rhianna Witt, an orientation and mobility specialist with Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) in Dayton, Ohio, said to Fox News.
Rhianna Witt, a specialist, emphasizes the cane's role in independence and safety. It signals to others that the user has low vision, aiding in public navigation.
"The white cane allows [the blind person] to detect changes in elevation, obstacles and changes in surface texture," she said. "It is a tool used for previewing the environment."
Learning to use the cane with a specialist is crucial. It helps adapt to various environments, ensuring readiness for any vision changes.
Grayson's introduction to the cane involved practicing in his school, guided by his favorite color, red. He learned its functions, like detecting ground textures and folding it.
His dedication impresses Witt, focusing on orienting him within his school. Yet, for Blackburn, acknowledging her son's need for a cane was hard, highlighting his disability.
She struggles with accepting Grayson's blindness and the broader implications of Batten disease. It's a daily reminder of their challenging reality.
Beyond cane training, Grayson learns Braille. Becca King, his teacher, notes his enthusiasm and positive impact on those around him.
He also has school support for writing and a device to aid his reading. Grayson's journey is marked by learning, adaptation, and the warmth he brings to others.