vGROWING STRONG continued from page 9 wearing a sleep mask, like cooking, traveling and crossing streets. Though they can maneuver around their homes without difficulty due to their organization and memory of the environment, venturing out becomes more stressful and they often rely on their other senses. Denise explains how often when she’s crossing a street, she’s relies on listening for cars rather than seeing them. Even crossing the street has even become more challenging, though, due to the advanced technology in automobiles. With hybrid cars, for example, their engine quits when they stop, making it much more difficult to listen for them. There are traveling services available, Marilyn explains, and she has taken advantage of them during her flights to Los Angeles by herself to see their children. She notes that, when booking an airline ticket, you can note that you are visually impaired. “The airlines are great. If you accept the help, they’re great. Wonderful, wonderful people,” she beams. The two have also taken advantage of the Yankton Transit system, speaking highly of the services that helps those unable to drive with the ability to get around town. Denise explains that a service like this gives someone with a disability pride and independence, which also benefits their care takers. Denise suggests that, with any disability, there are state services that will help provide tools, training and devices to aid in every-day tasks. These services can be provided in the home and even the work setting. They mention that, if you see someone with a cane, offer to help them or give them the right of way. “Come up to us. Sometimes I might see you but sometimes not,” Denise explains. They laugh about how, as identical twins, they often get mistaken for the other twin. “Come up to us and identify yourself. Even if you have the wrong twin, it’s ok!” They’ve found that certain situations might make them motion sick due to a lot of movement in front of them. Denise advises that, when walking with someone who is visually impaired, it’s best to lead and give them your arm or elbow, instead of pushing them forward. And if directing them to reach for something, give them specific description where it is, for example, “the item is located to your right, at 4:00.“ The two are thankful for their friends and family that assist them. They find that sometimes they blend in so well that they must remind others of their limitations. It’s a combined effort and takes teamwork as a family. Though they’ve discovered that there are some people that Bridges To Hope Counseling Services, LLC 1101 Broadway, Yankton • 605.665.4488 Providing support and interventions for coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, chronic and terminal illness. Jerry Webber, LCSW-PIP 22vHERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2018 • Individuals • Families • Couples just can’t accept their disability, there are so many other supportive people who do. Denise explains how her husband, Keith, is more sensitive than many of her impairment. When he was 27, he was struck by GuillainBarre, a French version of polio, and became very sick, to the point that they were afraid he wouldn’t survive. During this time being sick, he was blind and couldn’t move, so he is more aware of the challenges she faces. She explains how the caretakers don’t get enough credit. They must deal with the loss too. The ladies summarize their condition in unison. “It’s a process, not an event.” Denise adds, “Just like life, it’s a process.” She explains that, just because you have a disability, you must be proactive and responsible for yourself. Ask questions, look for solutions to help you. “When you take charge of and own your disability, and own your life, you make choices for you.” Having an impairment doesn’t make you a weak individual. It instead does the opposite, as Denise explains. “We grow stronger through our difficulties. We become more of a whole person and live life more.” vBy Julie Eickhoff Know someone that should be featured in hervoice? Submit to: hervoiceonline.com vWILLCUTS continued from page 15 After 16 years, Brenda still enjoys coming into work to see her coworkers and her clients. “It’s a family here. We all know each other and enjoy each other.” The next time you stop into the Press & Dakotan say hello to Brenda and maybe tell her what’s new with you or your family. vBy Brandi Bue MINIMIZE TAXES & MAXIMIZE SAVINGS Roth IRAs, once reserved for those below a certain income level, are available to everyone who desires tax-free retirement income. Options are available to convert eligible retirement accounts into a Roth IRA. Not only will your assets grow tax-free, but withdrawals may be tax-free*, too. I can help you decide if a conversion makes sense for you. Kathy Greeneway Certified Financial PlannerTM 225 Cedar Street, Yankton (605)665-4940 First Dakota Brokerage Services, Inc. A subsidiary of First Dakota National Bank. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC an independent broker/dealer. *Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount is subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and are not deposits; not insured by FDIC or any other governmental agency; not guaranteed by the financial institution; subject to risk & may lose value. First Dakota National Bank and First Dakota Brokerage Services are not registered broker/dealers, and are independent of RJFS. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.