The first time Chawnteeka Cooper attended an adult program at NDVS/SB, about 15 years ago, she was nervous. But the staff and instructors quickly made her feel comfortable. “They are all so encouraging,” Chawnteeka says. Over the years, she’s worked on cleaning techniques, cooking, braille, and technology skills during the weeks she’s attended adult programs and when NDVS/SB staff have visited her home. After she had her daughter, certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist Paul Olson, who also serves as Superintendent of NDVS/SB, taught her how to use her white cane while pushing a stroller. Now, she has a new goal – to get a guide dog. But that is no small feat. “I’m working hard to get my dog,” she says. “I have to pass a test to get one,” and Orientation & Mobility Specialist Margo Lentz is helping her learn what she needs to accomplish that goal. “I feel safe with her,” Chawnteeka says of Margo. “I know she’d jump in front of a car for me, for any of her students.”
Last June, Chawnteeka chose to celebrate her 40th birthday at NDVS/SB, which fell during a programming week. Her birthday didn’t go unnoticed though. “Everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me in the morning, and they gave me a big ‘40’ balloon, which I walked around with all day,” she remembers. In the afternoon, the staff surprised her with a cake. This year she figures she may end up spending her 41st birthday at NDVS/SB as she is planning on attending the adult program again in June to work further towards her goal of getting a guide dog.
Chawnteeka’s vision has deteriorated during the time she’s been attending adult programs at NDVS/SB, but her confidence has only grown. “She has continually worked to improve herself as her vision has decreased since I have known her,” says Amy Osvold, Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. “I really cannot remember a time that I have heard her say, ‘I can’t, I won’t, or I don’t.’ It has always been, ‘this is what I want to work on now.’” It’s that positive attitude that has “helped her grow in her skills,” says Ken Dockter, Adult Program Coordinator. “She has an attitude of ‘I can do it!’”
Chawnteeka concurs. “I’m still loving life and not letting it get me down,” she says. “The little bit of sight I have, I still use.” She still braids her daughter’s hair, cooks, goes for walks, and does everything she needs to do to live the life she wants. “I still like to dress up and put my makeup on, get my nails done, my hair done. I’m fabulous, regardless of my vision.”