The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Volunteer gives back to blind peers
South Fulton resident helps provide hope.
COVID-19 hasn’t stopped George Acey from his regular Thursday sessions with others who share his particular disability: blindness. The South Fulton resident has been keeping that appointment for 40 years.
In 1979, Acey lost both his eyes in a car accident, and the recovery process led him to the Center for Visually Impaired in Midtown.
“I took training at the center and then went back to school to learn small engine repair and start a business I had for years,” the 72-year- old said. “Then for the last part of my work years, I was in upholstery.”
Two years after the accident, Acey wanted to give back something to the center that helped him redirect his life. He started in 1981 by launching a support group.
“At the time, it was just me and some guys sitting around talking about things blind people go through,” he said. “I wanted a more structured environment. So I became a certified counselor.”
The 90-minute, Thursday afternoon sessions have been meeting online since last spring, but they still draw from 10 to 15 men and women who are dealing with vision loss. Along with peer support, the group hears from experts on a variety of issues such as depression, COVID-19 vaccines and sleep disorders that impact blind people.
“A lot of times they don’t know what their possibilities are,” said Acey. “I let them share their experiences and talk about what has worked for them. It gives other peo- ple hope to hear that others have moved on to live productive lives as school teach- ers, nurses or librarians. And they realize they can get there as well. It’s all about keeping people informed.”
After launching the support group, Acey’s involvement with the center grew again 30 years ago when he began teaching a weekly, two-hour home repairs class Thursday mornings.
“We work on things like installing door locks and faucets, and hanging blinds — those household things you might have to do to set up an apartment or home,” he said. “I teach them how to use a drill.”
Acey said going to the center all those years ago was the thing that changed his life.
“They helped me know that life doesn’t change with blindness, and it doesn’t have to be sad. Attitude plays a big role. So instead of being a blind man, I’m a man who happens to be blind.”
After launching the support group, Acey’s involvement with the center grew again 30 years ago when he began teaching a weekly, two-hour home repairs class Thursday mornings.