Blind Until 36 & Seeing Myself For The First Time

[@tasmiaazad7117]

I can't imagine the amount of sensory overload she went through after going almost her whole life without seeing. Such an inspiring and crazy experience!!

[@OliviaDurant]

TBH I am still going through it. It’s wild

[@OliviaDurant]

@Digby Dooright Oh wow and you’re you! Nice to meet you. :)😊

[@groawninggig2436]

@@OliviaDurant Lol

[@nolantanaka565]

@ Olivia Durant You’re so lucky to finally see how beautiful you are huh ? I’d love to take you on a date 😍

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

@@OliviaDurant I love that you support marginalized communities instead of being bitter from your experience.

[@Vr_Demon_]

Such a shame her parents abandoned her. Its their loss in the end because they'll never know how strong of a woman their daughter is.

[@xendeon]

every parents should have a choice we are our own people same way your parents cant fully contorol what we become , they should have the right to choose if they wanna raise their creation not every person has a "normal life" however its up to ourself who we become.

[@Vr_Demon_]

@@xendeon did you just say every parent should have a choice to raise their kids?🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♂️

[@Gratitude.1st]

@@xendeon they had the choice to use protection and didn’t, they had the choice to abort and they didn’t.

[@natalyrausch]

@@xendeon their choice stops when another life is born. What you’re asking for is for the government to pick up the slack because you don’t feel like being a parent. Honestly extremely selfish.

[@truehappiness4U]

@@xendeon damn you must have abandoned your poor children or you want to abandon them. Sad human being you are. Use vasectomy, don’t create children

[@renegade8936]

Her story was devastating and tragic but I'm glad that people are out there that cared for her well being.

[@camalex7782]

@Go Surf at birth ?

[@alexcanning5383]

@Go Surf I love his videos

[@camalex7782]

@Go Surf u realise that's a lie made by the brittish in ww2 right , when the Germans asked how they spotted their planes at night they said it was because of feeding their pilots carrots due to vitamin A etc when really they had created radar

[@bidyo1365]

@@camalex7782 :O

[@fuleswarbarman8244]

Hi no

[@Shmoo22420]

What you said about your disability being your superpower made me cry with hope. I have crippling schizoaffective disorder and I hope I can find my superpower someday. You are absolutely beautiful by the way and I wish you all the best.

[@sophiastamataki9738]

Your superpower will be accepting your uniqueness day by day.Wish you all the best for your journey ❤

[@CKLee-rs4kl]

Its tough; I have a relative with this brain malfunction; take very good care of your health. My hope is some day soon there will be a real break through to "normalize" brain function. (As if any of us is really "normal" -- you know what I mean.)

[@MindFixer75212]

As a visually impaired therapist, I cannot imagine how overwhelming that would have been, but how much you’ve learned from all of your experiences. You’re amazing!

[@aintmisbehavin7400]

I'm so frustrated and sad that the surgical team didn't consider her emotional recovery along with her physical recovery, but I'm so glad she's found her balance. What a journey!

[@OliviaDurant]

It’s still a journey, but maybe the pandemic made it more weird! Haha

[@giuliab8484]

@@OliviaDurant You seem like a great person, I enjoyed hearing your story :)

[@PamTheHam]

typical doctors

[@ayszhang]

Sighted people aren't aware of what blind people's lives are like

[@SensitiveSavage]

In all honesty, you said it yourself SURGICAL team, they're just performing the operation. If you need emotional guidance, ask a professional therapist to help. Maybe they even recommended one, but they still actually performed their end of the job.

[@luxaeterna9383]

She is intelligent and very well spoken. She really didn't deserve all that bullying :(

[@papaye146]

No one deserves bullying, intelligent or not

[@SG-pc4sv]

@@papaye146 The only one that deserves bullying are the bullies themselves. Think about it.

[@DogeMultiverse]

@@papaye146 facts

[@Icedpaperclips]

@@papaye146 exactly what I was gonna say

[@TedIsHere2]

@@SG-pc4sv nah they don’t actually, that type of thinking only perpetuates bullying… nobody deserves bullying

[@h0rriphic]

this woman is a freaking WARRIOR, her story is so inspirational

[@EikottXD]

I mean she was dressed as the Warrior Princess.

[@hopekgaogelo8261]

From every misfortune that people are highlighting from her story. I can't stop thinking just how much of an absolute beast she is. That's all that's going through my mind that the bullying didn't break her. I love her already honestly!!!

[@SonOfIrak]

More Than This

[@martinvanburen4578]

yeah...uh no, her whole point is she is not a warrior, just a person who overcame things because she had a hard life, it made her better. she didn't go out and fight wars lol

[@martinvanburen4578]

@@h0rriphic you can't help anyone if you start making up definitions lol....

[@BloodNote]

Her saying "hi" to herself in the mirror is so many emotions. It's funny, sad, and sweet all at once. 💜🤣

[@karenk2409]

sometimes I do that first thing in the morning and tell myself it's going to be a good day! As long as you understand which of "you" is YOU, you are good to go!

[@braddavin2]

She looks like someone that should be on TV.... I could totally see her in a sitcom or some kind of a talk show host. I agree with the person that says she's very well spoken.

[@Renae5147]

I was never blind. However, I was deaf for 5 years of my life. When I could finally hear every loud noise made me have nervous breakdowns and I’d panic and scream because I didn’t know how to handle it. Even 22 years later some loud noises still affect me . I understand exactly what she’s going through, especially with the sensory overload.

[@ataraxia7439]

I’m so sorry you’ve been going through that :( . We really need to structure society so you and others like you can have support.

[@Sir_R]

I don’t mean to sound rude but what was it like being deaf, did you hear that voice in your head? Like a a self conscious?

[@bananacoon2986]

Hey bro where u live at? Im tryna drive my 5.0 by ur house

[@333kireinahime]

@@bananacoon2986 tf does that mean?

[@mjklein]

You might benefit from using Flare Audio Calmers.

[@samr2494]

I just wanted to say how incredibly beautiful she is! Not only has she been through so much, and been bullied too, but she is so beautiful. I really hope those who bullied her can see where she is now. They owe her a huge apology!

[@xXelitegpXx]

As if being “beautiful” is of so much importance that it’s the first thing you comment on.

[@samr2494]

@@xXelitegpXx it’s because she was bullied and they commented on her appearance. That’s why I made the comment.

[@lilymark8817]

@@xXelitegpXx Geez, some people get mad at anything. Just let the person compliment her dammit

[@cic5347]

@xXelitegpXx How do you know if Samantha wasn't talking about inner beauty or as an overall human being. True beauty comes within.

[@FrenchFriesStephanny]

My same thought.

[@RoxxieDymond]

I love this so much. My name is Roxxie and I went blind at age 16, I'm 22 now. I got my sight back through a miracle surgery 6 months ago. Seeing myself for the first time since I was a teenager was so surreal. The sensory overload is definitely a real thing and I got many headaches for the first 3 months. I'm still adjusting to sight. I am incredibly grateful. I never learned to drive so I am now in the process of getting my license and slowly transitioning to van life so I can see the world. So thankful so hear another blind person's story 🥺😭❤️

[@SeaFlower38]

Wow 💛💕 I am happy for you. I wish you lots of happiness.

[@RoxxieDymond]

@@SeaFlower38 than you so, so much!!! 🥺🥺🥺💗

[@kartik6587]

Dear You waited for 6 years to happen a Miracle In ur Life Ur very strong Who didn't give in those Difficult 6 years of ur life... Such a beautiful moment in ur life That u could see the beautiful World 🌍😍

[@RoxxieDymond]

@@kartik6587 aww thank you so much 🥺💖

[@anonymous9609]

aw i’m so happy you got ur vision back ❤️

[@jasoncary7957]

AHH!! This somewhat mirrors me too! I can relate with not seeing faces, just blurs with voices and using sound to assist my “vision” to navigate the world. I was severely myopic until I received my glasses at age 11. I had PRK surgery 2 years ago at 44 years old. The world is a different place for me now and I need no visual assistance. Some people just can’t comprehend the world of the visually-impaired, but you explained it all pretty damned well!

[@jdsguam]

I can relate. Had cataract surgery when I turned 65. Wow!!!

[@thegoldenbowl5217]

She’s a great story teller, I was captivated through this entire video from start to finish... she’s come such a long way in spite of her many challenges and looks like she grew up healthy despite the fact that her parents abandoned her... who does that?!?

[@billyskittles1036]

I feel like some of it is exaggerated, honestly.

[@unapologeticvol.137]

So Sad Fr

[@RandyButternubs917]

My mom started going deaf when she was about 20ish and ended up going completely deaf over a few years. She always told me she was lonely because she couldn't fit in with a hearing crowd, but she also didn't really fit into the deaf community. I can't imagine at all the anxiety you would face, not having any sort of help with your disability.

[@alexjames1397]

Yeah I lost my hearing when I was young myself. It is isolating and scary unfortunately. No one else really understands.

[@youthoughtiwasdone7625]

When she explains how her condition was not atteneded to in her schooling years, really touched me, I wish we always made that accomodation or even more of it in the indusrties

[@jackiem6087]

As a teacher, it is so sad to hear what school was like for her. More should have been done to accommodate her and make sure she is getting the education all kids deserve.

[@davidlafleche1142]

That depends on parenting. I wrote two stories with blind characters. I'd like to know what you and your class think about them.

[@Undefinedde]

Yeah

[@polarpalmwv4427]

Too many of us have end up with cPTSD due to years of childhood bullying at school. I know I dealt with it from K-12 for being gay (and I didn't even know that I was gay until I hit 14 years and puberty).

[@zaras536]

@@davidlafleche1142 no I’d say (and from personal experience) it really depends on the school board and teachers. some teachers and schools just don’t care as much as others or try to accommodate because as she said “there’s to many kids and not enough teachers” or at least that’s their excuse they keep telling.

[@southernflatland]

I was a very low vision student myself. Though not nearly as bad as her vision was, it was bad enough I couldn't see any letters on the standard eye exam chart. My teachers, the school staff, and my own father accused me of 'acting out' in school simply because I asked them "What chart?" It was a very legitimate question, I couldn't even make out the big E on the top of the chart. And it was the school that had administered the basic eye exam. They failed me in the worst way possible, the student needing visual correction the most basically got disciplined for the next year and a half or so, instead of getting the full eye exam I absolutely needed! Anyways, I hope you can help make sure others in your field better understand what some of the clues of poor vision are. I sure as hell didn't know...

[@SydMountaineer]

“Programmed” at a young age - This is true, it’s what allows kids to LEARN, kids don’t have barriers, until a child is about 11, everything they see, hear, & witness is “downloaded” into their brains without barriers.

[@sarahbee328]

I want Olivia to be an OT so badly! Our profession literally addresses every obstacle she listed in her life story, she would be an incredible therapist. ❤️

[@Summer-fb7gb]

I have a deaf child who was given the gift of hearing with cochlear implants, her switch on isn't what people expect - it wasn't like the cute happy videos you see on KZbin. She was scared, confused, and years later she's still learning to hear with them and doesn't always want to wear them. It's definitely a process! Your story is amazing thank you for sharing it

[@oscarcat1231]

Hope she’s doing a bit better now x

[@amyhull754]

@@oscarcat1231, I hope she has sign language for when she needs a cochlear break so she has full communication options.

[@miley9041]

Sometimes they don’t want to be “normal” and that’s okay, sending much love

[@melodysundberg7171]

Great to finally see someone mentioning that it is not always a positive experience like in those KZbin vids. In fact, more often the opposite seems to be the case. My husband is deaf and he knows several people who have had Cochlea implants and all of them except one person (who was not deaf before surgery but hearing impaired) said it was a horrible experience. Most of them refuse to wear it and they even regret having the surgery to get the implant in the first place.

[@Enryu_CZX]

How old is the child?

[@hellohellohello229]

Imagine that there is a surgery that would allow you to see but you can’t afford it. It is so crazy. Also, it is heartbreaking that nobody was there for her to get her into a specialized school that would prevent years of abuse and being bullied :(

[@prairiehorse6168]

That's the American healthcare system for you.

[@SandySez]

@E.T. Phone Home “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” ~Krishnamurti As a 60yr old American, I'm less adjusted than ever and never intend to be. That, I know.

[@SandySez]

@E.T. Phone Home It's one of my favorite quotes, nothing has ever made so much sense to me! Thank you and to you as well!

[@DoctorSib]

My mom has secondary progressive MS that's progressed really quickly over the past few years. There's a stem cell therapy that has been shown to actually reverse symptoms of MS (as opposed to medications that just slow its progression or symptoms), but it's $25k per session, with more than one session needed, and insurance won't cover it because it's still considered "experimental." It's maddening.

[@sharonfieldstone]

@@prairiehorse6168 Agreed. I have several disabled family members and family friends who grew up in Haiti and all of them went to a school for the blind and disabled. Haiti of all places. She survived the bullying and abuse but that never should have happened to her in the first place. Definitely not in a country that calls itself the best in the world.

[@dustinpowell2349]

I used to be paired with a younger blind girl in elementary school for reading groups. Who she was made me instantly bond with her. Someone who put on a smile every day for school, regardless of her disabilities. She never let it stop her, and I will always commend her for that. There's so many of us that focus on our differences, instead of what connects us. The yearning to fit in, to be accepted, to be normal. We could all benefit from a deeper understanding of perspectives outside of our own.

[@lindseyellie932]

that was beautifully said

[@Doritsboobshadow]

Here’s your pat on the back, weirdo

[@dropoutmajor]

I'm so happy for her I understand how overwhelming it must've been for her post surgery. She's actually so beautiful too.

[@polishmeow8298]

She's actually very pretty ngl. Those bullies are just hateful

[@HomebrewHorsepower]

As a dad I just want to hug that little girl and tell her she's perfect the way she is.

[@teresahopemiller1008]

here is a hug from me who felt the way she did . I am with her to a extent.

[@mtbwaylover]

As a visually impaired/blind person, I can relate with the bullying in school. Such a hard time in a child's life. I also had eye surgery and struggled with the aftermath of it. Her experience sounds wild and im glad that wasn't the case for me.

[@ravengotica7493]

Yeah as a blind individual I can also relate to the bullying, I’m so glad that the surgery helped her see for the first time. That’s something I have always wanted.

[@hollyg9589]

Her ability to reflect on her troubled past and identify the parts of it that made her stronger is just so beautiful

[@sourcesymbiosismetamorphis2228]

That is true spiritual strength. Diamonds are made under pressure after all and she is now the diamond.

[@OliviaDurant]

Aww thank you:)

[@gorgeousdzastr]

People can be so cruel. You’re so beautiful! I hope those cruel words don’t come out of you. I’m so happy you’ve gained your sight. You are able to “see” the beauty in people and ability to help them “see” that too. I can only see now you as such a bubbly spirit full of love and compassion.

[@taramatheis1451]

Amazing woman. I am in awe of her courage, going through so much in her young life, and emerging victorious. And she is beautiful. ❤

[@Tina_45]

I cant even believe people had the audacity to like physically hurt someone and on top of that not seeing. I really am so happy for her now and hope she gets the love and respect she does. She is truly a definition of a badass person. 🙏🏻❤️

[@cora-illus]

Kids can be incredibly cruel

[@zammmerjammer]

@@cora-illus Kids follow the lead of the adults. And it doesn't sound like any of the adults in her life treated her with respect or care either.

[@cora-illus]

@@zammmerjammer Yeah I would know about it, I was also bullied in school for being vision impaired. not to the physical level that she talks about, but I felt what she was saying. The full sentence I was considering but didn't write was "Kids have the capability of being incredibly cruel and it sucks that in your adult life you can't even hate the people they were because their parents obviously raised them in a way that made that seem acceptable. So you can't blame them and you don't know the parents in order to hate them for it. So you just sit on it"

[@tetros8995]

@[RD]popcornZ my school in the US never did that and I haven’t seen any bullying here! tho that’s just my school ofc

[@amara_YT-0]

It makes me so mad that kids her age and ever her family members belittled her because of the disability. The teachers couldn’t even help her because “there were too many kids.” Not an excuse to not help somebody out, they should’ve helped her out no matter the number of students. I’m glad that she is doing well today and staying strong

[@OliviaDurant]

I need to make a video about the people who did help. There were some along the way… And I’m still in touch with them! :)

[@amara_YT-0]

@@OliviaDurant That’s great to hear!

[@LemonDropsMedia]

"i guess there are too many kids and not so many teachers" i love and hate at the same time how she doesn't blame her bullies, she's very positive it's amazing.

[@genwilson7741]

I was thinking that too. It was a very interesting way to describe bullying. She has a great point though. If there’s more teachers that can really build closer connections with their students I do believe there would be a significant decrease in bullying. But also parents need to do a better job of addressing a bully when it begins to curve the behavior before it gets to a tragic level.

[@amentrison2794]

because once you reach a certain age and you look back at your childhood, even though you can't completely absolve your bullies' of responsibility for the role they played in your life and you're under no obligation to forgive them, at the end of the day, you recognize that they too were literally children.

[@IlseBelievesInPink]

@@amentrison2794 and you start to resent the adults who didn't help you a lot more.

[@amentrison2794]

@@IlseBelievesInPink yeah exactly

[@marvelousbeardreviews6292]

@@amentrison2794 that’s still no excuse because I was a child too and I never really bullied anybody.

[@WigThatFlewOffFloptok]

1:10 she is and was so pretty and nothing bad said. I don’t understand how someone would dare to say all that. Wish this world would change now on.

[@dxublexxsplicitxxsplicit4943]

Children with unguided upbringing taking angers out on another vulnerable being. It happens in every single school in America. It is the parents fault, but you and everyone else will blame the children.....the people who's only view of the world was constructed by the influences around them.

[@mrb2349]

​@@dxublexxsplicitxxsplicit4943it is the children's fault. It's not very difficult to figure out that harassing and bullying people is hurtful and wrong. The society is also at fault for letting children run amok without telling them off.

[@terrisauer4248]

Ugh! I'm so sorry that you were bullied! Kids can be so cruel, it's so unfair but I'm glad you were able to connect with someone and the help you deserved! You are beautiful btw!

[@sunahamanagai9039]

So disgusting that they would bully and hurt a disabled classmate. They must've been so proud of themselves. I hope they're all living a crummy life. She is one strong woman for sure.

[@RS54321]

It's almost more disgusting that the teachers didn't immediately step in and shut that abuse down. People are sick.

[@aleksandra5808]

Males really are cowards. Despite the physical advantages, they still have to attack blind girls.

[@tye829]

It sounds made up tbh. It really sounds like a description of bullying by someone who hasn't been bullied.. It's cartoonish. "Yeah I was blind and people would just throw me to the ground and kick me and spit on me for no reason and I was so often physically attacked I had to get self defense training as a blind person." This is either a completely made up story or _extremely_ exaggerated. She is not that old. She would have been going to high school in the 2000s in a developed country. There's not a chance she suffered this constant criminal battery and no one did anything. The type of behavior she is describing would have kids arrested... But it fits with her whole story of "no one was ever fair to me and my whole family abandoned me, and the school just made a blind child do the same assignments everyone else had to do with no mercy, and kids would just physically attack me and beat me up all the time"

[@susiem44]

I agree!! This is when I am happy that people who have had NDEs are telling us that everyone has to experience exactly what they caused others to experience!!!! If they caused someone to feel good, then they get to feel it, and when they hurt someone, they will feel the exact same misery. ❤❤❤

[@CS-ys4sy]

​@@tye829so bitter...

[@20001born]

She is so inspirational, especially when she tells us how she studied and read by holding up the book to her eye at an angle….

[@pedroq_]

She had 36 years of blindness that could be repaired by a surgery, but she didn't do it because of lack of money. Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is the american health care system. I feel sorry for you in that country that can't afford a healthy life. :(

[@sanuspg]

Yep. In Poland, she would’ve gotten the surgery as soon as doctors would give her clearance. No need to worry about the money.

[@needarandomname4330]

Surgery like that is free in my country. $40,000 US is like half a house here at time of writing.

[@esppiral]

Tha kind of surgery or any actually is free in any developed country ( and even undepeloped countries) around the world, It just still blows my mind the American Health care ( or lak of it) If there is something I am sure is I will NEVER go to the USA to live, since human rights there are way below compared to most places on earth. they just care about companies making money.

[@SuperSZ]

​@@needarandomname4330the cost depends on the country. It costs less than 200 USD where I live (really)

[@Xamerax]

@@SuperSZin mine it would cost 30$ + you pay your own food. So about 50$ total

[@IanMadridPh]

your unique experience and story hit me from an emphathetic angle that I can never possibly imagine and grasp without you sharing it. thank you

[@jeanjaz]

Wow. Going through and overcoming so many difficult things has given her the tools and compassion to encourage so many other people struggling with similar situations.

[@lisamai6686]

I got my sight at 27. Very similar story I had congenital cataracts. Because of money I couldn’t get surgery too. This is the first time I have seen anyone go through what I did. I would love to talk to you someday xx

[@susiem44]

It's hard for me to cry but this did it. Your and her stories forced me to cry. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@graceg3250]

How the heck does this happen in a developed country?! What are insurance companies and charities doing?!

[@elodyluna]

you’re a warrior❤

[@brightsalot]

@@graceg3250 What are insurance companies and charities doing? Paying their CEOs 344 times as much as their average workers only to hoard their exorbitant bonuses in offshore bank accounts and the stock market. Insurance companies are useless middlemen only in it for the money to be made off bureaucracy and charities are inefficient, easily corrupted, unsuccessful vehicles of dealing with the issues plaguing the "broken" systems in our society. Many times charities are just another type of account for the richest 1% to hold their money in that gets taxed more favorably, if at all, and give them copious amounts of unearned positive PR. I'm not trying to be hostile towards you, but I'm frustrated that we as a society let this happen to so many people

[@CHRoOMAX]

Imagine *actually* seeing something for the first time, incredible!

[@GroomerGaming]

she saw things just very blurry or only when its all very close

[@ceerie7487]

@@GroomerGaming Maybe all blind people just see things very blurry but to different extent. They probably just don't know how to describe it 'cuz they're blind.

[@h0rriphic]

@@ceerie7487 there’s many different “levels of blindness” for lack of a better term… For example some people can see light and shadows, some people say nothing at all, etc

[@GroomerGaming]

this woman wasnt even blind no more she could explain it

[@SiaLaterZ]

We take so much for granted

[@ThatsmeJoanne]

Never understand why kids feel the need to bully others...so, so cruel. So glad she was able to stand up for herself & be the awesome person she is; regardless of having the surgery or not.

[@yasmin7903]

Most kids who do that are either bullied or neglected by the adults in their life.

[@EvilSantaTheTrue]

@@yasmin7903 yes, evil breeds more evil

[@Kyvach]

Because adults set very bad examples and the kids who see it think it's okay and follow suit. Even the adults bully other adults.

[@BluDrop5]

Bullying usually starts at home.

[@VietboyGamerUSA]

blame it on their parents

[@noodlepipkin]

I’m not gonna lie, I can be a bit cynical about people’s life stories on the internet but this... 😳 this is amazing and interesting and what a remarkable person. Blown away.

[@BunnyRabit-yo3lx]

My gosh. I can't believe what you have been through. You are so, so brave and exude so much natural grace aswell. I hope you can now see that your bullies lied. You are actually very attractive; infact you are beautiful!! Inside and out. Thanks for sharing your story!❤

[@lanaistheneworange3013]

"I'm not special." The amount of reality and decency she delivers in this line. 🙏

[@DJToneRI]

So very interesting how our physical appearance is so deeply tied to who we feel we are. And for her, not recognizing herself led to a bit of an identity crisis. In her mind's eye she probably never pictured herself that way so there was a shocking disconnect there. Fascinating concept. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@ataraxia7439]

Yeah I hate when people (often very well intentioned) say we should just never care about our physical appearance. For some people not being able to relate to how you look properly is very very distressing and psychologically taxing.

[@cloudgalanes-rosenbaum1127]

I really feel for her. I wasn't told that I could have Asperger's Syndrome until I was 27. And I didn't get any form of confirmation on that or my anxiety disorder until I was 30. I'm 35 now and I'm just starting to learn how to adapt to my sensory issues and other symptoms. Late diagnoses and treatments certainly give you a sense of wanting to pay it forward.

[@susanp102]

I have a foster sister that I believe has Asperger's, and a young man named Jack reroofed a small house I had and finished remodeling the rest of it with a friend of his. I would not have known he had Asperger's except that he told me. Both of these ppl are very intelligent, but I've noticed that I can't overload them with too many things or subjects at once. Both are perfectionists, which is fine by me.

[@cloudgalanes-rosenbaum1127]

@@SterlingBrett I'm glad you're getting the help you were looking for. It's really a life changer.

[@rulerzreachf4n200]

I was diagnosed ASD at 18 and I’m still on a path of accepting myself and making my life easier in ways I didn’t know I could before

[@susanp102]

@@rulerzreachf4n200 Ppl with Asperger's are usually very intelligent, they just have trouble organizing, following thru, etc. Give urself a pat on the back.

[@katiaaskildt7830]

This woman is so amazing. The people that treated her badly knew she was amazing too and felt inferior because they knew deep down they could never be as amazing as her. She is a warrior in all the best ways. Humble, brave, resilient, battle hardened but still sensitive to her own feelings. 😍 icon.

[@masudashizue777]

Everyone who did terrible things to a classmate years ago, seek that person out while they're still alive and apologize.

[@Georgia7Pap]

There's actually a movie like her story. A guy is blind until he meets and falls in love with a woman. She convinces him to have surgery. He has the surgery and gets his vision back. Then the movie shows how he struggles with every day things and his new reality and how all this stress affects his relationship. The movie is called "At first sight". You should see it if you want to feel the emotional aftermath of something like this. I saw it years ago and i still remember it.

[@hawkfeather6802]

I think I saw that with my mom. It was pretty good. Doesn't he go blind again at the end?

[@aprilbrown7227]

Olivia's story was a lot to take in and understand, but it's understandable because everything she expressed is about the reality that I've gotten to see and understand. Olivia telling her story was beautiful, calm, funny, and serious. Also, when she mentioned how well she gets along with transgender people because of the transformation process they go through was something beautiful that I never heard before. It also opened my mind to the diversity into people's reality. Olivia's story is one to cherish. I am grateful to know her story and understand it, not judge her nor worry if she is beautiful or not. Hearing Olivia's story and learning how she accepts herself was enough for me to understand how she loves and cares for herself. 🙂🙂🙂

[@paulcmillerfilms]

What an amazing story! There are still tears in my eyes for what you went through in your younger years and am amazed, but totally understand, the overwhelm you felt once you regained sight. Truly an inspirational story and a very well done video!

[@HeavensMee]

Bless her heart! This beautiful, intelligent, sensitive and articulate woman is a true inspiration.

[@rjsgml2308]

Being bullied because of inevitable disability is tragic to one's whole life but I'm so proud of her overcoming that hardship and giving much good impact on others.

[@nayel4744]

She’s a born Fighter both Physical and mental. This made me happy.

[@sammybabi]

I hate that no one recognised this child needed help.

[@BunnyFett]

This made me cry. I relate with her childhood story, and am so happy for her. I finally got glasses when I was 12 (and they are really thick), and it was like I was living in a whole new world. There's words and art everywhere. The signs on the side of the road even have words. It was both scary and amazing. Previous to that, I navigated through life by touch and sound. My parents thought I was mentally handicapped and never bothered to have my eyes checked. Was abused nearly every day by my parents and classmates. It's not a time I enjoy thinking back to, but all of these things combined molded me into the person I am today.

[@IO-zz2xy]

So glad this wonderful lady has readjusted so well to her new normal. A guy who worked with my dad was profoundly deaf from a joung age. He had surgery later in life on his ears. He also got sensory overload and had to wear earplugs or earmuffs because he could not tolerate the sounds of everyday life. It took him nearly two years to somewhat acclimatize to the sounds around him but always had earplugs with him he just could not believe how noisy daily life was. He never really got used to the world of the hearing. Regards from South Africa

[@carmagurl317]

This woman wasn't just bullied, she was abused. Good thing she was fighter - literally and figuratively !

[@YourFavHawaiian]

She is soooo kick ass, and I am glad she is able to look back and see the lies she was told about herself. Women are amazing 🤩

[@foxxycleopatra615]

I’m so glad she can now see how beautiful she is and that there were kind people who were there for her when those that should have been abandoned her.

[@christenford3864]

She is INCREDIBLE. I love her story and her resilience 💪🏾♥️

[@kmoore8086]

What a beautiful person .... inside and out. I could not imagine going through even a tiny bit what she went through. I wish I could hug you now. You deserve it so much. Thanks for sharing your story. Much love from KY.

[@christopherrobleto-harvey2876]

this story broke my heart...i'm so sorry you went through the bullying and lack of self perception. i can't imagine...i'm glad you have a happy ending/new beginning.

[@megabsupreme]

What a blessing! Congratulations! And it's nice to know you now know how lovely you are! As a neurodevelopmental pediatrician, I have had my share of patients with visual impairment. I know how hard it must have been for you. I applaud your courage.

[@Figgs313]

This, like her, was beautiful and amazing!! I actually found myself feeling proud she overcame so much darkness this world provides.

[@erinchamberlain1315]

My god.. You are absolutely AMAZING! Your story has me just shattered, humbled, and hopeful! Thank you for sharing this. I needed it today. The best is yet to come ❤️

[@OliviaDurant]

Thank you :)

[@aleczavala5010]

@@OliviaDurant Ma’am thank you for sharing your story. I have my own set of disabilities and I thought I could handle them, but lately as I’ve gotten older, I’ve felt my confidence draining. I have dreams, I’d like to be a voice over artist, but even my parents who I thought would support me, are not. It feels like a huge betrayal and I don’t know what to do, but I’m trying hard to stay positive.

[@OliviaDurant]

@@aleczavala5010 It’s hard. I didn’t have parents backing me either. You can do it but it will take some time. Find your chosen family:) and people who understand

[@bambi0607]

Beautiful! I’m in tears right now. Great example for youth who may be struggling with similar challenges. Bravo!!!👏🏼

[@karbigz629]

She is so brave so strong. I’m so proud of her story ♥️

[@Cheste969]

She is such a strong person. The lessons we learn from her experiences are a treasure.

[@zeateresa9378]

This is such a great story! I'm so happy that she got through everything and only came out stronger

[@iguessso1010]

me too !! you look pretty btw

[@kemartini]

Her story is inspirational. Kids can be so cruel and make an already hard situation even worse, but without her hardships she wouldn’t be the beautiful soul she is now.

[@henryparker8237]

Hello

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

The sad thing is that her story shouldn’t have been as it is and is only this way because we won’t take care is each other as a society in the US.

[@iguessso1010]

kids are devils but parents dont know

[@jtidema]

Thank you so much for sharing this. As medical breakthroughs happen, more and more people will need to understand what is in store for them and your words are so helpful!

[@RadicalZack]

As someone who grew up with crippling ADHD anxiety and depression, this was very inspiring. It brought me to tears.

[@BTMaverick707]

That was a beautiful sad story, so glad she prevailed. Im also 36 and just had Cataract surgery and no where near as the bad stuff she went through.. but it was so amazing being able to see again. Shes such a beautiful person inside and out and curious how this still shapes her in her daily life.

[@EED15]

What an inspiring Lady 🤍 I feel so sorry for what she went thru. Kids can be so cruel

[@JamesSmith-sw3nk]

Before the pandemic I volunteered at various places included a community center for the blind. An experience I will always remember is someone trying to explain racism to 2 completely blind people who didn't/couldn't know what color is.

[@advocacynaccountablity]

My heart breaks for her little self. She should have had all of the supports and all of the encouragement from her family. It's stunning that she's grown so much and fought so much that she's here today looking amazing, confident, and competent. SO happy for this sight enhancement, Olivia, *and* you deserved more, sooner. Insurance covering the ability to see or not see is indicative of our broken medical health system.

[@lostcompletly7639]

A very brave woman. I was also abused in my childhood and that should be put to an end once and for all.

[@amna0alhawaj]

The saddest part about this is that she was denied the surgery for 20 years even though she had insurance. This is America 🇺🇸

[@aspiretoinspire9679]

Recovery from blindness is the phenomenon of a blind person gaining the ability to see,🥰🥰🥰 usually as a result of medical treatment. As a thought experiment, the phenomenon is usually referred to as Molyneux's problem.

[@ElTeeger]

It’s nice to see her life is moving in the right direction

[@tattoodude8946]

What an amazing story! So many things you don't think about having not lived through it. I cannot imagine that feeling of seeing for the first time. We've all seen the videos of people hearing for the first time and breaking down in tears because they are so happy, but you don't think about what that will be like for them moving forward. It may be amazing to hear yourself or your significant other, but what happens when you go to a busy restaurant or just walk out onto the city street? They never show that part - so it is interesting to hear how it affects a person moving forward. We take so much for granted.

[@g4viscon]

Wow what an amazing story. I'm so shocked at the healthcare (or rather lack of it) in the USA. What kind of society leaves a child blind because they can't afford an operation. That's barbaric. Had you lived in Europe cost would not have been a barrier. Healthcare is a human right, not a business model. The USA attitude to health is inhumane.

[@chrisortiz8072]

This may be considered an elective surgery would that still be covered? Since it doesnt technically impose a danger to her life. I'm not saying it is right I am just curious of the possibility. The USA is the true definition of capitalism sadly and we need to least be somewhere in the middle. It is hard because the far right always block laws meant to improve such things in majority.

[@tabarnliss]

this person is extremely inspiring. make me feel better about my disabilities and disorder, thank you so much.

[@Aniexo_]

How does insurance not cover something that can help a patient see smh. I’m so happy for her! ❤️

[@Lobster222]

America is a nightmare.

[@u235u235u235]

lol insurance only covers what the laws/agency rules/court decisions (three main sources of law in my country) say they must cover. anything else is denied 100%. law in my state was without family of history of colon cancer you can't get a colonoscopy before 50 and have insurance cover it. even if you want it done they won't pay for it until you hit 50. that's the way insurance works. the age was lowered to 45 a few years ago, but if you're 44 you'll have to pay out of pocket or wait until you're 45. that process is for nearly every procedures/test/exam. generally it works really well but of course there are always exceptions.

[@_uchiha]

this is an incredible story it's just so weird to think about being blind and than being able to see everything all of a sudden

[@williammcdonald2392]

It's normal to take things for granted, but this should change anyones view of how fortunate most are & how unfortunate others are. What a strong woman she is, I hope she has a normal life for the duration & she's attractive too ! I wish her all the best !!

[@timmeijerink9504]

Beautiful story. I am happy for you. I just can imagine the joy you had when you looked at the world for the first time.

[@kathy04]

Seeing various colours for the first tym is one of the most beautiful moment💜

[@joeerau]

So happy for you. It is amazing, having suffered all that you have, that you are such a positive person with a bright attitude. Everyone that hears your story or meets you must have high regard and admiration for who you are.👏

[@nehsangbong7259]

Wow. She's a strong woman. God bless her. 🙏🏽

[@k1j1j1j]

as a trans person i FELT that depersonalization feeling she talked about

[@k1j1j1j]

sometimes i look in the mirror and feel completely empty inside, and i cant even really put into words why. and sometimes, i look in the mirror and feel so incredibly happy. i hope someday i can learn to fully find and accept myself

[@bjdlvr]

The fact that insurance wouldn't cover a surgery that would turn someone from legally blind to sighted just boggles the mind.

[@rockyember]

such an inspirational story, she is so strong

[@texastalk86]

GOD BLESS YOU SISTER......IM TRULY HAPPY FOR YOU......I LOVE HEARING ABOUT , AND TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT BEAUTIFUL STORIES LIKE THIS, IF ONLY NEWS OUTLETS WOULD DO THE SAME. THERE'S SO MUCH GOOD, AND REMARKABLE THINGS GOING ON IN THE WORLD EVERY DAY.

[@jasonrussell8088]

Totally disagree, you are very special! Coming from a background of being bullied, I can absolutely attest to having moments where I've struggled with who I am and reverting back to old thoughts of inferiority. Very inspiring, very courageous woman 🙏

[@KJM3SMG]

she's incredible - so eloquent, and calm and someone who doesn't seem to have dealt with such a hard life, wow what a woman. She's also beautiful. Glad it all worked out for her and there were enough people to help her get to this stage of her life. I hope she continues to improve, learn and be happy.

[@jay8832]

This brought me to tears. She’s a sweet strong soul. I’m happy for her.