PEOPLE

Students: Stories of Triumph

Meet Rhia Baylen


My name is Ria Baylen, and I have Usher’s Syndrome Type II, which is a combination of Retinitis Pigmentosa and a hearing loss. I lost my hearing at a very young age and discovered my visual impairment at the age of eighteen. For the first couple of years after the discovery of my vision loss, I did not know Braille, Mobility, or Adaptive Technology. I wanted to prepare myself and to be aware of what I should do if I lose all of my vision. I know that I cannot always depend on family members or friends to do things for me. So I joined The Hatlen Center, and it was a great opportunity for me to learn independence.

I enjoyed learning everything that The Hatlen Center had to teach, and every single lesson was very helpful. Learning contracted Braille was very helpful because when I was growing up, I used to read lots of books for fun and I missed reading. Now that I know Braille, I can read again! The quality of instruction that I received at The Hatlen Center was excellent, and everything was worth learning; not only Braille, but also how to use public transportation, adaptive technology, and cooking.

The challenges and success I experienced at The Hatlen Center came about by my getting involved in all the activities, and I learned how to be independent, gained social skills, strength, and courage. Without The Hatlen Center, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to be independent and do things on my own!

Note: Since graduating from The Hatlen Center, Ria has had a cochlear implant and hears much better. She is working part-time at the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind teaching Braille and sign language.