Janet Beaudry has had low vision all of her life. She was born with cataracts, which were eventually removed, leaving a lot of scar tissue, and later diagnosed with glaucoma at age 18. However, she was very independent growing up.
“I was able to drive and function,” she says, “but I did need assistance.”
She recalls receiving accommodations when taking the SAT as well as large print books. After college, Beaudry began a career as a preschool and kindergarten teacher, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She also married and started a family. However, while pregnant with her third child, her vision began to deteriorate rapidly. Increased intraocular pressure led to the placement of shunts in her eyes, which ultimately caused a retinal detachment. Doctors told her she would need a cornea transplant.
By age 32, Beaudry’s vision had deteriorated so much that she gave up driving. A few years later, she had the first of three corneal transplants—all of which failed. During this time, her family relocated to South Carolina so she could pursue an exciting teaching opportunity. Unfortunately, as her vision continued to decline, Beaudry had to leave the profession she loved.
Throughout her life, Beaudry believed she could handle anything, especially with her husband by her side. But a few years later when he passed away in 2021, that confidence was deeply shaken.
“When I lost him, I knew I needed to reach out to somebody,” she says. “I had to stand on my own feet.”
That’s when Beaudry came to SCCB. Initially, she just wanted some mobility training, tips to help around the home, and possibly to find a part-time job. What she received was far more than expected.
Following an assessment, Beaudry attended SCCB’s Training Center in Columbia where she learned skills that strengthened her independence and restored her confidence.
“When I first came to the Training Center, I was shy, I was timid, and I was scared,” she says.
One of the most impactful skills she soon learned was navigating with a white cane. “I never walk without my cane,” she says with a big smile. “Without this training I don’t think I would have the confidence to move on to anything else. It made me feel independent.”
She also learned home management techniques and discovered tools that “make my life easier in the kitchen.”
Next, she learned vocational skills including keyboarding and Braille. “I love it! It’s relaxing,” she says. “I enjoy reading Braille and typing in Braille.”
As her confidence grew, so did her possibilities. While discussing vocational options, Training Center staff encouraged Beaudry to consider returning to teaching—something she never imagined would be possible again.
“They told me I had more options than just a part-time job,” she says. “That just amazed me.”
Now, she is pursuing a master’s degree in special education at USC Upstate, specializing in education for individuals who are blind or low vision.
Beaudry appreciates all the assistance she has received from SCCB staff.
Beaudry completed her training at SCCB’s Training Center in December 2025. While she will miss the friends she made at the Training Center, she is excited to finish her degree so she could return to work.
“I don’t think the staff realize what an impact they’ve had on me,” she says. “They are so supportive and willing to help. I feel like myself again.”