Loss of vision, not compassion
Even with his own struggles, Austin Clark has dedicated his life to helping families with disabled children and adults.
Austin Clark has Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a rare eye disorder that resulted in most of his retina tissue deteriorating as a child. At first he could see shapes, but by age 11 he was only able to see light. Austin gained an interest in helping families with disabled children and became a financial advisor for families with disabilities for 6 years. He attended conferences all across the United States to help provide information to these families as well as learn more about changes in disability oriented legislation. He met Laura Orsland (the founder of The HIVE, an activity center for disabled adults) at one of these conferences and began working with The HIVE to help attendees with vocational, mental wellness, and daily living skills.
Austin takes a rest break from preparing for “Guys’ Night” at The HIVE on April 26, 2024. He opted to use his white cane instead of taking his guide dog Dill because “it’s guys’ night: no girls allowed.” Austin rarely has the cane when at The HIVE but enjoys using it because he can feel objects before he bumps into them. Austin loves fidgeting with things when his hands are idle, so the cane provides multiple uses.
In his personal life, Austin found a love for yoga and has been working towards a yoga teacher certification. He practices yoga, breathing, and mindfulness exercises with attendees at The HIVE.
Austin listens to his text messages via accessibility settings on his phone while his guide dog Dill rests on his lap at the HIVE on April 16, 2024. Whenever he has free time, he checks his phone for messages involving his yoga lessons, meetings for various disabilities, or the youth adult group with his church. He has been working towards a yoga teacher certification and will be certified in the middle of May. “I want to start doing community yoga classes on the weekend here so people can come and see what The HIVE is like.”
"Here Ginna, let me help you. Watch me."
Ginna Greer squats with the assistance of Austin for a game of “bingocise” held at The HIVE on April 23, 2024 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The game was made for all participants to have fun while getting active and consisted of stretching, cardio, and strength exercises. Austin goes to the gym on a regular basis and helped multiple members with their technique.
Austin plays with a folding block toy to keep his hands occupied during a parent meeting at The HIVE on April 25, 2024. Austin said that he likes having something to do with his hands and enjoys playing with 3D puzzles.
“Dill knows that going to the bank means getting treats.”
Austin stands outside of Chase Bank with Dill on April 18, 2024 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dill was bursting with excitement before walking to the bank because “Dill knows that going to the bank means getting treats.” After the treats stopped coming, it took Dill some coaxing to start on the path back home.
“We might have sensitive issues to bring to the table, and we want you to bring them to the table.”
Attendees at The HIVE’s first “Guys’ Night” laugh listening to everyone introduce themselves on April 26, 2024. Austin wanted to start a “Guys’ Night” because he had been in two previous ones and said that they really helped him with mental health and finding friends. He was very persistent about people forming bonds and making new friends, as all members that came listed those reasons for coming. “We might have sensitive issues to bring to the table, and we want you to bring them to the table.” So far Guys’ Night will happen only once a month, but is expected to move to every two weeks due to the positive response.
Nathan Taulbee goes to place Austin Clark’s hand on his head to show that he got a new haircut at The HIVE on April 26, 2024. Instead of describing his haircut to Austin, Nathan simply said "here" and planted Austin's hand on his head. Austin's sister shares the LCA condition, but they do not know anyone in their family history that has had it.
Dill has become the mascot of The HIVE and spends most of her time lounging around, but will occasionally accompany Austin on an adventure.
Austin walks back home with his guide dog Dill after running errands on April 18, 2024 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dill is Austin’s second guide dog, and was assigned to him at the Oregon campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind based on personality traits and activity level. Dill is getting older and more skittish in public spaces so Austin does not use her as much when traveling, instead opting for his white cane.
