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Doug would be fine. Though my first name is Thomas, I'm so use to Doug that I probably wouldn't respond to Tom or Thomas. My full name as you know is Thomas Douglas Roper. I was born in Jacksonville Florida in October 22, 1949. I am the oldest of three bastions is the next, about a year and a half younger and Johnny is two and a half years younger. I lived in Jacksonville's south side most of my life. I did live in Blackshear Georgia for three years. I attended Hogan Spring Glenn Elementary in the first grade before moving to Georgia.cReturning to Jacksonville, I failed the fifth grade. It was then that they determined that I had a hearing impairment. I went to Southside Grammar and was in a hearing impaired class with Mrs. Carter. I was then fitted with a hearing aid. I then attended Southside Junior High (now Southside middle) being main streamed. I struggled through until I graduated from Englewood High School in 1968. I went to Florida Junior College (now FCCJ) for two years before moving to Ft. Lauderdale persuing a career in Graphic Arts. I am not sure at what point Johnny was determined to have a hearing impairment but neither of us discovered yet that we have visual problems. Finishing at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, I came back to Jacksonville and started working for a chain (I can't remember the name of the company) that owned, at that time, Scotties Discount Drugs and McDuff Appliance. Basically I did newspaper advertisements for those chains. I met Susan who was to become my wife in 1974. I then went to work for Douglas Printing (no kin to me) as the only artist. After working there I moved on to Turknet and Turnbull. T&T was bought out by Lewis Business Forms then Duplex Products. Now it is part of Reynolds & Reynolds. I have been with this particular plant for close to 22 years. As I said, my vision problem was not discovered until 1984 about 13 years ago. My wife noticed that I would trip over things so she mentioned it to my eye doctor. He did a finger test then said that I have a lost field of vision. I was sent down to Gainesville's Shanes Hospital and they did a battery of tests. A computerized field of vision, light adaption test and so other interesting but tiresome and painful test. My field of vision is about 10% (that is what is left). At first they gave me the impression that I would go totally blind soon. They told me I had to give up my drivers license. I have never had and accident and had a safe driver stamp on my license. Considering the thought that they believe I have had this for some time and didn't know it, that is amazing. Anyway that made for a drastic adjustment. I actually broke out in hives from the stress. I loved driving and that's gone. Remember they gave me the impression that I may go blind soon. I was just starting a career as a graphic artist. I had a baby girl. Would I see her graduate from high school and college? It was a shock! Later they determined that my vision had stabilized. I started making the necessary adjustment. The only difference now from before is that I am more aware of what I'm missing. I'm not sure if I mentioned this but I am a Christian. My faith in God help me to cope with this, not that I don't from time to time get frustrated. I do use a collapsible cane in crowded situations and if I am walking at night. It was about 5 years later that my brother also had RP. Since both of us had both the hearing and visual impairment it was determined that we have Usher's Syndrome Usher's is inherited by a recessive genes. Both the mother and father has to be carrier's of the same type gene. Denis, my middle brother, has not visual or hearing disability. We all have children but none show signs. They may be carrier's. The arrival of Computer's into the graphic field saved my career. I design forms and brochures using desktop publishing softwares. My boss makes sure that my working environment is conducive to my performance. I dislike going into heavy crowd and worry about children running about. Doug RoperBack to Bat Cave page-click here