Visually impaired couple enjoy their cabin with help from their guide dog: “The cabin means freedom to us”
Visually impaired Merja and Teuvo Heikkonen spend time at their cabin on the shore of Lake Hirvijärvi, Finland, with their guide dog Esta. Because of their visual impairment, they’ve had to make some special arrangements at the cabin.
When Merja and Teuvo Heikkonen head for a swim at the cabin, they set up a small sound beacon on the dock that emits short blasts.
“That way, we always know where the dock is and won’t swim in the wrong direction,” says Merja Heikkonen.
Merja and her spouse, Teuvo, are both visually impaired. Teuvo is completely blind, while Merja can see a bit of light and shapes. The sound beacon is one way they can spend time on their own at their cabin on Lake Hirvijärvi in Riihimäki, Finland. Other adaptations include guide ropes to help them move around, as well as steps with handrails leading to the shore. The sauna has an electric stove, and even the grill runs on electricity.
“Although using a wood-burning sauna stove or a gas grill wouldn’t be impossible, I think electric devices are safer and easier,” Merja explains.
Their guide dog, Esta, is always by their side at the cabin.
At the shore of Lake Hirvijärvi, they arrive with the help of a personal assistant. The assistant drives the Heikkinens to the cabin in their own car. Once there, all three check that everything is in order. If all looks good, the assistant drives the car back to the Heikkinens’ home and returns at the agreed time. If the assistant is unavailable, they take a taxi.
“The cabin brings us freedom and independence. It’s one of the few places we can go whenever we want. For someone with a visual impairment, coming and going usually takes advance planning and arrangements.”
Merja, who works at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, relaxes from everyday stress at the vacation home. When the scenery changes, her thoughts change too. She spends her days listening to audiobooks, enjoying the sauna, swimming, and going for walks with the dog. In winter, Teuvo goes ice fishing, and Merja snowshoes across the frozen lake with Esta.
“Neighbors provide a sense of security. If something happens, help is right nearby.”Merja Heikkonen
The Heikkinens’ cabin is part of a property company with four cottages. They stand on the same lot, fairly close together, each with its own yard and sauna, all in a row under the same roof.
The company handles tasks like maintaining the sauna building, plowing snow, and managing the wells. For renovations like painting the cottages, the shareholders hire contractors and commission the work together.
“Neighbors add to the sense of security. If something happens, help is right there,” Merja says gratefully.
Their adult son and daughter also help out with tasks like spring cleaning or lifting the dock steps.
“Sometimes I wish I could experience nature the way someone with full vision can. Still, the soundscape and scents offer a lot. The gentle lapping of the lake is relaxing, and the morning chorus of migrating birds in spring is absolutely wonderful,” Merja says.
