This is how it is

These are just some of many issues that a person living with blindness or a visual impairment experiences.

Sight affects many areas in life.  One major challenge is education. Without the tool of sight education has to be adapted and rejigged in an accessible format while following the standard curriculum, which proves to be a difficult task at times for all involved. 

The diverse range of content and the various ways lessons are presented to students makes it hard to achieve a structured, fair and equal education for people who are vision impaired. 

With all of these issues binding together it’s a complex task getting several subjects ready on time in the correct format. 

Subjects that have a visual component like maths become a major headache all too often. 

Despite these issues considerable credit should be given to Singleton High School teachers aids for their consistent dedication to assisting me in my education under what can be such draining circumstances.

Despite energetic efforts to achieve desired outcomes, barriers often pop up to prevent these outcomes. 

The two main mediums used in any work environment for a person in my situation are audio and braille. Due to a significant reduction in my sight last year I now need to advance my skills in these areas  to ensure I am able to produce the standard of work required.

Due to these issues education is an enormous battle. 

 I would not be this far in my education if it wasn’t for the amazing support of the teachers aids and my parents who assist me with my learning and I’ll always be ever greatful of the support that they have provided me with.

For people with a vision impairment it can be the things people take for granted that people like me  appreciate the most. 

Simply a chat or for somebody to spend some time can go a long way.   Sometimes people are unsure how to react to a person with a vision related issue.

It probably varies from person to person but personally, I think just to be understanding and to be treated  like the average person is anyone would want.

I think it’s important to not make perceptions on what people can and can’t do because often peoples perceptions are different to fact.  

Often people go he or she managed that so they presume that you can do this without thinking about the whole thing from one big picture.

For example somebody may think he or she is getting around here, they must be able to see a little without taking into consideration that you might be familiar with a certain environment.

For example I can get around home easily but have far more trouble out and about and in unfamiliar areas.  

If people want to understand what it is like the best way is to close your eyes while going about your daily functioning. 

When you wake up one morning and before you get out of bed close your eyes and try and accomplish everything you normally do before you leave the house with your eyes closed the whole time. See just how far you will get.

Sight  affects all basic daily tasks. 

Examples include: which are the right clothes in the cupboard for today?   Is this a $5 note or $100 note?  Is this a one or two dollar coin? 

 Poor vision also limits the sports and activities you can participate in. There is also a social effect. 

One being that you can’t recognise who you are talking to and another being that people from my generation might not understand the situation and might consider you different perhaps.

These are just some issues in different areas of what vision impairment can cause a person in my situation.

 So treasure and take care of your sight because the true value isn’t realised until it’s not there.

When you see a person with a vision impairment say hello but say your name so they know who you are.

This will inturn help with a person in my  situation to relate to the conversation.

Don’t assume a person with a sight impairment can’t do something, ask if they can and ask if they want to.

Vision impaired people have the exact same ability as a sighted person, things just need to be done in different ways.

 A vision impaired person may just need assistance to carry out the task.