We were delighted to get a record number of entries for our Insight Young Columnist competition. Although only one person could be picked as the 2012 winner, we hope to hear from some of the entrants in the future. Read these excerpts to get a sample of the young people's voices and learn a bit about their interests and ideas:
Excerpts from the Insight Young Columnist entries
Holly
"I often warn people: "Somewhere along the way, someone is going to tell you, 'There is no "I" in team.' What you should tell them is, 'Maybe not. But there is an "I" in independence, individuality and integrity."
Elizabeth
Within the VI unit I attended, we were offered a mobility officer to take us on day trips to the nearby town, to practice using trains, white sticks, crossing the road etc. However, if like me a young person isn't keen on having such attention drawn to their disability, especially in a school environment, or simply because that support is not available, I think an article which outlines simple tips and advice on the subject would be valuable.
Maya
I believe strongly that visually impaired people should be treated exactly the same as anyone else without a disability, and I think that we should be empowered as people. I think that visually impaired people should be integrated into society wherever possible and the earliest it can happen - if we are introduced to disability from an early age, then we understand and accept it more.
Lucy
I am very determined to try anything new, whether it's a sport or event I am very eager to join in and be around people. With living in a quiet area it's not always easy to do those things but I take every opportunity I can get.
Laura
If you asked me eight years ago what sort of person I would be in the future, I might have said …successful, happy, rich maybe; all the things any nine year old would hope to be. What I wouldn't have predicted was that I would gradually lose my eyesight to the point that today I am considered severely partially sighted. After having a long time to think about this, I've realised that whilst a disability is a challenge, it's not necessarily a bad thing and should not be allowed to control your life or who you want to be. Just as my family, friends and hobbies are part of who I am, so is my eyesight.
Gareth
Some of you that read this might have had assessments and help from the off, but in school, I was given a laptop and basically told to get on with it, and as a result, am now the King of Minesweeper and Solitaire.
Hussein
Recently, I was introduced to the RNIB Haggeye project, which has also boosted my confidence tremendously, particularly when travelling, and allowed me to socialise and share with others who understand my VI condition.
Hannah
People often ask me "How do you do it?" I reply with a laugh and a smile, "When I can't do something one way, I find another way to do it. Everyone reading this that is just coming to terms with living with visual impairment will also learn how to do this.
Georgina
Seeing as I came from a modest middle class suburban upbringing the chance to dress up as an aggressive pregnant chav was an opportunity not to be missed. This is an example of a typical Wednesday for me is transforming myself into Chanelle Wells a character for an upcoming TV pilot.
Tiri (competition winner)
Teens are often scared that they will get teased or that no-one will want to be their friend because they aren't exactly the same as everyone else. But real friends wouldn't care that you have a cane or that you can't see properly. Some of my friends even steal my cane and try to hit each other with it! And that is how it should be, just another part of everyday life.
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