As a South Yorks' gal, age 25 and visually impaired, I am a member of, and proud volunteer for, RNIB. It is wonderful to be given the opportunity to write a blog for what I hope will become a useful resource for young visually impaired people like myself.
I believe that it's firmly within our interest to support and help each other where we can. Regardless of individual differences and different experiences, we can all benefit from the same things. This is why our collective voice, as brought together in places like this, is so important for each and every one of us.
I like to be organised. I dislike raw onion. I hate finding a deep scratch or scuff on my favourite shoes. I love crisps and my favourite fruit are strawberries, but I prefer raspberry jam. I have been known to ponder if gyms across the UK can be rigged to power the National Grid. I think there are few things cuter than a basket of kittens or a Spring lamb. I think walking bare-foot along a sandy seashore gives a real sense of freedom, but also risk in case of standing on something sharp. I like listening to Channel 5's The Wright Stuff on a weekday morning if I have time. I believe that patterned walls and patterned carpets should never be allowed in the same room. I think wasps can smell fear and delight in teasing people.
Perhaps more relevant here is that I would describe myself as a positive thinker with a logical frame of mind. I'd say that I'm also proactive in that if I set out to do something, I do everything I can to get it done. As someone who has been visually impaired from birth, I see my visual impairment not as a problem, but simply as a part of who I am. If I can't do something, I simply find another way of doing it. The recent completion of my English degree achieving a 1st class grade is a good example of this. I like to laugh and observe the ironies of life. I am the sort of person who finds it comical to emerge from Specsavers with my white cane in hand and ponder at the thought of onlookers doubting the quality of spectacles on sale!