Vision: Impossible

Have you ever wished that there were tools out there that could make your life easier, when navigating the big scary world with a visual impairment. Although at times, technology can be scary too, it is can also be a great tool for independent navigation. When living with a visual impairment, navigating the world safely and independently can be a big challenge. Everyday tasks like crossing a busy road, finding a building entrance, or using public transport will often require additional support or strategies. The fast technological advances in navigational tools and assistive technology have changed the way that those with a visual impairment can experience the world.   Navigational tools that have changed the game WeWalk smart cane – Not only does this long white cane help you to detect obstacles on the floor that may trip you over. But it also has a sensor in the handle that can detect objects that may hit you in the face.   Understanding the Challenges The firs...

When first being diagnosed with a visual impairment, coming to terms with it and understanding the impact it can have is difficult. Everything feels uncertain. Not in a dramatic, movie-scene kind of way. It’s quieter than that. More constant. It shows up in everyday moments: Reading a menu, Crossing a road, Recognising faces. Things you never expect to have to think twice about suddenly required effort, planning, and sometimes courage. Sometimes the worst part isn’t just the way that if effects the practical side of things, sometimes it’s the way it slowly shifts how you see yourself. What I did not expect, though, was how much connection would come to define this journey.   The Shift From “Me” to “We” At the beginning, it felt isolating. I knew there were other people going through similar things, but that didn’t automatically make it easier. In some ways, it made it harder. It was difficult to explain my experience to people who had been living with visual impairment...