Going to university is like going back to RNC for me. Once again I am able to be independent, again I am increasing my employability skills and again I feel that I am included in society. But it is not quite the same is it? I don’t get the same amount of support that I used to get; and I have to pay for everything. A student loan isn’t quite the same as authority funding.

As far as I can tell, I am the only visually impaired person here at the university. Not that I mind that but it would be nice know that I am not the only odd one out. With mobility training and general support I have managed to navigate my way around the campus complex. My cane gliding, banging and clonking along corridors, stairways and pavements as I make my way to lectures. It’s a great feeling to be as independent as I am right now.

Now that I am older, I can understand the difficulty in having a disability. Whether it’s physically or mentally I know the challenges and obstacles that are constantly in our way. Yet society doesn’t seem to be on the same wavelength as us. Today I am constantly battling against people who don’t understand what it’s like to be me; and what my rights are. There will always be obstacles in the way, but obstacles that challenge me as a person. Being visually impaired isn’t bad, nor is it good, it just makes you unique.

And the motto that I have come up with is “There is no dis in disability only ability” which makes me look on the positive things in life, instead of the negative.

[Comment added 9th December 2016] Nearly time to break up for Christmas. I’ve been struggling with assignments these past few months, nothing has changed there then, and I know that it is going to get a lot harder as I go through my university course. But it is a good thing. By taking on this challenge I am embracing my visual impairment; showing everyone that I can succeed in life and I will successful in what I do. If you can achieve it, then you can believe it.