The magazine for blind and partially sighted young people in ScotlandIssue 6 – Independent living – Winter 2014

Life changing technology Page 4

Rory LandaleHome alone Page 8

Kathryn HillUniversity lifePage 16

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Home comfortsCome in out of the cold and settle down as we warmly welcome you to this winter edition of the Haggazine.

This issue we are taking a look at independent living. We hear from some Haggeye members who are all on their own journeys of independence. Also, if you’re heading out to buy Christmas presents we have some handy Did You Knows to help you navigate and get on your way.

We hope this issue gives you some relaxing reading over the holidays and we will be back in the New Year!

Tuesday and Jill

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EmilyLife changing technologyMy name is Emily, I am 25 and I live near Inverness. I lost my sight three years ago mainly due to diabetic retinopathy but that was just the tip of the eye condition iceberg.

Before losing my sight I was an extremely independent young woman, living life to the full and never asking for help. Then all of a sudden, I went from

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being able to see everything to looking at the world through a Vaseline-smeared window. Within six months I was reduced to being shepherded around and needing a constant companion. Having initially been told by doctors that my sight would be recovered, I didn’t engage with services. However, after two years and several operations, the extent of the damage to my eyes was apparent even to me and I decided that enough was enough. I had to get back on my feet.

Learning about VoiceOver on the Apple products was practically life changing for me. Not only can I send messages to friends, access emails and surf the web, I no longer have to rely on others to download music from iTunes.

Hereby saving me from any embarrassment relating to a particularly corny track I may or may not want to download. A new assistive technology that I find particularly ingenious is talking cash machines. This allows me to privately access my bank account simply by plugging a set of headphones in and following the audio instructions.

This year I’ve started to learn how to cook. Long gone are the days of heating up a microwave macaroni cheese! My slow cooker has to be one of the best gadgets ever invented. As a committed coffee connoisseur, the liquid level indicator allows me to indulge in my caffeine addiction safely.

My biggest obstacle currently is mobility and

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although I am building up my long cane skills, I lack confidence to leave the house on my own. However, I was recently approved for a guide dog and know that this will transform my life. Also at present I am being taught braille and how to use my new iMac and I hope to use these skills to return to education in the near future.

I think that in the grand scheme of things, I’m managing pretty well with independent living, but couldn’t have reached this point without the help of friends, family and my husband. In fact I would have to say that I’m far more independent now than I ever was when I was sighted. Maybe losing my sight has given me the kick I needed to get myself out there and make the most of life. The road to independent learning and therefore independent living never ends.

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Interview with Rory LandaleHome aloneMoving into a place of your own can be daunting and exciting at the same time. However, 23-year old Rory has embraced all that comes with living independently.

Rory moved from his home in Dumfries to Edinburgh, though travels back to visit his parents on the weekends. When he’s not busy

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getting creative with clay-work and pottery he works at a storage company as well as a traineeship with Edinburgh council.

Born with craniopharyngioma, Rory has no sight in his left eye and some in his right. His condition also affects his short term memory but Rory has developed many strategies to help with living on his own.

What does living independently mean to you?“It means that I am able to do things on my own and have my own life without having to live with my parents. At the same time I know that they are around and have support that I can get to easily.”

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How important is independence to you in your day to day life?“It is very important as if you aren’t independent you have to rely on others. Everyone is so busy anyway that it can be quite difficult. It makes me feel happy as it means I am able to live my life without having to rely on people.”

What helps you to live independently?“Every week my parents and I do a diary as I have no short term memory, so it is quite difficult to remember everything that goes on during the week. I put that in my email and share it with my parents and they can edit it if something

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changes. I have a couple of carers who come in the evening and stay in the flat overnight who are very helpful.”

Are there any barriers you face to your independence? “The main barrier is my short term memory, which makes it very difficult to remember some things. I can’t be as independent as I like because of that.”

What are your future plans?“I’d quite like to continue with my traineeship with Edinburgh Council and also work some more with my dad at the self-storage company. Hopefully I’ll be able to find a part-time job which would be good.”

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Did you know?Travelling timetablesTrains and buses can be packed with busy shoppers this time of year, however there are apps to help you on your way if you are heading to join them.

The First Bus app enables you to check timetables and the next bus at your nearest stop.

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Scotrail’s app lets you check train times and plan journeys in advance. It also provides information such as platform numbers and delays – though hopefully that’s a feature you don’t get to try out!

Both apps are accessible with VoiceOver and can be downloaded on to your smartphone.

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Did you know?Cool canesWhite canes are used by blind and partially sighted people to help with mobility. The three different types of cane used are the long cane, guide cane and symbol cane. There are also shorter ones for children. Each cane is used for different things, such as helping to locate objects, steps or to make others aware of the owner’s sight loss. You can get different tips for your cane so can tap, roll or swipe your way around! For many blind and partially sighted people canes can help with confidence and independence.

Did you know?Hidden safety coneThere is a small plastic or metal cone which you will find at many pedestrian crossings. It is located on the bottom of the box with the button.When the green man lights up, the cone starts spinning to let you know traffic has been signalled to stop. The cone is not saying it is safe to cross, as some cyclists go through red lights, so it is always helpful to listen for traffic as well.

A lot of pedestrian crossings also make a beeping sound when the green man lights up. Together with the cone, these can be very useful to assist you in your travels.

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Interview with Kathryn HillUniversity lifeFrom Fresher’s to graduation, university can be a huge adventure. It can also be the first experience of living away from home, which Kathryn has taken in her stride.

Kathryn, 25, was born with Alstrom syndrome. She is currently studying a Master of Science in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling.

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Along with her guide dog Ivo, she lives in accommodation on campus. This can be a big life change, but Kathryn knows that with a bit of hard work it is worth it.

How different is it living on your own compared to being at home?“I like being independent, having my freedom, and my own space. I like being able to come and go as I please and make my own decisions.

However, I miss having an extra pair of hands, eyes and ears. Also, having someone to help you with medication and remembering things.”

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Do you receive any support in your studies? “I have great support through Disabled Students Allowance. I have personal learning assistants who walk with me to lectures, take notes and help me with reading for assignments. I have an alternative format adviser who produces all my books, journals and lecture slides into plain text for me.”

What do you use to help with living independently?“I love using my talking kitchen timer to cook for myself in my flat. As well as my vibrating talking alarm clock and my £1 and 5p money clips. I also have Ivo, my golden Labrador guide dog. He is the reason I get around university by myself with confidence.”

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What is your favourite thing about university life? “It is independence, freedom and the friendliness of people. It’s a great community. That and being able to walk about confidently on my own are the two greatest things about uni.”

Would you recommend moving to university?“You have to be willing to put in a lot of time and effort. It has taken time to adjust to new routes, be responsible for myself and Ivo and learn ways to ask for help when needed. I think on the whole I would recommend it, given preparation, willingness and determination. It’s not always going to be plain sailing and there may be some bumps but you will get there eventually.”

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This magazine has been created, developed and written by young people from the Haggeye project and produced by RNIB.

The forum for blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland

© RNIB Scotland November 2014 Registered charity number SC039316