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Now you can see like someone with low vision

Featured in this video is motivational speaker Andy. She wants Australia to know that making assumptions is the worst thing you can possibly do when it comes to someone who has low vision.

She believes there is a misconception of what the blind and low vision community is, and this series of videos has made her confident they will do their job of educating Australia on what low vision is, and what it is like to live with an eye condition.

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Image depicts a woman with a genuine smile, seated on steps. She's dressed in a light olive blazer, black top, and trousers, accented with a statement necklace and brown boots, blending professionalism with personal style against an outdoor, architectural backdrop.

“Don’t assume. Low vision, no vision, full vision. We’re all just people getting through our lives.”

Meet Andy

Andy has been living with Retinitis Pigmentosa since she was 14 years old.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a complex hereditary eye condition that causes cells in the retina to degenerate slowly and progressively. 

She learnt to adapt and feel empowered in her personal and professional lives, never letting her eye condition stop her from achieving her goals and doing the things she loves.

Ways to be more inclusive and support someone with low vision

Be confident.

When it’s loud and noisy, it can be hard for someone with low vision to pick up on social cues. Know they are not being rude; they simply may not have heard you or even know you are there. This is where you can step in and introduce yourself, asking if they need any help.

Don’t assume.

When you assume, you can't know anything as fact. Appearances can be deceiving and often, a low vision condition is not physically visible and remains hidden throughout your interactions. The best way you can help and avoid making assumptions is to ask the right kinds of relevant questions to the situation you are both in.

Be educated.

Don't go around telling people what you think they would need and want. To act in a certain way because that’s how you do something. A great way for you to be more inclusive is by educating yourself on how someone with low vision sees the world. Then you can have the right kinds of conversations and ask if they need any support.

Two women sit at a dining table holding cups of tea and smiling in conversation with each other. The woman on the left has lived experience with vision loss.

How to get support

If you or someone you know are new to vision loss, reach out to us today to begin the process of getting the support you need.

Submit a service enquiry

Return to the Pupil Project

Learn more about low vision and how to be more inclusive today.

Read more about Return to the Pupil Project

Acknowledgement

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.