‘I try to be as independent as possible’

What was it like growing up with visual impairment?

I WAS born visually impaired, so have always needed additional support.

I have no sight in my right eye and am very short-sighted in my left. I can see roughly a metre in front of me. This means I have difficulty getting around.

Fortunately, I was matched with my first guide dog three years ago. When out and about, I can make out certain objects and people, but would not be able to recognise anyone by sight. Instead, I rely on identifying people by their voice.

I was born in Guernsey and went to school here until the age of 11. Then for secondary school, I went away to school in Exeter. This was especially for the visually impaired and I would travel back and forth every week during term time. I then also went to college in Exeter, where we integrated with the mainstream Exeter college.

I then went on to university in Bournemouth.

I graduated in 2008 and returned to Guernsey full time. I have had a number of jobs in the finance industry since returning, but also have had long periods of unemployment.

What support was offered to you in Guernsey?

When I was at school, I had someone in class with me who would let me know what the teacher was writing on the board. I also had a small white board on my desk, so I could have things closer to me.

As an adult, I have received support from the Guernsey Employment Trust in securing full-time employment. I have also had support from the Guernsey Blind Association, who have assisted with obtaining various pieces of equipment over the years.

What changes would you like to see implemented in Guernsey to help those with needs similar to yours?

I look forward to the introduction of the anti-discrimination legislation within the next few years. I am hoping this will give people like myself a more level playing field when it comes to accessing employment and goods and services.

What daily challenges do you face?

I have some difficulty getting around, as I obviously can’t drive. This means that I either walk most places, or use the buses. I am also fortunate to have friends and family who provide lifts when needed. I have found the audio announcements on the buses useful, but have found that they are not always being used.

As my sight has decreased over the last few years, I am also finding it more and more difficult to do everyday things like cooking or shopping. Thankfully, my wife does the majority of the food shopping. I found this especially difficult during the lockdowns, where shops had set up one-way systems and had installed clear partitions, which I obviously couldn’t see.

I also get frustrated by people who try and get attention from my guide dog. Most people are very good, but there are those who will try and stroke him when we are walking around Town.

Do guide dogs have printed on their coats ‘please don’t distract me I’m working’? I feel like I saw this one time but may have imagined it?

Yes, you are right. there is a sign on his handle with that wording, but you would be surprised how some people think that doesn’t apply to them, or they just don’t think.

The number of times I have had people come and say, ‘I know I shouldn’t, but...’.

What advice would you give someone who finds themselves in the same situation?

My main advice would be that it is OK to ask for help.

I try to be as independent as possible, but there are times when you have to recognise that there are limitations.

Tell us about your involvement in island life and achievements

Since returning from university, I have been involved with the Guernsey Disability Alliance. I have been a member for over 10 years and was on the executive committee for around five.

I work in Town and enjoy going out for meals with my wife. I also attend Trinity church on a fairly regular basis.

I also enjoy going to the pub for the meat draw on a Friday night.

I have run in a number of local elections, and have recently been elected to the St Peter Port douzaine.

I have been interested in local politics for a while and first stood in the General Election in 2016.

What can you tell us about the Disability Alliance?

The Guernsey Disability Alliance is a charity made up of individual members, such as myself and numerous disability charities and organisations.

The aim of the GDA is to raise awareness of disability on the island and to give the island’s disabled people a common voice when communicating with organisations such as the States.

For more information about the GDA, I would suggest visiting their website (https://disabilityalliance.org.gg).

Is there anything else you would like people to know?

I always say that I would rather people ask me questions about what help I might need, instead of making assumptions.

u jolepage81@gmail.com