‘The worst thing is when I’m doing well – it’s that
Jumping on the bus, popping to the shops, and ordering at a restaurant are just some of the everyday things most people do without a second thought. But for those without perfect vision or hearing or who are dependent on a wheelchair such everyday things
green man lights up, helping those who can’t see to cross safely.
For busier areas Jake might use a symbolic cane.
Jake said: “It won’t help me get around but if I’m holding it hopefully someone will take notice and offer me help. If I’m going to London I’ll be using it non-stop.”
Once arriving at a location other factors like layout and organisation come into play.
He said: “I tend to not go shopping alone but I don’t know if that’s because I’m a terrible shopper or what.
“A lot of people get on really well in shops, but I find it difficult with the organisation of shops to find where the men’s section is and the prices are tiny.”
But while practical barriers may take some thought for Jake the biggest issue lies in people’s perceptions.
He explained: “The biggest problem is public perception for people that don’t look blind.
“One time I was outside the Millennium Centre during the summer where they have pop-up stalls so spaces are interchangeable.
“I asked a man in a visible jacket where to go and he was just kept saying ‘over there’ without pointing.
“I told him I was visually impaired and then he started pulling me around to show me.
“A big thing with disability is asking for help for a total stranger and them thinking they have access to your personal space.”
Worse still is the sympathy that can accompany telling someone you are blind.
Jake added: “The worst thing is when people also say ‘fair play’ or tell me I’m doing well. It’s that sympathy that people give that’s the worst for me.”
But solutions don’t have to be expensive or elaborate.
The freelance artist said: “It’s just about adjusting and being descriptive with your body language.
“When you go to a GP a lot of people don’t know how to signpost, so if my name was called and the doctor just said my name and walked away I wouldn’t know where to go.
“Magazines and posters are often in a tiny print and could easily be fixed with a simple motion.”
For Jake technology has changed a lot.
He said: “I use my phone every second of the day so when people say they can’t leave the house without their phone that’s true for me.
“I wouldn’t be able to see menus – I take pictures of it or look at it online.
“My friends will drop me their location on Facebook to say exactly where they are and I can zoom in on it from far away.” also