Our Successes - Real life Stories from our Service Users
There are nearly 2 million blind or partially sighted people in the UK and Action for Blind People is third largest charity in the UK working with visually impaired people.
Every year we provide housing, employment, welfare and leisure support to more than 20,000 visually impaired people.
Action isn’t just our name, it’s what we do
Read these Real life Examples to see how we have helped to transform the lives of many visually impaired people.
Disclaimer:The stories that feature here are true, but the names have been changed to protect identities where necessary and photographs are not necessarily of the individuals in the stories. However, they do represent a cross section of our colleagues and service users.
Stewart's Story
When Stewart's tunnel vision and hearing problems were making it difficult for him to find work, he sought help from Action for Blind People's Cumbria team.
Gillian's Story
Gillian was referred to Action for Blind People for employment advice by her Disability Employment Advisor.
Ben's Story
Ben is 21 years old, registered blind and has cerebral palsy. Despite Ben’s complex circumstances and needs, he was very keen to work.
Wendy's story
Wendy became visually impaired as a result of a brain tumour. She was left with only a small amount of useful vision and as a result was unable to continue working.
Carolyn's story
Carolyn, from Devon, has had Nystagmus from birth but doesn't think being visually impaired should hinder her job prospects.
Phillip's story
Phillip was born with Nystagmus and thought he was unemployable until he was supported by Action.
Valerie's story
Valerie contacted Action last year after she was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and her confidence was seriously affected.
Marlene's story
Marlene has been receiving treatment for over five years due to Diabetic Retinopathy and explains how Action has helped her through.
Nick's story
Nick is a pub manager for a large brewery. 12 months ago his eyesight started to deteriorate rapidly and he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
George's story
George was a self employed builder but during the last 3 years of working he started to lose his sight due to a degenerative macular macular condition.
Dominic's Story
When 11 year old Dominic Swift was told about his local Sheffield Actionnaires he had no idea that it might lead to being spotted by an England international.
Jenna's story
When 17 year-old Jenna was diagnosed with tunnel vision and night blindness, she hoped that her school would support her to adjust to her sight loss.
Curtis' and Taylor's story
Sue is the mother of Curtis and Taylor who were both born with Alstrom Syndrome and were registered blind at birth.
Claire's story
Claire, from Greater Manchester, contacted Action for employment advice after she became unemployed shortly after being registered blind.
Ivan's story
Nine years ago Ivan, who lives in Devon, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, his vision became worse two years ago and he was registered blind.
Melissa's story
At 15 Melissa, from Surrey, suffered from extreme headaches and after seeing an optician was rushed to hospital where they found a brain tumour.
Mark's story
Mark was experiencing serious abuse and harassment, directed at his visual impairment, from youths near where he used to live.
Kate's Story
Now aged 13, Kate was born visually impaired. Last month she travelled to Landau in Germany to represent Britain in the German Open Judo Championship.
Richard's story
Richard is blind, and was finding it difficult to get a job as a result of his visual impairment. However, things changed after speaking to our employment co-coordinator.
Joanne's story
An ambitious marketing professional, this is the first time Joanne has been unemployed since losing her sight. She now feels like she's figting a losing battle.
Robert's story
Robert lost his job as a direct result of the credit crunch. He is now worried that employers will think twice because of his visual impairment.
