Nick's story

Nick, from Walmley, is a pub manager for a large brewery. 12 months ago his eyesight started to deteriorate rapidly and he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Action ensured he didn't lose his job and gave him peace of mind about his future.

"I was getting around quite well before but suddenly my sight degenerated severely. I found it really difficult to work. I kept falling into things and found it harder to recognise my regular customers.

"It’s also hard for me to go shopping for food and clothing because I can’t read the labels and whilst I can differentiate between light and dark, I can’t recognise colours. I need someone to accompany me.

"I was so worried. I thought that I’d have to hand in my notice and look for another job. So I went to the Jobcentre to find out if there was anything else I could do and they put me in touch with Action for Blind People.

"Martyn, the West Midlands Action Team Coordinator called me and I arranged a meeting. I thought that as I couldn’t carry out my job to its full potential, I had no right to push my employers to find me another position. Martyn made me realise that this wasn't the case." Nick had always been a conscientious worker and had been employed by the brewery for 10 years.

Martyn contacted Nick’s employers and arranged a meeting with the area manager, personnel and the employment liaison representative. At first the process was very slow as the company was experiencing a major reshuffle. Martyn persisted and as a result Nick was offered another more suitable position. Martyn arranged for an assistive technology assessment and now Nick has all the equipment that he needs to continue his job.

"Without Action I wouldn't have been redeployed, Martyn has helped me through so many difficulties. My employers weren’t really aware of their legal obligations but with Martyn’s hard work all that has been solved.

"I don’t know where I’d be without Action; I’d have handed in my notice. I would have been struggling financially and really stressed.

"I now have a stable job, in the same company and with all the visual aids I need. I’ve received mentoring and tutoring, but best of all I now have peace of mind. This job gives me the chance to plan ahead, before I had to live day to day."