A blind Isle of Wight woman says the lockdown has been "stressful" because one minute you are saying "keep your distance" - and the next you are asking for help.
EXCLUSIVE
53-year-old Tina Snow, who lives in Newport was born with a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity and is completely blind. She is therefore unable to socially distance.
Tina says because the blind community relies on others and navigating via touch - it makes them much more “vulnerable” to catching coronavirus.
Having a visual impairment does not automatically qualify you as being a priority to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The Royal National Institute of Blind People is campaigning for a change of policy - to include visually impaired people.
Tina is urging Islanders to be “safe” and “friendly” while out and about and bear in mind - blind people can’t see queues or one way systems - so often need verbal guidance.
She told Isle of Wight Radio:
“If it looks like someone is struggling - ask if they need any assistance and if you see us on the pavement please could you move out of our way as we can’t socially distance and our guide dogs aren’t trained to. Also, describe the environment we are in - if we are a bit lost.”
Charity Guide Dogs asks you not to pet guide dogs and respect social distancing if they see someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Quiz is Tina’s fifth guide dog.
Tina says they have all “transformed” her life - giving her “freedom, independence and confidence”.
Her fourth guide dog Nushka died “unexpectedly” which meant Tina had to adapt swiftly and learn how to use a long cane, which she found “very stressful”.
She says it would usually take 20 minutes to walk into Newport from her home, whereas with a long cane it took an hour and was “terrifying” when attempting to cross Coppins Bridge.
Tina echoes her plea for people to stop and talk to blind people in an article she wrote for Island charity Sight for Wight.
She writes:
‘As a person with no light or dark perception, I have no understanding of colour. My knowledge is very basic, e.g. I can compare white with the texture of snow, black with the sound of thunder, green with the smell of freshly cut grass and blue with bright warm sunshine. I very much value the senses of sound, touch, smell and hearing.
'By clicking my fingers or clapping, I am able to identify high buildings, and the echo of passage ways and open landscapes.’
CEO of Sight for Wight, Lisa Hollyhead told Isle of Wight Radio:
'I have worked with Tina on a few campaigns since I took over as CEO last year and she is so passionate but calm and logical about her campaigns always putting the needs of the wider VI community first, She is a pleasure to work with and I know she knows we are always here to help.
'Here at Sight for Wight we are always working to help everyone understand more how small changes can make a huge difference to people living with and affected by Sight Loss.'
If you have been affected by this story you can contact Island charity Sight for Wight, for information and support here.
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