I started my journey at Nuneaton Signs 4 years ago on a business administration apprenticeship. After completing my apprenticeship, I am now a full-time customer service assistant for the commercial department.
I am registered blind, and have been since birth. I have Rod-cone dystrophy nystagmus astigmatism which means without my glasses everything appears blurry. This condition also affects my vision in the dark meaning I can only see outlines. This condition has also caused me to be colour-blind meaning some colours I no longer see or are a different colour altogether.
Due to my condition getting worse and affecting my confidence to go out on my own, I decided to apply for my first guide dog. This was a lengthy process that took many months. Before I was able to be considered for a guide dog I went through 4 stages which are:
Stage 1 – I had a conversation with a guide line advisor who makes notes about yourself and situation.
Stage 2 – A conversation with a qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. This is a conversation about how their services can meet the needs of the person, this also includes a health risk assessment.
Stage 3 – A mobility assessment which is split into 3 parts. Part 1 is a discussion around your current skills and travel routes. This is to gather more information on your vision loss and how it affects you. Part 2 is observing your orientation and mobility skills on outdoor routes. This includes completing a familiar route that is around 40 minutes or 1 mile. This is done with the current mobility aid the person uses. Part 3 is potential outcome from the mobility assessment and case review meeting outcome. This is where the team will take all the information and decide if having a guide dog would be the best outcome.
Part 4 – Guide dog assessment, this is in 2 parts. Part 1 is a discussion about your home and eligibility. Past 2 is a practical assessment walk. This is where they look at your home environment to see if it is safe for a dog. In the practical walk, you walk with a dog in training for them to see how you work with the dog and your walking pace.
After the assessment and everything has been approved, you are put on a waiting list to be matched with your guide dog.
After being on the list for a few months I went on a matching walk with a dog who is now my guide dog. Before me and Jenny qualified as a guide dog pair, we had to go on a 5-week training program. This includes 2 weeks in a hotel, and 3 weeks at home/work before completing a final assessment to become qualifies.
At the hotel you learn essential commands such as touch and place. You also have to complete different training needs, these include traffic, transport, and basic routes.
After being at the hotel you move to training at home and work. This includes learning 3 routes. After learning these routes independently, you are assessed on 1 route. Me and my guide dog Jenny qualifies on January 10th meaning she comes with me everywhere I go now.
Having Jenny has changed my life as I now feel confident to go out on my own again knowing she will guide me and keep me safe. She allows me to get home from work independently now Having Jenny has also allowed me to get a train by myself which is something I never thought I would do by myslef.
Since being at Nuneaton Signs my confidence in myself has grown. When I started I had a mentor to help me while doing my apprenticeship. Working at Nuneaton Signs has also allowed me to move out and buy my own home.
