Michael Whittaker
Michael Whittaker is a PhD student and international model – and legally blind.
International model Michael Whittaker was in his 20s when he started losing his vision, and just 29 when he learned he was legally blind from a condition called Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which he describes as having literal “tunnel vision” where he sees the world through an ever-narrowing opening.
At the time of his vision loss, the young New Zealander was already modelling successfully for some of the most recognised names in the industry, alongside his studies and planning his PhD.
However, with the onset of blindness, Michael’s sense of possibility and optimism appeared to turn on him, the horizons of his hopes and future shrinking.
Michael’s declining vision wasn’t just hard to accept, it was causing him physical harm. He was adapting to his environment just by trial and error and in many instances, more error.
When Michael finally connected with Blind Low Vision NZ, he was surprised to find how much help was available to him.
“It was a huge relief to know that losing my vision wouldn’t mean I’d lose everything else, too. At the time, I was just starting a PhD and my career was beginning to take off. But if I couldn’t see books or documents, how would I keep studying? How would I work?” says Michael.
Having help and information has resulted in him being able to continue modelling and now 32, he is well into his PhD in New Zealand literature.
Blind Low Vision NZ supported Michael with state-of-the-art technology that reads his books and documents out loud to him. BLVNZ has also given him long cane training, so he has the confidence to go out in the world without causing himself harm.
Learning to navigate life using a white cane has been a challenging transition, and BLVNZ has provided mentors and support as he’s come to terms with losing his sight.
Blind Low Vision Week
There are more than 180,000 Kiwis living with vision loss in New Zealand. For the six people who develop vision loss each day in New Zealand, it can feel daunting and lonely.
Losing your vision at any age can be devastating, but for younger people, with a whole future ahead of them, it can be especially tough.
Blind Low Vision Week (10 to 16 October) is all about helping young people with vision loss say YES to their hopes and dreams.
Nearly 60% of people with vision loss in New Zealand are unemployed. To combat this increasing number, Blind Low Vision NZ has developed a dedicated youth programme to allow young people to get the education, technology, and confidence boost they need to live their best lives.
The Employment and Youth Transition programme focuses on developing a 21st-century employment programme, which will deliver sustainable employment outcomes for its working-age clients and break down the barriers that still exist within the modern workforce for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.
The programme provides adaptive technology, training, and other learning experiences and guidance to give individuals the support they need to start their careers and live the life they choose.
This Blind Low Vision Week, you can help young people with vision loss, like Michael, to get the confidence, education, and training they need to say YES to their hopes and dreams. Donate at blindlowvision.org.nz today.
Image supplied