John's Journey
Uncertainty, resilience and adaptation.
John, a 62-year-old retired Technical Operations Manager from East Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at 32. This condition slowly diminished his vision, creating unique challenges. He humorously describes his sight as "looking through a colander covered with a fishing net on a misty day."
Over the years, John's vision has steadily worsened, with a significant shift around 12-13 years ago, making it difficult to read printed text. This change led him to discover audiobooks. Despite the challenges, he continues to write poetry, crafting collections that reflect his experiences with RP and life's humorous moments.
Today, John uses a long cane for mobility and values the importance of planning and preparation, along with the use of current and emerging technologies, in everyday activities. He faces challenges like recognizing faces and navigating obstacles in his community. John advocates for a better understanding of sight loss, emphasising what people can do rather than what they can't. He encourages inclusive design and hiring practices, sharing that people with disabilities often make exceptional employees due to their resilience and adaptability.
Explore John's poetry and artwork collaborations by clicking the button below.