Seeing Things Differently

Our Marketing Coordinator, Rachel, recently sat down with Resource Centre Support Worker Wendy for a conversation about life with sight loss, the small adaptations that can make a big difference, and the incredible work carried out by Highland BlindCraft Sensory Services. This is the first in a new series, Seeing Things Differently:

Hi, I'm Rachel, and I've worked at Highland BlindCraft for four years now. Living with a hidden disability myself, I've always been interested in how people adapt to life's challenges and find ways to continue doing the things they love. During my time here, I've had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of colleagues, many of whom live with sight loss or other disabilities.

One thing I've learned is just how adaptable people are. Life doesn't stop because your circumstances change. New routines are created, different ways of doing everyday tasks become second nature and, before long, those adaptations simply become your normal. Looking in from the outside, you often wouldn't have a clue how much work has been done has behind the scenes.

Recently, I sat down with my colleague - and friend -Wendy. Although we work for the same organisation, we spend our days in completely different departments. Like a lot of workplaces, you know what your colleagues do in general, but you don't always appreciate what their day-to-day role really looks like. Wendy works within our Sensory Services team, supporting people with sight loss across the Highlands and Western Isles. She also lives with sight loss herself, so alongside her professional knowledge, she brings lived experience and a genuine understanding of many of the challenges people face. Her sight loss has never defined who she is, and I think that's one of the reasons she's so good at supporting others. She understands that no two people are the same, and that rebuilding confidence starts with listening.

As we chatted over a cup of tea, I found myself stopping every few minutes thinking, I'd never even considered that! One example has really stayed with me. Imagine sitting down to a plate of chicken, mashed potatoes and cauliflower on a white plate. Most of us wouldn't think twice about it. But if your sight is reduced, where does one food end and the next begin? The answer can be as simple as changing the colour of the plate. By using a plate that contrasts with the food, each item becomes much easier to identify. It's such a simple idea, but one that could make mealtimes less frustrating, more enjoyable and help someone feel more confident and independent.

That conversation made me realise something I'd never really thought about before. What looks effortless is often the result of learning, patience and support. The little adaptations people make every day become so natural that they're almost invisible to everyone else.

Many people know us for our handcrafted beds and mattresses, but our story began more than 145 years ago by creating employment opportunities for people with sight loss. Today, that purpose continues through meaningful employment for people with varied disabilities and through our Sensory Services team, who help people across the Highlands and Western Isles continue living independently and with confidence. When people ask what Highland BlindCraft does, it's easy to think of the beds we make. I'm incredibly proud of that. But after spending time with Wendy, I've realised we're about so much more than beds. We're about people.

This is the first in what I hope will become a little series. Wendy shared so many stories, practical tips and moments that made me stop and think, and I'd love to pass some of those on.

I hope you'll enjoy seeing things differently with me.

If anything you've read today has resonated with you, or perhaps reminded you of a friend or family member, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're looking for practical advice, information or simply don't know where to start, our Sensory Services team is here to help.