Joesy

Joesy, early 50s, is blind.

As a student, she felt invisible and ‘profoundly isolated’, she told the Royal Commission.

‘Legally blind and visually impaired students were not treated as students, let alone people, and were not treated with dignity.’

At school, Joesy used braille and audio to access information. One school refused to provide any materials in these formats.

‘Trying to gain access to handouts and braille textbooks was extremely difficult or virtually impossible.’

Another school refused to make any adjustments for Joesy so she could study a language orally without having to write it.

Schools never gave Joesy her report cards in a format she could access.

‘I also would have liked to have seen my file in braille … because I am a real person and not a fictional character in a book.’

In her final year of high school, teachers never included her in employment programs. She didn’t get to complete work experience, practise being interviewed or learn how to write a CV.

Joesy was ‘bitterly disappointed’ the school didn’t give her a reference.

‘I attended all the swimming and running sports carnivals, concerts and workshops that the school conducted. I was hardly ever absent.’

Following school Joesy went to TAFE, but only lasted half a day.

The coordinator didn’t realise Joesy was blind when she accepted her into the course. She told Joesy that she couldn’t continue because she wouldn’t be able to complete the first aid part of the course.

‘I had to go home by taxi all alone and distraught. I did not receive any emotional counselling from the TAFE.’

Joesy decided to prove the coordinator wrong and successfully completed the course at a different institution.

At university, Joesy had to stop using her braille machine because students complained it was too noisy.

Joesy returned to study at TAFE a few years ago. This time, she is involved in a student telelink group.

Telelink is a service that connects people for facilitated group sessions by phone or video conferencing. Blind and visually impaired students meet once a month to discuss issues such as the NDIS, support dogs, access to course materials, advocacy and technology.

Joesy likes using the telelink service because she can hear a person’s voice.

‘The telelink service I am involved with means that I am at home and can converse with other legally blind and visually impaired adults all around Australia. I am also in a safe environment and do not have to catch a taxi home in the dark at night.’

Joesy says a peer telelink program would have made an enormous difference to her when she was in high school.

‘That is why I would like very much to see a telelink group … for students who are currently studying at secondary school.’

Students could discuss issues relating to school and exams.

‘No student should have to put on a brave front. It is perfectly all right to say, “I failed an exam” or “Well I could have done better” or “I passed with flying colours.”’

Students could also talk about relationships – romantic and platonic – and discuss strategies for building friendships and dealing with bullying. They could also share tips about new technology and discuss better ways to communicate.

‘Peer support is so very imperative. I cannot tell you how imperative this is particularly when adolescents are vulnerable.’

Joesy says it is vital for legally blind and visually impaired adolescents and adults to have a voice ‘to discuss inclusion and integration within our community, which would help to conquer barriers to education’.