Youth Forum

Hey, I’m Zenny! I’m the chair-person and social media ambassador for the youth forum. I’ve been a part of the Youth Forum for a couple of years now and I joined because I strongly believe that there is no-one better to truly represent and educate others on blindness than those of us who are blind. Outside the Forum, I work within the entertainment industry, specifically voice acting, singing and song-writing. I’ve done some modelling in the past as well. I’m also hoping to start a small vocal coaching business. I’m very excited for the future of the Forum; we’ve got some great ideas and plans in the works.

My name is Camille. I joined the Youth Forum at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of it since. I first heard about RSBC and the Youth Forum thanks to my specialist teacher, Aimee.  I joined at a difficult time, when I felt very isolated and could not see my friends. This society was appealing to me because I wanted to make a difference and be part of a community. I quickly felt that our voices were being heard, and that together we were understood. Some values that I align myself with are kindness, helpfulness and organisation. I’ve recently graduated from a supported internship, and in my spare time I like to write books for children. Through the Youth Forum, I’ve learnt several new skills, such as how to speak up for myself and how to express my feelings and emotions, as well as asking for help when needed. Most of all, I now feel that I am not alone!

Hi, I’m Rufus and I’m from East Dulwich, South London. I’m about to start an internship with Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital, working as a patient access coordinator. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, going for walks, seeing friends, and meals out. I decided to join the Youth Forum because I enjoy the RSBC activities and wanted to give back to it. I enjoy the Youth Forum meetings, especially the pizza!

My name is Rona and I am completely blind. I really like helping others, and I’m passionate about making everyday objects —  such as menus in restaurants — accessible to blind people, so that they can maintain their independence. I currently volunteer monthly for my local theatre. I really feel that I can make a difference and improve the lives of VI young people around the UK. I want to make society more inclusive for VI young people like myself, and smash down the barriers that affect us day to day.  This should help us maintain our independence in the long-term.

Hey! My name is Lauren, and I’m blind. I’m studying health and social in college, but in my free time I like to play video games, use makeup and experiment with new looks, and advocate for equal opportunities and accessibility for vision  impaired people. As a young blind woman, I aspire to help advocate for the rights of sight impaired people and for those who don’t have a voice. I also like to educate people about living with a visual impairment, challenge misconceptions and raise awareness of sight impairment. I am a massive advocate for self care as a sight impaired person, and showing what it may look like. I want every vision impaired person to know that they do have a place that they belong, and that they deserve to have the same opportunities as our sighted counterparts, whether that be through education, workplaces or the community.

Hello, my name is Mohammed. I’m a university student, studying a degree in Digital Education. As a fully blind person who has used technology extensively, I hope to make a positive contribution to the Forum through the knowledge I’ve acquired during my studies. I believe technology is truly empowering for people with disabilities, and we should make the most of it to help each other overcome challenges. I’m also interested in helping to make the internet an accessible facility for all, by bringing to attention accessibility issues when accessing services or websites.

My name is Alyssia, and I am registered severely sight impaired. I can see light and colour, and I use a cane to navigate.

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, singing and creative writing. I also do judo.

I joined the Youth Forum because I want to make a difference in the lives of young people with a vision impairment. I am passionate about making the world more accessible, to ensure that blind and vision impaired people can live an independent and fulfilling life. I’m also passionate about mental health, and I believe that discussions need to be had about mental health for VI young people.

Hello, my name is Molly. I have what’s known as Optical Atrophy but I like to call it tunnel vision. I’ve had to power through these past few years with one fully functioning arm and leg but it’s never stopped me from making my way through life with a smile. I like listening to music and drawing digital art. I’m always keen to make new friends and learn more about people! I’ve had to put up with my visual impairment for almost four years, with my first year involving me bumping into everything and accidently getting myself into hilarious scenarios. Despite my vision loss, I’ve always been a huge fan of drawing and taking part in creative projects with friends. Playing games has also always been a fun thing I like to do and I’ve adapted from playing them and avoiding my disabilities and turning them into super abilities!

Transcript 

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Rona Smith, Eyes On piece.

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My name is Rona Smith.

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I am twenty two years old, and I live in Oxfordshire.

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I am a dedicated youth forum member, and I am committed to my studies at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.