Inspiring future writers

Dave Steele, popularly known as The Blind Poet, is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning poet, author, speaker and singer – and an advocate for people with vision impairment. 

RSBC was thrilled to partner with Dave to hold two interactive poetry workshops designed for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged 10 – 25 in February 2025.  

Being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in 2014 proved to be a turning point for Dave. The condition causes a slow loss of vision as the retina breaks down over time. Since his diagnosis, and as his vision declines, he’s found writing to be therapeutic, and he shares his heartfelt poetry to inspire others with vision impairment. He says, “Disability isn’t an excuse to do less, but a reason to be more.”  

And the workshops Dave held with RSBC certainly encouraged and inspired the young people attending to do more by telling their stories in their own way and celebrating everything that makes them unique!  

Just listen to what one of them had to say after they attended the first session with Dave: “I really enjoyed the poetry workshop! It was inspirational and it helped me to feel good about being visually impaired. I felt really safe in the group of people that were there, and I think that the poems helped us to feel more connected to each other. I’m so excited about the next poetry workshop – thank you so much!” 

And Dave enjoyed the sessions at RSBC just as much. He commented: “Poetry has the power to give a voice to those who often feel unheard. Through these workshops, I’ve seen young people not only find their voices, but embrace them with confidence. Collaborating with RSBC has reinforced my belief that blindness does not limit creativity – it amplifies it, and every story deserves to be told.” 

Showing just how motivated and inspired the attendees were, Alyssia, Georgia, Camille, Beth, Mariam, Larkin, Scarlett, Nailah, Jaydip and Shane got together to compose this beautiful poem during the workshops.  

Our vision, our voice 

We can do anything, 
We are all part of this world.
We all have bad days –
Men, women, boys and girls.

We are strong, we are resilient, 
Through our challenges we adapt, 
Yet still the world thinks we stay at home, 
The world thinks we are trapped.

Just because we are disabled, 
We won’t break if we fall.
We are strong and we are able,
We are more than capable.

Yes, it’s true, we need support,
But just a thought – it is our choice.
If you want to know just what we need 
Then listen to our voice.

I appreciate the voices too,
Of the loved ones that I hear.
Listening to all their words
Helps me know that they are near.

So, don’t judge us on our disabilities,
We are just the same as you.
We can still stand together,
In everything we do. 

 

We’d like to thank Dave for holding such inspiring poetry workshops and empowering our young people. And we’d like to thank the attendees for sharing their creativity, enthusiasm and wonderful poems! 

You can keep up with Dave’s work via his website: Home | The Blind Poet 

Check out future RSBC events at https://www.rsbc.org.uk/whats-on/