Many people acquired new hobbies during lockdown or took the time to expand upon our old favourites, and for Alan Girling it was fishing where he devoted his energy.
A keen outdoors enthusiast and fisherman, Alan hasn’t let losing nearly all of his vision due to optic atrophy keep him from rugged terrain or choppy waters.
Alan’s now helping others enjoy what Victoria’s outdoors have to offer as the first blind or low vision volunteer with Fish Care.
“Through my local walking club I’ve been able to maintain a good outdoor lifestyle with help from friends and other club members” he said.
“I also regularly go recreational fishing with my wife when time allows for it.”
Fish Care is a volunteer-run organisation that provides workshops, fishing clinics, fishability (fishing tailored for different people’s ability levels) and environmental stewardship.
“I was on the pier in Mornington and saw a 4WD with some fishing equipment. I went and chatted with them, found out about the organisation and asked if they needed any volunteers. I fit their criteria and so I enquired about the process to become one.”
Due to the ongoing pandemic at the time, the application process, and the learning materials required to become a volunteer, was available online.
It was through Vision Australia’s assistance that Alan was able to complete this training and become the organisations first low vision volunteer.
“With assistance from Vision Australia’s assistive technology team, they were able to supply the tools I needed to complete each module of the training alone and independently.
“Without their help I’d never have been able to do that. I hadn’t heard of Google classroom before all this. With these adaptations, it put me in a position where I could do something I couldn’t otherwise.”
Now Alan is qualified to help teach others about the importance of responsible fishing, and can even get people started on their own fishing adventures.
“I’ve taught people how to rig a rod, how to cast, safe fish handling and release techniques, bag limits, you name it, I’ve taught it!”
Could Vision Australia help you like we helped Alan? Get in touch today by phone on 1300 84 74 66 or email [email protected].