Tertiary studies are set to become more accessible for Katherine Walshaw thanks to a technology grant through Vision Australia’s 2017 Higher Education Bursary program.
Katherine was born with cataracts so relied on large print materials during her schooling years. However, at the age of 18, glaucoma set in and the deterioration caused by this condition meant Katherine could no longer read large print.
Friends taught Katherine the basics of Grade One Braille and how to use NonVisual Desktop Access, a free screen reader.
“NVDA helped me get through TAFE and graduate with an Advanced Diploma of Marketing,” Katherine said.
In 2016, she gained work experience in the marketing and communication team at a local council.
“This was when I realised how important braille would be in the field I wanted to work in. With Vision Australia I am learning braille via correspondence and taking a JAWS class to refresh my skills. Knowing braille will make my university life easier and means I will have accessible information options to choose from.”
Katherine sees her future career in the field of marketing, public relations or journalism.
“Ideally, I’d like to work for a charity helping them to get their voice out there. Minorities deserve to be heard.”
To get where she wants to be professionally, Katherine is studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Southern Queensland.
“I understand and appreciate the need for a higher degree in this field. So, I want to expand on my existing qualifications and the marketing and public relations skills and experiences I have gained.”
Katherine has received a Braille Sense U2 through this year’s bursary program.
“Being awarded a bursary was amazing. I felt so good when I found out.”
“With the U2 I will be able to take notes in class. Although I can use a laptop I find it hard to work quickly with so many buttons. The U2 is simpler and easier to carry around with me.”
Outside of her work and academic life, Katherine enjoys sports. She has been involved in tandem cycling and has completed numerous rides for charity. Katherine also recently joined a rowing club and put on her running shoes again.
“I took part in Bridge to Brisbane last year and that sparked my interest in running again. I am now taking part in the weekly 5km run, Park Run.”
In addition, Katherine has started playing Swish, a modified version of table tennis and joined the Brisbane Swish Club.
“I came 8th in the National Singles Championship and am currently ranked 5th in Queensland.”
Katherine sits on the club’s fundraising and social committee and looks forward to being more involved with the organisation in the future to give something back to the sport.
This is the 21st year Vision Australia has been providing bursaries to people with vision impairment who are undertaking further education. To date, more than 320 students have been supported by Vision Australia through a bursary.
The bursary allows students to access assistive technology such as specialist computer software and braille displays, helping students like Katherine study alongside their sighted peers.