Vision Australia’s first workshop to support Arabic speaking families with children living with vision loss or blindness, held on Saturday 8 August has been hailed a success by participants and community leaders.
For Fattat Dunia and her son Robbie, 16 it was an opportunity to share their story with other families and demonstrate the value in seeking support.
Robbie and his younger brother, Isaac, 4 both have a vision condition called Rod Monochromatism, it means they are sensitive to glare, have difficulty seeing detail and it is linked to colour blindness.
“It is hard to ask for help and disability is something that is just not talked about, but there is so much support out there. I am really inspired to see the possibilities for my two sons,” she said.
Robbie presented his story to the eight families who attended and it was well received.
“I talked about my vision, what it was like for me at school and my part time job at Woolworths. Then everyone asked me lots of questions,” he said.
Community leader Jihad Dib, MP a member of the NSW Parliament and former, Australian Politician and Principal of Punchbowl Boys High School from 2007 to 2014, spoke passionately about the opportunities available for all. He pressed upon the fact that vision impairment should not be a hindrance to achievement and encouraged participants to make Vision Australia part of their family.
“Like family, you can trust them. They are there to support you to be the best in whatever you are. That is success.”
Through an interpreter service, Vision Australia’s professionally trained staff talked about how they work in partnership to develop innovative solutions and take a personalised approach to support families raising children who are blind or have low vision. There were a number of guest speakers, who also presented their personal perspective of living with a vision impairment.
“Based on the enthusiasm of those who attended, the workshop was a great way for us to engage families from culturally diverse backgrounds. We were able to discuss ways we can all work together to help their children live the life they choose,” said Paula Hellen, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Vision Australia.
Vision Australia helps to support people of all ages who are living with low vision or blindness. Drop in to the centre, at 4 Mitchell Street Enfield or call 1300 84 74 66 to find out how.
For Fattat Dunia and her son Robbie, 16 it was an opportunity to share their story with other families and demonstrate the value in seeking support.Robbie and his younger brother, Isaac, 4 both have a vision condition called Rod Monochromatism, it means they are sensitive to glare, have difficulty seeing detail and it is linked to colour blindness.
“It is hard to ask for help and disability is something that is just not talked about, but there is so much support out there. I am really inspired to see the possibilities for my two sons,” she said.
Robbie presented his story to the eight families who attended and it was well received.
“I talked about my vision, what it was like for me at school and my part time job at Woolworths. Then everyone asked me lots of questions,” he said.
Community leader Jihad Dib, MP a member of the NSW Parliament and former, Australian Politician and Principal of Punchbowl Boys High School from 2007 to 2014, spoke passionately about the opportunities available for all. He pressed upon the fact that vision impairment should not be a hindrance to achievement and encouraged participants to make Vision Australia part of their family.
“Like family, you can trust them. They are there to support you to be the best in whatever you are. That is success.”
Through an interpreter service, Vision Australia’s professionally trained staff talked about how they work in partnership to develop innovative solutions and take a personalised approach to support families raising children who are blind or have low vision. There were a number of guest speakers, who also presented their personal perspective of living with a vision impairment.
“Based on the enthusiasm of those who attended, the workshop was a great way for us to engage families from culturally diverse backgrounds. We were able to discuss ways we can all work together to help their children live the life they choose,” said Paula Hellen, Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Vision Australia.
Vision Australia helps to support people of all ages who are living with low vision or blindness. Drop in to the centre, at 4 Mitchell Street Enfield or call 1300 84 74 66 to find out how.