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"When you’re blind, you really need to make sure you get on top of it early on, otherwise it takes longer to get your life up and going. It’s so important to have access to good support earlier rather than later.” - Zac, 18 year old Vision Australia client and Australian blind cricketer.

Your generous gift will make a world of difference to young adults like Zac who are blind or have low vision and give them the support they need to create their own exciting future.

Zac stands on cricket oval and holds a cricket bat and ball

Zac Sheehan is a typical 18 year old. He’s enjoying the freedom of having finished school, he loves catching up with his friends and playing sport and he’s also excited about the prospect of further study.

Zac was only six months old when his parents found out there were issues with his sight. As Zac explains:

"I was born with an eye condition called retina dystrophy. The retinas didn’t connect to the cells at the back of my eye, which they need to do so that someone can see. Unfortunately that didn’t happen with mine.” 

It must have been confronting for young Zac and his family to find out that there was nothing anyone could do to stop his vision from slipping away.
 

Over the past seven years Zac has been involved with Vision Australia and began to use our services. Zac has taken part in our recreation programs getting involved in a range of activities from tandem bike riding, swimming, ten-pin bowling, sailing, to indoor rock climbing, and mini golf. He has had ongoing Occupational Therapy to become independent with everyday tasks around the home.

Our specialist staff have also taught him how to use specialist technology like the JAWS software, a computer program that assists the user by reading text from the screen out loud, and electronic braille devices that allow him to use a computer and mobile phone. 

Zac is sitting on the couch, with his pet dog whilst listening and holding a handheld media player

Your donation will ensure that we can continue to provide support and services to people who are blind or have low vision so they can create whatever future they want for themselves.
 

"I’ve been blown away by how many different support services they have. Although you might not need them right now, different things come up that you need help with such as needing to get a job or moving house, and it’s really good knowing they will always be there to talk to.”

Of all the recreation activities Zac has enjoyed taking part in, it turns out that cricket is a special passion, a talent of his. Zac has not only become an established cricket player at a national level, representing Australia in Blind Cricket for the Australian Junior Development Squad, he has been chosen to be part of the senior Ashes squad to play against England in Adelaide this year.
 

"For me, it’s about attitude. People often ask how do I do these things and I say it’s down to never allowing my vision to get in the way. I want to stay fit and keep playing cricket well into my 50s.”

Zac is a young man who is setting out to achieve everything in life he possibly can, but without the support of our generous donors, we may not be able to help everyone who could benefit from our resources and services.

Donate today and support people just like Zac. Thank you so much for your compassion, generosity and support.