28/10/2025
My Lived Experience of Visual Impairment
It’s World Blindness Awareness Month, so NAB’s Communications Assistant, Harriet, wanted to share her own experience of being blind since birth.
I lead a busy, active life and rely on a range of assistive technology to stay connected and independent. I use a Braillenote Touch Plus (a braille tablet) to read, write, edit documents, send emails, and browse the internet, all in braille. I also use my iPhone with a Brailliant, an electronic braille display, which lets me navigate and type without even touching the screen. This has completely changed the way I use my phone and made it so much more enjoyable.
On my laptop, I use a screen reader called JAWS, which allows me to access websites and emails using the keyboard. Instead of a mouse, I use different keystrokes to read and move around pages efficiently.
I’ve always loved reading and enjoy a wide range of fiction. While audiobooks are a great option for many, I personally love the experience of reading a physical braille book, especially at bedtime or first thing in the morning. It’s my little slice of calm.
Finally, my guide dog, Sparky, has made a positive difference in my life, helping me get out and about safely and confidently.
Thanks for reading. Sharing our stories is one way we can raise awareness and understanding, not just this month, but all year round.
Picture Description: A picture of Harriet and her Guide Dog Sparky. They are stood on some grass in the sunshine. The caption above reads: World Blindness Awareness month.
