For yesterday’s World Sight Day, they shared five top tips for making working life easier for people with visual impairments.
Today, Jane Vincent, EYECAN’s Operations Director, and Sarah Shaw, their Advocacy and Welfare Worker, shared the five things they would change about Jersey if it was up to them…
1. Inclusivity, inclusivity, inclusivity!
There should be a seamless and natural inclusion of islanders with disability into all aspects of the community. Necessary adaptations need to be made as a matter of course, with an understanding that we all gain by inclusion.
Pictured: Sight impairment charity, EYECAN, is an ambassador for the ethos that “we all gain by inclusion”.
Any one of us could become disabled tomorrow, but we will still have things to offer and the right to participate.
2. More awareness, fewer assumptions
We need greater public awareness of hidden disability and fewer assumptions made. For instance, some EYECAN clients have been criticised by members of the public for not using a cane. What isn’t understood is that the process of accepting and adjusting to sight loss can take years.
Pictured: EYECAN workers, Jane Vincent and Sarah Shaw, say that not all disabilities are visible and those that are shouldn’t be subject to so many assumptions.
Others are criticised for using a cane whilst also being seen to undertake tasks which might appear (to those without knowledge of the different types of sight loss) to be beyond their capability, but which their remaining useful sight or technology enables. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t!
3. Support for those who support us
Let’s have greater recruitment to and better pay and conditions in social work, the Mental Health Service and Jersey Police.
Pictured: Jane and Sarah want more support for those who work tirelessly to support islanders.
Vulnerable islanders should be able to expect to receive the support they need promptly and thoroughly, however those expected to provide that support should not be overstretched or at risk of having their own mental health compromised by an unmanageable workload.
4. Volunteering for the vulnerable
Greater investment in Parish Volunteer Schemes would allow people with time to spare to take on a fulfilling role which enables vulnerable and isolated parishioners to maintain their independence whilst also receiving valuable social contact.
Pictured: Jane and Sarah think more investment in Parish Volunteer Schemes could help protect the most vulnerable members of the Jersey community.
5. Peruvian asparagus? No thanks!
Jersey produces asparagus and so does the UK.
Pictured: Sarah and Jane think there’s no need to import produce which we can source locally.
Being offered produce which can’t be sourced here is one thing, but having Peruvian asparagus in local stores is absurd and faintly obscene.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not those of Bailiwick Express.