How rehabilitation support is life changing and leads to a better quality of life  

The ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.

Vision Rehabilitation is a way for people who have a Visual Impairment to develop their independent living skills, or learn basic life skills such as cleaning, shopping, or travelling independently. Usually provided by local authorities (or subcontracted to the third sector), it is an essential tool that provides opportunities for anyone with a Visual Impairment to get the most out of their lives. 

My personal experience has enabled me to appreciate the benefits this can provide, and the freedom that comes with it. Growing up in a rural area, local access to rehabilitation services was significantly limited, resulting in two years of me receiving no support. Consequently, I had no confidence to travel independently. I was completely unaware of the possibilities and independence available to me and believed that people with a Visual Impairment would always need to rely on family and friends. 

In 2014, a rehabilitation worker visited me and asked what routes I would like to be able to walk myself in my local area. At that time my confidence was low, so I quickly dismissed the help being offered, holding onto the belief that family was all I needed. I was lucky – my rehabilitation worker persisted, took the time to get to know me, and understand what the best motivation would be. We agreed on a route to the local chip shop, as this was something I enjoyed, and could use this to reward myself.  

I began to realise then that it was possible to make my own choices, travel independently, and be optimistic about the future. With support from the rehabilitation service, and their introduction to a local mentor with lived experience, I began learning new routes around the town, as well as my first experiences using public transport. From there, I started travelling to places I never imagined possible, and saw the doors open up as a result.  

I can now travel independently and regularly commute to work. I moved away for university, completing a degree and have a job that would have been out of my reach if it weren’t for my local rehabilitation service.

Without it, people can be isolated, and unable to live a high quality of life. 

Rehabilitation support is an important lifeline for people with a Visual Impairment, and it must be protected at all costs. Despite evidence of its importance, access is not equal across Scotland. Support can vary by geographical location, and there are few opportunities to qualify as a rehabilitation specialist, outwith parts of England. However, the Health and Social Care Alliance (ALLIANCE) Scottish Sensory Hub is an important part in ensuring this support is available.

Recently, a new course at the University of Strathclyde has been established, supported by Vision Collaborative Scotland of which the ALLIANCE is a founding member and supporter.

Much of my early experience was down to a lack of local resources, I feel strongly that future generations, or those who develop a Visual Impairment, shouldn’t have to experience such challenges. The Scottish Government must do all that they can to protect and develop these services, whilst ensuring everyone with a Visual Impairment has equal access to rehabilitation and independence. 

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