Are you searching for a new audiobook? Look no further! A group of young people have written an uplifting account of how to navigate key life transitions when living with a vision impairment.
'Infinite World of Vision: Life Transitions for Young People with Vision Impairments' is the result of a research project facilitated by the University of Bath and funded by Guide Dogs. The work was motivated by Guide Dogs’ science team recognising the need to better understand the barriers to young people with vision impairment as they move through pivotal stages in life, such as transitioning from school to university or stepping into the workforce.
Knowing those with lived experience are best placed to understand these challenges, the project invited young people to co-design and shape the research. Academic institutions were invited to submit proposals to conduct the research, with the University of Bath ultimately being successful. Academics Dr Karin Petrini, Dr Michael Proulx and Dr Aikaterini Tavoulari brought together a diverse group of young participants to create a tool that would help other young people navigate their sight loss journeys.
What resulted after ten months of hard work was 'Infinite World of Vision' – a compelling audiobook made up of stories from young people aged 16-28 across the UK about important transitions in their lives, such as relocating to a new country, starting secondary school, playing sports and advocating for yourself. The stories highlight both the barriers these individuals faced and the support systems and tools that helped them overcome challenges.
Take Zein Al-Maha, 30, from Glasgow, who shares her experience of meeting and bonding with her guide dog Mitch:
“I was overjoyed to be asked to participate in such an important and exciting research opportunity. By sharing a piece of my journey as a Guide Dog owner, I am able to spread awareness about the journey with my guide dog Mitch and what it is like being a visually impaired academic.
“On top of this, I believe this audiobook is going to break the invisible barriers we as visually impaired people with disabilities put on ourselves and help ease the transitions we go through. I hope this book brings people together and gives a sense of relief to those undergoing different transition stages of their lives.”
As well as sharing their experiences, the young narrators offer practical tips and advice, and hope that it will be a valuable guide for other young people living with vision impairment in the UK and beyond.
Dr Karin Petrini from the University of Bath’s Department of Psychology who led the project said:
“It’s really exciting to get to the point where we can release the audiobook, which is unique in being written and narrated by the young people themselves. Co-design, working with the young people to create something they felt would be really valuable for their peers, was absolutely critical for this project and we think we have something here which will work as a ‘handbook with a heart’ for others in similar circumstances.”
'Infinite World of Vision' is more than just a collection of stories. It’s a window into the lived experiences, achievements, and lessons learnt by young people growing up with a vision impairment. Whether you’re a young person navigating similar challenges, a friend, family member, or simply curious about these incredible journeys, this audiobook is for you.
And the best part? 'Infinite World of Vision: Life Transitions for Young People with Vision Impairments' is free to listen to on Spotify, available by following this link.
