Studying again and public speaking.....

The studio interview at Radio Wiltshire went really well at the end of June. I was really nervous but I felt well prepared with my mind map of information about the Looking Out For Sight project. However, the presenter, Graham Seaman, caught me completely off guard when he start asking questions about myself and my experiences of visual impairment! I had to think very quickly because I hadn't expected those questions, in particular he asked how my family were affected by my sight which I was unsure how to answer. Somehow I didn't pause for too long and I responded positively saying that we adapt and remain positive. I did talk about the Wiltshire Sight project, but there was so much that I didn't get time to say. When I listened to it afterwards, I was really happy with the interview, it sounded interesting, gave an insight into living with sight loss and it also informed listeners about the Looking Out For Sight project.

Towards the end of July, as part of my role at Wiltshire Sight, I registered for an online training course with BBE Training. Once completed, I will have the Award in Education and Training Level 3. This is a very valuable course for my current job role in training others and it is transferable to other jobs and areas of life. It is teaching me about how to deliver effective teaching and enable learners to learn about a subject to the best of their ability, while considering their individual needs. It is very interesting and it is reinforcing and adding to the knowledge I have already gained throughout the Looking Out For Sight project. It is hard studying throughout the summer when I would rather be outside enjoying the sunshine with our children. However, it will be worth it, and it is a good time to study whilst it is quieter at work.
It is nearly time for Sight Expo 2016, an event on 6th September, organised by Wiltshire Sight which gives individuals the opportunity to attend a couple of talks about sight loss and to visit an exhibition of technology that can assist you if you are visually impaired. There will also be exhibitors from different organisations linked to people affected by sight loss. I was asked to be one of the speakers, and I am currently writing my talk. I plan to discuss the effects of living with sight loss, including the impact it has on the whole family. I am mainly presenting all the positives, despite my sight loss I have achieved a great deal and continue to aim high with my ambitions. It is daunting, I have never presented a talk about myself before but it is an amazing opportunity and I'm looking forward to it.