I’m sorry you’re going through such a tough time. This may be little comfort, but a lot of people your age struggle, whether blind or sighted. I was also born blind and do sometimes get frustrated but for the most part life is good. I did have a harder time when I was younger though, I’m in my 30s now. It might be a good idea to reach out to local blindness organizations that might be able to give individualized support. No matter what you decide to do, take care and I hope things get better soon

Sure it does. I'm totally blind, and like it's not enough, in recent years I have started to lose my hearing too.

My schooling wasn't too bad. I went to a school for the blind and had a fair number of friends, but college sucked bigtime. I now work at a shitty 9 to 5 job with a low salary.

But at the end of the day, it's the hand we are dealt with, so there's no other choice than to endure.

If you really want to have a job unfortunately college is almost a must. And even then it's not a guarantee that you can find a job. If you are living in a first-world country and get benefits from the government then you are more free to do what you want, if not, not many choices are there, I'm afraid.

This really hit home gor me!! I have had ALOT of the same experiences being visually impared.
As far as employment idk if you are familiar with the Ability One program? They help employ the blind and visually impared.

Hi,

Despite having been visually impaired my entire life, despite being able to see light and shadow, absolutely.

During my teen ages, until 15, everything was OK for the most part.

As I got older, shit started to hit me, and I started to realise things. More and more limitations, the acceptance of how some things will never be possible, despite how many visually impaired claim there's no limitations, I'll believe that when we get the first blind pilot or first blind driver with a driving license... I have also not seen a cane until 10, and when they tried forcing mobility on me, that had the reverse effect. Know when you're not ready for something but they shove it down you? Yeah that. I'm also UK. Above 18 there isn't anywhere near that much support. I can't get mobility through my county, (neither of the instructors get on with me at all) so my only hope right now might just be RNC. And yes, I have been mainstream primary through college. Don't regret it. Happy having been raised as if I was sighted, as well. Honestly I have more skills than the average. I got to use drills, saws, I've done wheel replacements, plug replacements, done wood work... I can clean, I can cook, I'm fully independent inside, I can drive, yes, drive a stick shift for you Americans, :) I can get around anywhere as long as no crowd. I'm also familiar with all 4 majour operating systems, them being iOS, macOS, android, windows. Done all sorts of voluntary, ranging from accessibility to reptiles... I got GCSE's, got my math and English, despite not being native. I've honestly done well for myself. But when I compare sighted counter parts to myself at 21, I can't help but to feel behind. I don't feel there is a purpose to me as a person. You do shit twice as hard as a sighted, only to potentially accomplish half of what they did.

As far as getting jobs, if you're in full time education, getting a park time job plus studies gives you less time and less money, so that's not worth doing. I'd much rather volunteer at that point, get nothing for it, but get more money out of the current benefit system I'm on currently.

Not had friends here either, but I wrote that down to being a rather unconventional and not a native Brit creature. Then again, I'm a lonely introvert, so if I said that that bothered me, I'd be lying.

I was never officially diagnosed, and despite having no learning disabilities, I do feel as if I probably have a handful of undiagnosed mental difficulties. So my thought process could be due to some of that.

I also traveled around a lot when younger, grew up driving everywhere, hate crowds, so to then rely on public transport, potentially having to live in cities for better accessibility, and not being able to freely move around, hurts. My ideal place is out in the country, somewhere hidden in the woods, or near water sources.

Feel like a disappointment towards family as well. Especially compared to my sister.

If I had sight, particularly during the pandemic, I could literally throw myself on mum's insurance, and as long as I put fuel in the thing, I know for a fact she wouldn't give 2 fucks. I could get a job, could explore places, gain driving experience seeing as there's less traffic on the roads... Instead, I'm just floating about, writing this post.

I absolutely hate asking for help. The inability to read a random letter or paper without scanning it or asking someone, also hurts. Particularly with trust issues on top of that, and you not wanting people to see what you might be up to.

I also never found home, don't want kids or marriage, but would like someone also insures loneliness for the foreseeable future. Before anyone says that's not the case, I'm grossed out by any form of body fluids, mainly exchanging cups/bottles, kisses, or what people refer to as naughty fun, leaving me to only be a QPR candidate.

​

Everything other than the education stuff hit home hard, if you need someone feel free to slide in the DM's.

I think a lot of us have felt that way one time or another, don’t let your visual impairment define you. You might have to work a lot harder to reach a goal, but you can still reach it. I know it sucks, but don’t give up.

I didn’t handle my condition well. Did drugs and drank too much. Now I’m reenrolled in college and learning how to do things without sight. We have to fight harder than others and use our minds more than others. Education is part of us avoiding poverty. Want rich life tackle living skills and education. We are adaptive and strong. You’ve got this if you apply yourself

Don’t let your eyesight define you. It’s easier said than done I know!
I’ve been VI since birth and struggled with this when I was 18 for a few years (now I’m 25).

Everyone your age right now is struggling for the same reasons- being confused, under qualified and the general feeling of being out of their depth.

Focus on what you CAN do. Forget about your eyesight- how has your eyesight HELPED you in life- you’re better at problem solving, more compassionate, perhaps more creative?

For jobs and college, you don’t have to disclose your Visual impairment-and I’ve found that most people are more than willing to help you out- provided you have the patience to explain what you can or can’t see

Stay positive as much as you can- life sucks sometimes but it’s how we deal with the setbacks that make us who we are.

You’re more than just a visually impaired person.

I got distracted during this several times so I apologise if it doesn’t make sense or if I repeated myself...

You aren't going to find work while blind and unskilled. You must acquire an employable skill, school experiences be damned. This may sound harsh but you aren't going to get anywhere wallowing in self pity. Find something you are passionate about and enjoy doing.

Maybe this is weird, but honestly no. Last year, my vision got worse but I’ve made more friends and socialised more than I have in the past (I’m in Australia so our pandemic situation is very different). I’ve never been able to drive due to being low vision all my life. The only worry I have is getting work. There’s some frustrations, like not being able to shop online or offline independently, but I’d say being blind (legally or otherwise) hasn’t ruined my life.

I'm sorry. Being VI is legitimately really tough, even if everything else is going for you, which for most people it isn't. If you have access to a desktop or laptop computer, I reocommend getting really good at NVDA or some other screen reader, and, if you haven't already, look into skills like braille. Work on the basics and in a few months or a year or two maybe you can pick up work or put your toe back in the water with school. I know it's really hard. In many ways I have a charmed life with a lot of support, a job that gives me finances to try things and buy devices and stuff, but I still struggle all the time and have really bad days. Message if you need any info on anything (I'm in the US) or for commiseration.

The only thing I ever was not OK with was that I was not really acknowledged among my peers in school but otherwise, I don’t give a shit ..

I graduated at the top of my class in college, have a great job, amazing apartment and an amazing marriage so I have nothing that I could complain about ..

22-year-old swiss female

It's most certainly difficult to stay motivated when someone so prominent as eyesight is out of your control. I feel helpless constantly and frustrated with myself when I can't do something people with normal sight can. I'm still young so idk if I can be any help, but just know there's thousands of us in the same boat and it's ok to feel a little down as long as you can get back up on your own 2 feet. What always motivates me is that because I didn't know I was visually impaired for a while into my childhood I never let myself believe there was something I couldn't do so I keep that in mind when I face obstacles.
Also I've always kinda wondered, what kind of adjustments are given to university students with visual impairments? If anyone could direct me where to look or tell me what to expect that would be cool.

As you are in the UK have you considered applying for apprenticeships? Local authorities offer them and LAs are in a good position to ensure you get proper support, access to accessibility software, reasonable accommodations can be made etc and can support an application to Access to Work too. It would help you gain skills and earn a wage too.

For me the biggest challenge was not being able to drive. The fact that it’s so engrained in modern society is the worst thing about it. There are alternative methods like busses, Uber, etc and I’m hoping Tesla’s autopilot gets fully autonomous but until then we wait. For jobs depending on where you live there may be a disability services available that can help you get a job.

I understand where you are coming from. You mentioned that you experienced school difficulties even with accommodations. Have you ever tried to see if you meet the criteria for any other disabilities that could impact learning? Undiagnosed disabilities can easily cause challenges that some could pass off as blindness related issues.

Nope. I’m just blind. I’m not disabled. I can do anything anyone else can do except drive on a public road legally, and if someone gives me their keys I’ll give that a shot. In fact I once did. I decided since the speed limit signs weren’t accessible they didn’t apply to me. It scared the shit out of the guy trying to give me directions going 110 down a 2 lane highway at 3:00 AM in the morning. I was young and dumb at the time, and I really wouldn’t recommend this.

The point is that the only person limiting you is you. You may have to work harder to get somewhere in life than some other people but everyone, whether they show it or not, has their own set of challenges. Just because they can see doesn’t mean they don’t have their own shit they’re going through.

All I can really tell you is Change your outlook on life, and quit holding yourself back. Figure out what you want to do, and go do it. If you have to divide it up into smaller chunks. What’s your ultimate goal? Now, what are some intermediate goals you need to reach to reach that big goal? Now what are the smaller goals you need to reach to reach each intermediate goal?

Edit: I was born blind. While I’m unsure if I’d go for an operation to see, I’d definitely think about it.

First off, I hope you can pay off your debts.

I had a similar experience in school in the UK apart from the fact I had people I hung around with but in the end that didn’t make much of a difference. I went to a school for the blind called Lindon Lodge.

I was bullied there and in college, another place for the blind.

I’ve given up on finding a job and just live off of PIP and ESA.

My advice is volunteer when you can and go from there.

Being blind has its issues and it would definitely help if I could see but I get on with what I can and am over all happy with life.