I'm like any other 23 year old
Shane Roberts
On Thursday 10 February, along with other deafblind people and Sense staff, I met with the Commission on Funding of Care and Support.
I love to get involved in this. I'd prefer to be involved, otherwise my life will continue to be boring, as I only get out two mornings a week.
Currently, my guide communicator enables me to:
Go shopping
Make phone calls
Read post
Sort out and file paperwork
Fill in forms, etc
Attend appointments
This is very important, as without being able to do this, I wouldn't be able to live independently, and this would affect my health and well being.
I want our social care system to change, so me and other deafblind people can be free to do what they want, with the right support.
Like any other 23 year old, I want to be able to:
Go to the pub in the evenings
Go to the gym
Go for walks
Take part in leisure activities
Visit places of interest
Travel (UK and worldwide)
I currently receive 7 hours support per week. This is nowhere near enough to enable me to do these extra things.
This is what I should be able to do, as this is what people need for a basic quality of life. I'm like any other 23 year old, but I've got deafblindness and other problems.
I and other deafblind people should be given the right support (guide communicator), to enable them to do what they want, otherwise, like myself, they are going to suffer from depression, etc.
Originally published in March 2011
Comments
Linda Gaskell
12 August 2012 - 2:23pm
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Your post really made me realise just how much I take for granted. It's not just about needing enough support for big and special journeys but those everyday trips out that most of us do without thinking - going to the shops for something we've forgotten to buy and seeing friends, or just making the most of a sunny day. Good luck with your campaign for more support.
Rachel Day
12 August 2012 - 2:26pm
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Shane - I really hope that you get more support in the future to enable you to continue to live your life to the full. This government needs to realise that deaf/blind people have the same needs, wishes and dreams as everyone else, and should be given specific support to enable to fulfill these. Well done you, for making the voice of deaf/blind people heard. Good luck for the future.
Kevin
12 August 2012 - 2:27pm
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As an older person, I want to be able to spend time with my grandchildren, visit my dying mother who lives in residential care, return to volunteering at the local hospice, go for a stroll along the river and sit enjoying a cuppa and chat with others at the cafe boat but I do not get the support I would need to do this. The support system must be changed for the better.
LizzieBee
12 August 2012 - 2:28pm
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I couldn't agree more. Our lives should not be about struggling to survive, or enduring isolation, loneliness, frustration and boredom until we die. We should be able to get the support we need to live a healthy and happy life, do the things others take for granted and give back to society through our participation.
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