Tofu kebab, anyone?
Helene Ryles
Vegan barbeques are a rarity, so when I read about one via my Braille display, I was keen to go.
The event was organised by Birmingham Vegetarians and Vegans. This is a group that organise various activities including walks, talks, and meals.
Although I belonged to their group for several years, I was unable to attend most of their events until my communicator guide hours increased from seven to twenty four hours.
When I first joined, several years back, I had no communicator guide hours at all, just a workable guide dog and some usable vision which I used with the help of a monocular.
People communicated to me using a Braille card which had print and braille letters and people put my hand on the Braille which was directly over the print letters. I could also use block capital letters on the palm of the hand, or very rarely the deafblind manual if people would use it.
So I could get to these events, but once there it was not always guaranteed that anybody would talk to me. I could see them talking with each other and it made me feel more isolated than ever.
When my vision deteriorated and Jilli retired as a guide dog I stopped going to their events altogether. The communicator-guiding service helped me attend some, but it was always a matter of juggling, and if I wanted to go to their events I would have to give up something else so I would have enough hours.
My communicator guide Helen and I arrived early. We were able to chat to a few people before I sat down and had my barbequed burger, along with the smell of charcoal and roasted soya and vegetables. They made some really lovely veg and tofu kebabs followed by potato salad and vegan cakes.
Helen noticed another vegan on her own so we went over to chat to her. Her name was Sarah and we got on so well that I even got round to teaching her the deafblind manual.
Since my communicator guide hours have increased I have enjoyed other activities too. I went on one of their walks along the Wolverhampton canal, followed by a vegan pizza.
I was also able to socialise with other vegans at a two week long camp that is held every year in different parts of the country. I will also be going to the London vegan festival, as well as the Wolverhampton vegan festival which I attend every year,.
I can only take part in this sort of activity with support from a communicator-guide. Before my support was increased, I was isolated and I often felt afraid, even in my own home. I ended up in hospital for a few months, but am doing much better now thanks to the increased support.
Originally published in October 2011
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