Descriptive transcript – “Becoming deafblind hasn’t stopped me” video

About this video

This video accompanies a story from Simon and his Sense communicator guide, Martyn. Usher syndrome reduced Simon’s eyesight and hearing, and left him unable to access the world. Sense was able to support him to adapt and start once again enjoying life to the full.

Simon is a slim middle-age man wearing glasses, a cap and a hooded raincoat. He’s standing on a golf course looking down at his club, which he’s preparing to swing.

Sitting indoors, Simon, who is wearing a cap and a blue sweater, uses British Sign Language to introduce himself. His glasses and hearing aid indicate that he is deafblind. Text appears on screen. It reads, ‘Simon’.

Simon: My name’s Simon. I’ve got Usher syndrome and I’m Deaf and a sign language user.

Simon and another man, Martyn, walk with their backs to the camera down a woodland path. They’re both wearing rain jackets and Simon is using a long white cane to guide his way.

When I started losing my sight, communication with my family started to break down.
It became hard for them to support me.

Simon and Martyn stand outside with a third man, Craig. Simon is feeling Martyn’s hands as he signs; Martyn is pointing Simon towards the golf balls in Craig’s outstretched hands. Martyn carries Simon’s golf clubs as he walks ahead with his cane out before him.

Martyn from Sense helps me ever such a lot. He helps me to learn different things and do activities like golf. Martyn gives me tactile sign language because my Usher syndrome means I can’t see clearly anymore.

Sitting indoors, Martyn, who is wearing glasses and a short-sleeved shirt, sits facing Simon. Simon’s hands are on Martyn’s so he can feel the signs being made. Simon gives Martyn a thumbs up to show he understands.

Without Sense, my life would be really quiet.

Simon, Martyn and Craig walk across the edge of a golf green.

Indoors, Martyn faces the camera and uses British Sign Language to tell Simon’s story. Text appears on screen. It reads, ‘Martyn, Sense communicator guide’.

Martyn: When he became blind, Simon had to learn a new language at the age of 41. Before he had support from Sense, Simon was so isolated and lonely, he was really dejected.

Craig and Simon head out to play golf. Simon gives Craig a thumbs up and then gently puts a golf ball into a hole.

Since working with Simon, I’ve really seen him flourish and achieve a lot. Simon wanted to learn golf, so I found a golf course in Wolverhampton where the staff had worked with Deaf people.

Simon, Martyn and Craig stand walk along the rainy golf course, pulling a golf club caddy.

Simon: I was really nervous initially when I started to play golf, Martyn helped to calm those nerves.

Both Martyn and Craig communicate with Simon using tactile sign language. Craig lifts Simon’s golf club, showing him how to position it when he hits the ball.

Craig started to teach me golf through touch. He would tell me if I just needed to putt gently or give it a hard swing – he’d communicate all those things. It’s really helped with my confidence, with my communication with people.

Simon putts the ball towards a far away hole, while Craig stands watching. Craig pats Simon’s shoulder, they smile at each other and bump fists.

Martyn: Seeing Simon become so independent and break down all of those barriers…It really showed me the value of the support Sense provides.

He’s a great role model for people who are deafblind. If Simon can do it, you know, other people can do it.