"Hi, I’m Pam, and I’m a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and I’ve been teaching at the Royal Blind School for 29 years. I taught Jemima while she was a pupil here and seeing how she blossomed at the Royal Blind School was a real privilege.
"Jemima came to braille as someone who had read print before, which provided her with a strong literacy foundation. Despite the benefit of this foundation, learning a completely new way of reading and writing can be challenging for a teen who has experienced sight loss, especially when that learning happens quite late in their educational journey. Given all these barriers, in my decades teaching, Jemima is one of the most determined and committed braille learners I have worked with."
"Jemima had been an avid print reader and was determined, from the outset, to learn braille and regain the ability to read independently. The speed at which she acquired braille was admirable – it really has become her superpower."
"The pride and confidence she gained from this one skill alone has been remarkable. She can now advocate for herself in meetings by using her electronic braille notetaker to prepare what she wants to say in advance and reading her notes independently in meetings using the refreshable braille display.
"Braille has given her the ability to use her a voice, and I’m delighted to have been a small part of her journey. I’m certain she has a bright future ahead of her."
Can you help more young people like Jemima?
Your donation will help change the lives of more pupils at our Royal Blind School. Giving them the support and confidence they need to thrive.
Winter Appeal
There are increasing numbers of children with visual impairment, but there’s less support available to help them. This winter, you can ensure that hundreds of children get the specialised support they need to thrive.
Jemima's Story
Read the story of Jemima, the incredible student with visual impairment, who came to the Royal Blind School with little to no confidence, but is now a published poet, an adept braille reader, and is on her way to college – and to a full life.
Jayne's Story
Meet Jayne and see through the eyes of a mother watching her daughter, Jemima, become more than she ever dared to hope she could be.