Ellen’s Charity Inspires Accessible Future

Ellen Doherty, 47, from Glasgow, is on a mission to champion accessibility for all, despite facing her own challenges with macular degeneration caused by Stargardt’s disease. Earlier this year, she became one of Scotland’s first volunteers at the Sight Loss Councils, determined to inspire others to prioritise accessibility in their communities.

Speaking at a Fringe Event on street accessibility at the SNP Conference this weekend, Ellen sheds light on the everyday hurdles she encounters due to poor street design. Navigating streets often proves to be a daunting task due to the lack of visual cues, unexpected obstacles, and inconsistent layouts.

As a trained mental health professional and mindfulness tutor at Strathclyde University, Ellen emphasizes the traumatic nature of sight loss. The constant challenges faced by individuals with vision impairments highlight the necessity of involving them in discussions around accessibility. Drawing on their lived experiences can significantly impact informed decision-making towards creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Reflecting on her journey with sight loss, Ellen recalls the life-changing moment when she was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease at the age of seventeen. The news of losing her eyesight prematurely came as a shock, but Ellen didn’t let it deter her spirit. Despite minimal support and guidance, she continued her education and pursued a career in psychology.

However, the abrupt loss of her central vision at twenty-one marked a turning point, leaving Ellen feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Coping with the reality of her sight loss posed unforeseen challenges, leading her to put her academic pursuits on hold. The subsequent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) further compounded her struggles, underlining the profound impact of vision impairment on one’s physical and emotional well-being.

For years, Ellen hesitated to engage with sight loss groups, believing that her condition shouldn’t define her identity. Over time, she recognized the importance of sharing her experiences and providing support to others navigating similar paths. By joining the Sight Loss Councils, Ellen found a platform to utilise her skills in aiding the blind and partially sighted community, advocating for enhanced support services and increased awareness.

Ellen’s advocacy for improved accessibility and holistic support for individuals facing sight loss stems from her own challenges and the gaps she encountered in seeking help. Understanding the multidimensional impact of sight loss, Ellen emphasizes the need for tailored psychological therapy, mobility aids, employment assistance, and community support to help individuals cope with their new reality.

Through her role as a mindfulness and well-being tutor and volunteer at the Sight Loss Councils, Ellen strives to create a more inclusive and empathetic society. She stresses the importance of using lived experiences to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in policy and infrastructure.

Sight Loss Councils in Scotland, led by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, and Visibility Scotland, receive funding from the Thomas Pocklington Trust to empower individuals with vision impairments and advocate for a more accessible environment.

The “Charity Spotlight” feature on Scottish Housing News showcases the invaluable work of charities across Scotland every Friday. To showcase your local charity’s story, whether housing-related or not, contact us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.