Joanna's story

Joanna and her two children live with sight loss. Technology is helping them build independence, stay connected and bring comfort into their daily lives.

_{Rewriting the story of sight loss}

Living with sight loss has not stopped Joanna living a full life, and wanting the same for her children. Joanna recalls, as a teen, being diagnosed with a rare sight loss condition, called foveal hypoplasia, and the doctor saying she might never live independently. With determination and courage, Joanna refused to let that be her reality. She studied at university, lived abroad, and built a career.

Now, at 43, and a mother. Joanna pours the same strength into rewriting the story of sight loss for her daughter, Mathilda, and son, Charlie. Joanna found a school that met their needs, making their education a priority every day. But at home, helping her children find independence as they grew older could be a challenge. That’s where BWBF came in.

_{Relief and support}

As she explored what help was available, Joanna was delighted to learn that she and her children each qualified for our support. All three of them received one of our free Echo Show devices: voice activated smart speakers, powered by Alexa.

“At first, it was all about fun and providing light relief – the devices are great for music, games, entertainment. But we soon realised how much they could really help us, in our lives and as a family.”

_{Practical help and wellbeing}

In addition to the sight loss, Charlie has asevere skin disease that can make daily life, and sleeping especially, demanding. But with the Echo Show playing soothing music he can now find peace through the night. At mealtimes, Alexa’s prompts spark laughter around the table. Mathilda enjoy listening to music and audiobooks, while Joanna uses her Echo Show to keep the household running smoothly.

Technology has also helped the family stay close to Joanna’s elderly father, who has his own Echo Show. “It means I can check in with him, from my home to his, and know he’s safe and well,” she says.