Laura & Daphne's story

Laura and her one-year-old daughter Daphne share the same inherited sight loss condition. Thanks to devices like her free Alexa Echo Show from BWBF, Laura’s daughter won’t face some of the challenges that she did growing up. 

A different life for Laura's daughter

Growing up with sight loss left Laura feeling, at times, different and isolated. “I remember waiting six months longer than everyone else for an accessible version of the Harry Potter books,” she says. “My daughter won't have any of those issues growing up.” 

Laura credits technology, like the Alexa Echo Show device BWBF gave her, with breaking down barriers. 

“Daphne will have everything at her fingertips,” says Laura. “I just think that’s amazing because it takes away that feeling of isolation or feeling different. I can’t even describe how life-changing the service BWBF provides is. The difference it makes is immense.”

Helping to adapt to parenthood 

The support from BWBF has also helped Laura adjust to parenting a child with sight loss. 

“Because of her sight loss, Daphne finds mealtimes quite stressful,” reflects Laura. “So, with Alexa, I can put on her favourite songs and we dance and sing. It just makes it more fun for her and distracts her from the whole ordeal of trying new things. The music and the sound keep her stress levels a bit lower.” 

“As Daphne is starting to grow up and use her vision more, she gets quite tired,” continues Laura. “We make sure we have rest time where she gets to listen to her songs. It’s a massive part of her life, that sound of music – all thanks to BWBF!” 

The life changing impact of BWBF 

Laura is convinced that BWBF’s service can be truly transformative. 

“Too many people with sight loss experience suicidal thoughts and mental health difficulties. I think a lot of that stems from isolation. Because it can be lonely. What BWBF is doing for one person is a small gesture that is massive. It allows people to feel more normal. It’s so important to preserving someone’s quality of life.” 

“It really does save lives in the end,” says Laura, “just giving that small amount of support.”