Riley's story

At just six years old, Riley has already faced enormous challenges. With the help of an Echo Dot from BWBF, he’s discovering independence, joy and confidence in his everyday life.

When everything changed

Around Riley’s fifth birthday, his parents, Jeanette and Adam, were told he had a detached retina. Multiple surgeries followed, each one attempting to repair the damage. None were successful.

“It felt like everything had changed overnight,” recalls Jeanette. “We were drowning. But you either fight to survive, or you give up. And we weren’t going to give up.”

Riley had to adjust to navigating the world in a new way. His parents were learning too, trying to find support, and understand what came next.

Jeanette contacted British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). We sent Riley an Echo Dot - a simple, voice-activated device. “It was such a relief and a joy to receive support for Riley without having to fight for it,” says Jeanette.

Everyday independence

The Echo Dot has quickly become part of Riley’s daily life. He uses it to control the lights in his room, listen to music and stories, ask questions and play games. One of Riley’s greatest passions is classical music. He loves to play his guitar while hearing music playing through his Echo Dot. “He just hears it and plays it. It’s amazing," says Jeanette.

At home, Riley is learning to move around more confidently. In new places he still needs help to avoid obstacles, but in familiar surroundings he is growing braver every day. “I can cook in the kitchen while Riley is happily and safely playing in his room. That means everything.”

Jeanette sees technology as part of Riley’s future - tools to help him live, learn and grow on his own terms.

“It might seem like a small thing,” she says, “but it has brought laughter and light into our world. And most of all, it has helped keep Riley being Riley.

"And Riley is absolutely awesome.”