Blind woman frustrated with lack of resources

ABERDEEN NEWS - Aberdeen resident Sheila May's life changed drastically when she was shot in the face at work in Cape Town in 2007.

May, who was 24 at the time with a young child, was left totally blind.

Once discharged from hospital, she was referred to a rehabilitation centre where she was taught various coping skills to live relatively independently. Her mother in Aberdeen looked after her child.

May studied courses such as public speaking, office administration and computer literacy. She was able to travel alone in Cape Town with her cane.

In 2010, her mother's health deteriorated and May returned home to look after her son. She has found the lack of both facilities and stimulation incredibly frustrating.

"I am not looking for pity, but would love some practical support to be able to be more independent," May told the Advertiser.

Although she has computer skills and a laptop, May's device only accepts demands from a male voice. Perhaps there is a computer expert who can help adjust the settings?

Another item on her wish-list is a Perkins braille typewriter. With the correct equipment, May feels she could become a productive member of the community again. She keeps busy with church work, but is frustrated that there are no projects in the municipality for the blind.

The poor state of the roads in Aberdeen also means that May cannot walk in the streets on her own.

Another frustration is that the ATMs do not have braille dots on the keys, so she is unable to do her own banking.

Although she is blind, Sheila May would prefer to live an independent life. She struggles to do so with the lack of resources in her town. Photo: Sue Shaw

In familiar surroundings, May copes well. She is able to clean her home, do the laundry, and cook.

"Everyone is very surprised when they see me hanging out my washing," she said with a smile.

She also demonstrated that she can peel a potato, and how she uses her hand and hearing to pour water.

There is some help available for May.

The Graaff-Reinet library receives copies of DSRAC's Vuk'uzenzele braille newspaper, and as a result of enquiries made by the Advertiser, a copy will be sent to the Aberdeen library for May.

Plans are also in progress to arrange for her to receive a specially adapted CD player for audiobooks, which can be borrowed from the library.

Blind Abardeen resident Sheila May in front of her home, which she is able to clean herself. Photo: Sue Shaw