Vision Australia grants technology to North Albury student

The North Albury man has cone rod dystrophy meaning he has no night vision, struggles to see in low light and is sensitive to glare.

He is known to play acoustic guitar while busking on Dean Street or at Border gigs.

But, Mr Campbell’s love for music has taken a back seat while he gears up for another year studying a Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work at La Trobe University in Wodonga.

To make things easier, Vision Australia supplied him with an iPhone 6S, iPad and a new laptop computer as part of an equipment grant under its bursary program.

“Reading is difficult, I use technology to enlarge text and change the contrast to make it easier to see,” Mr Campbell said.

“On the iPad and iPhone, I can quickly change the contrast to white text on a black background and my new laptop is much faster and more reliable, so my study won’t be disrupted as it has been in the past.”

It is the 20^th year of Vision Australia’s program which awards technology and equipment to tertiary students who are blind or have low vision so they can participate and succeed in their chosen studies.

Mr Campbell said his vision had progressively become worse since year 10.

“I'm a visual learner unfortunately, its been a bit of an adjustment to be able to listen and take it all in,” Mr Campbell said.

“Vision Australia helped organise meetings with lecturers before the semester starts where we give a presentation to explain my condition and my needs.

“Music pretty much went by feel and learning by ear.” 

Regional Manager Riverina and North East Victoria at Vision Australia Helen Vey said a high percentage of people who were blind or had low vision were unemployed or underemployed.

Often it wasn’t by their own choice.

“Once they graduate, these students have a better chance of getting a good job, establishing a meaningful career, and being social included and financially secure,” she said.