News

Eye-opening experience for Mildura students

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 08:34:00

Mildura high school students this month experienced life through the eyes of people with blindness and low vision.

More than 80 students from St Joseph’s College visited Vision Australia’s Mildura centre in March to learn about the challenges facing vision impaired people and how they manage within the community.

The class visits are an important part of the school’s Mercy Works program, which encourages Year 8 students to explore and address the needs of the school and wider Sunraysia community.

Vision Australia’s regional manager Paul Warwick said the students toured the office and radio station, played a game designed for vision impaired people, and learned about the services available and the role of seeing eye dogs.

“An important part of our work within Vision Australia is sharing our experiences and stories with our local communities,” Mr Warwick said.

“Programs, like this one with St Joseph’s College, are successful because they create awareness of low vision in the community.

“The students share their experiences among themselves, their school, family and friends, which leads to people experiencing issues with low vision seeking support and advice.”

St Joseph’s College teacher Fiona Harmer said the school aimed to educate students further than what classroom curriculum could provide, through programs like Mercy Works.

“The program wouldn’t be as effective and engaging without the generous participation of organisations like Vision Australia, who take the time to talk to our students and highlight the important role of volunteers in our community,” Ms Harmer said.

“Our time at Vision Australia not only makes the students aware of the services provided by the organisation, it also allows them to experience how it feels to be vison impaired.”