Supporting vision impaired Queensland kids

Variety supports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who have a disability to be the best they can be. No matter what life throws at them. No matter their ability.

For many of the kids we’re supporting, vision impairment is a significant challenge. But we are always so inspired by the resilience of Variety kids facing this challenge, and the resilience of their siblings and families. Here we share some of their incredible stories.

Quin

Quin is 12 years old. She has a progressive condition called cone-rod dystrophy, but thanks to your support, Quin has been able to take part in life-changing programs such as the Variety Braille Music Camp and Variety Kids Choir, to help build her self-confidence, while encouraging meaningful connections.

“We’re a two-mum family,” says Mum Shan. “Quin is 12 and her sister Arlo has just turned 10. I home school the girls, and they keep us very busy.

“Quin first went to the Variety Braille Music Camp in 2023 and absolutely loved it. It 100% helped her build up her independence. She’s not always able to interact with other blind and vision impaired kids, and thanks to the camp, she has friends in the community now. But most important was the mentoring – this has been huge for Quin.”

Little sister Arlo is a great support for Quin, who sometimes needs a hand. Arlo will point out trip hazards, and help find a friend, bringing them over to her sister.

Quin with Mum Shan (centre), Arlo, and Mum Parker (right).

Both girls are very creative, and they love to sing. Among so many other activities, they come to the Variety Kids Choir, and perform drama together with one of their music teachers.

“Variety has been amazing – and a huge support for our family,” says Shan. “We can’t thank you enough and hope to see you at the music camp next year!”

Rowan

Rowan is one of the many children Variety Queensland has supported over the last two years. He’s been an integral part of the Variety Braille Music Camp, Variety Kids Sports Camp, and our Yamaha Variety Jet Trek.

In November 2020, Rowan was thrown 15 metres from his motorbike in a horror crash that nearly claimed his life. He was left completely blind and with a severe traumatic brain injury – and after two weeks in an induced coma, faced a long road to recovery.

Rowan gradually began to improve with music therapy, which involved singing with his mother, Jill. Slowly he got out of bed and would dance, holding hands with his mum. “Soon he was laughing and joking,” says Jill. “Returning to his old self. It was remarkable!”

Rowan’s dad Jonathan (above, left) has been running with Rowan, and building up his fitness too.

Jill and dad Jonathan have watched Rowan go from strength to strength. They created an Instagram page for Rowan (@mx_rowan) where his story has touched the lives of so many.

His parents report that Rowan is now competing at a state and national level in companion cross country.

“He is so motivated,” Jill and Jonathan share. “He wants to be a braille teacher when he is older – and he would also like to go to the Paralympics and compete in running. This has really opened our world and his, in a positive way.”

Serena

Serena is 8 years old. She was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye condition known as aniridia, which she has in common with her dad. The most significant feature of aniridia is the underdevelopment of the iris in both eyes. Serena’s central macular, the area responsible for fine visual acuity, is also affected by this condition, meaning she is legally blind.

Due to her condition, Serena has severely reduced long distance vision, difficulty with glare sensitivity and adjusting to changed lighting conditions.

Serena was struggling at school to access the required class materials, prompting her parents and teachers to meet and discuss ways to support her learning. One idea was to purchase Serena an iPad Pro to assist her accessibility needs – but this was prohibitively expensive.

Fortunately, Variety was able to help.

Serena’s teacher Trixibelle shares, “The iPad Pro is great! Serena is very confident using it. I would say the best skill-building I’ve been doing with her this year is using an app called Notability. It allows me to send her PDF versions of worksheets which she can import and then use her apple pencil to write and add colour directly on them.

“Notability has a function where handwriting can be converted into text and Serena is then able to select an option to have it read back. The goal is to provide alternative ways to access text and lessen any visual fatigue she might experience from relying on her eyes constantly and the iPad Pro is an excellent size for these activities.”

Serena is using the iPad almost every day and we are so excited to hear how this simple tool has made such a big difference for her.

Simple things that make a huge difference – this is what Variety is all about. But we can only do it with your support. THANK YOU.