Elaine's story

Elaine loves getting lost in a good book at home and exploring new places in the UK with her partner Kevin and guide dog Reggie. Since losing her vision in 2020, these trips have become even more important to her, but she misses being able to read by herself. For the past 5 years, she’s had to get used to other people reading everything to her – from books to post and street signs.

Elaine has complex health needs and Kevin is her full-time carer. She worried she was too reliant on him and her loved ones, and longed to regain some independence.

Our Rehabilitation Officer Visual Impairment (ROVI) met Elaine to see how we could support her. They introduced her to equipment that would make everyday tasks like cooking easier and safer, and she’s already enjoying this extra bit of independence.

But Elaine’s main goal was to read on her own again. She spoke at length with our ROVI about Braille and voice memo recorders, but neither option felt right to her. Our ROVI kept searching, determined to find something that worked. Eventually, they discovered OrCam.

This voice-activated device can be attached to glasses and reads text back to the wearer. It won’t just help Elaine read books, it will also help her read things like shop notices and text messages – and even recognise faces.

The OrCam device wasn’t the most cost-effective option available, but it was clear it was the right choice for Elaine. Our ROVI met with senior teams at Stockport Council to secure approval, and Elaine’s social worker managed to arrange funding through a direct payment. She was thrilled. It was a dream come true.

Elaine’s now eagerly awaiting the arrival of her OrCam device. She can already imagine herself curled up in her favourite chair, hot chocolate in one hand, book in the other, ready for the next chapter of her life.

*We've changed Elaine's name and other identifying information.

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