Blind Reflections | Steven Reed
Reflecting on one of the best years of my life | A Blind Reflection by Steven Reed
Today is my parents 46th wedding anniversary.
It also happens to be the 3rd anniversary of the diagnosis of my sight loss condition, LHON, so it’s a good time for a reflection, I feel.
This last year has been amazing. I’d go as far as to say, it’s been one of the best of my 44 years.
As an actor, I appeared in 2 TV series, Chewing Gum & Eastenders, as well as filming a small role in a feature film, with Will Ferrell, Ralph Fiennes and Rob Brydon. I also appeared on stage with Extant, the country’s leading VI theatre company and will be taking the same play to 2 more festivals later this year. A busy year then, which also included a short film with an interesting concept. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I continued to volunteer at the RNIB, which is very fulfilling and rewarding. I’m giving back to those on the course that I got so much from. I even stood in and facilitated the course while the boss was off long term sick.
I’ve got myself a girlfriend!! We’ve known each other over 2 years, but got together in March. She is a beautiful, wonderful woman and we are so happy together. We also both have the same rare condition. Apparently there are only 35000 people in the world with our condition… what are the chances of that?!!
Recently, I got behind the wheel of a car again, after 3 years of not driving. It was with a company called Speed of Sight, who specialise in driving experiences for the disabled and the guy that set it up is VI. It was amazing and exhilarating and I would recommend it to anyone. (See video below)
Inspired by my cousin, I’ve had a go at some VI sports, attended dance classes run by Illuminate Freedom and helped out on the Equity Deaf & Disabled Committee.
So I’m sure you can see why I’ve had an amazing year!! That’s due to continue as I’m off to Orlando in a couple of days, with my family and will be going to Croatia with a play in October.
This blind man is already looking forward to next year’s look back!! ~ Steven’s Facebook post | 7/31/2017
About Steven
Steven is 44 years old and lives in the UK. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), and is now legally blind. It’s pretty obvious that his sight loss has not held him back!
4 Comments on “Blind Reflections | Steven Reed”
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Hello! Here is a little about me. I am a mom of two fantastic kids, group fitness instructor, transformational speaker, blogger, podcaster, and advocate in beautiful San Diego, CA. Oh, and as my website name would suggest, I am also legally blind. Yes, I’m a Girl Gone Blind — and I’m here to tell you all about it!
Girl Gone Blind 
Loved your upbeat article. My husband was diagnosed with LHON and he was 62. It’s definitely been life changing for both of us, and not in a good way. He does ok, but will not admit to needing a cane or anything else. After 7 yrs with him in this rut your story is so wonderful to read. Shows me that you don’t have to give it up.
It appears that the UK has a lot more to offer the vision impaired than the US does. He’d give anything to feel the steering wheel again.
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Hooray for you Steven!
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Well done to the both of you . Such an inspiration to all of us, you have shown vips don’t give up life begins in a way of having a different approach to all our everyday tasks and things we miss. So lovely to watch this video.
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I am so proud of my son. Since his diagnosis he has been nothing short of positive in everything he does. His mother felt terrible about passing on the gene to him and he moved heaven and earth to make her feel at ease with the situation.
I wont repeat all the achievements he has listed above, but suffice to say that my wife and I are so so proud at the way he has reacted to his disability and to life in general Alan Reed dad
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