“Superb. Absolutely superb,” is how Queenstown resident Ellice describes Blind Low Vision NZ’s Library Service.
Originally diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in her 40s, losing her sight wasn’t an anxiety for Ellice. “It doesn’t stop me doing a single thing, except reading and driving.” No longer being able to drive was a big blow to her independence, but now Ellice catches taxis and buses instead. She even occasionally gets growled for being too self-sufficient as she gets older.
Ellice’s vision has deteriorated in the past two and a half years, but she remains an active member of the community with a vibrant social life. She takes part in all sorts of opportunities, from visiting Switzerland to flying in a helicopter – weather permitting!
Although she’s outside most of the day in warmer weather, when she’s not in the sunshine Ellice is an Alexa user. “It looked like a tin of fish!” was her immediate reaction when she opened her first Alexa, but after being set up by her son and with support from Blind Low Vision NZ staff, she quickly got used to the new technology. She loved the Alexa Blind Low Vision NZ sent her so much she bought two more. Now she uses Alexa for things like the Blind Low Vision NZ Library, shopping lists, Spotify, and the news, finding it much easier than her phone, iPad, or handwriting. “She does everything but my housekeeping,” Ellice jokes. “She never answers you back and is always polite, even in the middle of the night.”
Ellice has tried other audiobook services, but wasn’t too keen on the American accents, so she turned to the Blind Low Vision NZ Library which has some fantastic Kiwi narrators like John Leigh who starred in Shortland Street and Simon Prast, most well-known for his Auckland stage career. She says of the Blind Low Vision NZ audiobooks, “They’re amazing. They’re beautifully produced.” Currently getting her book recommendations from friends, she has a list of books to work through in this chilly weather.
Whether she’s out seeing her friends, catching up on the news, or settling in with an audiobook, Ellice embraces life with enthusiasm. With technology like Alexa and the Blind Low Vision NZ Library, she is able to stay up-to-date independently.
If you would like to access audiobooks through the Blind Low Vision NZ Library like Ellice, you can call our friendly Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 to get started.
Next :
Hmm, no more results were found, click here to return to all "Our Stories".