My Student Taught Me to Share the Braille Message
A Vision for Accessibility on the Isle of Man
Natasha Molyneux-Smith, the founder of a braille and large print business, has been working tirelessly to make the Isle of Man a more accessible and inclusive place for individuals with visual impairments. Her efforts have been inspired by her years of collaboration with Evie Roberts, a 16-year-old girl from the island who is completely blind.
Evie’s experience with Natasha has led to some significant changes in how visually impaired individuals are accommodated on the Isle of Man. Natasha emphasized that even though there may be only a small number of braille users, this should not limit their access to written information. She believes that every person deserves the opportunity to engage with the world around them, regardless of their visual abilities.
Since launching her company, Dot and Type, in September, Natasha has been reaching out to public venues and workplaces across the island to encourage them to provide more resources for visually impaired individuals. She highlighted the potential for the Isle of Man to become a “flagship for accessibility” by making menus available in both braille and large print, especially during events like the TT Races, which attract thousands of visitors.
A New Experience for Evie
For Evie, the opportunity to see a menu for the first time was a groundbreaking moment. Born with bilateral anophthalmia, she has never had the chance to independently choose what she wants to eat at a restaurant. Working with Natasha has given her a sense of independence that she previously thought was unattainable.
Evie described the experience as “an amazing one,” noting that it removed the burden of relying on someone else to read the menu for her. She explained that for people with sight, choosing a meal is a simple process. However, for her, this basic act of autonomy had always been something she could not achieve.
Natasha was deeply moved by Evie’s story. It reinforced her belief in the importance of her work and motivated her to continue pushing for greater accessibility on the Isle of Man.
A Step Forward for Local Businesses
One of the first businesses on the Isle of Man to adopt braille and large print menus is Just Pizza and Pasta in Douglas. Owner Mitch Sorbie expressed his commitment to ensuring no one feels excluded. He often hosts groups from local charity Sight Matters and is eager to see the positive impact of his efforts firsthand.
Mitch shared his excitement about the day when these groups visit the restaurant and receive the new menus. He hopes to witness the joy and inclusion reflected on their faces. For him, this is a meaningful way to show that others are thinking about their needs.
Expanding the Conversation
The efforts of Natasha, Evie, and Mitch highlight the growing movement toward inclusivity on the Isle of Man. Their work serves as a reminder that small steps can lead to significant changes in how society supports individuals with visual impairments.
As more businesses and public venues follow suit, the island has the potential to become a model for accessibility. This shift not only benefits those with visual impairments but also fosters a culture of empathy and understanding.
For those interested in learning more about the Isle of Man and its ongoing efforts toward inclusivity, additional stories and updates can be found through various platforms. Whether through local news outlets or social media, the conversation continues to grow.
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