When Steph Cutler lost her sight, she was in her mid-twenties and working as a fashion designer. She now runs a successful life coaching business, specialising in working with disabled people. Here she tells us about the impact of sight loss on her life, and how she found a new career path helping others.
Steph's story:
How did sight loss change your life?
I graduated with a fashion degree and was in my second post as a fashion designer when I realised that the sight in one of my eyes wasn't very good. I was on holiday at the time and pretty unconcerned, but when I went to the optician they told me to go straight to the eye hospital. I found out I had the hereditary condition Leber's optic neuropathy, that meant I would soon lose my central vision.
I wasn't sure what this meant, practically or emotionally. Rather than waste time worrying about it I went to London and got a new job. I quickly realised I couldn't see my computer screen or colour-match, and left in week one. I went back to my parents and started to plan how to rebuild and adapt.
At first my confidence in getting about did falter. I was concerned about going into the work place as a visually impaired person, so searched for more junior roles to work my way back up. I did some voluntary work to get myself used to talking about my sight loss, and shadowed a friend to get some work experience - being proactive increased my confidence when my break came.
How did you reach your own personal goals?
I set myself a short-term goal that I wanted to become employable again and a long-term goal to get my life back to where it was before the sight loss. From a six-week work preparation course at Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham, I learnt how to use a computer with assisted technology.
This was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do - I knew how to use a computer, but suddenly I couldn't see the keyboard and screen, or use a mouse. I had an amazing teacher who ensured I progressed at the speed I wanted - some methods worked, some didn't - but like with anything, it was about practice.
How have people around you contributed to your successes?
Even as an adult having supportive parents and a close network of people around you is key. By supportive, I mean people who are going to push you to try things and fail. Even the most supportive network can't do it for you, you have to do it for yourself, but for me, having the right people around me has enabled me to do it twice as fast.
Tell us about the personal development service you run?
I originally set up a consultancy that offered disability services and awareness training. But so many disabled people came to see me who were struggling to find work, that I started up a business to address these sorts of issues. I'm now a qualified coach and accredited business advisor. I work mostly with people with disabilities, very often with sight loss, who are looking for work, or want to become more confident and move on in their lives.
What would you say to a young person who lacks self-esteem?
I would suggest you look at how you go about things and compare with one of your sighted peers. It's more than likely to be harder for you but you could have skills you not aware of. You may be more adaptable, determined and hard working, and have skills such as a better memory or planning skills. Don't start with the negatives; recognise what you currently achieve then what you want to do. Look at the possible limitations and the ways round them.
Are social skills important?
I think it is very important you have social skills more than anything else. It's about how you project yourself, and even how you want to present your sight loss to others. My disability doesn't define me, it is part of me and I need to let people know, but sometimes it's even an advantage. I know it's hard when you're young as you really want to fit in, but if you can be as confident as you can with your visual impairment more people will see you first and then your disability second.
Did sight loss change your friendships?
I was quite nervous on my diagnosis about how my friends would react to my sight loss. Telling everybody was exhausting, so I decided to throw an "I'm going to go blind party". I accept that's exceptional behaviour, being quite a private person, but I wanted to start as I meant to go on.
Friendship is absolutely essential. It is a two-way thing and if we get too nervous or proud to ask for that help, it doesn't help us move forward. My friends have been fantastic and I think that's partly because I haven't changed a great deal, and always tried to be quite open about my sight loss. I am conscious of the need to give as well as take.
Do you miss your old industry?
At the time I felt like I was missing out and it was hard having friends in the industry who were leading the life I wanted. But now I have a better work-life balance, a better salary, and can dictate when I work.
Who has been your leading inspiration?
My dad has always been an inspiration to me; he has a real positive outlook. And I attended an event with the entrepreneur Liz Jackson, who happened to be blind, and a strong, successful business woman. If she could do it, I thought so can I. I find the people I help inspiring as they experience so many knock-backs, but they do get there. I love that they exceed their own expectations, let alone anyone else's.
Further information
Steph Cutler is a trainer, coach and inspirational speaker who often speaks in schools and colleges. Find out more on Steph's website.
This inspiring article was first published in Insight magazine.