Nicola worked as a fully qualified Nursery Nurse before she was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome - a connective tissue disorder that can severely damage the eyes.
Nicola was forced to leave her job and her eyesight continued to deteriorate until she was completely blind. She realised she needed specialist training and had to learn how to do everyday things in order to work again and support her family.
RNIB College Loughborough was suggested to Nicola by one of our Access to Work Advisors. After an initial look on the Loughborough College website and attending a visit day, Nicola decided that "This was where I needed to be to move on."
She started at the College in February 2009 along with ten other trainees. "It was so nice to be able talk to people with similar experiences and begin to interact and socialise again."
The College retrained Nicola and enabled her to work in an office environment using access technology. She was now able to carry out tasks like writing emails, and creating databases and spreadsheets. Nicola gained work experience, coaching on interview skills, advice on how to create a professional CV and search for jobs, as well as support in completing application forms.
RNIB's support
With the help and support of RNIB, Nicola felt ready to go out and find a new job and is now a Ward Clerk at a local Hospital. She also works as a volunteer at the College one day a week, helping other trainees to achieve their goals.
Speaking about her time at the College Nicola said: "It's about so much more than just work, it opens up a much bigger community and gives you the confidence to communicate and be independent."
Without gifts in Wills we wouldn't be able to carry on helping people like Nicola reclaim their lives.