Living with only 4% vision, Gosford local Violeta Lucas has faced significant challenges, but through Eye to Eye and with the support of Social Futures and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), she has found independence, community, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“Before this group, Eye to Eye, we were all wandering around like ghosts, unsure of where to go,” Violeta explained.
“Now, we have a place to connect, share ideas, and support one another. We are all in the same boat, and that sense of understanding is invaluable.”
The group has also inspired Violeta through the stories and achievements of its members.
“One member, William, shared how he rides bicycles from Gosford to Newcastle. It’s inspiring to see what others are doing—it makes me think, ‘Why not? I can try new things too’,” Violeta said.
In addition to connecting her to the NDIS, Social Futures introduced Violeta to new opportunities for connection through Pathways to Play, an initiative which encourages people with disability to have fun through sport.
“They’ve organised activities like blind lawn bowls, and dancing, which I love,” Violeta said.
“We can come together, share a meal, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s not just about support—it’s about building a community.”
Violeta said the NDIS has been pivotal in helping her to maintain her independence.
“The NDIS is my life,” she said. “Without it, I don’t know where I would be. My carer helps me with shopping, and I have tools like an electronic magnifier to read my mail and send messages. These supports allow me to live independently in my home.”
Violeta also benefits from NDIS-funded specialised cooking tools, computer software, and a companion card that enables her to enjoy outings with friends.
“These things have transformed my life. Without them, I would be isolated, unable to do the things I love,” she said.
Despite the obstacles she has faced, Violeta has achieved remarkable milestones. She completed a remedial massage course at TAFE, even after being told it would be too difficult.
“I was determined, and I proved them wrong,” Violeta said.
Violeta is also learning braille, a skill she believes will be vital as her hearing and her vision continue to decline.
“It’s very challenging, but it’s good for my brain. Just six little dots, and the combinations create amazing things” she said.
When friends gathered to play board games, Violeta found she was excluded due to her sight. She contacted Vision Australia who sent her a range of games using braille. Now Violeta can join her friends and play card games, dominoes and scrabble thanks to her new skill.
“My life doesn’t stop when my sight goes, thanks to these six little dots,” she said.
“Every day, I thank God for the NDIS. It’s like a miracle for people like me. I couldn’t be more grateful to the government, Vision Australia, and Social Futures.”
Violeta’s can-do attitude and sense of humour shine through when she talks. She shared a light-hearted moment when she waited for more than half an hour outside one night with her cat, Olive, to see an eclipse, only to realise, “I’m blind! I’m not going to see the eclipse!” She laughed and added, “What else could I do? I just live for today.”
You can tell when Scott Jones is excited about a topic. He talks quickly, with a big wide smile and eyes sparkling. This is how he is when he speaks about Eye to Eye. It is a group he has created on the Central Coast for people with vision impairment through his work as a Social Futures Community Development Coordinator.
“Eye to Eye is a gathering of people with a vision impairment, or loss of sight, or maybe those who are totally blind,” Scott said. “We gather once a month to bring like-minded people together.”
It sounds simple, but sometimes the most impactful experiences are just that. Eye to Eye is having a profound impact on its members, a group which has grown so much Scott has needed to find a larger venue to meet.
“We come together, have coffee and cake, and we just talk about what’s been happening. And then we share some news—whether it’s innovations through equipment or technology, or what activities are going on in and around the community,” Scott said.
“And then general stuff like things that we’re struggling with, places that might not be accessible, experiences that we’ve had, not just recently but over our lives.
“Some of our group members lives have changed for the better, through learning about different technologies available to them, like glasses with built in AI functionality.
“It’s a safe place to talk. We’ve heard some really interesting stories and people walk out feeling like someone has listened to them and understood them. Because those people who are listening and understanding are the ones who are going through it themselves.”
The importance of creating community and social connection for people who are isolated should never be downplayed. Social connection fulfills a fundamental human need for belonging, and it can lead to significantly improved outcomes for peoples’ mental and physical health.
“It gives people not just a sense of belonging and connection, but also a purpose. It is a gift to contribute to a group like this,” Scott said.
The not-for-profit organisation Social Futures is an NDIS partner delivering local area coordination services in regional NSW.
If you would like to find out how the NDIS can support you or find out more about Eye to Eye in Gosford, you can speak to one of our local area coordinators (LAC’) by calling our LAC Hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm). You can also email [email protected]
