2 months ago
29 ARTICLE AD
At 29, Akande Emmanuel is a beacon of resilience and hope. Despite losing his sight at a pivotal point in his life, this graduate has defied the odds, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth. He discusses with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about the circumstances that led to his vision loss, challenges, journey to self-acceptance, and how he continues to pursue his dreams with unwavering determination
It must have been quite demoralising losing your sight. At what point did you realise this and how has it affected you emotionally and mentally?
I’ve been short-sighted for a long time and was using glasses. Everything was fine until early 2020 when I went for the compulsory National Youth Services Corps. I noticed that there were issues with my left eye and went to the doctor, who misdiagnosed me with a cataract instead of retinal detachment.
By February 2020, I was told that one of my eyes had a cataract, but it wasn’t yet due for surgery, so I was advised to wait. The other eye seemed okay at that time. I was given new lenses and medication and continued with my life until October 2020, when I noticed similar problems in my right eye.
It became blurry, and I thought it might be the same cataract issue.
At the time, I was serving in Akwa Ibom and by October 2020, I returned to Ibadan, Oyo State, and visited another hospital. I told the doctor that I would want to undergo cataract surgery, but she insisted they needed to conduct their tests.
However, the test revealed it wasn’t a cataract but a retinal detachment. She explained that surgery was urgent, but since I had left the first eye untreated for so long, nothing could be done to have it salvaged.
The right eye needed immediate surgery. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the required equipment, so I was referred to University College Hospital in Ibadan. They confirmed the diagnosis but also lacked the equipment. They recommended three other hospitals, and I chose the one in Lagos.
The surgery was performed there, but it wasn’t successful. The problem I sought to fix remained unchanged.
How did you feel about the development?
I was heartbroken, distraught, and frustrated. It was overwhelming to transition from being independent to relying on others. Finding solace in God, my supportive family and friends made the transition somewhat easier. My faith and the support I received helped me manage the situation better.
When exactly did you complete your NYSC?
I concluded my NYSC in June 2020 and lost my sight in October 2020.
What was your parent’s reaction when they realised you had lost your sight completely?
Initially, they cried a lot and were devastated, especially my mother. My family was in shock and everyone was concerned. Eventually, we accepted the situation, believing in miracles while understanding that life had to continue.
Luckily, I was introduced to the Director General of the Disability Commission, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, who supported my rehabilitation in Oyo from May to November 2023. Hearing his story of congenital blindness and success encouraged me. My parents have come to terms with my situation, especially as they see me actively pursuing goals and making progress.
What motivated you to further your education despite the challenges and did you ever consider giving up?
Several times, I felt dejected and considered giving up. It was a new and daunting experience, however, my faith in God and the encouragement from Barrister Adekanmbi, along with seeing other visually impaired individuals living independently, motivated me to persevere. I completed my rehabilitation and continued with my life.
How do you communicate with people effectively, especially via digital means?
I use an Android phone with the TalkBack feature, which assists visually impaired users in navigating their phones. With TalkBack activated, I can perform tasks independently without assistance.
Were you in a relationship when you lost your sight, or are you in one now?
When I lost my sight, I was in a relationship. My partner supported me throughout my surgeries and the challenges, but eventually, she found it too difficult to handle and left.
How did you feel about her exiting your life?
It was heartbreaking. I felt a lot of negative emotions and questioned why it happened to me. I wondered if I would have continued with her if the roles were reversed. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would have been able to handle it. I decided to call her and told her that I understood and held no grudges. I wasn’t angry with her, and that was how it ended. Currently, I’m in a relationship with someone who appreciates me for who I am, beyond my disability, and we’re doing well.
Have you met your current partner’s parents and what was the acceptance like?
We have been together for two years and yes, I have and they were accommodating and not judgmental. They support our relationship and are very welcoming, which makes me happy.
To be honest, I didn’t experience any form of rejection from her family. I feel very blessed because, despite many negative stories from people with visual impairments, I didn’t face that kind of rejection.
Have you ever felt ashamed or faced negative comments about your condition?
Yes, situations like that are inevitable. Even when people don’t say things directly, their behaviour can make you feel judged. For instance, someone might cancel plans at the last minute without explanation or apology, making you feel as if your condition is the reason for their behaviour. In such moments, you can’t help but think that if you weren’t in this situation, things might be different.
What are your thoughts on people showing pity towards people with disabilities?
The pity party from people can be frustrating. While empathy is appreciated, pity is not helpful. People often see someone with a disability and immediately want to feel sorry for them, but that’s not what we need. We don’t want to be seen as incapable or limited by our disabilities.
One major misconception is that people think they need to do everything for you once you lose your sight. They might say, “Don’t do this” or “Let me do that,” but I had to set boundaries. For example, I told my family members to stop washing my clothes and that I would handle my laundry.
Now that I live alone, I manage my tasks, like fetching water and doing laundry. Society often views people with disabilities as fragile, but while we may need help sometimes, we can still live independently.
What do you miss about your old self?
I miss many things about my previous self, such as the simple pleasure of seeing things and appreciating them visually. Whether it’s admiring a person’s appearance, appreciating hard work, or simply looking in the mirror, those experiences are no longer possible.
I also miss playing video games, as there are very few games accessible to visually impaired individuals. However, despite these losses, there are still many things to enjoy in my current life.
Have you ever been declined a job offer because of your condition?
I lost my sight in 2020, and from then until 2023, I wasn’t actively seeking employment. I was focused on medical treatment and rehabilitation. It wasn’t until last year that I started networking and attending conferences. Therefore, I haven’t applied for jobs where I could have faced rejection due to my disability.
Who is responsible for your upkeep and support?
Firstly, I owe my upkeep primarily to God, my younger brother, and other supportive individuals in my life. I am surrounded by great people who are there to help whenever needed.
How has your experience changed your outlook on life, and what new perspectives have you gained?
I’ve learnt that regardless of what challenges come your way, it’s important to keep moving forward. Life can throw unexpected curveballs, and you might find that your plans no longer fit the reality you face.
I remember a line from a movie that resonates with me: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Sometimes, our plans get disrupted, and we have to find new paths. Embracing this reality has given me a different perspective on resilience and adaptability.
What advice would you give to others facing similar challenges or barriers?
To parents of children with disabilities, it’s crucial to accept and support them fully. One of the significant issues people with disabilities face is the lack of acceptance from loved ones, even if they have come to terms with their situation themselves. Ensure that your child has access to quality education and inclusivity, and don’t deny them opportunities.
For individuals with disabilities, remember that it’s not the end but rather a bend in your path. With the right attitude and determination, you can still achieve great things. Don’t lose hope; there are many possibilities ahead.
In what ways do you believe society can better support individuals who experience changes in their abilities?
Society needs to undergo a mindset shift regarding people with disabilities. The perception that we are somehow less capable or solely objects of charity must change. For example, there was an incident where a woman in a wheelchair, who was a speaker at an event, was mistaken for someone who came to beg for charity simply because of her disability. Society needs to stop viewing people with disabilities through a lens of charity and instead recognise that we are just like everyone else—capable and deserving of respect and equal opportunities. Some people see individuals with disabilities as beggars, which is not acceptable.
I also think the culture of inclusion should be strongly encouraged. There are laws in place that require organisations to hire a certain percentage of their workforce from persons with disabilities – two per cent is the common benchmark.
However, the reality is that many organisations are not complying with this rule. There is a significant need for inclusive advocacy to help people understand that disability does not equate to vulnerability or inability.
Society’s perspective needs to shift to providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. We should be given the same chances as those without disabilities. Persons with disabilities often work harder to prove themselves, going the extra mile because they must demonstrate their capabilities beyond what is typically expected.
Therefore, we should be afforded the same opportunities and fair treatment as everyone else.
Additionally, there are practical changes that can be made in public spaces, such as churches and mosques. Churches should have ramps for wheelchair users and incorporate sign language interpreters to accommodate individuals with hearing impairments.
Similarly, signposts should be accessible for those with visual impairments. These measures will ensure that everyone has equal access and is included in community activities.
What are your future goals and aspirations, and how do you plan to continue breaking barriers in your personal and professional life?
I am a graduate of the Ladoke Akintola Polytechnic in Ogbomoso, where I earned a degree in Biochemistry in 2018. Presently, I am pursuing a Professional Diploma in Education at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State. My future goals include becoming a lecturer and actively contributing to organisations that advocate for inclusivity, particularly for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
I am currently involved with the Inclusive Friends Association and other advocacy groups, where we are spearheading a project titled “Amplified Voices.” This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote advocacy for persons with disabilities. Through these efforts, I aspire to continue breaking barriers by fostering a more inclusive environment both professionally and personally.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for many things. I just turned 29 and I am thankful to God for life, grateful for the good people around me, and also grateful for what the future holds in store for me.
