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“I used to find that I got too angry when something went wrong… I now find it easier to advocate for myself. Sometimes I chat to a friend first just to make sure I am being logical and fair.”

— Ian, Vision Australia client

“It took a while for my new workplace to get used to making accommodations for me… I gently and consistently reminded them, and eventually, they got the gist.”

— Shiva, Vision Australia client

These stories are real. They show both the frustration and the determination that people who are blind or have low vision experience when speaking up. Everyday situations from dining out to dealing with customer service can become battles that test your patience. That’s exactly why we created the Stand Up for Your Rights: General Skills Guide.

Because being blind or having low vision doesn’t mean you should settle for less. It means you deserve the knowledge and tools to make sure you’re treated fairly.

Common challenges in daily life

When you step out into the community, you want to be able to do the things everyone else takes for granted. Yet people in the blind and low vision community tell us they face barriers like:

  • Businesses refusing service because of a Seeing Eye Dog,
  • Insurance applications being rejected,
  • Websites and apps that don’t work with screen readers,
  • Staff speaking to companions instead of directly to you, and
  • Policies that unintentionally shut you out.

These aren’t small inconveniences, they add up to exclusion. And they can leave you feeling like your needs don’t matter. But the truth is, you have rights. And there are constructive ways to respond when those rights aren’t respected.

How Vision Australia supports you

The General Skills Guide is about building your confidence to handle situations as they come up. It includes:

  • Tools to get started: From screen readers and note-taking apps to finding peer support.
  • Knowing your rights: A clear explanation of the protections you have under the law.
  • Handling your emotions: Practical steps to stay calm and clear when facing discrimination.
  • Choosing your approach: Guidance on when to raise an issue in the moment and when to follow up later.
  • Clear next steps: How to document what happened, who to speak to, and how to define the outcome you want.

These skills aren’t just about problem-solving; they’re about taking control and showing others that your voice matters.

Real-life advocacy in action 

“My partner and I went to a restaurant with my Seeing Eye Dog, and we were told we couldn’t dine there. When we explained the law, the waiter still refused. I asked to speak to the manager, and after he apologised, we were invited to stay.” 

— Sarah, Vision Australia client

“At university, my lecturer didn’t provide notes in an accessible format. Rather than create a scene during class, I spoke with him privately and from then on, he always emailed me the notes.”

— Mohamed, Vision Australia client

You don’t have to do it alone

Advocating for yourself takes practice, but you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. With the right tools, support and mindset, you can make sure your rights are respected, every single day.

Download the Stand up for your rights: general skills guide

Want to access our full series of guides?

For more like this one in the series and to take charge of your life in the best way you can for you, download our full series of Stand up for your rights guides.