I am a member of the youth group of French RP society. This group was founded last year and we are only few members at the moment. Although I am already very busy, I would like to extend the group. Since last February, some members have organized excursions to become acquainted with each other. Maybe, our European activities will oiate other people.
More details about me:
My parents noticed my sight disability when I began to walk as I was about 13 months of age. Nevertheless, doctors have diagnosed RP much later as I was 9 or 10 years old. 2 of my 4 sisters and brothers also have RP.
All my life, I have always wanted to do what I wanted to do in spite of my disability. I have always gone to a "normal" school. However, I have learnt Braille when I was 15 because it was getting more and more difficult for me to read texts even in large print. Nowadays, I still can see a little but my computer with Braille display has become essential in my life. I am studying "foreign applied languages" and I hope to be a translator.
As I have always been well integrated in a "normal" environment, I have never asked me questions about RP for a long time. But when I left my parents' home to go to study in a bigger city, I have struck new difficulties and it has been very hard for me to accept that I could need other people's help. Nowadays, I do not think I have resolved all these problems but I am getting able to speak about them. I do not want to hide my handicap anymore although it is not quite easy. I think it is essential to speak about RP in order that other people aknowledge us and that they do not feel fear or pity for us. I believe in the importance of the REY group because all decisions concerning us will be taken at European level in a few years. So, we have to consult each other.