Thanks to Orcam MyEye I Can Study Law While Being Legally Blind

My name is Avesta Alani, I live in Toronto and I am in my first year at Osgoode Hall Law School. I previously graduated from Ottawa University in April with an Honours in International Development and Globalization and Minor in Philosophy.

I have had a genetic eye condition from a young age, called Cone-Rod Dystrophy, from the age of 8.  When I first heard of the OrCam MyEye, after the CNIB had referred my profile to the OrCam representative in Canada, (as I was a CNIB Scholarship winner), I thought that the device was revolutionary because it was so small, portable, and independent.

After receiving the OrCam MyEye, things that were difficult in the past like reading the mail and menus have become less of a barrier. I can do them on my own now, rather than getting assistance to read the content.  It will surely come in handy at the beginning of the semester, when my textbooks are still being transcribed and I am required to do readings. I can use the OrCam MyEye to read my hard-copy textbooks without falling behind, as it gives me the ability to work in real time.

I have a strong passion for reading, libraries, and hard-copy books, but would always have to listen to audio books to access materials, which is not as enjoyable as the experience of a real book in one’s hands.The OrCam MyEye will allow me to get back into my hobby and love of reading and libraries, as I can hold and read hard-copy books again.

As someone with vision loss, you either have to live ten steps ahead of everyone, or lag behind when you’re thinking about your accessibility. The OrCam MyEye allows for me to live in the moment again.  This will help me be more independent and efficient in my career as a lawyer, in my passion to empower other youth, and for me to enjoy activities that I love to do.

The OrCam MyEye is a revolutionary device, and I believe that we ought to support such ground-breaking and fundamental technology.

Avesta is a past-co chair and current member of the CNIB National Youth Council, and alongside a successful legal career, she aspires to empower the vision loss community and advocate for fewer barriers. Avesta is also a project consultant with the National Education Association for Disabled Students, working on research and program development for education and employment for students and employees with disabilities.  She has been an honours student since grade 1, and graduated as part of the Dean’s List from her BA.  Avesta is the recipient of both the 2016 Youth Celebration of People Award and the 2017 Youth Ottawa Award.