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See Hear: My Life with Usher |
 To be deaf is hard, but to be blind as well is a life engulfing challenge. Yet as this episode of See Hear discovers there are some amazing individuals who have not only been able to cope with this condition, but also enjoy life to the full.
These people suffer Usher Syndrome, an illness which causes deaf people to gradually lose their eyesight. The time this takes is different for each individual but the result is always the same. It currently affects 3-6% of the deaf population and there is no available treatment. A sufferer described his sight as, “…like looking through a window that’s never been cleaned. A dirty window.”
See Hear focuses on the personal tales of three extraordinary individuals: Melissa (27), James (26), Catherine (42). Each in their own way has managed to fulfil their ambitions whilst suffering a condition which most people could not even begin to imagine. The story of their lives not only reveals their courage and strength but also the misconceptions society holds against them. Prejudice rather than Ushers has often been the biggest barrier they have had to overcome.
 Catherine had the painful experience of being threatened with the taking of her child, “A social worker came to see me and said, “I’m sorry but as soon as your baby’s born it will be taken into care.” I was shocked. I asked her, “Why?” and she said it was because I was deaf blind. Because I had Ushers I wouldn’t be able to look after it and the baby would be at risk. I was absolutely seething.”
However, the most surprising source of narrow-mindedness for Melissa, James and Catherine has been their friends and families. See Hear eloquently captures the hurt they have experienced from the people closest in their lives who have simply not been bothered to attempt to communicate with them. Also the sad fact is that it is deaf people as much as those with hearing who are reluctant to adapt to their friends’ needs.
This fascinating programme probes deep into the changes Usher’s sufferers have to make in their lives, but what comes overwhelmingly across is the inspiring energy and personal strengths Melissa, James and Catherine hold in their lives. Relationships, work and the general process of living are increasingly difficult tasks for them to conduct, yet they are filled with hope and have much to look forward to in the future, even in romance, “I do wonder if I’ll ever find love, and I have no idea. But I would like to meet someone before I lose my eyesight. Then I’ll have a picture of them to keep and remember forever.”
Don't forget to tune-in to this special edition of See Hear to find out more about Usher Syndrome and people with the condition have learned to cope.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 April 2006 )
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