Jefferson Mac wants the world to know vision impaired people can achieve anything with the right support.
The UQ psychology student fell into depression after being declared legally blind in 2001, but has recently gotten his life back on track and discovered a newfound love of tandem cycling.
Mr Mac only took up the sport a month ago, and last weekend completed the BMW Ride for Life Challenge around Brisbane.
“To go from not being able to leave my room two years ago to conquering an 86km bike ride around Brisbane filled me with an overwhelming sense of achievement,” he said.
“It also brought home the main reason why I was so determined to do the ride and generate as much donations as possible because it was the training and support I received from Guide Dogs Queensland that gave me my independence back.
“I can never repay them enough for what they have given me, but I can do my best to help raise money so that GDQ can give other vision impaired citizens the gift of independence through mobility training.”
The organisation has provided Mr Mac with White Cane training and instruction on the use of a MiniGuide (a handheld electronic mobility aid that uses echolocation). GDQ staff also assist Mr Mac at the start of each semester so he is familiar with the routes to his lecture and tutorial rooms.
The cycling challenge comes shortly after Mr Mac realised another personal achievement – climbing the Story Bridge to mark White Cane Day on October 14.
Mr Mac said he was grateful for the support of the UQ Cycling Club, which had recently welcomed him and other vision impaired riders into the group.
Mr Mac said he had clear goals for using his education to help others.
“I chose to study psychology because I want to be able to help people overcome the barriers that are holding them back from living their life to the fullest,” he said.
“I want to do my honours at UQ, and to do a clinical masters degree here as well. When I get my clinical accreditation, I hope to work in both private practice and with GDQ to help future clients overcome the psychological issues that can arise from living with a vision impairment/blindness.”
To assist Guide Dogs Queensland to provide mobility training to others, Mr Mac’s cycling team have set a goal of raising $5,000, with donations able to be made online. The organisation receives no government funding to breed, train and place guide dogs.
Media: Jefferson Mac (jefferson.mac@uqconnect.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
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