Name: Jessica
Age: 12
Amber Service: Amber Music Awards
Instrument: Piano and Oboe
12 year-old* Jessica has Cerebral Vision Impairment due to stroke at birth. This means she has occulomotor difficulties, a squint, and double vision that comes/goes intermittently throughout the day causing serious vision fatigue. She also has an inability to detect moving objects which can make many day-to-day activities hazardous.
Jessica cannot recognise faces or facial expressions, and this makes it hard for her to interact or react appropriately in social situations as she is missing the typical social cues.
Before Amber, Jessica had never been able to take part in an extra-curricular club or activity due to her vision loss. Sports and drama activities were impossible for her and she felt very socially isolated. Since receiving support from Amber, Jessica has developed her music skills to the point where she has been able to join both her school orchestra and a local community music club.
‘Piano lessons have changed Jessica’s life, and by extension, our lives as well’ Jessica’s Mum
Music has opened up a world of possibilities for Jessica. Jessica has joined many ensembles at school and in her local area. Having a common bond with her peers has been critical to Jessica’s self-esteem, making friends and sense of belonging.
Jessica’s parents hope that she will continues with her music studies throughout secondary school, eventually doing GSCE Music which will provide a nice balance with some of the more vision-intensive subjects.
Jessica’s mum says: ‘Amber’s support has been critical for helping Jessica to develop her musical interests, and to broaden her music experience to ensembles. Without Amber we would have needed to make a choice between piano and oboe lessons, whereas now she can do both and this has been so important for her.’
‘The piano provides stress relief for Jessica. When she gets home from school she goes straight to the piano. It’s soothing for her, and provides a rest for her eyes after a busy day ‘masking’ at school.’
*Age correct at time of publishing
To support other children like Jessica on their musical journey, please donate to The Amber Trust. Your support enables us to provide music opportunities to vision impaired children across the UK, including those with additional needs.