This Christmas, a leading sight loss charity, is calling on the public to help visually impaired children discover their hidden superpowers that can transform their lives. One inspiring example is 19-year-old Jemima Billam, who went from feeling isolated in mainstream education to thriving with confidence and independence after finding her own ‘superpower’ at Edinburgh’s Royal Blind School.
Living with Bardet–Biedl Syndrome and Retinitis Pigmentosa, Jemima describes her time at the Royal Blind School as “life-changing.” The specialist support she received helped her rebuild self-belief and prepare for an exciting new chapter at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC).
Before joining the Royal Blind School, Jemima lacked confidence, struggled socially, and found schoolwork increasingly challenging. Everything changed when she began a split placement at the Royal Blind School in 2022, later transitioning to full-time residential attendance in August 2024. Her parents, Jayne and Lloyd, say the transformation has been remarkable.
Jayne, explains: “We have watched Jemima grow into a young woman who is ready to live independently. She has come so far. Previously, Jemima was isolated and anxious. She struggled to get the right support in mainstream school. But everything changed when she started at the Royal Blind School. She learned independent living skills, grew socially, and discovered braille – which she calls her “superpower.” She can now read, write, and express herself through poetry. Drama and mindfulness have also helped her manage her anxiety and frustration.
“The Royal Blind School has been like an extended family. The school gave Jemima independence, friends, and the ability to believe in and speak up for herself. Without that, she would not be going into further education. The Royal Blind School has given her more than education – it provided her with community, belonging and trust. She found her ‘tribe’ there. Now she is ready for RNC, with the skills, friendships, and independence she has gained.”
Prior to leaving the Royal Blind School, Jemima wrote a few words describing her time there: “Qualified Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVI) are gold dust. They ‘get me’ like mainstream teachers never did and gave me the freedom to learn on my own and at my own speed – that makes me much more independent. I am more confident and have a future now that I never dreamed possible before the Royal Blind School.
“They taught me Braille – it is my superpower – which lets me read and write again and now I can learn and grow but just see in a different way. I can now use my cane to move around on my own and can talk about my feelings better because QTVI teachers understand me – I love drama and mindfulness and chilling at the Royal Blind School as it makes me feel calm. All the QTVI teachers at the school have helped me grow and I wish there were more near me and in schools and colleges. I am lucky to go to RNC to continue school, but it is so far away.
“When people ask me if I want my sight back, I say ‘NO’ because I see better now than before and I really found my tribe at the Royal Blind School.”
Sight Scotland is now sharing Jemima’s inspiring journey as part of its Winter Appeal, calling on the public to help ensure that more children and young people with visual impairments across Scotland receive the vital support they need. The need has never been greater. While the number of children living with visual impairment is rising, the support available to them is falling short.
Jemima’s journey, and discovering her ‘superpower,’ was only possible because of the specialist education and care provided by Sight Scotland. Through its Royal Blind School and Outreach services, the charity is helping hundreds of children build confidence, independence, and a brighter future. But the charity cannot do it alone and it needs your help. With your support, it can continue to provide life-changing education and help more children to unlock their superpowers.
Please donate today online at sightscotland.org.uk or call Sight Scotland’s fundraising team on 0131 446 3089.
