0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:02 > 0:00:04- I'm James Lusted.
0:00:04 > 0:00:09- I'm 24 and I have Diastrophic - Displasia, a rare form of dwarfism.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13- I live at home with my parents - and brother Phil.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- Phil has the same condition as me.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- I don't allow my disability - to hold me back.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- In fact, I hate the word disabled.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- In this series, I'll travel Wales - to meet other disabled people...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..to experience life - through their eyes.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- Subtitles
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- While I was surfing - various websites...
0:00:42 > 0:00:48- ..I came across a girl - from Cardigan, Hannah.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- She's the youngest girl in Wales - who uses a guide dog.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- It will be interesting to meet - someone with a visual impairment...
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- ..to see how they function...
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- ..how they cope around the house - and go from place to place...
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- ..all sorts of things.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- I'm keen to contact the society...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..and hopefully meet up - with Hannah.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- I'm Hannah Stevenson, - I'm 16 and I come from Cardigan.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- This is my guide dog, Osi.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- I've had Os for a year and a half, - when I started Year 11.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- He's been brilliant. - I really enjoy having him.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- I couldn't be without him.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- He likes wandering around - on the school bus.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- He's great in school.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- Everybody knows Os!
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Find the door.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- They don't fuss around him - when the harness is on.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22- Once it's off, he lies down - and people say hello to him.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- He likes attention.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Perhaps I shouldn't rely - so heavily on Os.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- In a way, we rely on each other. - I look after him and feed him.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- But he works for me and - makes a difference to my life.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- I help him and he helps me. - We're a team.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- There you are, Os. On you go.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51- It's a busy period for Hannah. - She's studying for her A levels.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- I'm doing Mathematics, Physics, - Geography and a Baccalaureate.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- The adaptations made by the school - are a great help to her.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- My Note Taker is a Braille laptop.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- I can go on Word or surf the Net...
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- ..and it reads it back to me.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23- Any work I'm expected to do - is first handed to a teacher...
0:03:24 > 0:03:30- ..who changes it from print - into Braille with an embosser.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- Os sleeps in the lessons.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- Once, in a Geography lesson, - Os was growling in the corner.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- He was talking in his sleep!
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- Do you want water?
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- Hannah's sight has deteriorated - since she started in school.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- When I came here, - at eleven years of age...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..I could see a person - in front of me.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- I could see pictures and colours, - and walk around school on my own.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- But by Year 9 and 10, - my sight began to deteriorate.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- My friends helped me more.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- It was odd. - I wasn't sure what was happening.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- I've got friends and school. - I'm happy.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- I've got a great life - and I'm enjoying it.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- I can adapt. Sight is something - small compared to everything else.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Hannah refuses to be held back.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- After a long week in school, she - goes to work in the local chip shop.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- I work here once a week, - on Friday nights, from 5 to 8.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- I'm familiar - with The Cardigan Arms by now.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- I can find my way around.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- People will help, if needed.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- I'm familiar with the layout - and know my way around.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- Os wouldn't like it here.
0:05:06 > 0:05:12- It wouldn't be good for him to have - too many chips and sausages!
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- It would be rather cruel.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- I couldn't concentrate - if he was here.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- Working is important.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- It helps me to listen - to other people and socialize.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- I chat to different people. - It teaches me the value of money!
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- I got up early after receiving - an interesting invitation.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- I've heard from Hannah.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- I'm packing to go to Cardigan - to spend time with her.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- I'm looking forward to the journey.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59- It'll be interesting to see how - she interacts with her guide dog...
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- ..and how they cope with daily life.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- While I'm driving to West Wales...
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- ..Hannah meets her friend Debbie - in the park.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- They became close after meeting - on a guide dog training course.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- On you go, on you go.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Here you are. Hello! Are you OK?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- I'm fine. How's things going?
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Yeah, good thanks.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- Hello Osi, good boy!
0:06:34 > 0:06:35- Let the dogs off for a run?
0:06:35 > 0:06:36- Let the dogs off for a run?- - Tarka would like that.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- They can play together for a bit.
0:06:40 > 0:06:40- Ready?
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Ready?- - Yes. Go!
0:06:45 > 0:06:46- Os!
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- I've got no idea where they are. - Hold on, one of them's here.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Osi and Tarka are big friends.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- Hannah and Debbie believe - it's vital for the dogs to play...
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- ..before going back to work.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07- WHISTLE
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- Os!
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Find the door.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19- What's this?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- I think it's a top. - No, it's a dress.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- It's a nice dress.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- I like to have an idea - what I want when I'm shopping.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- I look around, sometimes I'm lucky!
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- Some skirts here, Debs.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- I feel the clothes - because I can't see them.
0:07:44 > 0:07:50- I can work out whether they're - a T-shirt, trousers, frock or shoes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- I don't know until I touch them.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- Feel that.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- Feel that.- - That's like lace, but not lace.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- I don't know what that is!
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- I put clothes in front of me - to check whether they fit.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- I ask Mam if she's with me.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- When it's just Debbie and me, it's - hard to tell the colour or pattern.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- We don't know. We try to guess - and hope for the best!
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- On an early trip to Cardiff, - I didn't know my way around.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Debbie nor I knew - what shops to go to.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33- We went to a bank, a goldsmith - - we didn't want any of these!
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- We found a shop we liked.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- On you go, Os.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- After arriving in Carmarthen, I met - Hannah and Osi in the local market.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Hello! I'm James. Nice to meet you.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- How do you manage - in places like markets?
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- I enjoying seeing - the various stalls.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- If I don't know it, it can be odd.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- I feel everything on all the stalls.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12- The stall owners can't understand - why I'm touching everything.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- If it's food, I can smell it - - I know not to touch it!
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- They wouldn't be happy - if I touched the food!
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- These places are quite tricky - for me.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- Everything is so high - and they don't always see me.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- They think I'm a child.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- Do you get mistaken for a child?
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Sometimes, but they apologize.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- There are nice cakes here!
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Bara brith!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- A famous Welsh cake!
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- I like cakes.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- I'm used to people staring at me - when I'm out.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- I wanted to hear - Hannah's experiences.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- Do you mind people stopping you - and asking questions?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- I don't mind that.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- I don't like it when people - try to do something for me.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- They say, "You can't do this."
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- I get stubborn - and want to do it more.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Do you mind when people - do anything to you?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Sometimes, people are fine with me.
0:10:27 > 0:10:33- Usually, when I'm walking down - a street or I'm in a new place...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- ..where people don't know me, - they pat me on my head.
0:10:38 > 0:10:44- It's natural for children - to stare at someone who's different.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- I get fun out of it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- Life is for living and having fun.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52- Yes!
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- In Part Two, I'll get - to know Hannah and her family.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- How has Osi, the guide dog, - changed their lives?
0:11:05 > 0:11:05- .
0:11:08 > 0:11:08- Subtitles
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- I'm in Moorfields Eye Hospital - in London...
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- ..for treatment for the glaucoma.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- How are you doing, Hannah?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- How are you doing, Hannah?- - Yeah, I think it's good.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- I first came here - when I was a week old.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- I had surgery - when I was 10 days old.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37- We're used to it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- We come every fortnight, - sometimes every week.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- We might take a month off - when we don't have to come.
0:11:46 > 0:11:47- It varies.
0:11:47 > 0:11:48- It varies.- - Yes.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- You're still using - quite a lot of drops.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- You're managing OK with that.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54- You're managing OK with that.- - Yes.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- Every visit to the London hospital - is different for Hannah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- She never knows what the doctor - will say about her vision.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- I've been coming often - for the past couple of years.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- It'll slow down once I'm older - to every four or six months.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- At the moment, we're here quite - often. We've got to know London!
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- The damage to Hannah's eyes - was caused by glaucoma.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- It usually affects people - far older than Hannah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- Fluid pressing on the eye nerves - leads to impaired vision.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- They check the eye pressure, - and how much fluid is in the eyes.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- They make sure it's OK.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42- If anything has changed, they - want to find out what caused it.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Professor Khaw has treated Hannah - since she was a baby.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- They have a special bond.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54- He's a really nice doctor. I - couldn't ask for a nicer doctor.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- He assess through play, - which puts me at ease.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- She would often draw - a picture on the train for him.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- You ran over, - all excited to see him.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- Her eyes were wide open, - and he could have a good look.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- It's very good - 11 and 12. - These operations are working well.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- The London trip has been a success.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Hannah doesn't have to return - to London for six months.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- After shopping and - swapping stories with Hannah...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..I've come to Cardigan - to meet the family.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46- Hello! Are you OK?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- Very well. And you?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Fine, thanks. Hello, Osi! - Are you OK?
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- How are you? Welcome.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Thank you. It's a nice day.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58- It's great.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- Did you have a good journey?
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Did you have a good journey?- - Yes, thanks.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Tea or coffee?
0:14:05 > 0:14:06- Tea, please. Thanks.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Tea, please. Thanks.- - Tea or coffee, Mam?
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- The tea was good - after a long journey.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I wanted to hear - about Hannah's childhood.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Mam mentioned to me...
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- ..that she knew before I was born - that I had this condition.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- When did you find out - about Hannah's condition?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- The day she was born. - I didn't know beforehand.
0:14:31 > 0:14:37- I knew once they handed her to me - that there was a sight defect.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- I didn't know what it was. - The doctors came that day.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- A week later, she went - to Moorfields to see Professor Khaw.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- He diagnosed the glaucoma.
0:14:51 > 0:14:57- Did you think your life would change - due to Hannah's condition?
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- It changed because there was a baby - in the house! She was my firstborn.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- I was delighted - to have a little baby girl.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- That was the biggest emotion, - my love for her.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- If she was visually impaired, - it made no difference.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- She was a darling and I loved her.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- I would do anything for her.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Jackie hasn't treated Hannah - differently.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Has Hannah ever felt different?
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- I don't dwell on it. - It's part of my day to day life.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- What's normal for one person - is different from the next person.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46- It's something that's different - about me. It's normal for me.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- What can you see?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- I can see light out of both eyes.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- I can tell if it's sunny, - and I know if it's day or night.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- You've had Os for a while.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- How would you describe life - without him?
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- I could manage without him, - because I'd have to.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- I wouldn't choose to do it.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- Os once injured his shoulder - and couldn't work.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- We went out for a meal.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- I wanted to go to the toilet, - but I couldn't go on my own.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- I had to ask Mam or a friend.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- If Os was with me, I could just go.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- He gives me independence. - He's company, too.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- If you get one, you get the other.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Looking after a guide dog...
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- ..requires following rules set - by Guide Dog Wales.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- Osi's diet is important, and - Hannah weighs his food carefully.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53- WHISTLE
0:16:54 > 0:16:55- Good boy!
0:16:55 > 0:17:00- What's the difference - between using a white stick...
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- ..and having Os?
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- No-one spoke to me - when I had a white stick.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- People wondered what it was.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- I bumped into people as I walked - along, which wasn't nice for them.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- With Os, I go around people.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23- People ask what he's like. It's - not something they see every day.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- People like dogs.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- When I go somewhere on my own, - he's an icebreaker.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- It's not just Hannah's life that's - been affected by Osi's presence.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- How is it to have Osi in the house?
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- In the beginning, it was hard.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- We weren't allowed - to make a fuss of him.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- But within a matter of months, - it came easier.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Do you worry about Hannah?
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- Yes, if she was rushed to hospital.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- She doesn't want people - to worry about her.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- She tries to sort it out herself.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Do you feel protective towards her, - as her brother?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- I'd be angry - if someone was unkind to her.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- She doesn't want to make a fuss.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- She wants to carry on.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- I help around the house - like everyone else, washing up.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- If Mam's late back from work, - I'll get the supper.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- I'll use anything - I find in the fridge.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- I clear up.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- I've got no excuse not to clear up - even though I try!
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- I could pretend I can't see dust, - but it doesn't work.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Has the house been adapted for you?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Yes, a few things.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- When I make a brew...
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- ..there's a device to tell me - when the mug is full.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- It makes a noise - and I know to stop!
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- There are bump-ons on the cooker, - so I know where to press.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- That's 80 degrees, - 100 degrees and 120 degrees.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- I wanted to know what else Hannah - has to help her around the house.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- I can write faster on this.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Do you get longer to sit exams?
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- I get 100% extra. - The Welsh exam was even longer.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- I started at 8.30am - and finished at 4.30pm.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- It was supposed - to be a two and a half hour exam.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- Feel free to write something.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- I'll try to write my name.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- J is dot, 2, 4 and 5 - all together.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07- Like that.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- I don't like the word disabled. - How do you feel about that word?
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- I don't think I'm disabled.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- I'm the same as everyone else, - only slightly different.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Perhaps someone's got brown hair - and someone else is blonde.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Someone can see, and I can't.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- People have said hurtful things...
0:20:30 > 0:20:36- ..but it's their fault, - they know no better.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42- I'm the same as everyone else. - It's their loss, not mine.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- And space.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45- James.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- That's what your name - looks like in Braille.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54- Excellent.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- I feel rather nervous today.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- I'm meeting Hannah - in a High Rope Adventure Park.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- Are you OK?
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's quite high!
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- I'm not very good with heights.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- I'll be brave and just do it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- I'm never scared - in places like this.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Is it easier that you can't see?
0:21:36 > 0:21:37- I think so.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- I can't see how high I am!
0:21:43 > 0:21:44- I can!
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- Looking down is the same - as looking up for me.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Hannah is an adventurous girl - - but I'm not quite as happy!
0:22:04 > 0:22:05- JAMES CHUCKLES
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Bye bye!
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- It's really good. I enjoyed that. - Go on James, you next!
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- You'll enjoy it - I hope so, anyway!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Oh, my gosh!
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- Oh, dear!
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- The course - was quite difficult for me.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- My legs and arms are short.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- But they're something - I deal with on a daily basis.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52- Sorry.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Sorry.- - No, it's OK.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Perfect. Thank you.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- That was fun.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- Meeting Hannah and her family - has been a very special experience.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- I agree about something Hannah - said the other day.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- We're not disabled.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- The word doesn't describe us.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- We adapt to our surroundings - to make things easier for us...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..to do what everybody else does.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:50 > 0:23:50- .