Amazing blind actor from Coventry starring in new film

A blind actor stars in a short film encouraging people to help those with sight loss. Cee Cee Ezema, 25, from Coventry, features in the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) video.

It highlights how sighted people can lend a helping hand – or a voice – to the blind, rather than waiting to be asked. The charity says our world is not designed with blind and partially sighted people in mind, so the vast majority may need help when making an unfamiliar journey.

Its research also shows that while 45 percent of the public feel confident they know the signs that someone is blind or partially sighted, 60 percent feel embarrassed to offer assistance. Cee Cee, who suffers from albinism, appears in the section of the film that highlights the challenge of finding the right items in the supermarket.

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She said: “I really wanted to be involved in the campaign and be part of the film because I can relate to all the different scenes in the film – especially the one I was in, as it happens all the time. “Navigating in places like shops and train stations can be very frustrating as the signs never seem to be big enough and I want to be able to move through life independently.

“I think it’s important that this film has blind and partially sighted actors in it because we know what it feels like to go through these issues and we can convey that frustration authentically.” Other situations featured in the film include navigating A-boards on the street, waiting for a bus, dodging cars parked on sidewalks, and hitting unexpected bins.

The RNIB has launched the Be Helpful online guide, which gives advice to sighted people on how to mitigate such problems and start a conversation that leads to helping. David Aldwinckle, from the charity, said: “While most people with sight loss, like myself, have found ways to get around as independently as possible, that doesn’t mean help isn’t welcome.

“When someone asks me at the bus stop if I need help, I really appreciate it. Just that small acknowledgment that help could be useful makes me feel like I belong and part of the community.

The guide can be found at https://www.rnib.org.uk/behelpfulguide.

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