BLINDNESS IS NO BAR TO SUCCESS

By Lori Little - Friday, May 2, 2008

Book-keeper Julie Grant with her SFEDI award as a professional service provider. Picture by JENNIFER BURTON.

BLIND book-keeper Julie Grant has won a prestigious business award — proving her deteriorating eyesight is no barrier to success.
Julie, of Porter Avenue, Lake, won the award for professional service provider at the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative Baftas, for her work with small businesses.
She was nominated by the International Association of Bookkeepers after winning their Book-keeper of the Year 2007 Award, which was presented at the House of Commons last June.
Twelve years ago, Julie, 46, was diagnosed with a condition that attacks the retina of the eye and leads to blindness. She only has partial sight left in one eye and that is deteriorating.
Despite this, she set up her own book-keeping business and re-trained as an accountant, and uses voice-activated technology for her work and all over the house.
“Everything talks to me, even the weighing scales,” she said.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have won this award. Because I am registered blind it sounds crazy to do accountancy work but this award gives my business credibility and proves I am doing something right.
“I am almost at the point of having to turn work away, I am so busy but I really enjoy it.”

BLINDNESS IS NO BAR TO SUCCESS

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