VICTA
Changemakers

We’re excited to introduce to you our new team of VICTA Changemakers 2026/2027! Passionate about sharing their views on the topics that matter to young vision impaired people, they’ll be bringing you stories, videos, podcasts and more across the year, so watch this space and stayed tuned.

It’s time to meet our Changemakers, find out what they love and what they’d like to change about the world.

If you’d like to get involved with future Changemaker projects, email Emily at emcmillan@victa.org.uk

Tune in to our podcast!

See it our way

See it our way: the VICTA podcast is out now, here are all the ways to listen:

Spotify >

Apple Podcasts >

Amazon Music >

YouTube > 

If you’d like to get in touch with the podcast team, email podcast@victa.org.uk

Meet the VICTA Changemakers

My name is Alyssia…

I am currently studying Law at university. Outside of studies, I love to sing, game, write, journal and try new food. I am registered severely sight impaired and can see light and colour. I am really excited to be a VICTA Changemaker and bring about positive change for blind and partially sighted people.

A selfie of Berivan. She has long dark hair and wears a grey hoodie.

My name is Berivan…

I am a qualified Early Years Practitioner. I take part in blind sports such as V.I. Tennis and Football. I also play the guitar and love singing too. I like to travel to new places and try new activities. If I could change on thing in the world it would be the perceptions people have about blind individuals.

Follow Berivan

Instagram: @thelifeofav.igirl
TikTok: @thelifeofav.i.girl

Dylan shouting happily at a concert.

My name is Dylan…

I’m 19 and I’ve just moved out to study Graphic Design at university! I have oculocutaneos albinism meaning my skin and eyes have no pigment, it also makes my hair bright white! Despite being visually impaired I am perusing the visual arts and I love it. I also love playing and listening to music and especially attending gigs. When I have time, I like to get out into the great outdoors.

Follow Dylan

Instagram: @bobzsquad42

Emmy standing in her kitchen smiling.

My name is Emmy…

Follow Emmy

Instagram: @emmysviplife
YouTube: Emmy’s VIP Life

A selfie of Erin smiling in sunglasses.

My name is Erin…

Hi I’m Erin and I’m 19 and I’m from Devon. I’m a friendly, caring and ambitious person who enjoys meeting new people, trying new experiences and making a positive difference. I’m passionate about travel and tourism and I’m currently starting university to study International Tourism Management. I also have Aniridia, a rare genetic eye condition that affects my vision. Living with a visual impairment has helped me become more independent, resilient and understanding. I’m passionate about raising awareness of Aniridia and showing others that having a disability doesn’t have to hold you back. I’m always excited to learn, grow and take on new challenges.

Follow Erin

Instagram: @erin.newberry2007
TikTok: @visual_impairement

Jack in a yellow raincoat standing on a boat on a calm sea.

My name is Jack…

I’m 25 and I am totally blind. My eye condition is Retinopathy of Prematurity. I am into a lot of different things including music, technology, and thrill-seeking activities! I love to travel, get out there and adventure. As a VICTA Changemakers, I am eager to utilise my existing skills and experiences such as audio editing and writing.

A selfie of Lizzy where she is wearing a grey zip up hoodie.

My name is Lizzy…

I was born with congenital glaucoma and I have a genetic condition called neurofibromotosis. I have never let challenges get in the way of my life. I love to hang out with friends, travel and enjoy new experiences. I became a Changemaker this year because I wanted to show people that no matter what you can achieve your dreams. I want to show that you can break the barriers that held you for so long. I am positive and energetic and my loyalty to my friends is endless.

FollowLizzy

TikTok: @golden_secret25

Maddie on a summery holiday in Greece, standing in front of white buildings with blue domed rooves.

My name is Maddie…

I’m Maddie, I’m 21 years old, I have a degree in Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism and am a sports fan! Some highlights for me so far have been interviewing Lord David Blunkett, Rob Sears and @the_vi_guy! In my spare time I enjoy travelling and love exploring new places! Despite my visual impairment I never let this get the better of me. I’m looking forward to continuing to advocate for people with VI needs and also spread positive messages within society.

My journalism pieces:

Employees with Sight Loss

UNSEEN

My name is Meghan…

I am studying A-Levels in Film Studies and Sociology, hoping to do Sociology at university next year. I love going to the cinema, and going to concerts. One thing I would like to see change is that there be more accurate disability representation in film and tv, instead of going off of stereotypes.

Mo in a suit holing a white cane in front of a balloon display at a formal event.

My name is Mo…

My name is Muhammed Ravat, but everyone calls me Mo. I’m a Communications & Engagement Officer at Beacon Centre for the Blind and a LOOK Mentor.

Sight loss has changed my life, but it has also shown me the blessings of seeing the bigger picture. I’ve become more confident, learnt new skills and done things I never expected to do. I love graphic design, filmmaking and anything that’s creative. I’m a lifelong fan of McLaren, movies, Marvel, books and more. I’m passionate about making inclusive design, helping create a world where everyone can take part.

Follow Mo

Instagram: @_mo_ravat

Nazan in a sunny park with trees and a blue sky in the background, holding a yoga like pose.

My name is Nazan…

I’m a holistic practitioner, energy healer, animal lover and curious human who’s always questioning, exploring and connecting the dots. I also host immersive sound bath experiences and teach somatic yoga.

I’m currently writing a book that weaves together my interests in equality, animal rights, environmental awareness and spirituality, exploring how we can live more consciously and compassionately in the world.

I’m a bit of a dreamer, deep thinker and believer in positive change – with a healthy dose of curiosity, creativity and probably too many ideas at any one time!

Follow Nazan

Instagram: @nazanvisions & @very_snazzy
YouTube: @nazanvisions

A selfie of Rebecca taken outdoors. She has black hair and wears glasses.

My name is Rebecca…

I am a Law graduate and currently figuring out my next steps into employment. I am a big reader and also love a good coffee shop and the opportunity to people-watch. I want to normalise visual impairment and that VI individuals can lead independent lives, and help break down some of the misconceptions around this, especially around being a long cane user.

A selfie of Robert smiling at the camera.

My name is Robert…

I’m 28 years old and for 12 of those years I’ve been severely visually impaired, registered blind. I’ve always had a passion for helping people find their true calling and their areas of inner strengths.

My tertiary education in Performing Arts led me to develop creative ways of engaging people in learning. I created workshops which evolved into the opportunity to go to Nepal to teach children using my own creative methods. As a Changemaker I strive to encourage as many as possible to encounter and explore their inner strengths to achieve their utmost potential.

Kieran is standing outside dressed smartly for an occasion. He is wearing a black shirt and a beige dinner jacket.

My name is Steele…

I’m 20 years old. I’m currently a second year Music student at the University of Cambridge. I was born in Sri Lanka and have lived most of my life in London. I’ve been singing since I was four, play guitar and piano, and I’m an aspiring songwriter and composer. I really enjoyed acting at school, particularly performing in musicals. I love horse riding, swimming and singing with my college band and I hope to start my own radio show one day.

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Latest stories from the Changemakers…

Changemakers on TikTok

@victauk Thanks to @UCFB Manchester for hosting the VICTA Changemakers for a two-day sports marketing workshop. Upping our skills and ready to ask the right questions to get all the answers! We loved hearing all about what the university has to offer and the positive outreach to students who have a disability. Thank you for having us! Video description: The video pans around different clips of eight members of the Changemakers team in a classroom style setting. Videos show the group chatting, asking Chris, the lecturer questions and listening to the session. It ends on a group photo in front of the Quays in Manchester at night which is lit up. #VICTAChangemakers #UCFB #University #Manchester #SalfordQuays #MediaCity #Disability #Blind #BlindnessAwarenessMonth #BlindTok #VI #VisionImpairment #VICTA #Charity ♬ original sound - VICTAUK
@victauk What happens at a VICTA Changemakers session? Ellie lets you into our social media session with some special guests! Keep following as we share our voices... Video description: The video opens with a clip of Ellie at the session, you are laughing while using her braille note. Next is a pan of the outside of the RSBC building showing the Shard across the Thames and then spinning to show the entrance. Clips show Georgie Williams talking through her slides and the group listening. Seren talks to the group and Ambi and Abu hold up wooden frames that represent the frames of a phone screen. Close ups of show members chatting about ideas happily and finishes with a group photo, including guide dog Bertie. @ruqaiya.art @somewhatellie @tegan_blind_star @otters.have.pockets @slashqueer @roakelee @lifewithabu #VictaChangemakers #BlindTok #VisionImpaired #Blind #PartiallySighted #SightLoss #VisualImpairment ♬ original sound - VICTAUK
@victauk Good luck to VICTA Changemakers Scarlett & Eliza Humphrey taking part in the #Paris #Paralympics #TeamGB #ParaSwimming ♬ original sound - VICTAUK

The VICTA Changemaker team of 2024 +

Bilaal stands outside holding a football which is red and gold. He wears a grey Adidas tracksuit top.

Bilaal Ali

A portrait photo of Mohammed. He is wearing a black t-shirt and has short black hair.

Mohammed Alomrani

Follow Mohammed…
Instagram: @mo_alomrani

Me and my Guide Dog Bertie. Bertie is a golden retriever he is wearing his Guide Dogs harness standing by my side smiling at the camera. I am stood next to him I have long dark hair, brown skin, wearing sunglasses, A full sleeves dark top and a pair of black geans. This photo was taken outside there is a small canal in the background and a building towards the back on the left.

Ruqaiya Asim

Follow Ruqaiya…
Instagram: @ruqaiya.art
TikTok: @ruqaiya.art
YouTube: @ruqaiya.art

Lucy is riding a horse on a beach with the sea behind. The horse is a tan colour and has a white stripe on their nose. Lucy wears riding gear and a horse riding hat with a bobble on top.

Lucy Booker Wilson

Kieran is standing outside dressed smartly for an occasion. He is wearing a black shirt and a beige dinner jacket.

Kieran Clarke

Follow Kieran…
Instagram: @kierankareem
TikTok: @eyecantsee__

Grace is stood in a studio singing happily into a microphone. She has long brown hair and wears a peach t-shirt and holds a white handbag.

Grace Hill

Scarlett is smiling standing in front of an indoor swimming pool. She has long brown hair and wears glasses and a red zip-up British Swimming Championship tracksuit top.

Scarlett Humphrey

Follow Scarlett and Eliza…
Instagram: @humphrey_sisters

Eliza is standing on her patio smiling, she is smartly dressed wearing a light pink laced top and a black blazer. She has long brown hair and wears glasses.

Eliza Humphrey…

Follow Scarlett and Eliza…
Instagram: @humphrey_sisters

Abu is wearing a black cap and a green Manchester United shirt and a black jacket. He is standing outside the grounds and is holding a folded up white cane.

Abu-bakr Ishtiaq

Follow Abu…
TikTok @lifewithabu
Instagram: @abubakrishtiaq

Kiranjeet is relaxing in a wicker chair out on some decking. He is wearing a grey Nike tracksuit and a black beanie and sunglasses, looking off into the distance.

Kiranjeet Khurana…

Follow Kiranjeet…
Instagram: @karan_khurana__03

Ben is standing in a living room holding an acoustic guitar ready to play. He has dark hair and wears a black t-shirt.

Bennett Pierce

Rhiana stands outside holding her white cane. She is wearing a navy hoodie and has short brown hair. Next to her Rhiana's cavapoo looks up at her. He is wearing a blue coat.

Rhiana Ralls

Talha Noor Tahir

A portrait photo of Lee looking to camera. He has short brown hair and wears a white t-shirt.

Lee Roake…

Follow Lee…
Instagram: @roakelee
TikTok: @roakelee

 This pic was of me at Man United stadium as I am a united fan. Ikra sits on a bench with a Man United shirt hanging behind her - the shirt has the number 23 and the name SHAW. Ikra is wearing a Man United scarf and is holding her white cane.

Ikra Shakoor

A cut-out image of Tegan's profile. She has blue hair and is singing into a microphone.

Tegan Skyrme

Follow Tegan…
TikTok: @tegan_blind_star
Instagram: @teganstar100
Soundcloud: Tegan Star

Ellie is facing towards the sky smiling with her eyes closed and wind blowing through her hair. She is wearing a knitted jumper and dungarees and standing in a wooden boat with oars. It is a very atmospheric image with a movie like quality.

Ellie Wallwork

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Click here to sign up >

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You might also enjoy…

Before our VICTA Changemakers Programme, the VICTA Young Ambassadors were busy sharing their stories. Here are some you may be interested in!

‘A bit of advice’

Natalia shares her five wellbeing tips

Natalia shares five pieces of helpful advice to help you look after yourself and hopefully take some of the pressure away when you are feeling overwhelmed. As a student with a vision impairment there can be a lot to navigate and it’s easy to compare yourself to those around you. Natalia has been able to take stock of past experiences and hopes her tips will help you to a place of acceptance and growth.

Tatum McGreal at KISS FM chats to Grace!

Through highs and lows with her mental health, KISS has been a safe space for Grace, bringing positivity and fun and even inspiring her to write her own music. A huge fan of Tatum’s afternoon show, Grace digs deeper into what makes KISS so special to listeners like her and to everyone who works there. Find out how Tatum discovered radio was the career for her and get some top tips if you have a passion for working in radio yourself.

Strive - acceptance and growth

Creating the life you want

By Natalia Foster

Advice to my past self – lessons I have learnt over the last year

By Grace Hill

Strive acceptance and growth

Moving house – tips for home buyers with a vision impairment

By Jack Tomlin

Strive - acceptance and growth

So, how long do you think it will take to get the book finished?

By Mahalia Creft

Beauty for the Visually Impaired

By Mahalia Creft

Kissing the sky: How Kiss FM makes me feel like anything is possible

By Grace Hill

Pushing through your limits – my return to goalball

By Jack Tomlin

No Limits Strive

Flying above the limits: My first solo trip!

By Natalia Foster

latest stories

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  • Changemakers game development

Video game development project for the blind

October 29, 2024|1 Comment

VICTA Changemakers Blindness Awareness Month Video games, as the name suggests, are not supportive for people without sight. The assumption that the player has sight means that there are certain [...]