Beyond Vision: A Journey of Strength Through Glaucoma

녹내장과 함께 생활| The One with Coach Sydney Kamanga: Episode 8 (2024)

"Living in Africa with a disability is challenging because the environment is not adapted for physical disabilities, let alone unseen ones like mine. I use a cane with a reflector, which is not easy to get and must be imported. Like a partner, I also have a visual aid to help me navigate. A friend gifted me a BlindShell Classic 2 phone, designed for visually impaired people. It's a smartphone that gives me back control. Despite the challenges, these tools and support systems have significantly impacted my life." — Coach Syndey (2024)

"When I stopped asking 'how' and started asking 'who can help me?' my whole life changed. I realized I wouldn't do everything myself, but I knew people who could help. Someone good with computers could type out proposals, for example. You can build a network around yourself. I'll have someone read my phone messages to me, and I’ll tell them what I want to change." — Coach Syndey (2024)

I’m thrilled to share an immensely uplifting episode with you today. Coach Sydney Kamanga, our guest, was born in Zambia and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. His story is extraordinary, combining sports coaching, entrepreneurship, and glaucoma advocacy. Coach Sydney’s experience exemplifies resilience, especially after he suffered vision loss due to glaucoma in 2022. Despite this struggle, he is committed to empowering people with disabilities and increasing awareness about this frequently misunderstood condition. Special thanks to Chulu of the Africana Woman Podcast for introducing us. Join me as we delve into Coach Sydney’s life, exploring his unique path from Zambia to Scotland and how he navigates the challenges and triumphs.