This weekend, we had the privilege of spending two full days with our brilliant VICTA Changemakers, an inspiring group of young people who are passionate about creating positive change for blind and visually impaired communities. And what a weekend it was.

Across a focused two-day residential, we ran a complete design-thinking sprint, diving deep into the lived experiences, challenges and misconceptions surrounding visual impairment. The result? Bold ideas, powerful conversations and the early stages of a campaign with the potential to shift perceptions on a national scale.

Day One: Empathy at the Centre

We began with empathy, the foundation of all meaningful change. The group openly shared personal stories, insights and frustrations about the realities of being blind or visually impaired. We explored common misconceptions, everyday barriers, and the emotional impact of being misunderstood or underestimated.

These conversations were honest, eye-opening and deeply moving. They set the tone for the rest of the sprint and reminded us all that real innovation starts with understanding.

Day Two: Defining, Sharpening and Ideating

On day two, we moved from understanding to action. Together, we defined the key challenges and sharpened them into clear, meaningful problem statements. From there, themes began to emerge, themes that reflected lived experience, ambition and the appetite for cultural change.

The ideas that followed were nothing short of brilliant. Bold, perception-shifting concepts came to life quickly, grounded in authenticity and driven by a desire to challenge the stereotypes that blind and visually impaired people face every day.

By the end of the weekend, the Changemakers had begun crafting a compelling campaign narrative, one that has the power to influence attitudes, spark conversation and empower others to think differently.

Proud, Energised and Excited for What’s Next

The energy, creativity and openness from the group were outstanding throughout the entire sprint. Every single participant brought care, curiosity and courage into the room. The result was a space where meaningful insight could flourish and collaboration felt effortless. It was a privilege to learn from the Changemakers, to hear their experiences first-hand and to see how their perspectives will shape the direction of our campaign.

A Huge Thank You

A massive thank you to the entire VICTA team for making this residential possible and to the Changemakers for their honesty, enthusiasm and commitment. You’ve already created something special and we’re only just getting started.

We can’t wait to take your concepts forward and develop a campaign that challenges misconceptions and celebrates the strength, individuality and voices of blind and visually impaired young people.