“Living Paintings has changed Jacob’s world”- Jacob’s story

Before 2020, Jacob Wright couldn’t do much on his own due to his severe visual impairment. And while for many, the global pandemic made this a year they’d rather forget – for Jacob, now 11, it was the year that changed everything.

He was finally able to do two of his favourite things without assistance – reading and Judo. 

“We were introduced to Living Paintings in 2020 and that was also the year when Jacob first tried Judo – the one sport that doesn’t require full sight,” says mum Charlene. “So much was unlocked for him after these two discoveries. It changed his world.”

Having been born with retinoblastoma – a rare cancer of the eyes – Jacob had one eye removed at 12 weeks old and several treatments on the other. He lost most of his vision from a very young age and now had only 10% vision in his left eye.

Despite his setbacks, Jacob adapted to his sight loss well and began to thrive with the support of his QTVI (Qualified Teacher for the Visually Impaired).

“We were all stunned with how well Jacob coped with his sight loss,” says Charlene. “He always loved stories and being read to so when his QTVI introduced us to Living Paintings, it unlocked so much for him.”

As a huge Harry Potter fan, Jacob was thrilled when one of his first deliveries contained tactile-audio pictures featuring characters and magical artifacts from the wizarding world.

“Jacob was finally able to see what Voldemort and a Golden Snitch looked like in his mind by touching the detailed raised pictures,” says Charlene. “They were so accurate, and it was a wonderful experience for him.”

As well as being able to feel along with stories, the books by Living Paintings have also been essential in helping Jacob learn braille so he can read for himself.

“The books have been a huge support for his learning. It helps him with his braille, but he is also able to get Living Paintings books to support topics at school – such as Vikings or nature – and that helps him keep up with the rest of the class,” says Charlene. “Thanks to his VI teacher and the Living Paintings books, he can attend mainstream school and is doing really well.”

Jacob’s one other love, besides reading, is Judo – and it’s something he has a natural talent for. “Jacob has always been a sporty boy and loves football. Unfortunately, he needs a cane to move around, and his sight just isn’t good enough to play with his friends. We wanted him to try something new and discovered that with Judo. It’s done by feeling, so sight isn’t as important.

Jacob completed a beginner’s course in 2020 and started to train twice a week. We took him to his first competition in 2021. It was a mainstream competition and wasn’t adaptive so we weren’t sure how he would get on, but he brought home the gold!”

Since his first win, Jacob has won several trophies and wants to take his Judo even further. “We’ve been told by his coach that he can attend Paralympic potential days when he’s 12, which are basically pathways to the Paralympics.”

To celebrate the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, Living Paintings sent Jacob a special Olympics pack with books all about the Games.

“Jacob devours information and likes to learn all he can about his favourite things. He really admires Paralympians such as Libby Clegg and Judoka Chris Skelley – who he was lucky enough to meet and hold his gold medal! Having tactile resources that can help him understand the various events and history is so important for him as we get excited for the Games.”

Jacob said, “The pictures are great! I loved being able to learn all about Libby Clegg – that’s going to be me one day!”

With all his trophies and the thought of competing in the Paralympic Games one day soon, Jacob is a remarkable boy and one who doesn’t let his visual impairment slow him down.

Charlene says, “Living Paintings are a huge part of our lives and Jacob loved getting involved by helping to test new books and take part in fundraising such as the Big Christmas Read where he raised around £1200. When we first found out that he would hardly have any sight, I couldn’t imagine such a positive future for him but with the help of Living Paintings for his stories and learning and Judo – the sky’s the limit!”

We’re bringing the Games and the sporting world to life through touch and sound.

This summer, Team GB will battle it out for gold at Paris Olympics and Paralympics! As the world comes together in celebration, we believe no blind or visually impaired child should feel excluded from the visual spectacle.

Find out more on our Summer of Sports hub.