He’s not quite sure where his degree will take him, but Angus Mingare is enjoying his time at university.
The 20 year-old, who lives with low vision due to Oculocutaneous Albinism, is currently in his first year at the Australian National University where he is studying for a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Mathematical Science dual degree.
“It’s always been the sort of thing I’ve been interested in. It involves a lot of pure mathematics and computing which are things I’ve always enjoyed,” Angus said.
“I’m not sure where this will take me right now. I might just end up doing some further study, but I’m really just enjoying being at uni now,” he said.
Helping Angus enjoy the start of his university career has been the support he has received through Vision Australia’s Further Education Bursary Program. Through the program Angus has received a number of pieces of technology to help him with his studies, including a Dell XPS 15 laptop, Google Pixel XL smart phone and telescopic spectacles.
“The bursary has really made things heaps easier for me. The equipment means I can study and not have to worry about eye fatigue and things like that,” he said.
“The laptop in particular has been a huge help. I’ve been able to get all my textbooks and other material on there, which has made studying and completing my course work at lot easier than it would’ve been otherwise.
Through school Angus said he was supported by assistance from his teachers and he’s pleased to see that continue through into university.
“The uni’s been really great as well when it comes to making sure things are accessible and inclusive for me.
“From the start all of my exams and things have been in large print and they’ve done other things like that which really do make a difference.”
Another pleasing thing for Angus has been the fact that the technology now available to support him has continued to improve.
“I had a monocular when I was at school, but I never really liked using it. Being able to use the features on the laptop and that sort of thing is something I much prefer.
“I really am grateful to Vision Australia for what they’ve given me through the Bursary program. I really don’t think I’d be able to enjoy uni as much without it.”
This is the 21st year Vision Australia has been providing bursaries to people with vision impairment who are undertaking further education. To date, more than 320 students have been supported by Vision Australia through a bursary.
The bursary allows students to access assistive technology such as specialist computer software and braille displays, helping students like Angus study alongside their sighted peers.
Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. We work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them live the life they choose.