Victoria Harrison, a former student of the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), is making headlines as the UK’s first blind ambassador. She will take up her new post as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Slovenia in August 2024, accompanied by her guide dog, a two-year-old Labrador Golden Retriever cross named Otto.
Victoria developed a sight condition as a child and her vision started to deteriorate when she was in secondary school. While at university in 1996, recognising that her sight loss had reached the point that she needed to develop different skills, she enrolled at RNC for a term. During this time, Victoria learned Braille, mobility skills, IT proficiency, and how to live independently with sight loss. She also benefited greatly from getting to know other visually impaired young people for the first time and being able to participate fully in sport, something she continues today, thanks to the encouragement of Tony Larkin, a member of staff at the time.
Even though I was only at RNC for one term, that term was instrumental in my ability to complete my university studies, secure my dream job in the Diplomatic Service Fast Stream, and cope with my complete sight loss the following year.
The skills and confidence gained at RNC proved invaluable. Victoria not only completed her university studies but also landed a coveted position in the Diplomatic Service Fast Stream programme, a highly competitive career path leading to senior diplomatic roles. When she lost her sight completely the following year, she was already well-equipped to navigate this new reality.
Victoria’s remarkable achievement reflects not only her own determination but also the transformative impact of specialist colleges like the Royal National College for the Blind. For more information on Victoria’s trailblazing journey through the Diplomatic Service, read an article from the BBC here or visit the Government website here.