Inspiring Imtiaz gets degree of success (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Inspiring Imtiaz gets degree of success

2:02pm Tuesday 28th October 2008

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A Bradford man who lost his sight more than 20 years ago and now campaigns for other disabled people will achieve his dream of receiving a degree from the University of Bradford next month.

Imtiaz Naqvi has spent 14 years gaining his education and will graduate from his combined-studies course at a ceremony in St George’s Hall on Wednesday, November 5.

And not content to rest on his achievements, he is now undertaking a masters degree in disability studies and hopes to begin training as an advice worker with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Mr Naqvi said: “I was made redundant in 1980 because my sight was deteriorating and I couldn’t work. I went to the RNIB centre and met some other blind people, and this gave me more confidence.

“In 1983 I enrolled in college but was told they did not have the facilities to help me. Eleven years later I met the lecturer in the street. She introduced herself and said the college had the facilities now, and asked if I was still interested.

“I enrolled initially just to improve my English but then went on to another course, then another, and now after 14 years I have completed my degree. It has been very challenging but I have successfully accomplished my aim.

“I have now applied to the CAB for volunteer training and aim to be able to give professional advice to the most needy. When some people become disabled they lose confidence.”

Mr Naqvi is also involved in campaigning for the rights of blind people and is currently fighting for equal disability payments.

“My studies helped give me the confidence to do the work I do with the Bradford Association of Visually Impaired People,” he said. “It is very important that we not be excluded.

“Many blind people keep themselves in isolation, partly because they cannot afford to get taxis to go places. We have lobbied Parliament but the government has yet to make a decision.”

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