Cape Town - Despite living with a visual and hearing impairment, a UWC alumna, who completed her degrees in Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, has now published her own book under her own publishing house.
Yumnah Jones, who grew up in Mitchell’s Plain is a force to be reckoned with, she goes for what she wants and lives by the example that nothing is impossible.
Jones said her hearing impairment was diagnosed at the age of three and today only has 70 percent of decibels of her hearing in both of her ears.
At the age of 20, she received her diagnoses for her visual disability
She makes use of a hearing aid and walking cane to help her navigate.
“I was diagnosed with a hearing impairment in both of my ears at the age of three,” she told Weekend Argus.
“At the age of 20, a visual impairment was diagnosed because I would knock into things since the age of 10 but no-one knew then what was happening.
“We discovered that the hearing and the visual impairment is connected. The condition is known as Usher Syndrome type two, which is a hearing loss since birth and gradual visual loss.
“It is part of the broader condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa Usher Syndrome Type 2.
“I was quite capable to attend a normal school and was good academically.”
Jones’ book, titled: She Who Dreams, speaks of her strong resilience in a 91 page novella.
The novella tells the story of a young woman and her life path and discovery while living with impairments.
When asked why she decided to write the novella, Jones said it was for others to reflect deep within themselves and to know their greater potential.
“As people, we sometimes complicate things for ourselves by trying to be something we are not or to do something we are not,” she said.
“The novella is a simple inspiration to find that person and to start that journey into your own self and your own truth.”
Jones said the book provides introspection for others to realise their purpose and to allow them to dwell into a space of understanding their task on earth and spirituality.
Jones also began The Journeys of her Foundation which aims to educate and empower children from across the African continent.
If you are keen to purchase a copy of the book, email her on: [email protected].