A woman says she has smashed through a “triple-glazed glass ceiling” to become the UK’s first black and blind barrister.
Jessikah Inaba, 23, qualified recently after studying for five years at the University of Law in London.
She told the Metro she managed to complete her entire course using Braille, and credits her friends and tutors for helping to fill in the gaps.
Jess, who is believed to be the first black and blind person to join the bar, said: “It’s been crazy – I still can’t really believe I’ve done it.
“One day I’ll wake up and realise how amazing this is. It was hard and I often thought of giving up, but my supportive family gave me courage and strength.
“I always believed in myself from the start – there’s nothing about me which means this isn’t possible. I know I can do this job really well, and the more people like me who go through training the easier it will become.
“‘It’s a really good feeling, I know I’m giving hope to others in similar situations to mine. There’s a triple glazed glass ceiling. I’m not the most common gender or colour, and I have a disability, but by pushing through I’m easing the burden on the next person like me.”
Jess started her accelerated law degree in September 2017 before starting a master’s two years later alongside a professional training course.
But Jess claims it took seven months for her university to obtain one of her two key study texts so she could read on her computer, and five months for the other. She also said that because of pictures and tables in the books, her Braille screen missed huge chunks of material.
Jess said she got through most of her university studies by making her own braille notes from transcribing her lecture notes and by asking friends to read to her.
She also said the university stepped in to provide additional 1-on-1 to help support her when her lack of access to materials started to hold her back.
Jess said: ‘I was spending more time preparing my own learning materials than I was studying. ‘The university had other visually impaired people who used text to speech, but I just can’t work like that.
“I need to read it physically for myself or I can’t remember it. Everyone is different and has a different work around for various situations. A lot of people registered blind have some vision, so they can sometimes use large print, or some blind people manage well just by listening to text.”
In court Jess uses a tiny electronic machine with a braille keyboard which means she can keep her ears free to listen and can read and edit easily just using her hands.
The University of Law told the Metro: “Jess is the first black and blind student to study at The University of Law. We are extremely proud of Jess’ achievements and we know she will be an inspiration to all students, showing that you can succeed in the face of physical challenges.”
