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Sylw!The Bulletin of Wales Council for the Blind.No. 36 - January 2007.Happy New Year to all of our readers. Online diary of events.Don't forget to let us know about events relevant to visual impairment. Using the calendar on the WCB web-site will help the network to avoid clashes [http://www.wcb-ccd.org.uk/English/Events/diary.htm]. Please email richard@wcb-ccd.org.uk if you have dates for the calendar. Submit an article...You may have something you wish to publicise or know of something which may be of interest to our readers. If you do, please use our submission form at http://www.wcb-ccd.org.uk/English/sylw/sylw_submissions.htm . WCB Services.Wales Council for the Blind offers Awareness Training and Transcription Services. If you or your organisation are in need of these services please contact us on 029 20 473 954 or email nicola@wcb-ccd.org.uk or richard@wcb-ccd.org.uk respectively.. Contents.1) WCB update.A report on the AGM is available at http://www.wcb-ccd.org.uk/English/Reports/agm2006/agm2006_report.htm . 2) Consultations and lobbying.Cardiff Disability Equality Scheme Involvement Events.There are six involvement events, all taking place this month.
Telephone 029 2087 25 36. Email equalityteam@cardiff.gov.uk . Minicom 029 20 87 20 85. Carers' Strategy for Wales.In 2000 the Carers' Strategy for Wales was published. Whilst significant progress has been made, there is a need to review it to ensure that it remains up to date. A draft has been published of a re-focused Strategy for consultation. The deadline for comments is February 26th to Sue Ellis, Older People and Long Term care Policy 2, W.A.G., Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ by post or e-mail. State if you want your submission to remain anonymous. WCB would welcome copies of any submissions made to inform our own submission. Copies of the draft are available from Sue Ellis. Phone: 029-20-801-439 E-mail: Susan.Ellis1@wales.gsi.gov.uk Carers UK Survey.Many carers feel that the benefits system in the UK is inadequate and that they do not get proper financial recognition for the contribution they make to society. The charity Carers UK is conducting a survey to gather evidence on the financial difficulties that carers face, and the information gathered will be used to campaign for a better financial deal. If you are affected by this issue, the questionnaire can be found on-line at www.carersuk.org , but note that the closure date for completed returns is 13 January 2007. Comments Wanted from Blind Mobile Phone Users.The Accessible Communications Team (TACT) is a customer forum team with a mandate to investigate systems and methods whereby communicating, primarily by mobile phone, can be made easier for people with a physical impairment. If you have any constructive comments which would be useful in planning phones for the future, these can be sent to Gerry Jackson who is a member of the forum, and, as a member of St Dunstan's, has a particular interest in the needs of visually impaired phone users. His email address is gem.jack@ntlworld.com . Please note that the forum cannot deal with problems on an individual basis - comments will be assessed and prioritised for investigation. DPTAC five-year strategy - consultation.The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) has launched a consultation on its draft strategy for the 2007-2012 period. Set up under the Transport Act 1985 the DPTAC has a maximum of 20 members (at least half must be disabled), representing a wide range of transport interests. Members are appointed by Ministers, are unpaid and advise the Government on the transport needs of disabled people. The consultation document can be read and downloaded on the web-site at www.dptac.gov.uk/strategy0710/index.htm , and can be made available in large print, braille and on audio tape or disc. For further information on the DPTAC, contact the Secretary, Andy Kirby on 020 7944 8012 or e-mail dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk Wales aims for world class health and social care research.Thousands of groups of people across Wales are being called upon to help make health and social care research carried out here the best in the world. A new national patients, carers and service users network, Cynnwys Pobl/Involving People has been set up by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and the University of Wales Swansea. The network is part of £9 million funding initiative the Clinical Research Collaboration Cymru (CRCC) funded by Wales Office for Research and Development in Health and Social Care and coordinated by the University of Cardiff. The aim of Cynnwys Pobl: Involving people is to share information, develop and disseminate best practice, help with training and provide support. The programme’s initial work will include: developing links with researchers, health professionals, research networks and individuals in Wales and the UK where patients, service users or carers are already involved in research. This will include patient involvement groups NHS trusts, and voluntary sector groups providing support and advocacy services; establishing an advisory group of patients, service users and carers for CRC Cymru; mapping and developing training for people to involve them in research; developing a website for networking, information provision and promotion of the involvement of patients, service users and carers in research. If you are interested in this work or would like to find out more please contact Roger Duncan at WCVA, tel. 029 2043 1771, rduncan@wcva.org.uk or Prof Lesley Griffiths, tel. 01792 295 498, email: L.J.Griffiths@swansea.ac.uk RNIB Talking Books Service- Have Your Say.For anyone wanting to exchange views and news about the RNIB Talking Book Service and the books they like to read, two new message boards have been launched on the Your Say section of RNIB' site: www.rnib.org.uk/yoursay or log on to the Talking Books page, www.rnib.org.uk/talkingbooks and find the links. 'Where's my book? Tackling the textbook deficit.Blind and partially sighted children throughout the UK are losing out on their education because they can't always get hold of textbooks they can read, according to research by RNIB. For example, none of the science textbooks for Key Stage 4 prescribed by examination boards in Wales is available in any accessible format. A new campaign has been launched by the Right to Read Alliance, calling for government to put a plan in place to end the textbook deficit. To read the report, and find out how you can support the campaign, go to the RNIB website, www.rnib.org.uk/research . The report is also available in Welsh from the 'Wales' section of the RNIB website. Seeking your views on equality in Cardiff.Members of the public in Cardiff are being given the chance to say how they think services in Cardiff for disabled people can be improved. A series of public meetings will be held in community venues across the city to seek views on how Cardiff Council can improve as both an employer and a service provider to those who live, visit, or work in the city. If you would like to be involved in any of the events, or if you would like further information, contact either Andrew Lucas or Carey Wood-Duffy on 029 2087 2536/3237, or email equalityteam@cardiff.gov.uk . 'Every Disabled Child Matters' Campaign.'Every Disabled Child Matters' is a new campaign aimed at getting disabled children higher up the political and media agenda. Four national charities - Contact a Family, Council for Disabled Children, Mencap and the Special Education Consortium - have been working together on a shared agenda to improve life for disabled children and their families. now they are challenging government to act in order to give all disabled children & their families an ordinary life. EDCM is focused on England, reflecting devolution, but will be supporting campaigning activity in the other UK nations, as well as campaigning on non-devolved issues such as benefits. To find out more about the campaign, and how you can get involved, visit the campaign website, www.edcm.org.uk , or contact Kate Williams, Campaign Officer, on 020 7843 6448. 3) Reports and publications.Audio tape information for older people.Help the Aged produces five audio tapes, giving older people information on different topics. The different titles available are:
If you would like copies of any of the above free audio tapes, please contact the Information Resources Team, stating which tapes you would like by writing to: Help the Aged, 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ. Telephone: 020 7239 1845. Email: adviceleaflets@helptheaged.org.uk Caring for Sick & Disabed Children - New Research.The findings of a major new research report into the difficulties of combining paid work and care for parents with disabled children is now available. 'Caring for Sick or Disabled Children: Parents' experiences of combining work and care', is the culmination of a four year study commissioned by Carers UK and Contact a Family, as part of the ACE National (Action for Carers and Employment) partnership and looks in detail at parents' experiences, attitudes and aspirations around work. The report found that parents with disabled children face many barriers to work including inadequate support services and a "benefits trap" meaning that work is often not financially viable. The full report, an executive summary and a supplementary statistical analysis of families with disabled children can be downloaded from the Contact a Family website - go to www.cafamily.org.uk and take the 'what's new' option. New Action for Blind People Fact Sheets.The Action for Blind People Information and Advice Team have launched a series of fact sheets called Ask Action. These aim to cover the most frequently asked questions. The first fact sheet in the series relates to holidays and contains information on hotels and leisure breaks that are accessible for visually impaired people. If you would like further information, please contact Marie Kehoe on: 020 7635 4817, in the Info and Advice Team. Multi-format Tracey Beaker.Jacqueline Wilson's new book, 'Starring Tracey Beaker' is the first-ever book in the UK to be published simultaneously in standard print, large print, unabridged audio, braille and Daisy Talking Book formats. The braille and DAISY versions can be ordered from RNIB Customer Services on 0845 702 3153 or cservices@rnib.org.uk , the large print version can be borrowed from public libraries and the audio version can be purchased from booksellers. Deteriorating Vision, Falls and Older People.Visibility, an organisation supporting visually impaired people in Scotland, has produced a report based on its research into the relationship between falls and deteriorating eyesight in older people. As a result of their work, and changes to a 'Home Falls Questionnaire' in the Clydebank area of Scotland, there has been an increased identification rate of vision problems in people who have fallen. The full report can be downloaded by going their website, www.visibility.org.uk and taking the 'Research' option. New Guide to Pensions.The subject of pensions can be confusing, but the Department of Work and Pensions has recently produced a new guide to both State and private pension provision. 'Pensions: The Basics' sets out the facts in a clear and simple way. It encourages people to consider plans for their own retirement and helps them to make informed decisions that could greatly improve their quality of life. It explains what is available, and also provides information on the Pensions Tracing Service, and the increase in women's state pension age to 65. Free copies of the new guide are available from the Pensions Information Line on 08457 31 32 33 or from www.pensionservice.gov.uk/resourcecentre . Age Discrimination.Age Concern has produced a free mini-guide to the new Employment and Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, which make it illegal to discriminate against people within the workforce because of their age. 'Calling Time on Age Discrimination' is available from Age Concern offices, can be downloaded from their website, www.ageconcern.org.uk/agediscrimination , or ordered by ringing the information line on 0800 00 99 66. 4) Events.Brush up your braille in Bristol.RNIB South West are organising a half day course for professional and individuals who want to refresh their skills in grade 2 braille. It takes place on 31 January in Bristol and costs £75 for professionals/£30 for parents and carers. for further information, contact RNIB on 0117 953 7750. RNIB Training Courses for Rehab Officers.RNIB is organising a range of new training opportunities for rehab workers. The following courses are scheduled to be run in Cardiff: 19/20 February - Emotional Support, and 19/20 March - Going Mobile, update and refresh your mobility skills for the 21st century. For further details, contact RNIB Cymru on 029 2045 0440 or email admin3@rnib.org.uk . Health Care Alliance courses.Following the success of the programme they have scheduled more dates in the New Year to run the programme again. The Funding Programme is three linked one day training workshops that provide assistance to the voluntary sector to help identify, bid for, and secure funding.
Pembroke House, Canton, Cardiff. For further information email fp@healthcarealliances.co.uk There is an audio described performance of 'The History Boys' at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Wednesday 8 November. It starts at 2.30 pm, and there is a Touch Tour for visually impaired patrons at 1pm. The telephone number for bookings is 01492 872 000. 5) Technology.Latest products for VI People.New products available from RNIB customer services this month include Book Lights, which can be clipped to a book or used free-standing to provide optimum light for reading, and an Easy5 pay-as-you-go mobile phone with five, large speed dial buttons which can be pre-programmed. For further information, contact RNIB on 0845 702 3153, email cservices@rnib.org.uk or visit www.rnib.org.uk/shop . Accessible MP3 player.Measuring 50 x 80 14mm, a pocket sized MP3 recorder and player has been specially designed for visually impaired people. The Milestone 311 is a portable credit card sized all-purpose voice recorder and MP3 player. Simple to use, it operates via voice prompts with no visual display and has large tactile keys. Files are recorded in MP3 format and can be copied or played on a computer. Potentially, users can carry thousands of talking books in the device. With two hours internal memory it can be expanded to 140 hours using a SD or MMC card. It can be used for recording phone numbers, addresses, lists appointments; podcasts, radio programmes and Daisy format material. There are voice labels for folders, an internal microphone and loudspeaker and PC UCB connectivity with no software required. There is a socket for stereo headphones, radio, external microphones and loudspeakers. Powered by a built in lithium rechargeable battery, which can be recharged from the mains or a computer connection, it will play continuously for ten hours. The Milestone 311 is £170 ( excluding VAT) plus delivery. SD cards are additional at £15-45. Daisy software when purchased with the Milestone is £15 extra, £25 when purchased separately. The Milestone 311 is available from CVIP Ltd, 30 St Thomas Drive, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4SS. Telephone 0208420 1338 or e-mail iki@cvip.co.uk BT connecting communities.BT Community Connections is a nationwide award scheme that connects local community and voluntary groups to the Internet. In 2006/2007 over 1,300 awards will be made to groups who can demonstrate how a PC and Internet connection will benefit their work and the local community. Successful applicants in the past include elderly silver-surfer groups. Disability groups, music groups, refugee support, groups, youth groups, environmental groups, victim support groups, cultural groups, family support groups and sport groups. There is one round of the award scheme remaining: 15 February 2007. Further details are available from www.btcommunityconnections.com . Vibrating liquid level indicator.A new type of liquid level indicator is now available in the Birmingham Focus on Blindness Resource Centre. A liquid level indicator is a gadget that is hung over the side of a cup or glass and gives an audible warning when the cup or glass is full. This new indicator vibrates instead of giving an audible warning which makes it ideal for anyone who has hearing loss as well as sight loss. The vibrating liquid level indicator is priced at £5.99 and the standard liquid level indicator has come down in price from £7.50 to £6.50. For more details, contact Stuart James Showroom Manager on: 0121 478 5216. 6) Opportunities.Blatchington Court Trust Awards Scheme 2006/07.The Blatchington Court Trust is inviting applications for awards from charities, groups, companies and statutory bodies by 9 February 2007. The applications should describe costed proposals for schemes which accord with the Trust's principal objective, which is to assist the development of young people aged between 0 and 30 who are vision impaired. For an application form, contact Alison Evans on 01273 727 222 or email alison@blatchington-court.co.uk . Ready to Start - business support for disabled people.Ready to Start is a programme providing training, sign-posting and support to enable disabled people to start their own business. Provided by Leonard Cheshire in partnership with Barclays, it is being concentrated on 27 towns and cities and is open to disabled people, aged 19 or over, with a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Applicants must be actively seeking to establish their business idea and will need adequate levels of English and maths to take part in the programme, usually GCSE or an equivalent Level 2 standard. In Wales, the programme is currently being run in Cardiff and Swansea. Further information on Ready to Start can be found on the website www.readytostart.org.uk or e-mail info@readytostart.org.uk or telephone 08456 717173. Enter Disability Wales - business support for disabled people.Enter Disability Wales provide support to disabled people wanting to start their own business. New clients are being accepted up until an extended deadline of 31 March 2007. For more information, telephone 0800 783 7315 or send an email to enter@disabilitywales.org . 7) Other resources.Glossary of Visual Impairment Terms.Visit http://www.dontlosesight.org/glossary.php for a handy glossary of terms related to the eye. Flexible Working for Carers.The Work and Families Act 2006 makes key changes to maternity, paternity and adoption leave. It also extends the right to request flexible working to carers of certain adults, with effect from April 2007. For more information, see the Department of Trade and Industry website, www.dti.gov.uk . Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service Wales.With the launch of the Monmouthshire service in August 2006, this service has now been rolled out across the whole of Wales. Mobile units with cameras on board visit sites in every Local Health Board area. The images are then sent to the Screening Centre in Upper Boat where a team of graders is ready to assess them. All patients get their results, positive or negative. This service has recently been recognised as the most advanced in Europe and many other countries look on it with envy. Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust runs the scheme for the Assembly. The D.R.S.S.W. is working on developing its own web-site. Grants from British Gas Energy Trust.The British Gas Energy Trust makes grants available to people who are in arrears with their gas, electricity and other household bills. They are seeking to increase the number of applications made to the fund. The only qualifying criteria is that British Gas is your energy supplier, but all applications will be considered on an individual basis. Copies of the application forms can be downloaded from www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk . Action for Blind People website re-launched.Action for Blind People have redesigned their website to improve its accessibility to visually impaired people. It has several tabs which enable users to select from a range of print sizes and colour combinations. The site also has a new address: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk . London Underground made accessible.An initiative launched last month by London Underground, Describe Online and the RNIB will enable visually impaired people to find their way around some of London's busiest underground stations more easily. Free books of tactile maps and large print maps are available for Old Street, Westminster and Earl's Court underground stations and are designed to be used alongside step-by-step online descriptions of the stations. Large print maps of stations and books of tactile maps of stations can be viewed at the station, obtained free of charge from London Underground's Customer Service Centre or borrowed from NLB (0161 406 2525)or the RNIB (0845 702 3153). Online station descriptions can be found at www.description-online.com . Insulation and Energy Efficiency Help for British Gas.The 'Here to Help' programme being run by British Gas provides free home insulation and energy efficiency measures to people on benefits - and subsidised insulation for people who can pay. The programme also includes a benefits check to make sure people are claiming all the benefits they are due. As it is delivered in partnership with six national charities - Help the Aged, Save the Children, RNIB, Scope, National Debtline, and Family Welfare Association - products and services from these can be provided where relevant. Here to Help can be contacted on 0845 605 2535 Conwy Community Directory.The Conwy Community Directory is a web-based database of local societies and organisations. It's an easy way to find contact details and other information about their aims and activities, and includes several organisations of interest to visually impaired people. The address is www.conwycommunitydirectory.org.uk . Harvest Trust Holidays for Children 2007.Harvest Trust is a charity which provides free seaside holidays for disadvantaged children. The holidays are for groups of twelve children between the ages of 8 and 11, and are based in the Trust's own holiday centre in West Wales. The week-long holidays take place between April and September, and are organised in partnership with schools, community groups and child care organisations. These organisations are asked to buy food and provide three adult workers to accompany the children. For more information, a brochure and an application form for the 2007 holiday season, please ring 01559 371190 or visit the website, www.harvesttrust.com . The closing date for applications is 31 January 2007. 8) Miscellaneous.Expert Patient Programme Wales.The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a self-management course for people living with any long-term health condition. This chronic disease self-management course was developed in the USA and is now being run in the UK and many other countries around the world. EPP is about making the individual an expert in living his or her life to the full with their condition, not about becoming an expert in the specific condition he or she has. EPP first started in Wales in 2002 when a pilot project was run by two Local Health Boards, Gwynedd and Swansea. The Welsh Assembly Government has shown commitment to the programme and has announced that EPP is to be rolled out across the whole of Wales by 2008. Groups of 8-16 participants, with a variety of different conditions, meet over six weekly sessions of 2½ hours per week. They are led through a structured course by trained tutors. Each session looks at ways to help manage the effects of their long-term condition such as: Managing symptoms such as pain and tiredness Dealing with anger, fear and frustration Coping with stress, depression and low self-image Eating healthily Learning relaxation techniques and taking regular exercise Improved communication with family, friends and health professionals The course is offered free to anyone living with, or caring for, someone with a long term health condition. For more information, including details of courses planned throughout Wales, visit the EPP website, www.eppwales.org . Implementing the Social Model of Disability.The Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned Disability Wales to assist with the implementation of the Social Model of Disability throughout the Assembly. The project is called Disability Equality in Action and is funded via the Strategic Equality and Diversity Unit until March 2008. The aim of the project is to promote the understanding, adoption and implementation of the Social Model of Disability across the Assembly and to engage and develop the skills, knowledge and experience of policy makers and operational staff in supporting disabled people to have choice and control over their own lives. The project focuses on three key issues, which include-involvement of disabled people, funding issues and Assembly policy development. The project will provide guidance on how these should operate from the Social Model of Disability perspective and thereby equality outcomes. The project will provide practical tools to assist the Assembly with implementing the Social Model into working practice. This will ensure that the principles are embedded within all policies and procedures. A guide to the Social Model in working practice will be produced, giving practical examples of how to work to a Social Model of Disability. If you would like further information about anything relating to this project, please contact Miranda Evans, Disability Equality Officer, Disability Wales, tel 029 2088 7325 or e-mail Miranda.evans@disabilitywales.org Newport City Council-Children & Families Web Pages.Newport City Council has revamped its web pages for disabled children and families, which provide information on a range of topics such as assessments & eligibility, disabilities sports activities, short breaks scheme and support groups. The website address is www.newport.gov.uk . Chair Appointed for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.Trevor Phillips, head of the Commission for Racial Equality, will become the first chair of the new equalities commission, the Commission for Equality & Human Rights, when it launches in 2007. Blue Badge Inspection Introduced.Traffic wardens, police officers and some local authority staff now have the right to inspect Blue Badges (for disabled parking), and levy a £1,000 fine for improper use of the badge. Whilst this development is likely to be welcomed by disabled people, it also places a greater onus on badge holders to ensure that the badge is used properly by not lending it to anyone else, and ensuring that it is correct and up-to-date. A new guidance booklet on the Blue Badge scheme is available by ringing 0207 944 2914, or sending an email to blue.badge@dft.gsi.gov.uk . DirectGov information website.'Directgov' is the website of UK Government, and provides a wide range of information, together with the facility to carry out activities such as taxing a car or renewing your passport on-line. Information is grouped by subject area, such as education or employment, but can also be browsed according to the user's circumstances, for example over-50s, parents or disabled. The section for disabled people includes a wealth of information about subjects such as disability rights, employment, financial support and housing. Information can be viewed in English or Welsh. The address is www.direct.gov.uk 9) Reminders.Benchmarking and awareness training.The Visual Impairment Benchmarking Study led to the Benchmarking Good Practice Guidelines which was launched in March 2006 and focused on four key areas; Provision of Information, Referral and Assessment, Rehabilitation and Children and Young People. Wales Council for the Blind offers a structured course on visual impairment tailored to your specific needs. By providing the opportunity to explore issues, acquire practical skills and acquire an understanding, participants can feel more confident and aware of the needs of visually impaired customers. This course will help you to plan to meet the minimum standard, good practice and better practice standards set out in the Guidelines for Social Services. Contact Paula Hayden via paula@wcb-ccd.org.uk or telephone 029 20 473 954. Training for Residential Care Home managers and staff.Supplementary Guidance was developed by WCB, Southerndown Care Home and the Care Inspectorate for Wales for the care of visually impaired people in residential care. We aim to pilot a project to train managers and staff in residential care homes on the issues that can affect visually impaired clients in their care based on the work already done in Southerndown Care Home which is dedicated to providing care for visually impaired people. Audio Described panto..There will be two audio described performances of 'Jack & the Beanstalk' at the New Theatre, Cardiff. These are at 7pm on Friday 26 January and 2.30pm on Saturday 27 January 2007. To book tickets, contact the theatre on 029 2087 8889 or visit the website, www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk . Database updating.Please help us to keep our contact details up-to-date. Contact emma@wcb-ccd.org.uk or telephone 029 20 473 954 to make any changes to the information we hold about your organisation on our database. End of bulletin.
Wales Council for the Blind,
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