Sylw!

The Bulletin of Wales Council for the Blind.

No. 45 - November 2007.

Please note that WCB does not endorse any individual services or products appearing in Sylw. Submitted materials are often taken on trust when they appear to be appropriate to the context. If readers have any comments to make about any services included in Sylw we would be pleased to hear from you. Email richard@wcb-ccd.org.uk .

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.

1) WCB update.

For sale: Braille cabinet

WCB has a cabinet to house a braille embosser designed to reduce considerably the noise level when printing. Offers accepted over £200. For more information contact Richard Bowers on 029 20 473 954 or email richard@wcb-ccd.org.uk .

Raise Funds for WCB when you Shop On-Line.

Easyfundraising is a new website where you can raise funds for WCB when you shop on-line with a range of well-known companies including Next, Amazon, John Lewis and Comet. All you need to do is visit these companies' sites via the Easyfundraising site, and any purchase made will result in a donation to WCB of up to 15%, at no additional cost to you. To use the service for the first time, go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/wcftb ,and select 'Register' to set yourself up as a user. The site includes full information about how Easyfundraising works, including a set of Frequently Asked Questions. If you shop on-line anyway, please consider using this facility to raise funds for WCB.

Easy Search - Raise Funds for WCB when you search the Web.

As reported in the last issue of Sylw, you can raise funds for WCB at no cost to yourself by going via the Easy Fundraising website ( www.easyfundraising.org.uk/wcftb/ )when you shop on-line with a range of retailers such as Next and Amazon. The site has now launched the 'Easy Search' facility. This is a search engine similar to Google - but every search will raise around a penny for WCB. It doesn't sound like much, but the pennies soon mount up and a keen searcher can raise £25.00 a year - or more - just through their normal online searching! To access Easy Search, go the the Easy Fundraising site mentioned above, and follow the links on the left hand side of the screen.

2) Consultations and lobbying.

UK Vision Strategy – Have your Say.

A consultation process on the UK Vision Strategy, produced by Vision 2020, is underway, and will continue until 17 January 2008. The strategy aims to prevent avoidable blindness, improve eye care services, and increase support for visually impaired people. The strategy can be found at www.vision2020uk.org.uk, and print, Braille and audio copies can be obtained from Harsha Gajjar, Project Manager, RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE. Comments are sought from both professionals working in the field and individuals with experience of sight problems. Feedback can be given on-line, by phone, by post, or at a range of consultation events. For full details, visit http://www.vision2020uk.org.uk/news.asp?newsID=858&section=000100050006 . (Source – NB November 2007/ Vision 2020 website).

3) Reports and publications.

Newport Multi-Agency Service Review for Children with Disabilities.

This report is now available from the Newport City Council website, www.newport.gov.uk . Take the option 'Living in Newport', then 'Children and Families' and 'Disabilities'. Source: Wicked News, Autumn 07.

The Benefits of Independent Living.

The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has recently published two research reports commissioned under the Independent Living Review: ‘Better outcomes, lower costs’ summarises existing evidence relating to savings to health and social care budgets as a result of investment in housing adaptations and housing improvements, and ‘The costs and benefits of independent living’ summarises existing evidence about investment in independent living. The full reports, and summaries of their findings can be accessed from the ODI website, http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/publications/

Fill In The Gaps - Campaign for Older Deafblind People.

Too many older people who are deafblind miss out on the support they need. Deafblind charity Sense's 'Fill in the Gaps' campaign aims to change this by helping all those who work with older people ensure they support those with hearing and sight loss, and by helping those with older relatives who don’t see and hear too well know how to help, and where to find support. The website www.sense.org.uk/campaignnews/campaigns/fillinthegaps/ has details of a range of publications and checklists specifically written for families, social services older people's teams and care workers which can be downloaded or ordered, free of charge. Source: Sense publications/website.

Swansea Social Services Factsheets.

Swansea Social Services have produced a range of fact sheets for disabled people, giving details of the services which are available in the area. They can be downloaded from www.swansea.gov.uk/socialcarepublications , or ordered by phoning 01792 636693.

Which? Impatient For Change.

Which? has produced a new Hospital Companion, containing essential information and questions to ask to help patients get the information they need to feel more confident in hospital. The guide has been produced as part of Which?’s Impatient for Change campaign, which calls for urgent improvement in hospital care. The web link is www.which.co.uk/impatientforchange. More information from sarahjane.gartside@which.co.uk .

4) Access.

Customer Access to the Pension Service.

All customers making new claims for State Pension or Pension Credit will now be asked whether they require information in an alternative format, such as Braille or large print. Their preference will be recorded, so that this request will not have to be made on subsequent calls to the Pension Service. Similarly, customers requiring information in the medium of Welsh will have this preference recorded for future reference. From September 2007, this service will gradually be extended to all other customers using the Pension Service - starting with those who report a change of circumstances or make an account-specific enquiry.

Virgin Media Introduces Audio Description.

Cable television provider Virgin Media now has audio description for visually impaired viewers on over 30 channels, including the main BBC channels, ITV1 and Channel 4. However, sighted assistance may be required to set up the facility. Listings of audio described TV programmes can be found at www.tvhelp.org.uk . Source: St Dunstan's Review, October 07.

Large Print Welsh Bible.

The Bible Society have produced a Welsh bible in large print. It costs £35, and can be ordered from www.bibleresources.org.uk .

Audio Described Panto in Newport.

There will be an audio described performance of ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ at The Riverfront, Newport at 7pm on Wednesday 19 December. To book tickets, contact the box office on 01633 656757, or visit the website, www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront. A brochure for this venue is available in Braille, large print and audio from the Marketing Team on 01633 656677. Although not essential, disabled people are advised to book in advance so that any assistance required can be provided. (Source – Brochure).

5) Events.

VI Support Group at HM Stanley Hospital.

As reported in the September edition of Sylw, a support group has been set up for visually impaired people and their families, friends and carers at HM Stanley Hospital, St Asaph, North Wales. The group meets in the Eye Unit on the third Monday of each month between 1.30 and 3.30pm. The schedule for forthcoming meetings is:

17 December – Christmas buffet and quiz.
21 January – A representative of the Red Cross will talk about their ‘Home from Hospital’ scheme. There will also be a talk about Charles Bonnet Syndrome (visual hallucinations and loss of vision).
18 February – A representative of St Dunstan’s will talk about the charity, and someone from the North Wales Energy Efficiency Advice team will talk about energy conservation in the home.

It isn't necessary to let the group know in advance if you wish to attend, but anyone wanting more information should contact Hazel Aspey on 01745 589677. (Source – Email from organiser)

6) Technology.

RNIB Catalogue.

RNIB's 2007-2008 product catalogues are now available, in a variety of formats. To order copies, contact Customer Services on 0845 702 3153, email cservices@rnib.org.uk , or visit www.rnib.org.uk/shop .

Access Technology Information Line.

RNIB Cymru are launching an Accessible Technology Information Line, to help blind and partially sighted people in Wales with access to ICT. For advice, telephone 0845 602 0893 between 11am and 4pm, Mondays to Fridays, or email atic@rnib.org.uk . Source: Voluntary Voice, Oct 07.

Readit.

The Readit is the world's first all in one auto reader enabling the capture of print for display on a 19 inch monitor, speech output and output to MP3, Word document format and CD. It is also a fully functioning computer. For more information contact VisionAid Technologies on 01775 711 977 or email info@visionaid.co.uk . Website: www.visionaid.co.uk .

7) Opportunities.

BridgeVis - Yoga Classes.

BridgeVis, the organisation for visually impaired people in Bridgend, has started a yoga class in the day centre at Minerva Street, Bridgend, every Wednesday from 5.30 to 6.45pm. Although primarily intended for people with sight problems, it is also open to non-VI people, and the fee depends on the number of participants. For more information, contact Anita Davies on 07969 629565. Source: Really Useful Newsletter, Oct 07 (BAVO).

BSL courses.

Deaf Association Wales provides BSL tuition using unique curricula development by native BSL users and Deaf people that use BSL as their first and preferred language. The course use a variety of learning methods, including conversation, role-play, group work, tutorials and DVD work, to help you understand BSL (using receptive and productive skills) and improve your signing ability. 2 hour Taster Sessions at £20 per person are scheduled to take place at the BSL Cultural Centre, Newport Road, Cardiff) on various dates from Thursday, 6th December,1-3pm to Friday 21 March 2008 1-3pm. Contact Paul Scott, Deaf Association Wales, BSL Development Manager E-mail: wales@signcommunity.org.uk . Source: Deaf Association Wales.

8) Other resources.

Raising the State Pension Age.

Between 2010 and 2020, women's State Pension age will rise gradually from 60 to 65, to become equal to that for men. For women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1955, their exact State Pension age will depend on their date of birth. Women born between these dates can find out exactly when they will be able to claim by using the calculator on the Pension Service website - go to www.thepensionservice.gov.uk , and take the 'State Pension age calculator' option (under 'Popular Links' on the left hand side). Source: Touchbase (DWP Newsletter), Sept 07.

Expert Patients Programme for Wales - Dates for Courses.

As reported in earlier issues of Sylw, The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a self-management course for people living with any long-term health condition. EPP is about making you an expert in living your life to the full with your condition, not about making you an expert in the specific condition you have. The Expert Patients Programme for Wales website, www.wales.nhs.uk/expertpatient/ , contains full details, including dates of courses in all parts of Wales during the autumn and into next year.

RNIB Christmas Gifts and Activities for VI Children.

The RNIB ‘Parents’ Place’ site has suggestions on toys and activities for children over the holiday season. The address is http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/PublicWebsite/public_parentsxmasgifts.hcsp . (Source – RNIB website)

9) Miscellaneous.

Insight Radio Launches on Sky.

Insight Radio, Europe’s first radio service for blind and partially sighted people, has been launched on Sky channel 0188, making the station more accessible. It will continue to broadcast over the internet at http://www.insightradio.co.uk/ . Insight Radio broadcasts from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and offers a varied programme ranging including newspaper reviews, music request shows, interactive phone-ins, lifestyle and feature programmes, all tailored to visually impaired listeners.
(Source – NB, November 2007)

Letter from Santa for Visually Impaired Children.

Do you know a blind or partially sighted child that would like to write to Santa and receive a reply in their preferred reading format? This year, RNIB will be helping to make this a reality again, but letters must reach them by 10 December 2007. Letters should be sent to: Santa Claus, RNIB, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS. Please ensure the letter contains the child’s name and address, and whether they would like a reply in braille (grade 1 or grade 2), large print, on audio tape or on audio CD. Children can also email Santa. Contact him at santa@rnib.org.uk by midday on 21 December 2007. (Source – RNIB Website).

Venture Out Cardiff.

Venture Out Cardiff is a Big Lottery-funded project that aims to encourage disabled people to become physically active in the natural outdoors by providing regular and accessible outdoor activities like canoeing, sailing, gardening, conservation and horse riding. To find out more, contact Venture Out on 029 2039 1955. (Source – Mailing from Venture Out),

BookStream Book Club.

The RNIB's BookStream BookClub allows visually impaired readers to listen to Daisy audiobooks via the internet. For an annual subscription of £50, subscribers can read as many Daisy audiobooks as they like throughout the year, although there is a limit of five books at any one time. Reading is flexible, with the ability to store a bookmark so that you can easily continue with the book later. The service is available to individual blind and partially sighted people living in the UK. For more information, visit www.rnib.org.uk/booksite , or telephone RNIB Customer Services on 08457 023153. Source: St Dunstan's Review Oct 2007.

Guidance on Child Safety in Sports Clubs.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have produced an information leaflet giving guidance to parents on the questions which they should consider regarding child protection when their child participates in a sports club. It can be accessed from the following link: http://www.culture.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/8039E519-B5AD-483E-BF64-66641B639B03/0/safeinsport.pdf

RNIB Talk & Support Service for Wales.

Talk and Support is an established RNIB service providing opportunities for people with sight loss to meet together over the telephone for friendship, information and peer support. As a result of working with the Welsh Eye Care Initiative, a new telephone group service specifically for Wales is being piloted, with both English and Welsh language groups available. The groups are free to join, and only a landline telephone line is required to take part. Some of the sessions cover specific topics such as kitchen safety, whilst others are purely social. All are hosted by a trained volunteer.
For more information, or make a referral, please contact Jo Stapleton, Service Manager, on 020 7391 2293, or send an email to jo.stapleton@rnib.org.uk. (Source – NB, November 2007)

10) Reminders.

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,
3rd Floor, Shand House,
20, Newport Road,
Cardiff CF24 0DB,
Wales UK.

Tel: 029 20 473 954
Fax: 029 20 470 777

Email: staff@wcb-ccd.org.uk
Website: www.wcb-ccd.org.uk

To subscribe/resubscribe email subscribe@wcb-ccd.org.uk

If links or contacts are not available in any of the items, please contact WCB via sylw@wcb-ccd.org.uk .