Sylw!

The Bulletin of Wales Council for the Blind.

No. 43- September 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 .

WCB A.G.M.

This is an Open Meeting for all members, colleagues and friends of WCB. This year the venue is the Media Centre in Llandrindod Wells and the date is Tuesday, 6th November.

A.G.M. 2007 - Call for Nominations.

There is a call for nominations for National Officers and Trustees. These positions require nominees with a lively interest in policy and practice, with some experience of committees and policy debate and a commitment to influencing policy and practice for the benefit of visually impaired people in Wales. Member organisations may nominate individuals to the posts. Please contact WCB on 029 20 473 954 for further details.

Wales Disability Reference Group.

The next Open Meeting for all-Wales organisations concerned with disability and those with an interest in strategy and policy will take place at the All Nations Centre, Cardiff, on September 20th. 10.30 to Speakers include Heulwen Blackmore, Strategic Equality and Diversity Unit, and Katherine Thomas, Wales Representative of Equality 2025. The group discussion session will focus on the One Wales document which forms the basis of the Assembly Coalition's programme. For more information, please contact: Learning Disability Wales on 029-20- 681160.

V.S.P.C.

The Voluntary Sector Scheme which describes how the Assembly is to work with the voluntary sector has undergone a review resulting in the production of a Strategic Action Plan. This judged that the Scheme as it stands is still 'fir for purpose' but proposes some improvements in the way it is supported.

With the election and the following changes due to the Coalition arrangements, there has been a delay in re-starting work. Initially the Minister in charge of the voluntary sector and consequently of the V.S.P.C. was Andrew Davies and a preliminary meeting with him took place on June 25th. This was an introductory meeting which took an early look at the Strategic Action Plan recommendations.

Subsequently the Ministerial responsibility for the voluntary sector was transferred to Dr. Brian Gibbons and the first meeting with him is scheduled for November 8th. The planning meeting to agree the items we wish to raise from the voluntary sector point of view is scheduled for October 25th.

Relationship between Local Government and Voluntary Sector.

W.C.V.A. has conducted a survey of this situation which concerns all voluntary organisations who provide services in Wales. The final report which reveals some significant gaps can be found on the W.C.V.A. web-site: www.wcva.org.uk

Joint Conference: Wales Eye Care.

A conference funded by W.A.G. and organised by a partnership of RNIB Cymru and WCB took place on September 12th at the new Optometry and Vision Science building in Cardiff. A full audience of mixed professionals from health and Social Services heard presentations on aspects of the future of eye care in Wales, including the organisation of the ophthalmological and optometric services. The first results from the review of the Welsh Eye Care Initiative were presented. A post conference report will be published next month. This, along with presentations, will be available for download at www.isite-now.org.uk

Wales Disability Reference Group Open Meeting.

The next Open Meeting of the Wales Disability Reference Group has been arranged for Thursday, 20th September, at the All Nations Centre, Cardiff. An invitation will shortly be circulated with details and a booking form. Contact WCB on 029 20 473 954 for information or email vanessa@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.

2) Consultations and lobbying.

Consultation event: National Occupational Standards for Workers in Sensory Impairment.

Wales Council for the Blind and the Care Council for Wales have organised a consultation event which will take place in the Maesmawr Hall Hotel, Newtown, Powys, on Wednesday, 26th September, 11 am - 3.30 pm. Contact Vanessa Webb on 029 20 473 954 or email vanessa@wcb-ccd.org.uk for further details.

Launch of Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People.

The Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People is holding a launch event on Monday 17 September at Bridgend Recreation Centre from 10am to 2pm. The coalition wants to hear the views of other disabled people, to determine a direction for its first campaign. For further information, contact Cindy Godfrey-McKay on 07877 457669. (Source: The Really Useful Newsletter).

3) Reports and publications.

Voluntary Sector Scheme Strategy Consultation - Report Published.

The report of the consultation exercise is now available on-line or by contacting the Welsh Assembly Government's Voluntary Sector Unit:

Voluntary Sector Unit, Welsh Assembly Government, Merthyr Tydfil Office, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ.

4) Access.

Disabled Students' Allowance.

As the academic year is about to start, this is a reminder that the Disabled Students' Allowance is a government grant that helps with the extra costs of studying which might arise from a disability. The allowances provide help for full-time, part-time and postgraduate students, and could cover costs such as specialist equipment, or the employment of a helper. The amount you can get does not depend on your household income, and you do not have to repay this help. For more information, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898 (Source: GAB Newsletter Autumn 2007).

New Audio Described Cinema Screenings for Ten Art Centres Across Wales.

Ten arts centre/cinema venues across Wales will launch soft subtitled and audio described film screenings from 13th September, starting at Theatr Mwldan. Participating venues are Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan; Aberystwyth Arts Centre; Chapter Cardiff; Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold; Galeri in Caernarfon; Taliesin in Swansea; Riverfront, Newport; Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay; Theatr Gwynedd, Bangor; Wyeside Arts, Builth Wells. For more information about the scheme contact Creative Mwldan Creadigidol on 01239 622 400.

Audio Description at Cardiff New Theatre.

The Autumn brochure for the New Theatre Cardiff is now available, including details of audio described performances. These are: Sat 29 September, 2:30, Aspects of Love; Sat 27 October, 2:30, Dad's Army; Sat 17 November, 2pm, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat; Sat 24 November, 2:30, The Comedy of Errors; Fri 25 Jan, 7pm and Sat 26 Jan, 2:30pm, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Sat 5 April, 2:30pm Doctor Doolittle. There is also a touch tour before the audio-described performance of The Comedy of Errors, which must be booked when purchasing show tickets. For more details, contact the New Theatre on 029 2087 8889, or visit the website, www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk . (Source: New Theatre Autumn Brochure).

Access London Theatre.

The 'Access London Theatre' brochure lists every audio-described, captioned and sign language interpreted performance happening in London theatres throughout the year. The brochure is free, and is available in print, large print, braille or tape, or can be downloaded from www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/access . A monthly e-bulletin is also being launched this month, covering upcoming shows, activities and workshops, together with any other access news for London theatres. To sign up for this, visit www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk and click on 'register'.

Visibly Better Campaign.

RNIB Cymru has launched a scheme that will support housing associations to achieve inclusive design. The scheme, Visibly Better, will also offer services to help providers of sheltered accommodation and care homes improve the quality of life for older residents with sight loss. The scheme covers not just internal design, but also other areas such as staff training and accessible information. For more details, contact janet.john@rnib.org.uk . (NB Magazine, Aug 07).

5) Events.

London Theatre Day for Visually Impaired Young People.

'Envision' provides an enhanced theatre experience for visually impaired young people. It offers the chance to attend an audio described West End matinee, supported by a morning of stimulating activities designed to help participants engage with the performance. These activities include a workshop and touch tour, and attendees are sent a CD to help them prepare for the visit. The productions featured are 'Mary Poppins' on 11 October and 8 November,and 'Billy Elliott' on 13 and 27 March, and tickets cost £7.50 per student and £10 per adult. For more information, visit the website, http://www.mousetrap.org.uk/articles/21 contact Jo Pelly on 020 7240, or email jo@mousetrap.org.uk .

6) Technology.

Aidis Trust - Help with Computing Problems.

Visually impaired people who want to make the most of technology can get help from the Aidis Trust, which provides advice, information and support on everything to do with computing. The Trust's website, www.aidis.org , gives advice on how to maintain and adapt your computer, tells people about a huge range of adaptations, and has a shop giving discounts on adaptations and computers for people who receive DLA or AA. The trust also has a local rate telephone helpline on 0845 120 3719, open 9:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, giving advice on computers and adaptations. (Source: Target Newsletter (British Blind Sport) Summer 2007).

Credit Card Sized DAISY Player.

The Daisy Milestone 311 is a small device for accessing DAISY books stored on its internal memory or on any capacity SD memory cards. It has a USB connection to enable the sharing of files with a PC. It is available from the RNIB. More info: http://onlineshop.rnib.org.uk/display_item.asp?n=11&c=54&sc=172&id=3406&it=1&l=3

7) Opportunities.

Recruitment for Public appointments.

The Welsh Assembly Government is concerned that many areas of the community are under-represented on public bodies and this includes people with sight impairments. If you think you might be suitable and are interested, advertisements for current vacancies are to be found on the W.A.G. web-site via http://new.wales.gov.uk/about/career_opportunities/publicapps/currentvacs/?lang=en

8) Other resources.

Dignity and Independence: Transforming Eye Care for Older People.

A conference on this subject was held on June 26th 2007 in London and a summary was published on Aug 28th. This can be found on: http://snipurl.com/1q185

A glamorous approach to publicising AMD.

A new web-site aims for a national educational campaign to increase awareness of AMD in America. It features Jane Seymour on its homepage and calls the campaign 'Don't Lose Sight'. It is sponsored by Bausch and Lamb who make a Lutein based nutritional supplement. It is clear and informative but not particularly v.i. friendly: http://015afa2.netsolhost.com

VI Support Group at HM Stanley Hospital.

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 time has been chosen to make access as easy as possible - the unit is less busy on Mondays, making parking easier. It is open to people with any eye condition, and also to those who are awaiting a diagnosis. There is a guest speaker at each meeting. Speakers planned for future meetings are: 17 September Diabetes UK and Deafblind UK; 15 October Home Visit Optometrist and Optelec Ltd.

It isn't necessary to let the group know in advance if you wish to attend, but anyone wanting more information should contact either Hazel Aspey or Alison Birch on 01745 589677.

'Here to Help' Scheme.

'Here to Help' is a scheme from RNIB and British Gas, which is targetted at people who own their own home or rent from a private landlord, and who are in receipt of a qualifying benfit (including Attendance Allowance, DLA, Income Support and Pension Credit). Eligible households are provided with free loft and cavity wall insulation, and, if appropriate, additional support from RNIB such as benefit reviews, daily living products and talking books subscriptions. For full details of the scheme, contact the RNIB Here to Help team on 0845 330 4897 or email rnibhelp-project@rnib.org.uk (Source: NB, August 2007).

Over 60? One Freephone number for 3 Benefits.

If you are over 60, a call to one Freephone number can tell you whether you are entitled to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. You only need to provide your details once, and the Pension Service will do the rest. The number is 0800 99 1234, and lines are open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. For general information on state benefits, visit the Pension Service website, www.thepensionservice.gov.uk . (Source: Pension Service advert in South Wales Echo 13/09/07).

'Finding Your Feet ' Programme.

The 'Finding Your Feet' programme run by RNIB offers peer support breaks at hotels in Windermere and Weston-super-Mare for people who have recently lost their sight. Each break takes place over three days and offers a range of interactive discussion groups with professional facilitators. Participants can bring along a partner, family member or friend, as the programme is also designed to support friends and relatives. For a brochure giving full details, contact the RNIB Helpline,0845 766 9999 or email fyf@rnib.org.uk . (Source: NB Sept 07).

9) Miscellaneous.

NICE to Review Restrictions on Blindness Drugs.

Health watchdog The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is to re-examine the cost-effectiveness of two drugs which combat blindness, according to a report in The Guardian. The report can be read at http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,2144684,00.html (Source: The Guardian, 9 August).

Bridgevis: Change of Name for Evolve.

Evolve, the local society for blind and partially sighted people living in the Bridgend borough, has changed its name to Bridgevis. Despite the change of name, the charity remains the same, offering information, advice and support on all issues regarding sight loss. This includes information on registration, aids and equipment, low vision and local services and organisations which can help. Bridgevis is run mainly by visually impaired people and as a voluntary organisation relies heavily on volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact the information line on 01656 872000. (Source: The Really Useful Newsletter, Apr 07).

Leonard Cheshire to change its name.

Leonard Cheshire is changing its name to Leonard Cheshire Disability in a bid to make it more relevant to a new generation who don’t know who the late Group Captain Lord Cheshire of Woodhall was. The new name and branding has been widely tested on people involved with the charity now and in the past, and it will be formally launched in October alongside a public awareness campaign that aims to change people’s attitudes to disability. (Source: Charity News Alert, 24/7/07)

Contracts & tenders.

To promote your organisation to public sector purchasers and to get free email alerts of relevant tenders and contracts, register with Sell2Wales - www.sell2wales.co.uk .

Unique Child Trust Fund Advice for Disabled Children.

Free telephone advice on investing Child Trust Fund vouchers is uniquely being offered to families with disabled children as a result of a joint scheme between the charity Contact a Family and independent financial advisers Peppermint Financial Solutions. To book a telephone advice slot with a financial adviser, or for advice on any aspect of raising a disabled child, please telephone Contact a Family’s freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555. More information from louise.moffatt@cafamily.org.uk

10) Reminders.

Belmont Hotel 'Christmas Cracker' Breaks.

The Royal Blind Society's Belmont Hotel in Llandudno has announced details of Autumn breaks in October, and 4, 5 and 7 night 'Christmas Cracker' breaks in November and December. There is still limited availability during the summer months. For more information, contact the hotel on 01492 877770 or email belmont16@lineone.net .

Switching to Digital TV.

The process of switching over from analogue to digital TV will take place between 2008 and 2013, with Wales scheduled for conversion during 2009. A particular benefit of digital TV for visually impaired people is the availability of audio description on many mainstream programs. RNIB is offering information talks to local groups to advise blind and partially sighted people about the changeover, including the government help scheme. Any group interested in taking up this offer should contact Anna Jones on 020 7391 2150, or email her at anna.jones@rnib.org.uk .

Realising Potential - Government Seminars for Employers.

'Realising Potential' is a programme of events for local employers, sponsored by the Office for Disability Issues. The events aim to make employers more confident about addressing disability in the workplace. The event is a two-hour seminar facilitated by the Employer's Forum on Disability, examining the business case behind disability confidence, and how local organisations can practically achieve it. The events are aimed at any size of business, in any sector, and are more suitable for people working in recruitment, HR or operational management. Events are being held in Cardiff on 21 November 2007 and 15 February 2008. For more information, or to book a place, contact Genelva Meikle on 0207 238 0704 or email genelva.meikle@dwp.gsi.gov.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,
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 .