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Welsh Health Survey: Health of Vision Impaired Adults in Wales, 2004-06.This bulletin is available online at the Statistics section of WAG site in pdf and MSWord formats. Also at this site in HTML. International Day of Disabled People - 3rd December 2008."Dignity and justice for all of us" is the theme of this year's International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This event has been sponsored by Lorraine Barratt AM. It will take place at the Senedd on the 3rd December 2008 and is open to all members of the public. This day will aim to raise awareness of disabled people's rights at national and international levels. To mark this occasion Wales Council for the Blind, along with other disability organisations, will be working together to celebrate and recognise the contribution that disabled people and representative voluntary organisations play within society in Wales. We are writing to you for any suggestions or ideas you may have for this event. WCB will be exhibiting but there will also be an opportunity for a debate or presentation on relevant issues. If you would like to contribute any ideas please send them in by the end of August 2008 to Rebecca Phillips at: Email: bec[at]wcb-ccd.org.uk By post: Wales Council for the Blind, 3rd Floor, Shand House, 20 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0DB Sylw BulletinNo. 51 - August 2008.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 . Contents.1) WCB update.2) Consultations and lobbying.Blue Badge Consultation for Wales.The Welsh Assembly Government has issued a consultation aimed at reforming the Blue Badge system for disabled parking in Wales. Comments are invited on the following proposals: strengthening administration of the scheme; enforcement; eligibility criteria; national data sharing; Blue Badge design; new powers for local authorities to remove lost or stolen badges; raising the fee for badges. The consultation closes on 2nd September. For full details, go to www.disabilitywales.org/1996.html . Special Educational Needs Tribunal - right of appeal for children.The Welsh Assembly Government are proposing that children with SEN should have the right of appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales (SENTW) and are inviting views on how they can develop the necessary mechanisms that will enable this. The proposal is in accord with the Assembly Government's 'Core Aims' : to ensure that all children and young people are listened to and treated with respect. The Assembly is committed to ensuring that there are increased opportunities in the appeals process for children's views to be taken into account irrespective of whether it is they or their parents that have made the appeal. The deadline for responses is 3 October 2008 and further details are available from Llion Hughes, Support for Learners Division, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3 NQ. Tel 029 2082 3003.Responses should be sent to sen-consultation@wales.gsi.gov.uk How Big is Your Blind Spot?Up to 95% of the sensory input used in driving comes from vision, yet
glaucoma can rob you of nearly half of your vision before you know
anything about it. The International Glaucoma Association has launched a
campaign 'How big is your blind spot?' to coincide with National
Glaucoma Awareness Week last month. Half of those who have glaucoma in
the UK don’t know about their condition or the risk to their sight and
driving safety. Regular comprehensive routine eye examinations are the
key to early detection and the preservation of vision and the driving
license. For more information, including details of how to obtain copies
of posters and information leaflets, visit
http://www.glaucoma-association.com/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1851&=fromcfc&tt=article&lang=en&site_id=176
(Source: NB Magazine, July 08/IGA website). 3) Reports and publications.Accessibility of land-based public transport vehicles.The Department for Transport (DfT) has published the results of research into the accessibility of public transport vehicles carried out by Human Engineering Limited and the Guide Dogs for the Blind. Further details can be found at www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/landaccessibilitystandards (Source: dw e-news June 2008). 'End Disability Poverty' Campaign.A report from Leonard Cheshire Disability, 'Disability Poverty in the UK', has found that disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty, and the gap has actually increased over the last ten years. The organisation has now launched a campaign, End Disability Poverty, which calls on the government to recognise and tackle this issue as a matter of urgency. To find out more, including suggestions as to how you can support the campaign, go to www.enddisabilitypoverty.org . Energy Efficient Lighting - Issues for Visually Impaired People.The Government is working to phase out the use of standard light bulbs as part of its commitment to reducing CO2, although the effectiveness of energy efficient bulbs is a concern for many blind and partially sighted people as light levels and quality make a big difference to people with low vision. In view of this concern, RNIB has produced some advice, which can be read at www.rnib.org.uk/lighting . 4) Access.Bejing Olympics Preview for VI Youngsters.The Living Paintings Trust is producing a new touch and sound pack to give blind and partially sighted youngsters a preview of the 2008 Olympics. As well as raised images with audio commentary, the pack includes interviews with Olympic greats such as Colin Jackson and Tanni Grey Thompson conducted by TV sports presenter Clare Balding. Membership of Living Paintings is free, and every item is loaned and posted without charge. For more information, phone 01635 299771 or go to www.livingpaintings.org . 5) Events.6) Technology.7) Opportunities.Amber Music Awards.The AMBER Trust was set up to help blind or partially sighted children to access and enjoy music. For these children music is very important: it is not only a source of great pleasure, it also encourages learning, boosts their confidence and helps to develop each child's self-expression and communication, opening up a world of independence and hope for the future. Amber Music Awards are grants that help pay for music lessons, music therapy sessions, musical instruments and a range of other music-related items. The awards are open to blind or partially sighted children and young people up to the age of 18, who may also have other physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties. For more information and details of how to apply, go to http://www.ambertrust.org/content/blogsection/12/63/ (Source: Look, Summer 2008 Newsletter). Blind Gardener of the Year 2008.The third annual search for the Nation's best blind gardeners, organised by Thrive, is now underway. There are three categories: best blind gardener, best young blind gardeners and a group/club award. For more information, go to http://www.thrive.org.uk/news-story.asp?news=1000 and to apply, telephone 0118 988 5688 or email bgoty@thrive.org.uk . The closing date for nominations is 15 September 2008. (Source: NB, July 2008). 8) Other resources.Direct Enquiries - Find Accessible Businesses.The Direct Enquiries website, www.directenquiries.comm, run by the Nationwide Access Register, allows users to search for businesses which are accessible by people with a range of disabilities. For example, you could search for a restaurant in Cardiff, and refine the search by choosing 'visual impairment', and it will give you a list of restaurants which have made specific provision for visually impaired customers, and give details (such as availability of large print menus). 'Look Up' - Eye Information for people with Learning Disabilities.Look Up is an information service focusing on eye care and vision for people with learning disabilities. It is a collaboration between SeeAbility and RNIB and it operates across the UK to raise awareness of the prevalence of sight problems and the high level of under detection of these problems amongst people who have learning disabilities, improve and increase their access to regular, accessible and effective eye care and enhance the quality of life when a sight problem has been identified. It also aims to help social care and health professionals to develop better services for people with learning disabilities. The website, www.lookupinfo.org, contains a wide variety of information, including downloadable factsheets. There is also a helpline on 0800 121 8900 (open Mon-Fri, 10am to 4pm), or you can email any enquiries to info@lookupinfo.org . Housing for People with Sight Loss - Factsheet.The Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) have produced a factsheet 'Housing for People with Sight Loss', which brings together findings from a range of research about the housing needs of visually impaired people. The factsheet is available on-line at http://www.icn.csip.org.uk/housing/index.cfm?pid=521&catalogueContentID=3431 . Health, Wellbeing & Support Database.The NHS Direct Wales website now includes a Health, Wellbeing & Support Database, which holds information on a variety of services from both the statutory and voluntary sector for specific topics such as older people or visual impairment. To look at the information, go to http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/small/en/home/localservices and select Health, Wellbeing & Support. You will then be able to search for organisations from a range of categories (including condition-specific groups) which provide services in your local area. (Source: VCVS Newsletter, June 2008). BlindArt Launches On-Line Discussion Forum.BlindArt, the organisation which promotes the work of visually impaired artists, has launched an on-line discussion forum where people can read, write about & discuss issues relating to art, visual impairment & disability. The Forum will help raise public awareness of inclusive events and the issues surrounding inclusive arts. To join the discussion, go to http://forum.blindart.nett For more information about BlindArt, visit www.blindart.net. 9) Miscellaneous.Gwent VI Service - After School & Holiday Clubs.The Gwent Visual Impairment Service is now able to offer a range of activities for VI children & young people outside of the school day. There is an after school club, and, during the holidays, the holiday club organises a number of themed days. For more information, contact Julie Robbins or Katy Williams on 01633 645420. (Source: Wicked News, Summer 2008). Learn to Swim in Newport.Newport Swimming Development is offering a wide range of opportunities for disabled children to learn to swim under the guidance of a qualified coach. For children aged 6-12 years, lessons are offered at the Newport International Sports Village on Mondays from 7pm and Wednesdays from 7.30pm. For those aged 8-16, there are lessons at Bettws Leisure Centre on Fridays from 5pm. Lessons last for half an hour, and run for 10 weeks. For more information, or to book a place, either contact the appropriate leisure centre, or ring the swimming development officer on 01633 656757. (Source: Wicked News, Summer 2008). Childhood Cataract Network.The Childhood Cataract Network (CCN) is a new national support group, providing help and information for parents and families of people affected by childhood cataracts. The website contains information on a variety of subjects, such as medical aspects and the practicalities of parenting a child with cataracts, and there is also an email discussion group. For more information, go to www.childhoodcataracts.org.uk. (Source: Look Summer 2008 Newsletter). Happy Days Children's Charity.There are over 500,000 young people with special needs in the UK, many of them with severe mental and physical disabilities and life-limiting illnesses. The financial strain on their families can be enormous and for some a simple trip to the seaside or a week's holiday is beyond their means. The charity 'Happy Days' funds and organises holidays, days out and theatre trips throughout the UK for disadvantaged young people with special needs, and helps young people in special needs schools, in hospitals and in hospices, as well as individual families. To find out more, check eligibility and download and application form, go to www.happydayscharity.org . (Source: In Focus, Summer 2008). RADAR 'People of the Year' Awards.RADAR, the disability campaigning network, is calling for nominations for its 'People of the Year' awards. The awards recognise those who work to achieve human rights and true equality for everyone living with injury, ill health or disability, and categories include Young Person's Award, Lifetime Achievement and Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year. Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.radar.org.uk , which also has more detailed information about criteria for the awards. The closing date for nominations is 8 August 2008. (Source: NB, July 2008). Depression Alliance Cymru Re-launches as 'Journeys'.Depression Alliance Cymru has re-launched as Journeys - the organisation which supports people to find their own route to recovery from depression. They provide information and support to people with depression by telephone, email and letter. For more information, visit www.journeysonline.org.uk, or telephone 029 2069 2891. 10) Reminders.Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2008.Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of EasyGroup, is sponsoring a £50,000 prize for the Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year, with the support of the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity. Details, including an application form, can be found at www.disabledentrepreneur.org, and the closing date is 5 September. If you need an entry form in an alternative format please contact Sophie Down on 020 3242 0357 or email steliosaward@lcdisability.org. The winner of the award in 2007 was Amar Latif, founder of Traveleyes, a tour operator for the visually impaired. Consultation on Unified English Braille.The Braille Authority of the United Kingdom is conducting a nationwide consultation exercise on Unified English Braille (UEB). The main aim of UEB is to bring ordinary literary braille and specialist braille into a single unified code, and it is hoped that as many people as possible with an interest in braille will participate. A copy of the booklet of samples and a questionnaire can be obtained from Janine Barker on 01733 375100, or janine.barker@rnib.org.uk . The closing date for the consultation is 30 September 2008. 'Seeing Above the Horizon' Training.'Seeing Above the Horizon' is a two-day course aimed at rehab workers and low vision therapists, updating and refreshing professional skills in eccentric viewing and fixation techniques. It includes theory, practical knowledge and experimental exercises in this skill for people with central vision loss. The course will be run in Pontypool, Gwent on 2-3 September, and costs £190 including refreshments. For more information, contact Optima Low Vision Services on 01803 864218 or email info@optimalowvision.co.uk. Workshop on Early Visual Development and Assessment.An RNIB workshop, 'Early visual development and assessment: the promotion of visual functioning in young children with sight loss' will be held in Cardiff on 13 October. Dr Lea Hyvarinen, an ophthalmologist from the University of Finland who is well known for her extensive work in paediatric low vision, will present the materials she has developed to test children's visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and colour vision. Places cost £130 for professionals and £60 for parents/carers. For more information, ring 0121 665 4235,email children@rnib.org.uk or go to www.rnib.org.uk/shortcourseschildren . 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, Tel: 029 20 473 954 Email: staff@wcb-ccd.org.uk To subscribe/resubscribe email subscribe@wcb-ccd.org.ukk If links or contacts are not available in any of the items, please contact WCB via sylw@wcb-ccd.org.uk . Disclaimer.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 . Some downloadable documents are available in *.pdf format You can download the reader free of charge from the following link... Adobe accessibility information and tools are available at http://access.adobe.com/ .
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