Contents.
- ViW News
- Consultations and Lobbying
- Reports and Publications
- Access
- Events
- Technology
- Opportunities
- Other Resources
- Miscellaneous
ViW News.
Social and Humanitarian Award for BME project worker
Nirmala Pisavadia took the Social and Humanitarian Award for her work with Sight Cymru promoting prevention of needless sight loss in black and ethnic minority communities in Wales [Full story...]
Tell us your experiences of using public transport in Wales
The theme for the next edition of our Roundup magazine is transport, and we would like to hear about the experiences of visually impaired people using (or trying to use) taxis, buses and trains in Wales. [Full story...]
Spring edition of Roundup focuses on the arts and visual impairment
The latest issue of Vision in Wales' magazine Roundup is now available. It is being issued in two parts - the main section focuses on news and events, and the theme for this edition, the Arts and Visual Impairment, is in a separate supplement. [Full story...]
Support VIW when you do your shopping on-line
If you shop on-line, you can raise funds for Vision in Wales (formerly Wales Council for the Blind) at no cost to yourself by using the website easyfundraising.org.uk. You can shop with over 2,000 retailers, including Amazon, M&S, John Lewis and Debenhams. [Full story...]
Consultations and Lobbying.
Refreshing the relationship between Welsh Government and the Third Sector in Wales
A consultation has been launched by the Welsh Government around its relationship with the Third Sector. [Full story...]
House of Commons Select Committee wants your views on access to transport
The Transport Committee of the House of Commons is conducting an inquiry into access to transport for people with disabilities. It will be producing a report with recommendations during summer 2013 and would like to hear about the experiences of disabled people and their carers accessing any type of transport. [Full story...]
WAG Consultations On-line
You can access all current Welsh Assembly Government consultations by clicking here. See the full story for details of consultations of potential interest to visually impaired people. [Full story...]
Carers Wales wants your views on the cost of caring
Carers Wales is urging people with caring responsibilities in Wales to complete the 'State of Caring' survey. The aim of the survey is to provide an analysis of the financial cost of caring across the UK, and also to look at other impacts, for example on the carer's health, work or social life. [Full story...]
Sense reviews information on Usher Syndrome
Sense, the organisation for deafblind people, is updating its information on Usher Syndrome and wants to know whether there are any gaps in the topics that they cover. They also want to identify people who would be interested in taking part in a survey on priorities for research into Usher. [Full story...]
Public transport in Wales - views of older people wanted
Age Cymru and the Bevan Foundation are working together to find out how older people in Wales travel to get to essential services, and are asking people aged over 60 to complete a short questionnaire about their experiences. [Full story...]
HMRC launch consultation on plan to close accessible Enquiry Centres
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a consultation on their new plans for supporting customers who need additional help with their tax affairs. This involves closing HMRC's Enquiry Centres, which incorporated special access features for disabled people such as materials in braille, lighted magnifiers and sign language interpreters. [Full story...]
Bedroom Tax campaign calls for disabled people to be exempted
RNIB is joining with other disability organisations in a campaign to exempt disabled people from the 'Bedroom Tax' which is being introduced in April. As a result of this new tax, people living in housing association or council housing who are judged to have spare rooms will lose on average £728 per year from their housing benefit, unless they can move somewhere smaller. [Full story...]
Reports and Publications.
RNIB Cymru celebrates success of Eye Clinic Liaison Service
RNIB Cymru has launched a report today on the impact of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) service in Wales. [Full story...]
Cap in Hand? Disability Wales report published
A new report makes a series of recommendations aimed at UK and Welsh Governments and other public sector bodies, to prevent disabled people from being pushed further into poverty, isolation and dependence. [Full story...]
How to get a sight test at home
The Pocklington Trust has produced a leaflet which describes how you can arrange to have an eye test at home if you are unable to get to an optician due to disability. [Full story...]
Adult UK sight loss pathway published
The Adult UK sight loss pathway has now been published and is available on the UK Vision Strategy website. [Full story...]
Pocklington report shows that changing needs of people with sight loss are not being met
Research from the Pocklington Trust has shown that, although the needs of people with sight loss change over time, these increasing needs are not being met. Whilst the introduction of Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLO) in hospitals is welcomed, their potential is not always realised as long-standing patients are not being directed to them. [Full story...]
Health professionals should be aware of the link between depression and visual impairment
Research in the US has shown that people with a visual impairment are far more likely to suffer from the clinical symptoms of depression than those with no vision problems. [Full story...]
Research shows involvement of GPs is crucial in identifying unrecognised sight loss in older people
Undiagnosed sight loss is known to increase the risk of isolation, depression and poor health in older people. Now, research by the Thomas Pocklington Trust is looking at how the involvement of GPs can identify people with unrecognised sight problems during routine consultations. [Full story...]
'Britain's Eye Health in Focus' report reveals lack of awareness of key eye health issues
A new report from the College of Optometrists, 'Britain's Eye Health in Focus' shows that although people value their sight very highly, this does not mean that they are getting their eyes (or those of their children) tested regularly. It also shows a lack of awareness of some of the most common eye conditions. [Full story...]
Guidance document on commissioning for glaucoma issued
A new guidance document on commissioning services for glaucoma has been issued. The guidance has been developed by the College of Optometrists and the Royal College of Opthalmologists, with support from experienced clinical commissioners. This is the first in a series of guidance documents: topics to be covered in the next few months include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and low vision. [Full story...]
Issues facing siblings - advice for parents of disabled children
The siblings of disabled children can feel that the special needs of their brother or sister leave little time for their parents to spend with them. Now Contact a Family has updated its 'Siblings' guide, giving parents tips on how to deal with this potentially difficult situation. It includes personal stories as well as links to other resources, and sources of support. [Full story...]
Royal College of Ophthalmologists publishes results of CVI Survey.
A survey, conducted by the Royal College, highlights 'strong qualified support' for an electronic CVI process (ECVI) amongst Ophthalmologists. [Full story...]
College of Optometrists calls for better quality data on eye health
A new report from the College of Optometrists highlights how better data collection can improve communication between optometry practices, GPs, hospitals and local health authorities, leading to more efficient and joined up eye care services. 'Better Data, Better Care' argues that use of technology will enable more accurate information to be gathered than is possible using existing, paper-based systems. [Full story...]
Guidance on registering visual impairment as a disability published
The Department of Health has issued guidance on how to register visual impairment as a disability, covering use of the Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) and the Referral letter. [Full story...]
Access.
South Wales Talking Magazine celebrates its 500th edition
Congratulations to the South Wales Talking Magazine Association (SWTMA) which is producing the 500th edition of its magazine this month. This special edition will look back at the early days. As every one of the 500 recordings is still in the archives, it is an ideal opportunity to recall some of the people who played an important part in early years. [Full story...]
NatWest and RBS announce rollout of talking ATMs
The banks NatWest and RBS have announced that they will start the rollout of talking ATMs for visually impaired customers in early 2014. Customers will be able to plug in their earphones to be guided through transactions. [Full story...]
Free travel pack from RNIB
RNIB has launched a free travel pack to help visually impaired people use public transport. It contains information about planning journeys, concessions and discounts, travel products and details of other organisations that can help. [Full story...]
Increased funding available for disabled people wanting to stand for public office
The Access to Elected Office Fund offers individual grants to disabled people who want to be considered for selection as candidates for an election, or are standing for election. The fund was launched by the UK Government last year, and now the upper limit for individual grants has been raised from £10,000 to £20,000 in any calendar year. [Full story...]
Events.
Bookings open for VICTA Family Event
VICTA, the organisation for visually impaired children and their families, is organising a family event from 23rd to 26th August at an activity centre near Swindon. There will be activities, information and a social environment in which you can meet other families to share experiences, knowledge and to just relax. [Full story...]
Turn2us events for rural families in North Wales
Turn2us, the organisation which helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help, is organising five events where families from rural communities can find out what support is available to them if they are on a low income. [Full story...]
Vision Support Mobile Information Unit schedule for May
Vision Support's Mobile Information Unit will be out and about in North Wales during May, giving visually impaired people the chance to find out about products and services which could help them. [Full story...]
Welfare benefits roadshows for disabled people & their families
Disability Wales, Learning Disability Wales and All Wales People First are organising a series of roadshows for disabled people and their families to help them to understand the impact of changes to welfare benefits. [Full story...]
Booking now open for Wales & West Vision Conference 2013
Sight Cymru and Seeability have teamed up to present this year's 'Wales and West Vision Conference' on Thursday 20th June.The event is a unique one-day conference held at the University of Newport, Caerleon Campus, South Wales and aimed at anyone involved in sight loss and supporting people with sight loss, across the public, voluntary and private sectors. [Full story...]
New College Worcester Outreach Open Day - 3rd July
New College Worcester is organising an outreach day on Wednesday 3rd July for education professionals who support visually impaired young people, and parents of VI students. They will be given the opportunity to find out more about the college, try out specialist equipment, and get advice on the subject area of their choice. [Full story...]
Music summer school for vi people at RWCMD
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) is running a music workshop for visually impaired people of all ages as part of its programme of summer schools. Participants will gain experience in using music technology (with assistive software), Braille music and improvisation. [Full story...]
Diabetes Roadshows in Wales
Diabetes UK Cymru has published the dates of its 2013 Roadshows. The team will be visiting Haverfordwest, Cardiff, Aberystwyth, Abergavenny, Rhyl, Swansea, Newtown and Aberdare between April and October, giving visitors the chance to find out more about the condition, and have a risk assessment. [Full story...]
Technology.
Could innovations in automated driving lead to blind drivers?
An article on the BBC website considers the possibility that the development of driverless cars could enable visually impaired people to get behind the wheel. [Full story...]
New app helps blind people to find each other
A report on the BBC's Ouch! disability website describes a prototype app which allows blind people to find each other. [Full story...]
'Getting interested in technology' videos
There is a new page on the RNIB website containing a series of videos aimed at helping visually impaired people get the most out of new technology. Topics covered include on-line shopping, social media, screen readers and smartphones. [Full story...]
Big Browser for iPad
BigBrowser is an Internet browsing application designed to help Low Vision users more easily navigate the web on their iPads. It’s extra large keyboard and controls, expanded pinch zooming, and multiple color themes make content easy to read. [Full story...]
Guidelines for the design of accessible information and communication technology systems
These Guidelines are written for designers of information and communication technology (ICT) and provide advice and recommendations on accessibility issues for all types of disabilities. [Full story...]
Opportunities.
People with nystagmus wanted to help with research
Rebecca McLean, a
Research Associate at the University of Leicester, is currently conducting a
study looking at quality of life and nystagmus and hopes to develop a nystagmus specific quality of life questionnaire. As part of the process of developing the questionnaire Rebecca needs people who have nystagmus to
score items that may possibly go into the questionnaire. This can be done by post. If you have nystagmus, live in the UK and are over 16 years of age and
you would like to help with this research then please contact Rebecca on rjm19@le.ac.uk or telephone her on 0116 2586290.
[Full story...]
'Stelios Award' - Opportunity for disabled entrepreneurs
Once again, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (founder of easyJet)is sponsoring the 'Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK', in association with Leonard Cheshire Disability. A prize of £50,000 will be awarded to the disabled entrepreneur who can best demonstrate to the judges how this amount would make a major difference to their business. [Full story...]
RP Fighting Blindness Short Story Competition 2013
RP Fighting Blindness, the organisation for people with retinitis pigmentosa, has launched a short story competition, and are encouraging entries from people with RP and others affected by it such as their families. [Full story...]
Macular Society awards - nominations wanted
The Macular Society Awards 2013 have been launched - and the Society is seeking your nominations for professionals, volunteers and fundraisers who have made a difference to people with macular conditions. There are four categories, including 'clinical service of the year' and 'support or rehabilitation professional of the year'. [Full story...]
RNIB launch employment mentoring scheme
RNIB have teamed up with the American Foundation of the Blind to offer a free mentoring service for visually impaired people looking for support & guidance on employment issues. You will be put directly in touch with a mentor in your field of interest who is also sight impaired. [Full story...]
Opportunities for visually impaired people to develop musical skills
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD)'s thriving Pre College Department in Cardiff offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in the specialist music or drama training on offer. In collaboration with Jackie Clifton from Musicians in Focus, the department has developed an e-learning unit with Braille translation facilities enabling them to provide bespoke training and support for visually impaired musicians of all ages. [Full story...]
Other resources.
World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week: 12 - 18 May
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is using this year's World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week to target healthcare professionals, and has developed a toolkit to help educate them in the symptoms and treatment of the condition. [Full story...]
New College Worcester launches new website
New College Worcester, the national residential school and college for young people aged 11 to 19 who are blind or partially sighted, has a new website, giving information about all the facilities which the college can offer. [Full story...]
UCAN Productions launch new website
UCAN Productions, the award winning performance and creative arts co-operative for blind and partially sighted children, young people and their friends between the ages of 7 and 25, has launched a new website. The site has information about UCAN's activities and how to get involved, as well as access to UCAN Radio. [Full story...]
Spot the signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
RNIB has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of AMD and other common causes of eye problems in people aged 50 and over. Early detection is vital in reducing the impact of the these conditions, so it is important that people are aware of the signs, and see their optometrist as soon as possible if they experience them. [Full story...]
Macular Society launches professional membership scheme
The Macular Society has launched a new, free membership scheme for professionals working in the sight loss sector. Members will receive a welcome pack, the Society’s magazines, a quarterly email newsletter about developments in the field and the opportunity to apply for bursaries and early bird bookings to Macular Society events. [Full story...]
Guide Dogs launches website for schools
The Guide Dogs organisation has launched a new website for schools. 'Puppy Resources for Primary Schools' is targeted at 4-11-year-olds and contains fun, interactive resources, lesson plans and activity sheets encouraging children to learn all about Guide Dogs. [Full story...]
DWP publishes Personal Independence Payment toolkit
The Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) has published a tool kit on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help individuals and organisations that support Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants. The aim is to provide clear information on PIP so intermediaries can provide advice or direct claimants to other sources of help. The tool kit could also be adapted into training materials. [Full story...]
Miscellaneous.
All dogs in Wales to be microchipped by March 2015
Following a recent consultation exercise, the Welsh Government has announced that all dogs in Wales must be microchipped by March 2015. The overwhelming majority of respondents to the consultation were in favour of the move. The Guide Dogs organisation has been campaigning for compulsory microchipping in response to the increasing number of attacks on guide dogs. [Full story...]
Volunteering and Universal Credit.
Volunteers receiving Universal Credit, expected to undertake 35 hours per week of 'work search', can undertake up to 50% of that time as volunteers. [Full story...]
Premier league footballer is new patron of sight charity
A Barclays Premier League footballer has accepted the invitation to become a patron of the leading charity that supports families and adults with the complex eye condition nystagmus. [Full story...]
Grant awarded to fund research into dementia and visual impairment
The College of Optometrists has been awarded a grant of £450,000 by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme to investigate the prevalence of visual impairment in people with dementia. The project will investigate whether the estimated 800,000 people with dementia in the UK are getting the eye care they need. [Full story...]
