Contents.
- WCB News
- Consultations and Lobbying
- Reports and Publications
- Access
- Events
- Technology
- Opportunities
- Other Resources
- Miscellaneous
WCB News.
Wales Council for the Blind Membership vote to form new charity with Sight Support
At the Annual General Meeting on Friday 9 December, members of Wales Council for the Blind voted to support a proposed merger with Sight Support, the visual impairment charity operating across the South East of Wales. See the full story to read the press release. [Full story...]
Latest Roundup focuses on Emotional Support, Wellbeing & Counselling for VI
The latest edition of WCB's quarterly magazine, Roundup, is now available on-line: just click on the 'Roundup' tab at the top of this screen. It has been published in two parts, 'Winter 2011/12' which covers general news items and articles, and a supplement on the theme of 'Emotional Support, Wellbeing and Counselling for Visually Impaired People'. [Full story...]
WCB seeks Volunteer Trainers and Training Assistants
Wales Council for the Blind (WCB) is looking for volunteer trainers and training assistants to help us deliver our OCN-accredited Awareness Training in Visual Impairment to a wide variety of groups including care workers, leisure centre staff and police officers. [Full story...]
Consultations and Lobbying.
DWP Consultation on Personal Independence Payment
The Department of Work and Pensions has launched a consultation on the second draft of the assessment criteria for Personal Independence Payment, which takes account of comments on the first draft. The DWP is keen to get the views of disabled people and the organisations which represent them on this important change. [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...]
ODI Consultation seeks views on 'Fulfilling Potential' of disabled people
The UK Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has launched a consultation on its discussion document 'Fulfilling Potential', which looks at ways in which disabled people can play a full role in society. Responses will be used as input to a new disability strategy. [Full story...]
Campaign for more NHS information on retinoblastoma
The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, an organisation for familes and individuals affected by retinoblastoma, has launched a campaign urging the NHS to include more information about this life-threatening condition in its publications and on-line information for parents of young children. [Full story...]
'Cuts Watch' campaign on public services
If you are blind or partially sighted, and public services that you rely on are being cut, RNIB wants to know. The 'Cuts Watch' campaign aims to ensure that public bodies such as local authorities are meeting legal requirements to consult disabled people before cutting services. [Full story...]
Reports and Publications.
Report shows problems experienced by people with sensory loss using Welsh health services
A steering group set up by the Welsh Government has looked at the problems faced by people with sensory impairments when using health services. Its report concludes that, although examples of good practice were found, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with sight or hearing problems amongst health care providers at all levels.
[Full story...]
Carers Information Booklet for people in Merthyr
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has produced a booklet which provides a central resource of up-to-date information for carers living in the area. It includes information about the support and services available to those who support partners, friends and neighbours who are disabled, ill or frail. [Full story...]
'Into Higher Education 2012' - Guide for Disabled Students
If you are disabled and considering going into higher education, a new guide from the Disability Alliance contains information about how to choose a course, the support available, and accessibility. It also covers the changes to fees and funding which come into force in 2012, which differ depending on whether you come from Wales or other parts of the UK. [Full story...]
Advice on best digital radios for VI people
Ricability, the independent consumer research charity which provides advice for older and disabled people, has been working with 'Which?' to provide advice on buying a digital radio which is easy to use for people with a visual impairment or dexterity problem. [Full story...]
'Doing Transport Differently' helps disabled people to access public transport
Disability charity RADAR has launched the latest publication in its series of 'Doing Life Differently' guides. 'Doing Transport Differently' is designed to encourage disabled people to use public transport by making them aware of what access is available, how to plan journeys, and what to do when things go wrong. [Full story...]
Sense Report on the testing for Personal Independence Payment
Deafblind charity Sense has published a new report on the experiences of deafblind people who volunteered to take part in the testing of the draft assessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people between 16 and 64 from 2013. The experiences of individuals were varied, with some reporting the tests as very stressful, and results were inconsistent. The assessor's understanding of deafblindness, and problems with communication and access to information were identified as key issues which need to be addressed before the new system is implemented. [Full story...]
Together for Health - 5 year vision for the NHS in Wales
The Minister for Health & Social Services, Lesley Griffiths, has launched the Welsh Government's five year vision for the NHS in Wales. 'Together for Wales' considers how Wales will address challenges such as an ageing population and health inequality. [Full story...]
'Children First' - Guide for families of disabled children
Disability rights organisation RADAR has published an updated edition of Children First, its guide for parents, carers and professionals working with disabled children. It offers up to date information and useful contacts, which will extend reader's knowledge and awareness of some of the obstacles faced by disabled children and their families, whilst providing useful advice which can help these to be overcome. [Full story...]
Doing Careers Differently - Guide for disabled people
Disability charity RADAR has produced a guide to how disabled people can have a successful career. 'Doing Careers Differently' has been written by people with a disability or health condition. [Full story...]
Eyecare Conference presentations
Presentations from the Annual Wales Eyecare Conference are available for download. [Full story...]
Access.
Audio Described Opera in Cardiff and Llandudno
Welsh National Opera (WNO) will be providing touch tours and audio description for a few of their performances in Wales during 2012. You can read a description of how this enhanced the experience for one visually impaired patron at a recent performance of ‘Don Giovanni’ by visiting their website, and find out more about WNO’s use of audio description here. [Full story...]
'My Guide' service helps to promote independence
'My Guide' is a scheme launched by Guide Dogs, in partnership with local blind societies, in order to help people with sight loss to get out of their homes and back into the community. For a period of between 3 and 6 months, a sighted volunteer works with an individual service user, guiding them to social and leisure activities. They then train members of the service user's community so that their independence can be maintained once the volunteer's involvement ceases. [Full story...]
Debenhams launch personal shopping service for VI customers
Department store chain Debenhams has launched a personal shopping service for its visually impaired customers who want to buy clothes. The service has been designed with the help of RNIB, which has given guidance on the problems faced by customers with sight problems and helped to train store staff on issues such as guiding and describing the key features of a garment. [Full story...]
Accessible PDF forms
Pia, known for production of high quality braille, is now offering the production of accessible PDF forms as a service. [Full story...]
Guide to the Disabled Student's Allowance
The Open University has produced a useful guide to the Disabled Student's Allowance - the UK Government's grant for students in higher education. It is a non-refundable payment to help with the costs of technology and other support which a student may require to enable them to complete a course. The guide consists of a series of short videos, and a transcript of each clip is also available. [Full story...]
Access to Work change of policy
The criteria by which drivers can be used under the Access to Work scheme have been changed. [Full story...]
Events.
VICTA Transitions Week-end
VICTA is running a Transitions Weekend at The Caldecotte Project, near Milton Keynes, from 11th - 14th May for young people with a visual impairment who are making the move from 6th form or further education to university. [Full story...]
Free intermediary training in Wales from Turn2us
Local visual impairment societies in Wales may be interested in free training from Turn2us, the organisation which helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Turn2us has received funding from the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust to target some of the more rural or isolated areas of Wales through their intermediary training programme. Up to six interactive training workshops will take place at community venues and facilities across coastal and rural parts of Wales over the next 12 months. [Full story...]
Glaucoma Patient Support Meeting in Bridgend
The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) has organised a support meeting for people with the condition at the Princess of Wales Hospital on 20th January. It will include a talk from a dietician about nutrition supplements for eye health. [Full story...]
Activities for children in Gwent and Neath
Action for Blind People has organised a range of activities for visually impaired children during the winter months through their Actionnaires clubs. Options include drumming, judo and dancing. [Full story...]
Vision Support Mobile Information Unit Schedule for January
Vision Support's Mobile Information Service will be out and about in North Wales during January, giving local people with sight problems the chance to find out about services and products that could help them. [Full story...]
Outreach day for education professionals and parents
New College, Worcester, is holding an outreach open day for education professionals who support young people with sight loss and parents of potential students on Wednesday 29 February 2012. Attendees will be given a tour of the college and will have the chance to meet teachers and find out more about curriculum areas of their choice. The event is free but places must be booked in advance. [Full story...]
Free residential weekends for VI children & young people
Action for Blind People is arranging three free residential weekends for 10-16 year olds with visual impairment in Snowdonia National Park. The events offer the opportunity to make new friends, try new experiences, learn about the environment and have fun whilst enjoying time outdoors. [Full story...]
RNIB Children & Young People's Showcase in Cardiff
RNIB Cymru are holding a Children & Young People's Showcase event in Cardiff on Friday 9 March 2012. It's purpose is to provide information on the work that RNIB is doing with partners to support visually impaired children and young people. [Full story...]
VICTA Activity Weekend for 18 - 25s
The organisation VICTA (Visually Impaired Children Taking Action) is organising an activity week-end for young people with sight problems aged 18 to 25 in March 2012 at the Caldecotte Project near Milton Keynes. [Full story...]
RNC Open Days for sight loss professionals
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford is organising a series of open days for professionals working with visually impaired clients in February and May 2012. They provide the opportunity to find out more about life at RNC. [Full story...]
Technology.
Trial of retinal implant to be extended to the UK
Retina Implant AG, the leading developer of subretinal implants for retinitis pigmentosa patients, has announced that the human clinical trial, which began in Germany, is to go into a second, multi-centre phase. The trial, which began in Tuebingen, Germany in 2010, will be expanded across Europe to five new sites, including Oxford and London. Unlike the first human clinical trial, patients are able to keep the implant permanently and use the microchip in real-life settings. [Full story...]
Opportunities.
BBC launches search for disabled presenters
BBC Vision is launching a nationwide search for new disabled presenting talent to be offered a unique training opportunity with the BBC. ‘PresentAble’ will focus efforts on discovering and developing new disabled presenters. Successful applicants will receive bespoke training from the BBC Academy in late Spring/Summer 2012, to help them develop their on-air skills and compete for roles across the BBC’s output. [Full story...]
New social group for VI people in Flintshire
Vision Support is starting a new social group in the Flintshire area for blind or partially sighted people. [Full story...]
Babies with sight loss wanted for Great Ormond Street Hospital Study
The Optimum VI project is a Great Ormond Street Hospital study into the early development and support of babies and young children with vision impairment. The study team are looking for babies and infants aged 0 to 15 months with severe visual loss/ visual impairment to take part - and are keen to recruit participants from Wales. [Full story...]
Public Appointment - Care Council for Wales
The Care Council for Wales is looking to appoint two new members to bring the perspective of service users to their work. The Care Council was established to to improve public confidence and professional credibility across social care services, and it is the regulatory body for social care workers and for social work training. It also has the role of workforce planning and development for the sector. They are also looking for one person to bring the current perspective of higher education and training (Social work) in Wales. [Full story...]
MDS celebrates 25th anniversary with art exhibition
The Macular Disease Society marks its 25th anniversary in 2012. As part of the celebrations, it will be holding an art exhibition, and is inviting submissions from society members, supporters and the general public. The work must say something about macular disease. [Full story...]
Torfaen VI Gym & Social Club
If you live in Torfaen and have sight problems, why not join the Torfaen VI Gym and Social Club? The aims of the club are to help members keep fit and healthy, try new activities and meet other people. [Full story...]
Other resources.
Deafblind Cymru 'In Touch' befriending service
Deafblind Cymru has launched a new 'In Touch' volunteer befriending project for individuals with combined sight and hearing loss over the age of 50. Funding for the project has come from the Big Lottery Fund. [Full story...]
Jogging Buddies for VI runners
British Blind Sport has teamed up with running organisation Jogging Buddy to help visually impaired people find a sighted partner to accompany them on runs. Only a small proportion of VI people actively participate in sporting activities, but it is hoped that this initiative will help to make sport more accessible. [Full story...]
Face to face money advice service
If your New Year’s Resolution is to improve your financial health, you may be interested in face-to-face money advice sessions which are being provided across Wales by Citizen’s Advice. The sessions offer people the chance to take control of their finances, for example by preparing a budget, finding out about different types of mortgage, planning for retirement, or finding out about the tax and welfare benefits systems. The service is impartial and there is no attempt to sell any financial products. [Full story...]
New tool helps housing schemes provide for VI people
The Thomas Pocklington Trust has launched a tool, Evolve-for-Vision, in an attempt to ensure that extra care housing developments take account of the needs of visually impaired people. Although specialist advice is available on this subject, research has shown that many schemes are not making use of it. [Full story...]
Adviceline Wales - Single contact point for Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice now has a single contact telephone number for people in Wales who need help with issues such as money matters, family problems and discrimination. The number is 08444 77 20 20. [Full story...]
'Starting Point' helps parents of VI children
'Starting Point' is a new, web-based resource for parents of children with a visual impairment. It introduces parents to a range of help and support, and explains the roles and responsibilities of the various professionals involved in sight loss, such as the ECLO and Paediatric Ophthalmologist. The information has been based on discussion with parents about their information needs from diagnosis onwards. [Full story...]
Keep Well This Winter
With winter approaching, the Welsh Government's 'Keep Well This Winter' campaign will be providing information and advice to older people on how to maintain good health and keep safe during the coldest months. [Full story...]
Doorstep selling of mobility aids: your rights explained
Rogue doorstep selling of mobility aids is a serious problem in the UK, generating over 15,500 complaints to Trading Standards - most of which come from vulnerable consumers such as disabled or elderly people. Now the Office of Fair Trading is launching a campaign to make consumers aware of their rights in this area. [Full story...]
How to get the most out of your GP
Contact a Family, the charity which supports families with disabled children, has produced a video which gives advice to parents about how to build a good relationship with their GP, so that they are in the best position to make decisions on the child's health and welfare. [Full story...]
Miscellaneous.
Welsh VI bowlers ranked 1st in UK
Two visually impaired bowlers struck gold at the British Blind Sports Pairs competition held Swindon. Keith Williams from Blackwood, who attends the Blackwood Blind Club and Paul Matthews, his partner from the Rhondda, qualified for the final by playing 8 matches over a period of about 16 weeks. On the day of the final, they played each of the other 11 finalists before being declared the winners at the Award dinner, which was attended by the Mayor of Swindon. [Full story...]
Radio 1's Sara Cox visits UCAN Productions
UCAN Productions, the Cardiff-based organisation which helps visually impaired young people to participate in the arts, won a visit from Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox and comedian Rufus Hound after being voted the National Lottery's favourite good cause in Wales in a Facebook campaign. They took to the airwaves to perform in a special radio production written and performed by UCAN members. [Full story...]
Disability charities join to form Disability Rights UK
Disability Alliance, The National Centre for Independent Living and Radar have agreed to unite and form a new organisation, Disability Rights UK. The change will take effect on 1 January 2012. [Full story...]
