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Visual Impairment

Section Links: Introduction | Certification and Registration | Worcestershire Association for the Blind | Equipment | Communication | Adult Education, Employment and Training | Leisure and Recreation | Talking Books | Useful Contacts

Communication

Reading and writing is vital to us all, and visually impaired people will have at least some degree of difficulty with both.  There is no ideal solution that will suit everyone and many people will use a combination of tools and techniques to achieve the best results they can.

Most people would find a magnifier beneficial.  It is advisable to have a Low Vision Assessment either through the Low Vision Clinic at the eye hospital (where magnifiers are issued free on long term loan) or at the Worcestershire Association for the Blind (Bradbury Centre).

Mobility

As it is more difficult to get around safely and independently with a visual impairment, training is available from specialist workers within the Sensory Impairment Team.  This may include provision and use of specialist mobility aids e.g. symbol cane, long cane, or support stick (these are white or white and red for people who also have a hearing impairment).  They can also advise on sighted guiding techniques.

Some people may be interested in applying for a Guide Dog. For more information contact the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (see contacts sheet).

There are transport schemes  available in each area such as Dial-a-Ride, Community Transport, Rail Cards, Bus Passes and Travel Concessions.  For more information contact your local customer centre. (see contacts sheet).

Writing

It is important to use clear, bold pens or pencils.  There are many sorts of felt or fibre tip pens available and it is a matter of personal choice which is best for you.  There are aids available to help you write straight, and sign allowance books or cheques in the correct place.

Reading

For those with some useful residual vision, there is a wide range of large print material.  Some can be borrowed from local libraries or bought from good stationers or booksellers.  Photocopiers can be used to enlarge printed information. Most banks and utility services will provide large print statements, bills etc. on request.

It is essential that people trying to read with restricted vision have adequate and suitable lighting such as an anglepoise lamp.  The Sensory Impairment Team will give advice on this matter.

Many libraries in Worcestershire have print magnifiers (CCTV’s) which can enlarge print significantly.

Reading material on tape and talking books

A wide range of audio books, newspapers (local and national) and magazines are available to people who have serious difficulty reading, some are free of charge, others have an annual subscription fee.

Some local Voluntary Associations will lend cassette /cd players.

The British Wireless for the Blind Fund will provide on loan a radio/cassette player for anyone registered with a sight impairment in the UK.

For further information about any of these services, contact the Worcestershire Adult and Community Services, Sensory Impairment or the Worcestershire Association for the Blind (Bradbury Centre).

Braille and Moon

These are tactile methods of reading.  If you would like more information or are interested in learning Braille or Moon, contact the Sensory Impairment or the Worcestershire Association for the Blind (Bradbury Centre).

Computer and IT Skills
If you would like information on suitable equipment or tuition, please contact the Worcestershire Association for the Blind (Bradbury Centre), or your local College. There is a range of helpful software to aid all levels of sight loss.

Telephones
There is a wide range of handsets available, some particularly useful to people with poor vision.  Some people may find a cordless phone or voice activated mobile phone invaluable as they can carry it.  

British Telecom sell or rent a telephone with clear, big buttons. Most have a limited memory for frequently used numbers.

British Telecom also offer a free directory enquiry service for people who cannot see the telephone directory. 

For further information contact British Telecom, the Worcestershire Association for the Blind (Bradbury Centre) or Worcestershire Adult and Community Services, Sensory Impairment Team.