Somerset County Council positively values diversity, and celebrates cultural and social differences. Our Equal Opportunities Promise is to provide all
services of equal quality, which meet your needs and fulfil your rights. You can expect to be treated fairly, with respect, dignity and understanding
whoever you are and whatever your background. This document is also available on request in
Braille, large print, tape, disc and can be translated into different languages.
Updated January 2010
Changing Focus
Section 1
Introduction
Almost two million people in Britain have a severe sight loss, and there is a wide range of equipment, societies, support services and information available for them. This guide has been produced to raise awareness of the help available. It is not exhaustive, but it aims to provide basic information about both local and national services. You can get more information about these services and publications from SIGNPOSTS, Somerset’s health,
community care and disability freephone information service.
Freephone: 0800 317220 Minicom: 0800 7834518
Email: [email protected]
SIGNPOSTS can also put you on the mailing list for “Livewire”, the quarterly newsletter of disability
information. It is sent free of charge to any disabled person in Somerset and is available in normal or large print, audio format or in Braille.
Somerset Direct – Customer Contact
This is a telephone advice service which provides
general information about services for people who are older, or who may have health problems or disabilities:
Phone: 0845 345 9133
Section 2
Help from Adult Social Care
Social Work Service
Want to talk things over?
Each Adult Social Care office has a specialist worker for people with a visual impairment. They will be happy to visit you in your own home to share your anxieties and talk about any problems you may be having.
They can also:
• advise you about simple alterations to make your home more suitable for you
• provide aids and equipment to make life easier • provide advice and information about all services
available for visually-impaired people, both locally and nationally
• advise you about financial benefits
• give you an opportunity to talk about your feelings about your sight loss
• advise you about how to get home care and other services provided by Adult Social Care
• arrange for training in skills such as mobility, Braille or cooking
Social Workers are part of a team of people at Adult Social Care who are available to help.
For more information about the help provided by Adult Social Care contact:
Somerset Direct – Customer Care on: Phone: 0845 345 9133
Email: [email protected]
Rehabilitation Service
Training in the home.
A Rehabilitation Worker is available to give free advice and training in cooking and domestic skills, for visually-impaired people in their own homes.
Tuition in Braille, Moon (another form of raised writing) and typing is also available. Typing and keyboard skills are particularly important for people interested in
computers and information technology.
The Rehabilitation Worker can also provide advice, safety tips and training for people who are having problems getting around independently outdoors. For more information, contact your social worker or
Somerset Direct – Customer Contact on 0845 345 9133.
“Living with Sight Loss” Courses.
Together with Somerset Sight (formerly Somerset
Association for the Blind), we provide six-week courses for people with newly diagnosed sight loss, or people who are finding it difficult to cope with their visual
daily living, making the most of your remaining sight, getting around safely, and aids to communication. For more information, please contact your local social worker, or phone Somerset Sight on 01823 333818.
How to contact Adult Social Care
For general enquiries, in the first instance, please contact:
Somerset Direct – Customer Contact: Phone: 0845 345 9133
Email: [email protected]
Adult Social Care Offices Mendip area
Sedgemoor and West Somerset area
2 Orchard Court The Archers Way
Glastonbury
Somerset BA6 9LH
Public Offices
Christchurch Street West Frome
Somerset BA11 1EF
Blake
Northgate Bridgwater
Somerset TA6 3EU
Adult Social Care Office Townsend Road
Minehead
Somerset TA24 5RS
South Somerset area
Taunton Deane
Maltravers House Petters Way
Yeovil
Taunton Deane area
Adult Social Care C2
County Hall Taunton
Somerset TA1 4DY
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team 01458 253241
Section 3
Equipment
Magnifiers
Low Vision Clinics are held monthly throughout the county and can provide a range of magnifiers to help with reading and practical tasks. The magnifiers are provided on loan, and can be exchanged for stronger ones when necessary.
This service is provided by Optima Low Vision Services on behalf of the Health Authority. You can arrange
appointments through your eye consultant, GP or social worker. For more information about the service and
clinics in your area, contact Optima on 01803 864218. Some low vision aids can be purchased privately
through Somerset Sight (formerly Somerset Association for the Blind).
For more information, contact Somerset Sight on 01823 333818.
Aids to daily living
There is a wide range of equipment to help visually-impaired people in their own homes. Adult Social Care can issue a range of basic aids to daily living, which are provided free of charge, on permanent loan, after an assessment. For more detailed information, discuss this with your social worker.
Somerset Sight sells a range of items of equipment from their Resource Centre in Taunton.
Somerset Sight Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: 01823 333818 Email: [email protected] Website: www.somersetsight.org.uk
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
This is the largest national provider of equipment for people with sight loss. Equipment can be ordered directly from RNIB and catalogues of equipment are available. RNIB PO Box 173 Peterborough PE2 6WS Phone: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01 Minicom: 0845 7585691 Email: [email protected]
Contact your social worker for a list of other equipment suppliers, or see at the end of this booklet in the “Useful Addresses” section. You can usually order equipment directly from each supplier.
High technology equipment
High technology equipment is increasingly being used by visually-impaired people in their homes. There are
specially designed video magnifiers which magnify print to a large size on a screen. They enable people to read books, newspapers, labels and instructions.
There are also machines which read printed material out loud.
Equipment is very expensive and it is important to have advice about what is best suited to your needs. Much of the equipment can be purchased on a trial basis, for 14 days. Sometimes, it is possible to get financial
assistance from charities if your income is low.
Some items of high technology equipment can be seen and tried at a local resource centre run by Somerset Sight.
Somerset Sight: Phone: 01823 333818
Email: [email protected]
Your social worker can provide a list of suppliers of high technology equipment.
Information technology
Specialist software
People with a visual impairment can and do use
computers. There is a large range of specialist software to enable people to use email, type letters and access the Internet.
The specialist software can enlarge print on the screen, or transcribe print on the screen into audio or Braille formats.
The software is changing constantly, so for up-to-date information, contact your social worker.
You can get other information and support for information technology from:
RNIB Technology Department Phone: 0845 900 0015 Email: [email protected] Somerset Sight Phone: 01823 333818 Email: [email protected] Ability Net Phone: 0800 269545 Training
Training for visually-impaired people in the use of computers is available in Somerset.
The Talking Computer Project is based in South
Somerset, but is now also linked with Somerset Sight in Taunton. Training in the use of several types of
specialist software is available. For more information, contact:
Talking Computer Project SSVCA IT Resource Centre Houndstone Business Park Yeovil BA22 8WA
Phone: 01935 414034
E mail; [email protected]
IT@Home
This is a South Somerset Project in which volunteer tutors visit people in their own homes to teach basic computer skills. Tuition lasts for 12 weeks and the project provides laptops for the length of the course.
Phone: 01458 252163
Section 4
Help with Reading
National Talking Book Services RNIB Talking Book Service
The RNIB Talking Book Service has over 15,000
recorded books. There is a subscription charge for this service, and a special machine is required to play the discs. Help with the subscription charge is available from Adult Social Care.
The service is for anyone who has problems with their eyesight and is unable to read N12 print.
For more details contact your local social worker, or RNIB Talking Book Service
PO Box 173 Peterborough PE2 6WS Phone: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01 Minicom: 0845 7585691 Calibre Library
This service has over 5,000 books available in on
cassette, or in CD and MP3 format. To use this service, you will need your own machine, although there is no charge for membership.
If you are registered, you may be able to obtain a machine from The British Wireless for the Blind. For advice and information about this, contact your social worker.
For more information about the Calibre service, contact: Calibre Aylesbury Bucks HP22 5XQ Phone: 01296 432339 Fax: 01296 392599 Website: www.calibre.org.uk
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines
This organisation provides a wide range of national
newspapers (including TV and radio listings), magazines and periodicals on CD, cassette, and MP3 format.
There is an annual subscription fee. Contact:
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines National Recording Service
Heathfield East Sussex TN21 8DB Phone: 01435 866102 Fax: 01435 865422 Website: www.tnauk.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Local talking newspapers
Many local newspapers are recorded onto tape by volunteers. Contact your social worker for details.
Other sources of talking magazines “Livewire”
This is a magazine produced four times a year for all disabled people in Somerset. It is available in large print, audio formats and Braille
Phone: 0800 317220 “Two Town Talker”
This is a Somerset audio magazine for people with a visual impairment, produced by visually-impaired people. It is a lively sound magazine covering a wide range of topics, humour, music, dramas and interviews. The tapes are supplied free of charge.
Contact: Mrs. J. Shackleford Kingscliffe Bungalow Taunton Road Bridgwater TA6 6LD
Other listening and reading Torch Trust
The Torch Trust has religious books in audio format, in giant print and in Braille.
Contact:
Torch Trust for the Blind Torch House Torch Way Northampton Road Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 9HL Phone: 01858 438260 Email: [email protected] “New Beacon”
This is a monthly magazine published in clear print,
audio formats and Braille. It contains features of interest to blind and visually-impaired people and professionals. It is published by the RNIB.
Contact RNIB:
Phone: 0303 123 9999
Email: [email protected]
Library and Information Service
The Cultural Service (which provides library, information and arts services) is committed to Somerset County Council’s Equal Opportunities Promise. Their aim is to help people with any disability to use the full range of library materials, services and information that they want. Some of these are specifically designed for disability needs.
Services are available through all libraries, except where indicated. For more information, please ask staff, phone
0845 345 9177 or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries
Materials Information:
• Self-help and medical books for disabled people and carers
• Somerset Gateway community information
database giving details of local support groups, clubs and organisations, available at
www.somerset.gov.uk/somersetgateway
• Enquiry Centre for all your information enquiries Phone: 01823 336370
Email: [email protected]
Text: 07919 540839 Fax: 01823 272178
• Library information can be provided on request in large print, Braille or tape formats.
Large print books
• A wide selection of fiction and information titles for both adults and children, including some “Quick Read” titles (shorter texts by well-known authors) • Large print books can be requested free of charge
Talking Books
• A range of titles on tape and CD can be requested and borrowed free of charge by people who are blind or partially sighted, or whose physical
condition makes it difficult to hold books, and by anyone who has dyslexia.
• The LibrariesWest catalogue gives you access to a large stock including titles held by Somerset’s four partner library services www.librarieswest.org.uk • To meet your requests, the library service can also
borrow titles from other libraries and specialist
providers outside the LibrariesWest group (such as RNIB) through Bee Aware interlending scheme.
Clear Vision and tactile books
• A collection of Clear Vision children’s books combining Braille and print text
• A small selection of tactile picture books
Children’s Summer Reading Challenge
• The Reading Agency and RNIB provide large print materials in this annual reading activity.
Facilities
The People’s Network
• There are screen enlarging options on public
computer terminals in all libraries, giving access to the Internet, library catalogues, office software and online information subscription sites.
• “Supernova” software can also be activated on
these terminals, providing magnification and text-to-voice facilities to assist visually-impaired people to use online resources. Ask at your local library for details, because an assisted session may have to be set up, or you may wish to consider using it to take a Learndirect course.
• Some libraries have large print keyboards for use with their terminals.
• The library catalogue can be visited using access technology from home, to register as a library
member, check information on titles, reserve books or renew loans.
Magnifiers
• Libraries hold sheet magnifiers for use in the library.
Reading Edge scanner
• This translates any printed document into speech, which can be listened to through headphones
and recorded onto a standard cassette. A machine is available in Taunton library.
Tactile storytelling kit
• The library service holds a kit that can be used for tactile story sessions, by arrangement.
Booktouch packs
• All babies at 9 months, 18 months and 36 months are entitled to receive a free Bookstart pack.
There is also a Booktouch version of the packs, specially adapted for families where the parent or child has a visual impairment. These are usually distributed by Health Visitors, but can be picked up from a library on request, if the health session has been missed. You can find more details of the packs and their contents at
Services
Deliveries to people who are housebound
• People who are not able to visit a library may be able to have books and talking books delivered to their homes by volunteers, by a Good Neighbour or by the mobile library. Contacts are at the start of this section for more details.
Mobile libraries
• Mobile libraries visit all communities in Somerset that are more than 1.5 miles from a library. For details of routes and stopping places use the contacts at the start of this section.
Reading groups
• Many visually-impaired people enjoy being a member of a reading group. Libraries support
over 250 groups across Somerset, some of which meet in libraries. A list of books that are available in multiple copies and have audio and large print editions is updated each year, and can be found at www.somerset.gov.uk/booklists.
We are keen to improve our library services and access to them. We also need to make sure that people with disabilities are aware of what we offer, and how to make the most of it.
Please contact your local library staff initially:
• If you have any suggestions or comments, or would like to discuss library services. You can
also use the comment forms in libraries and on the library website.
• If you are in a disability or carers’ group or organisation that would like a visit from library staff, or can help with distributing publicity.
Local staff will then refer comments and enquiries to the relevant staff to respond as necessary.
Arts Activities
If you want to take part in any arts activities in Somerset, and would like to discuss your needs and your
experiences, please contact:
Somerset Arts and Disability Co-ordinator
Phone: 01823 324506, during office hours.
Please note: We cannot guarantee that things will be
fully accessible, but we can support individuals and work with Arts organisations to support individual requests.
Radio Programmes “In Touch”
This is a weekly programme for visually-impaired listeners, on BBC Radio 4, on Tuesday evenings. A weekly fact sheet is available, summarising the content of the programmes.
Fact sheets are available in large print, Braille or on cassette, or CD.
“Radio 4 Actionline”
This telephone helpline provides advice and information on topics which have been recently broadcast on the radio.
Phone: 0800 044044 Large print services Books
Large print and audio books are available on loan from local libraries, and from the following publishers:
ISIS No 7, Centremead Osney Mead Oxford OX2 0ES Phone: 01865 250333 Fax: 01865 790358 Ulverscroft The Green Bradgate Road Anstey
Leicestershire LE7 7FU
Phone: 0116 236 4325 Fax: 0116 234 0205
Website:www.ulverscroft.com
National Library for the Blind
This library is run by the RNIB and has a collection of large print books.
National Library for the Blind PO Box 173
Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6WS
Phone: RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01
Minicom: 0845 758 5691
Email: [email protected]
Large print newspaper
“Big Print” is a national newspaper in large print, which
is published weekly. It contains a summary of news items, articles and TV and radio listings. There is an annual subscription. Big Print Ltd PO Box 308 Warrington WA1 1JE Phone: 0800 124007 Fax: 01925 418656
Bills and Bank Statements
Banks and Building Societies will provide large print services on request. All main utilities, for example gas and electricity boards, BT, will provide bills in large print if required.
Large print diaries and calendars
These are available from: RNIB
PO Box 173 Peterborough PE2 6WS
Phone: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01 Minicom: 0845 758 5691 Somerset Sight Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: 01823 333818 Email: [email protected]
Braille and Moon Services
The RNIB’s National Library Service provides books in Braille and Moon. Moon is another form of raised writing which is easier to learn than Braille.
Contact:
RNIB National Library Service Far Cromwell Road
Bredbury
Stockport SK6 2SG
Phone: RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01
Minicom: 0845 758 5691
Email: [email protected]
Tuition in Braille and Moon is available through Adult Social Care. Contact your social worker, or Somerset Direct for more information.
Somerset Direct: 0845 345 9133
Getting material put into audio or Braille formats RNIB Transcription Service
The RNIB Transcription Service will put any printed material into other formats, for example large print,
cassette, CD, Braille, Moon, MP3 format. This could be instruction books, parts of books or a single page. It is a free service to individuals.
Contact:
RNIB Transcription Service South West 2 Whiteoaks Court David’s Lane Ivybridge Devon PL21 0DW Phone: 01752 690092 Fax: 01752 698329 Email: [email protected] Somerset Sight
Somerset Sight will transcribe material into Braille or audio formats. Somerset Sight Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: 01823 333818 Email: [email protected]
A2i
This organisation also provides an audio and Braille transcription service.
Contact: A2i
139a Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2NR
Phone: 0117 970 7090
Email: [email protected]
Section 5
Employment
Careers Advisory Service
This service provides information to people who are thinking of a new career, or for young people who are thinking about a career for the first time. It is available to young people themselves, parents, or family and
employers.
You can contact your Careers Advisory Service through your local Connexions Centre.
Connexions is a national network of careers services for young people aged 13-19. There are personal advisors available to provide advice and information about:
• Life long learning
• Higher Education courses
• Education and personal care needs in Higher Education
• Money and financial support Contact Connexions on:
Bridgwater 01278 423788 Minehead 01643 701900 Taunton 01823 321212 Yeovil 01935 381800
Employment Service
If you are in work and you experience difficulties
because of poor eyesight, or if you are looking for work, contact your local Disability Employment Advisor (DEA), based at Jobcentreplus. Bridgwater 01278 435100 Frome 01373 405900 Minehead 01643 435800 Taunton 01823 349100 Yeovil 01935 463100 Wells 01749 313200 Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Disability Employment Advisors help all disabled people who are seeking work, or are unemployed. They can advise about special equipment, and about funding available for equipment. They also have information about rehabilitation and re-training courses run for
people with visual impairment, and can arrange funding.
Action for Blind People Employment Service
Action for Blind People, based in Bristol, has an
Employment Service, offering advice and assistance on employment, rehabilitation, training, schools and
colleges.
Phone: 0117 953 7750 RNIB
The RNIB has an Employment Advice Service. Contact them using the RNIB Helpline.
Email: [email protected]
Bridgwater Pluss
This organisation provides training and supported
employment services throughout the county, through its workshops, garden centre and placement schemes.
Phone: 01278 445446
Somerset Skills and Learning- Ucan if ican project
This project offers:
• Support from a trained advisor • Careers advice
• Support to gain qualifications • Help to find a job
• Support in raising your confidence • Assistance with job application forms • Help with interview practice
• Work experience • Vocational training
• Support for first 13 weeks of work Contact Somerset Skills and Learning on:
Phone: 0845 6880488
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.learnsomerset.co.uk
Shaw Trust
This is a national charity that helps people with disabilities prepare for work, find jobs and live independently.
Phone: 01225 716300
Website: www.shaw-trust.org.uk
Maximus Employment and Training
Maximus is an organisation which helps disadvantaged and disabled people to gain employment, by providing advice, training and work preparation.
Phone: 0800 028 3037
Units 1.1-1.5
Kestrel Business Park Kestrel Way
Sowton Industrial Estate Exeter EX2 7JS
Employers Forum on Disability
This is a leading employer organisation which aims to make it easier to recruit and retain disabled employees and to service disabled customers.
Website: www.employers-forum.co.uk
Section 6
Education
Somerset Vision Support Team
The Vision Support Team is part of the Children and Young People’s Directorate (CYPD) and is a group within Somerset Education. It is one of six services
standing alongside the Psychological, Learning support, Hearing Support, Physical and Medical, and Behaviour support teams.
Objectives
The Vision Support Team seeks to offer specialist advice and support for children of all ages and ability whose learning and development may be affected by visual impairment.
The Team
The Somerset Vision Support Team consists of four advisory teachers, (including the Team Leader), two Higher Level Teaching Assistants and a part time
specialist mobility officer. Workers are based at Wells, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Taunton, and provide services across the county.
The children and young people
Currently the team support between 200-250 visually-impaired children and young people at the pre-school stage, in primary, middle, secondary and special schools throughout the county. We support children and young
people on an individual basis, in their local educational settings.
Pre-School
The Somerset Vision Support Team works with children from an early age alongside their parents and other
professionals in their homes, playgroups, opportunity playgroups, nurseries and nursery classes.
The Vision Support Team provides part of Somerset Education provision in the Early Years using Early Support materials, which provide valuable advice and information about the development of babies and
children with a visual impairment.
Teaching of “Educationally Blind Children”
The advisory teachers sometimes do one-to-one
teaching with children who are “educationally blind” and who need to learn through non-sighted means. The
advisory teachers work closely with parents, schools and professionals to make sure that children have full access to the curriculum. This can include teaching
Braille skills, techniques for adapting learning materials, and advising about other special resources.
Advisory and support work with children with partial sight
Advisory teachers provide assessments to partially-sighted pupils in mainstream schools and in special schools. They offer advice to parents, teachers and learning support assistants, and all other involved professionals.
The Somerset Low Vision Team Higher Level Teacher Assistants provide support for blocks of work and the Team Mobility Officer provides mobility training, and help with independence and social skills.
For more information contact the Vision Support Team at their headquarters at:
The Holway Centre, Keats Road,
Taunton, TA1 2JB.
Phone: 01823 334475
or
Vision Support Team Priory Medical Centre Glastonbury Road Wells
BA5 1XJ
Phone: 01749 678500
Specialist Colleges and Vocational Courses
These colleges are for students with a visual impairment and provide a wide range of courses, training and
Queen Alexandra College
This college has courses in art, design, media, performing arts, IT, health and social care, sport, hospitality.
Queen Alexandra College Court Oak Road
Harborne Birmingham B17 9TG Phone: 0121 428 5050 Fax: 0121 428 5048 Website: www.qac.ac.uk
Royal National College
This college has courses in music technology, media, performing arts, art and design, massage and
complementary therapies, sport, recreation, leisure, business administration, and office skills, as well as GCSEs, AS and A levels.
For more information contact:
Royal National College for the Blind College Road Hereford HR1 1EB Phone: 01432 265725 Fax: 01432 376628 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rncb.ac.uk
RNIB College, Loughborough
This specialist college provides opportunities to take GCSEs, A levels and a range of vocational courses which include:
• beauty and complementary therapies; • care and health;
• computing; • engineering;
• hospitality and catering; • music;
• business studies; • childcare;
• leisure;
• travel and tourism; • sports; and
• performing arts.
For more information contact: RNIB College Loughborough Radmoor Road Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3BS Phone: 01509 611077 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rnibvocoll.ac.uk
Support for Families
The organisations below provide support and
information to children with visual impairments, and their families.
Look
c/o Queen Alexandra College 49 Court Oak Road
Harborne Birmingham B17 9TG Phone: 0121 428 5038 Email: [email protected] Website: www.look-uk.org Visionaid 106, Junction Road Deane Bolton Greater Manchester BL3 4NE Phone: 01204 64265 Email: [email protected] Website: www.visionaid.org.uk Parents’ Place
This is a website run by RNIB for parents of children with sight loss.
www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/copingwithsight loss/parentsplace
Somerset Parent Partnership Service
This organisation provides support locally for parents of children with disabilities.
Phone: 01823 355578
Email: [email protected]
Somerset Impact
Somerset Impact aims to bring together voluntary
agencies working with children and young people who have special needs, and their families, to improve the overall quality of life available to them in Somerset.
Website: www.somersetimpact.org.uk
Section 7
Leisure and Holidays
Leisure
Community Activities
Adult Social Care can advise about a variety of activities and leisure opportunities and put you in touch with a range of organisations in the community. It is also possible to arrange special support and assistance to help you take part, if you require it.
Contact:
Somerset Direct – Customer Contact Phone: 0845 345 9133
Email: [email protected]
Somerset Skills and Learning
Somerset Skills and Learning organise a wide range of learning activities including sports and fitness, arts and crafts, languages, IT training and alternative health. You can get information about Adult classes from Somerset Skills and Learning on:
Phone: 0845 6880488
Website: www.learnsomerset.co.uk
Yeovil Ilminster Chard Langport Wincanton 01935 410555 01460 53195 01460 63900 01458 252999 01963 33246
You can also apply directly to your local further education college to enquire about Adult Education Classes.
Somerset College of Art and Technology (SCAT) Wellington Road
Taunton TA1 5AX
Phone: 01823 366366
Strode College Church Road Street BA16 0AB
Phone: 01458 844444 Yeovil College Mudford Road Yeovil BA21 4DR Phone: 01935 423921 Somerset Sight
This organisation for visually-impaired people provides a range of activities, including social clubs, craft groups,
bowling, musical appreciation, swimming and ballroom dancing. For more information contact on:
Phone: 01823 333818
Email: [email protected]
RNIB Recreation and well-being
It is perfectly possible for people with poor sight to continue with hobbies such as knitting, gardening, woodwork, craftwork, art and sport, by adapting
techniques and using magnifiers and other equipment. The RNIB service provides information on how to do this, as well as providing advice and information on a range of possible new hobbies, activities and holidays for people with a sight loss.
Phone: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01 Minicom: 0845 758569
Television, films and cinema
Audio description of television programmes is becoming more widely available. Audio description gives a verbal commentary on scenery, facial expressions, costumes, and actions, in the breaks between the characters
speaking.
You can receive Audio Description if you have a digital television (but only certain makes and models) and through a set top box, or from Sky or Cable television.
The RNIB also has a home video and DVD service, which has a large selection of up-to-date audio
described videos and DVDs to rent, or buy.
Phone: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01 Minicom: 0845 7486591
or
RNIB Audio Description Helpline: 08456 010181
Email: [email protected]
Audio description is also available at some cinemas, through headsets. Ask at your local cinema.
Many cinemas also offer concessions to people who are registered severely sight impaired/blind, or sight
impaired partially/sighted, or who receive Disability Living Allowance. Ask at your local cinema. You will need proof of registration, or that you are receiving Disability Living Allowance.
Action for Blind People
Action for Blind People organise the following holiday services.
• Specially adapted hotels sited in Weston-super-Mare and other resorts throughout the county, exclusively for the use of visually-impaired people and their friends. Prices do not include transport. • Mainstream package holidays to the Channel
transport costs. The hotels are not specially modified.
• Coach to Coast holidays for local societies and organisations for visually-impaired people. These are group holidays in the UK.
• UK coach touring holidays. For more information contact:
Action for Blind People Phone: 0800 915466
Full address is in the “Useful Addresses” section at the end of this booklet.
Somerset Sight
This Association organises group holidays once a year.
Phone: 01823 333818
Full address is in the “Useful Addresses” section at the end of this booklet.
Vitalise Holidays
This organisation arranges a wide variety of group
activity holidays for visually-impaired people, both in the UK and abroad. Activities include walking, sight-seeing, cycling and skiing. Sighted guides are provided for
people going on their own.
Contact Vitalise Holidays Phone: 01539 814681
Full address is in the “Useful Addresses” section at the end of this booklet.
Tourism for All
This organisation provides information on holidays and travel for people with a visual impairment.
Contact:
Phone: 0845 124 9971
Full address is in the “Useful Addresses” section at the end of this booklet.
Travel
Rail Travel
The Disabled Persons’ Railcard gives some reduction on the cost of fares for people registered severely sight impaired/blind and sight impaired/partially sighted.
For more information contact: Disabled Person’s Railcard Office PO Box 163
Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE12 8WX
Phone: 0845 6050525
You can download an application form from: www.disabledperson-railcard.co.uk
People who travel by rail occasionally may still be eligible for reduced fares. Contact your local railway station for more details. You will need proof of your registration.
It can sometimes be possible for a guide or companion to get reduced fares if they are travelling with you.
The National Rail Enquiry Line can provide information on timetables:
Phone: 0845 748 4950
National Rail is working hard to make travel easier for people with disabilities. Many trains now have on-board announcements to let you know what stations the train will be stopping at.
National Rail can provide you with assistance during the journey. If you need help, you will need to book this 24 hours in advance of travelling. For more information about additional services, please contact National Rail Enquiries on:
Phone: 08457 484950
Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Virgin Trains JourneyCare Disability Needs can advise you about station facilities and arrange travel details. If you use this service, it will take 3 working days to
process tickets.
Most rail companies will provide assistance and escorts at railway stations, for passengers with sight loss or other disabilities. Contact your local station for details.
Bus Travel
The local authorities in Somerset work together to provide the Somerset Concessionary Travel Scheme. The Somerset Travelpass allows free travel on all local buses and some express services in Somerset.
You are eligible for a Somerset Travelpass if:
• You are a Somerset resident and are over 60
• You are under 60 and are registered blind/severely sight-impaired or partially sighted/sight-impaired • You are unable to drive, on medical grounds
If you are only able to use public transport with the help of a carer, you may be eligible for a Companion
Travelpass. This would entitle your companion to free travel.
The pass is valid between 9.00am and 11.00pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
To apply for a Travelpass, contact your local District Council office.
To download a Somerset Travelpass visit: www.somersetcarers.org./travelpass Voluntary and community transport
You can get information about voluntary transport in Somerset from:
Passenger Transport Group Transporting Somerset
Somerset County Council County Hall
Taunton TA1 4DY
Phone: 0845 166 2950
Email: [email protected]
Air Travel
When you book a flight, always tell your airline, travel agent or tour operator that you have a sight problem and require assistance. You should always request this at least 48 hours before you fly. You can arrange for someone to assist you at check-in, through baggage check and security, and escort you to the plane.
On board the plane, you should advise cabin staff that you have a visual impairment.
If you have a guide dog, it can only travel under the Pet Passport Scheme. For more information contact:
Guide Dogs – Pet Travel Scheme Helpline: 0870 241 1710
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
Sea Travel
Before booking your journey, check with the ferry
company, cruise operator or travel agent that they will be able to assist you with any requirements you have.
General transport information
The Department of Transport has produced a booklet – “Door to Door”. You can download it from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee website.
Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee Zone 4/24
Great Minster House 76 Marshall Street, London SW1 4DR Phone: 020 7944 8011 Fax: 020 7944 6998 Website: www.dptac.gov.uk E mail: [email protected]
Your travel agent should have a copy of the Association of British Travel Agents Checklist for Travellers with
Disabilities. This is a questionnaire which can be used to check the suitability of the accommodation, transport and facilities at your destination.
Section 8
Voluntary Organisations
There are many voluntary organisations for people with a visual impairment. Here is a list of local organisations, and a selection of some of the larger national charities.
Local organisations
Somerset Sight (formerly Somerset Association for the Blind)
Somerset Sight is a local independent charity working with visually-impaired people in Somerset. It gives
support and practical advice to anyone diagnosed with a visual impairment, and provides a range of services.
• Resource Centre
The Resource Centre is based at Northfield House, the headquarters of Somerset Sight. It is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm. There is a wide range of equipment on display, which can help to keep you independent. Trained staff are
available to demonstrate and provide advice. Items you can buy include:
• Talking clocks and watches • Magnifiers
• Large button phones • Lighting equipment • Talking microwaves
• Social Clubs
Monthly social clubs are held in many towns across Somerset. They are a great opportunity for visually impaired people to meet others in a friendly
environment. Entertainment, tea and transport are all provided. Please contact Somerset Sight for more details about your local social club.
• Home Visitors
Trained volunteers visit people in their own home to provide companionship and outings and help with practical tasks such as dealing with bills, letters and correspondence. This service is provided in
partnership with Somerset County Council.
• Activity groups
Somerset Sight provides activity groups across the county, including :
• Swimming • Crafts
• Ten pin bowling • Painting
• Pottery
• Hand bell ringing • Ballroom dancing • Games afternoons • Music appreciation
• Annual Holiday
Somerset Sight arranges an annual holiday for visually-impaired people at a specially-equipped hotel. The location varies but is always guaranteed
to be at a beautiful part of the coast or countryside. Door-to-door transport is provided.
• Braille Class
Working in partnership with Somerset County Council, Somerset Sight runs a Braille class every week at Northfield House.
• Computer Classes
Together with the Talking Computer Project, Somerset Sight provides training in the use of specially designed computer software which will help you keep personal records and use email and the Internet.
• Help at Eye Clinics
Somerset Sight has teams of trained volunteers at the Eye clinics in Musgrove Park Hospital and
Yeovil District Hospital. The volunteers provide information and support to people with sight loss attending the clinics.
• Macular Degeneration Support Group
This group meets on second Wednesday of every month from 11.00am to 1.00pm at Northfield House. You will need to arrange your own transport.
• Newsletter
Somerset Sight provides a regular newsletter,
“Somerset Insight,” in large print, Braille, on CD or on cassette. The newsletter provides information about events and visual impairment news items, both local and national.
• Tape Library
The Library contains well over 1000 talking books and music tapes for people to borrow. You can get a catalogue from Somerset Sight.
• Rehabilitation
Somerset Sight can provide advice and information on rehabilitation. Somerset Sight and Somerset County Council jointly run six-week rehabilitation courses to help you adjust to your sight loss.
• Support for Carers
Somerset Sight provides courses for carers of people with sight loss.
• Volunteers
Somerset Sight has a huge number of volunteers who fulfil a wide variety of roles. Volunteers receive training and support to help them feel confident in their role and provide a professional service. Some of the things volunteers help with are:
• Social Club organiser
• Hospital information service • Volunteer visitors
• Fundraising
• Clerical assistants • Trustees
Somerset Sight has been awarded an “Investing in Volunteers” quality standard accreditation. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Somerset Sight.
For more information on any of the above services, please contact Somerset Sight at:
Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: 01823 333818 Email: [email protected]
Other local organisations
Action for Blind People/RNIB South West
This is the local branch of Action for Blind People/RNIB. There is a resource centre, with many items of
equipment on display, and an Employment Advisor. Action for Blind People/RNIB
Stillhouse Lane Bedminster Bristol
BS3 4EB
Phone: 0117 953 7750
Conquest Centre for Disabled Riders
Horse-riding is offered to any disabled person who would like to ride. A doctor’s consent is essential. The Conquest Centre caters for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.
Conquest Centre for Disabled Riders (Somerset) The Manager Conquest Farm Norton Fitzwarren Taunton Somerset TA2 6PN Phone: 01823 433614 Guide Dogs
The local office of the Guide Dogs Association is in Bristol. Information on all services provided by Guide Dogs is available. Guide Dogs Stillhouse Lane Bedminster Bristol BS3 4EB Phone: 0117 953 3216
Kathleen Chambers House
This is a residential care home for visually-impaired and older deafblind people, run by the RNIB. It provides both permanent and short stay accommodation.
Kathleen Chambers House, 97 Berrow Road
Burnham-on-Sea Somerset
Phone: 01278 782142 Fax: 01278 782673
National Blind Children’s Society (NBCS)
The National Blind Children’s Society exists to help
visually-impaired children, under 19 years old, anywhere in the UK, and provides the following services:
• Assistance towards the purchase of special equipment
• Assistance with paying for recreational activities • Free professional advocacy services
• Helpline for families and professionals • Production of large print books
• Braille books NBCS 33-34 Market Street Highbridge Somerset TA9 3BW Helpline: 0800 279 1555 SeeAbility
This organisation provides services for young adults with a visual impairment and other disabilities. There is a
residential home in Wellington. SeeAbility Fiennes House Drakes Park Wellington Somerset TA21 8TB
For more information about SeeAbility, contact the regional centre in Taunton:
SeeAbility Victoria House Victoria Street Taunton TA1 3FA Phone: 01823 448236 St Dunstan’s
St Dunstan’s is an organisation which helps members and ex-members of the Armed Forces who have lost their sight. Support includes rehabilitation, and financial help to purchase equipment. There is a south west
representative. For more information contact them: St. Dunstan’s SW Area Welfare Officer
St. Dunstan’s PO Box 222 Totnes
Devon TQ9 9EQ
Phone: 01548 821182 Vision North Somerset
This association has a Resource Centre, providing advice, information and equipment. It also runs activities, holidays and outings.
Vision North Somerset 3 Neva Road Weston-super-Mare BA23 1YD Phone: 01934 419393 Fax: 01934 613950 Email: [email protected]
Local Support Groups
British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society
This group organises mutual support, social and fundraising activities.
Contact:
Russell Parsons 01278 452702 Sarah Nelson 01823 284797 Macular Disease Support Groups
Local groups for people with macular disease are held in Taunton and Wells.
For details, please contact:
National Macular Disease Society.
Phone: 01264 3500551 Fax: 01264 350558 Email: [email protected] or Harvey Godber Phone: 01823 337460 Email: [email protected]
or
Somerset Sight
Phone: 01823 333818
Some national organisations
There are a large number of national organisations helping people with sight loss. Many are listed in the “Useful Addresses” section of this booklet. Here are details of three of the largest organisations:
Action for Blind People
This national organisation provides a range of advice and information about:
• services for people with sight loss • welfare rights
• employment • holidays Contact:
Action for Blind People 14-16 Verney Road London SE16 3DZ Phone: 020 7635 4800 Website: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk Guide Dogs
This national organisation trains visually-impaired people to use guide dogs.
• You do not have to be registered as blind/severely sight impaired, or sight impaired/partially sighted • People with some remaining vision have
successfully applied and trained with a guide dog • Anyone over the age of 16 can apply, and there is
no upper age limit
• Visually-impaired people with other health problems and disabilities, such as diabetes or hearing loss can apply
• The Association covers the cost of all training, aftercare, and vets bills, and makes a generous feeding allowance for the dog.
If you would like more information, or an informal chat, please contact:
National office: Local office: Guide Dogs Hillfields Burghfield Reading Berkshire, RG7 3YG Phone: 0118 983 5555 Guide Dogs Stillhouse Lane Bedminster Bristol BS3 4EB Phone: 0117 953 3216 Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
This is one of the largest organisations for
visually-impaired people, and provides a wide range of services and information, such as:
• Education advisory services • Specialist schools and colleges
• Welfare rights information • Talking book services • Aids and equipment • Information technology
• Advice on sport, leisure and recreation
• Services for visually-impaired people from minority ethnic groups
Contact:
Royal National Institute of the Blind 105 Judd Street London WC1H 9NE Helpline: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01 Minicom: 0845 758 5691 Website: www.rnib.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Section 9
Services for people with dual sensory loss
The Adult Social Care department is developing services for people who have a combined sight and hearing loss, known as “dual sensory loss”. The impact of losing both hearing and sight can be devastating, and people with dual sensory loss need specialist support to help them with their communication difficulties, so that they can remain as active and independent as possible. We have a specialist social worker who supports people with dual sensory loss. The specialist social worker
provides advice and assessments to people who have a severe sight and hearing loss, and will put you in touch with local and national services.
If you have both a sight and a hearing loss, and would like some help, please contact:
Somerset Direct-Customer Contact Phone: 0845 345 9133
Minicom: 0800 783 4518 SMS Text: 077 814 82858 Fax: 01823 273954
Email: [email protected]
There are some national organisations which help people who have dual sensory loss or who are deafblind.
Sense
Sense is an organisation which campaigns on behalf of deafblind people, their families and carers. They provide the following services:
• Advice, help and information
• Support to families through a network of local branches
• Holiday programme for deafblind children and adults
• Education, residential, respite and day services • Communicator-guides and one-to-one intervener
support
• Training and consultancy
• Services for people with Ushers’ Syndrome • Employment advice Contact: SENSE 11-13 Clifton Terrace Finsbury Park London N4 3SR Phone: 0845 127 0060 Fax: 0845 127 0061 Text: 0845 127 0062 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sense.org.uk Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK also supports people with dual sensory loss throughout the country. Its aim is to help people with dual sensory loss to overcome isolation, live
independently and have active social lives. Services include:
• Visiting and assessing deafblind people • Advice and consultancy work
• Training in deafblind communication and guiding • Information, advice and counselling
Contact:
Deafblind UK
John and Lucille van Geest Place Cygnet Road Hampton Peterborough PE7 8FD Phone: 01733 358100 Fax: 01733 358356 Email: [email protected] Website: www.deafblind.org.uk
Section 10
Services for people from minority ethnic
groups
The RNIB has a list of resources for people with sight problems whose preferred language of communication is not English. Audio resources are available from the RNIB in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali,
Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali, Sylheti, Turkish and Urdu.
For more information contact the RNIB Helpline:
Phone: 0303 123 9999 Fax: 01733 37 50 01
Minicom: 0845 758 5691
Website: www.rnib.org.uk
Telephone Interpretation Services RNIB Helpline – see above
Diabetes UK 0845 120 2960
Telephone translators are also available through Somerset Direct:
Phone: 0845 345 9133 Websites
You can access translated information on welfare advice from the following websites:
www.multikulti.org.uk
Section 11
Registration
If your sight is very poor, the eye specialist at the hospital may recommend that you are registered.
Depending on your degree of sight loss, your consultant will certify that you are either:
• Severely sight-impaired/blind • Sight impaired/partially sighted
Although the consultant eye specialist decides who is eligible to go on the registers, Adult Social Care is
responsible for keeping and maintaining the registers. The consultant will complete a certificate, known as a CVI, which you sign. A copy of the CVI will be sent to you, your GP and Adult Social Care.
When we receive the CVI, a social worker will contact you. He or she will:
• Discuss any problems you may be having • Help you decide if you need any services • Arrange these services for you
• Discuss whether you would like your name on the register
You do not have to be registered, but there are some advantages, which your social worker can explain to you.
Section 12 of this booklet lists the benefits and concessions you may be entitled to.
Even if you are not registered with us, you will still be able to receive many of the services mentioned in this booklet.
If you have additional problems, the social worker can advise you on how to access other services provided by Adult Social Care.
Section 12
Benefits and concessions for people registered severely sight impaired/blind and sight
impaired/partially sighted
For people registered as severely sight
impaired/blind
only
Income Tax Relief
An increased personal allowance is given to people
registered as blind/severely sight impaired. Contact your local tax office for more details.
Disabled Person’s Car Badge (Blue Badge)
People registered as severely sight impaired /blind
automatically qualify for parking concessions under the Blue Badge Scheme.
Contact Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133 for more information.
Television Licence Reduction
People registered as severely sight impaired/blind are entitled to a 50% reduction in their Television Licence on production of proof of registration. Television Licences are free for anyone over the age of 75 years.
For people registered severely sight impaired/blind
or
sight impaired/partially sightedThe following benefits may be claimed, but they are not automatic entitlements.
Income Support
This is a means-tested benefit that may be paid to
people on a low income who cannot work, or who do not have to look for work.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is for people over 65 who have a health problem or a disability, and who have care and supervision needs. It is not based on your income.
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance is for people under the age of 65 who have health problems or disabilities. It has two parts, a Care component and a Mobility component. Disability Living Allowance is not based on your income.
Pension Credit
Pension credit is a benefit for people who are aged 60 and over who are on a low income. It guarantees a minimum income each week.
Community Care Grants
Community Care Grants are sometimes given to people on a low income for one-off essential household items. You must meet certain conditions to receive a grant.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
If you are on a low income, you can claim Housing Benefit if you pay rent to a landlord.
You may also get help with Council Tax if your income is low.
Council Tax Disability Reduction
If you have a room adapted or specially built because you have a disability, you may be eligible for reduction in Council Tax. Contact your local council for more
information.
Working Tax Credits
You may be able to claim tax credits for yourself or your children, based on income.
Carers’ Allowance
If you care for someone who gets Attendance Allowance or the middle or higher rate of the Disability Living
Allowance care component, you can claim Carers’ Allowance. You must be providing care for at least 35 hours a week. If you work, you must not earn more than the current limit.
Employment and Support Allowance
From October 2008, the Employment and Support
Allowance will replace Incapacity Benefit for new claims. Existing claimants will be reviewed over the coming
years. The emphasis will be on assessing what you can do, rather than what you cannot do, and the aim is to help people get back to work.
However, if you have an illness or disability that severely affects your work, support will still be available.
Industrial Injuries
If you have lost your sight as a result of an injury or disease caused by your job, you can claim help under the Industrial Injuries Scheme.
VAT Exemption
All articles bought specifically to cope with a visual
impairment, may lead to a VAT refund, at the discretion of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
Contact HMRC on:
VAT Relief Helpline: 0845 302 0203
HM Revenue and Customs VAT Relief for Disabled People St. Johns House
Merton Road
Liverpool L75 1BB
Other concessions Free NHS Sight Test
Sight tests are free for people registered sight impaired/severely sight impaired and sight
impaired/partially sighted. They are also free for people who have glaucoma and diabetes. Sight tests are also free for people over 60. See your optometrist for further details.
Free prescriptions
Visually-impaired people who do not get free
prescriptions because of age or low income may qualify in another way. Free prescriptions are available to
people who have: “a continuing physical disability which prevents them from leaving home without the help of another person”.
You will need the support of your doctor and you must complete a form FP92A “Claim for Prescription Charge Exemption Certificate”. This is available from your
doctor’s surgery or health authority.
Reduced Fares on Public Transport
People who are registered are entitled to reduced fares on rail and bus travel. For rail concessions, please
contact your local railway station, or the National Rail Helpline on 0845 605 0525.
For details of local bus concessions, contact your local district council. Travel concessions are explained in more detail in Section 7.
Free Directory Enquiries
People with sight problems are exempt from charges for BT Directory Enquiries. Helpline – 0800 587 0195
British Wireless for the Blind Fund
People registered as severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired/partially sighted can receive a radio or radio/CD player from this organisation. Sets are
designed to be easily used by people with sight loss. Contact your local social worker for details.
Grants from Voluntary organisations
There are national and local voluntary organisations who provide financial assistance for people who are
registered.
Further information
For more detailed information on the benefits and concessions listed here, contact:
Action for Blind People Welfare Rights Unit
Phone: 020 915 4666
RNIB Welfare Rights Unit
Section 12
Telephone Helplines
Special Helplines for People with Visual Impairment IGA Sightline
This is the helpline for the International Glaucoma
Association, providing advice and information for people with glaucoma.
Phone: 01233 648170 Listening Eye
This is a telephone line for those having difficulty with failing sight.
Phone: 0800 783 1979
Macular Disease Society Helpline
This is a helpline service for people who have macular disease.
Phone: 0845 421 2041 RNIB Helpline
For all general enquiries about services for people with sight loss
Phone: 0303 123 9999 RNIB Talk and Support
This service provides informal support by linking people up with others who have sight loss. Special telephone “social groups” are set up, which give people a chance to talk to each other regularly about their sight loss.
There are also telephone groups which tell people about services and benefits that are available.
Phone: 0845 330 3723
RNIB Emotional Support Telephone Service
This is a telephone counselling service provided by the RNIB
Contact using the RNIB Helpline.
Phone: 0845 766 9999
General helplines
Somerset Direct
This is a local information line which provides advice on social care, general welfare, benefits and access to
Adult Social Care.
Phone: 0845 345 9133 Signposts
This local information line provides information on community care, health and disability.
Section 13
Your Rights
Discrimination
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (or the DDA as it is better known) aims to reduce discrimination against disabled people in all aspects of daily life. The RNIB produces fact sheets about the DDA.
Contact RNIB at: 105 Judd Street London WC1H 9NE
Phone: 020 7388 1266
Disablility Equality Duty (DED)
The Disability Equality Duty requires public authorities such as councils, health services, Department of Work and Pensions and Police Service to promote equality for disabled people.
The DED will help authorities to:
• Think about ways to make sure that disabled people are not disadvantaged
• Identify and use best practice
• Make the most effective use of their resources
• Eliminate barriers which discriminate against people with disabilities
Examples of “reasonable adjustments” and best practice:
