This document is also available on request in Braille, large print, tape, disc and can be translated into different languages.

Transcription

1 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

2 Section 1 Introduction Changing Focus 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: Minicom: Signposts@somerset.gov.uk 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. 1

3 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: adults@somerset.gov.uk 2

4 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: 3

5 Somerset Direct Customer Care on: Phone: Rehabilitation Service Training in the home. A Rehabilitation Worker is available to give free advice and training in cooking and domestic skills, for visuallyimpaired 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 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 impairment. The courses cover topics such as aids to 4

6 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 How to contact Adult Social Care For general enquiries, in the first instance, please contact: Somerset Direct Customer Contact: Phone: Adult Social Care Offices Mendip area 2 Orchard Court The Archers Way Glastonbury Somerset BA6 9LH Public Offices Christchurch Street West Frome Somerset BA11 1EF Sedgemoor and West Somerset area Blake Northgate Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3EU South Somerset area Maltravers House Petters Way Taunton Deane Yeovil Somerset BA20 1SP Adult Social Care Office Townsend Road Minehead Somerset TA24 5RS 5

7 Taunton Deane area Adult Social Care C2 County Hall Taunton Somerset TA1 4DY Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team

8 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 Some low vision aids can be purchased privately through Somerset Sight (formerly Somerset Association for the Blind). For more information, contact Somerset Sight on Aids to daily living There is a wide range of equipment to help visuallyimpaired 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. 7

9 Somerset Sight Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: Website: 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: Fax: Minicom: 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 8

10 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: admin@somersetsight.org.uk 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 , type letters and access the Internet. 9

11 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: Somerset Sight Phone: Ability Net Phone: 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: 10

12 Talking Computer Project SSVCA IT Resource Centre Houndstone Business Park Yeovil BA22 8WA Phone: E mail; tc@trc.co.uk 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: j.keep1@virgin.net 11

13 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: Fax: Minicom: 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. 12

14 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: Fax: Website: 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: Fax: Website: info@tnauk.org.uk 13

15 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: 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. 14

16 Contact: Torch Trust for the Blind Torch House Torch Way Northampton Road Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 9HL Phone: 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: nbmagazine@rnib.org.uk 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. 15

17 Services are available through all libraries, except where indicated. For more information, please ask staff, phone or visit 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 Enquiry Centre for all your information enquiries Phone: Text: Fax: 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 16

18 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 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-tovoice 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. 17

19 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 18

20 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 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 19

21 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: , 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. 20

22 Radio 4 Actionline This telephone helpline provides advice and information on topics which have been recently broadcast on the radio. Phone: 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: Fax: Ulverscroft The Green Bradgate Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7FU Phone: Fax: Website: 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 21

23 Phone: RNIB Helpline Fax: Minicom: 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: Fax: 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 22

24 Phone: Fax: Minicom: Somerset Sight Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: 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: Fax: Minicom: library@rnib.org.uk Tuition in Braille and Moon is available through Adult Social Care. Contact your social worker, or Somerset Direct for more information. Somerset Direct: adults@somerset.gov.uk 23

25 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: Fax: ivytcsw@rnib.org.uk Somerset Sight Somerset Sight will transcribe material into Braille or audio formats. Somerset Sight Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: admin@somersetsight.org.uk 24

26 A2i This organisation also provides an audio and Braille transcription service. Contact: A2i 139a Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2NR Phone: Website: 25

27 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 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 Minehead Taunton Yeovil Website: 26

28 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 Frome Minehead Taunton Yeovil Wells Website: 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: RNIB The RNIB has an Employment Advice Service. Contact them using the RNIB Helpline. Phone:

29 Bridgwater Pluss This organisation provides training and supported employment services throughout the county, through its workshops, garden centre and placement schemes. Phone: 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: generalenquiries@somerset.gov.uk Website: Shaw Trust This is a national charity that helps people with disabilities prepare for work, find jobs and live independently. 28

30 Phone: Website: 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: Units 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: efd@employers-forum.co.uk 29

31 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 visuallyimpaired children and young people at the pre-school stage, in primary, middle, secondary and special schools throughout the county. We support children and young 30

32 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 partiallysighted pupils in mainstream schools and in special schools. They offer advice to parents, teachers and learning support assistants, and all other involved professionals. 31

33 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: or Vision Support Team Priory Medical Centre Glastonbury Road Wells BA5 1XJ Phone: Specialist Colleges and Vocational Courses These colleges are for students with a visual impairment and provide a wide range of courses, training and qualifications. 32

34 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: Fax: Website: 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: Fax: infor@rncb.ac.uk Website: 33

35 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: enquiries@rnibvocoll.ac.uk Website: 34

36 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: Website: Visionaid 106, Junction Road Deane Bolton Greater Manchester BL3 4NE Phone: Website: Parents Place This is a website run by RNIB for parents of children with sight loss. loss/parentsplace 35

37 Somerset Parent Partnership Service This organisation provides support locally for parents of children with disabilities. Phone: 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: 36

38 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: adults@somerset.gov.uk 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: Website: generalenquiries@somerset.gov.uk 37

39 Yeovil Ilminster Chard Langport Wincanton 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: Strode College Church Road Street BA16 0AB Phone: Yeovil College Mudford Road Yeovil BA21 4DR Phone: Somerset Sight This organisation for visually-impaired people provides a range of activities, including social clubs, craft groups, 38

40 bowling, musical appreciation, swimming and ballroom dancing. For more information contact on: Phone: 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: Fax: Minicom: 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. 39

41 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: Fax: Minicom: or RNIB Audio Description Helpline: broadcasting@rnib.org.uk 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 Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. Prices include all 40

42 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: 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: 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: Website: 41

43 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: 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: You can download an application form from: 42

44 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: 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: Website: 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. 43

45 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: Voluntary and community transport You can get information about voluntary transport in Somerset from: 44

46 Passenger Transport Group Transporting Somerset Somerset County Council County Hall Taunton TA1 4DY Phone: 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: pets.helpline@dfra.gsi.gov.uk Website: 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. 45

47 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: Fax: Website: E mail: dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk 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. 46

48 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 Video magnifiers and IT software 47

49 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 48

50 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 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. 49

51 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. 50

52 For more information on any of the above services, please contact Somerset Sight at: Northfield House 51 Staplegrove Road Taunton TA1 1DG Phone: 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: 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. 51

53 Conquest Centre for Disabled Riders (Somerset) The Manager Conquest Farm Norton Fitzwarren Taunton Somerset TA2 6PN Phone: 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: 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 TA8 2PG 52

54 Phone: Fax: 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 Market Street Highbridge Somerset TA9 3BW Helpline: 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 53

55 For more information about SeeAbility, contact the regional centre in Taunton: SeeAbility Victoria House Victoria Street Taunton TA1 3FA Phone: 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: Vision North Somerset This association has a Resource Centre, providing advice, information and equipment. It also runs activities, holidays and outings. 54

56 Vision North Somerset 3 Neva Road Weston-super-Mare BA23 1YD Phone: Fax: wabp@virgin.net Local Support Groups British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society This group organises mutual support, social and fundraising activities. Contact: Russell Parsons Sarah Nelson 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: Fax: info@maculardisease.org or Harvey Godber Phone: harveygodber@aol.com 55

57 or Somerset Sight Phone: 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 Verney Road London SE16 3DZ Phone: Website: Guide Dogs This national organisation trains visually-impaired people to use guide dogs. 56

58 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: Guide Dogs Hillfields Burghfield Reading Berkshire, RG7 3YG Phone: Local office: Guide Dogs Stillhouse Lane Bedminster Bristol BS3 4EB Phone: Website: Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) This is one of the largest organisations for visuallyimpaired people, and provides a wide range of services and information, such as: Education advisory services Specialist schools and colleges 57

59 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: Fax: Minicom: Website:

60 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: Minicom: SMS Text: Fax: adults@somerset.gov.uk There are some national organisations which help people who have dual sensory loss or who are deafblind. 59

61 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 Clifton Terrace Finsbury Park London N4 3SR Phone: Fax: Text: info@sense.org.uk Website: 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 60

62 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: Fax: Website: 61

63 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: Fax: Minicom: Website: Telephone Interpretation Services RNIB Helpline see above Diabetes UK Telephone translators are also available through Somerset Direct: Phone: Websites You can access translated information on welfare advice from the following websites: languages/index.htm 62