Spring 2017 ck Warwickshire rwi shi a re W

V i t si o r o n S u p p Vision

Holiday Feature

Warwickshire Vision Support

Your Local Charity for Local People GREAT HOMEMADE FOOD – MADE EASY Great tasting frozen ready meals delivered to your door 3 Over 100 meal choices in 2 sizes 3 Free delivery – no minimum order 3 Cool touch packaging straight from oven/microwave 3 Selection of blended meals 3 Free from options (Onions, Glutens, Dairy) 3 We will deliver your groceries at the same time

Our food tastes homemade because it is! For a menu call 01295 680 999 Or email [email protected]

Sugarswell Business Park, Shenington, Oxfordshire, OX15 6HW Contents Regional Meeting...... 4 Stop Press...... 4 Editorial...... 5 WVS People...... 6 GREAT HOMEMADE FOOD – MADE EASY Jane Thorn...... 6 Christine Huber...... 6 Great tasting frozen ready meals Helen Gillies...... 7 delivered to your door Volunteer ...... 7 ‘What Do You Do Exactly?’...... 8 3 Over 100 meal choices in 2 sizes Steve Plumpton...... 9 Peter Soles ...... 9 3 Free delivery – no minimum order WVS Events and Activities...... 10 3 Cool touch packaging straight from Progress of the Association during Peter’s Chairmanship...... 10 Do you know how WVS is run?...... 11 oven/microwave Community Updates...... 12 3 Selection of blended meals Kenilworth Club...... 13 The First ‘My Sight’ Group – An Insight...... 13 3 Free from options (Onions, Glutens, Dairy) Fundraising...... 15 Eye Health...... 16 3 We will deliver your groceries at the same time Tips for Eye Health...... 16 Funding for Bionic Eyes...... 17 See it Right...... 17 Our food tastes homemade because it is! Glaucoma Group...... 17 Financial Matters...... 18 For a menu call 01295 680 999 Get help with your tax ...... 18 Or email [email protected] Attendance Allowance ...... 18 Money Matters...... 19 Life Stories...... 20 My experience with the NCS Partnership...... 20 Paul’s Story ...... 20 Pat’s Story ...... 22 On the Bus (2)...... 23 Social Technology...... 24 IT4U...... 24 The Accessible Friends Network, TAFN...... 24 Sugarswell Business Park, Shenington, Oxfordshire, OX15 6HW Wikipedia...... 26 3 What is it like to edit Wikipedia when you don’t have any vision?...... 27 A Poem for Computer Users Over 40...... 28 Holiday Feature...... 29 Happy Holidays...... 29 Learning on Holiday...... 31 More Holidays for VIPs...... 33 Acknowledgements...... 34

Regional Meeting Warwickshire Vision Support invites you to a Regional Meeting On: Wednesday 26th April 2017 At: Rugby Vision Support Centre Rugby Baptist Church, Regent Place CV21 2AG This will be an informal meeting starting at 10.30 a.m., offering the opportunity to: • Ask questions, but if detailed answers are needed please submit in advance in writing • Socialise and meet some of the Directors/Trustees and Staff of Warwickshire Vision Support. The meeting will finish by 12.30 p.m. All Members and Volunteers are welcome, but unless you live in the Rugby area you will not receive an agenda in advance of this meeting. However, copies will be available on request from the Office and at the meeting.

Stop Press Board Changes Jeff Perry and Richard Orme have been appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively, until the Election Board Meeting scheduled for September 2017. Jeff Perry Richard Orme 4 Rosemary Went, Editor Rosalie Visick, Co-editor

Editorial On 17th February our monarch, progress made by our Association Queen Elizabeth II, marked her during his period of tenure. The Sapphire Jubilee. She has reigned remaining life stories told to our country for 65 years, longer than students are included, new staff are any other British monarch. For our introduced, and much more. Queen that date is a poignant one, Thank you to the Pauls. First, Paul as it is of course the same day as the Bowler, who has been sending us death of her father, George VI at the regular contributions for some time age of 56. When she was married now also Paul Hinksman who has 5 years earlier her father had given contributed to our editorial meetings her sapphire jewellery, which she for this magazine. We hope both will wore for the Jubilee. continue their work for Warwickshire The days are lengthening and the Vision. weather should be getting warmer, For a Summer edition of the and thoughts turn to a change of magazine we would like to receive scenery. This issue of Warwickshire contributions by mid-May. Do Vision features holiday opportunities contact us, not only with information and we hope there is something of that may be of interest to other interest to you. readers, but also with any comments Peter Soles has recently retired as on this magazine. Chairman of the Board; we record the

5 WVS People daughters, a granddaughter and two grandsons. Jane Thorn I love my garden and in the warmer weather will be out there pottering Jane Thorn until it gets dark – I even love cutting the grass: it gives me time to think without interruptions and I get some exercise. In the winter months I do lots of decorating and up-cycling of old furniture, giving it a new lease of life. I go to the gym three times a week, mostly to take part in classes rather than pounding away on a treadmill. I read lots of books of all genres on my Kindle or tablet. My favourite book so far this year has to be The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. My family are all very close and I am one of two Rehabilitation we often holiday together either Officers that took up post in January. in Cornwall, Wales or Devon, but I will be working 3 days a week, try to get away at least once a year mainly in the south and west of the to somewhere that guarantees region. Having said that, I will be warmer weather. My favourite place travelling around the whole county is Skiathos, a small Greek island for a while in order to meet as many where part of the film Mamma Mia people as possible in the Vision was filmed. Support Centres and Clubs: there I look forward to meeting as many of is a lot to learn about the fantastic you as possible in the future. services that Warwickshire Vision Support has to offer right across Christine Huber the county. Hello, I have just started to work at I have worked with visually impaired Warwickshire Vision Support as a children and young people in Rehabilitation Officer. I trained for Worcestershire for 20 years and am my Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies now looking forward to working at University 10 years with adults in the lovely county of ago. I previously worked in Leicester. Warwickshire. I live in Bromsgrove I love the work I do as it gives me the and am married with two grown up chance to meet people generally in 6 to maintain but I enjoy the rewards it brings. It does not help that my neighbour Terry has a perfect patch. All his planting is perfectly straight, edges trimmed to perfection and not a weed in sight. I do like my haphazard plot though. I am looking forward to my new role in Warwickshire and hopefully will get the chance to meet some of you. I have my new A-Z, so should not get lost too often!

Christine Huber Helen Gillies Helen left Warwickshire Vision their home setting to talk about Support in January to join Blind things that are important to them. Veterans UK in their new community This service can be misunderstood based service for the West Midlands. and people can be wary of a Helen was with us for only a short stranger coming into their home, time but made a big impression with not really understanding what we her enthusiasm and dedication to do. I think the key aim is to help helping visually impaired people. We maintain independence; that could send Helen our best wishes with her be methods to make a cup of tea new role. without spills or burns, or working out the best route to a place of work. Volunteer Every day is different and I certainly Tina Jackson, a valued member of our do not have all the answers but it can volunteering team, regularly assists be fun working with someone to find at our Nuneaton Vision Support the best way for them. Centre and is a befriender, but she went above and beyond at Christmas I live in Coventry with my husband to make it a special time for members and our two Airedale Terriers, Tess of the Nuneaton Social Club. and Ginger. Anyone who has lived with a terrier of any description will On her own initiative, she understand the daily challenges this approached local businesses for brings. But they are worth it and sponsorship with the intention of they certainly make sure I get some creating a festive hamper to raffle much-needed exercise. I also have at their Christmas meal. She was so an allotment, which is quite hard successful she was able to create two 7 hampers. One hamper was raffled at with ‘bump ons’. Our dedicated the Club and the other at the Vision volunteers keep the drinks flowing Support Centre, raising £65. Thank whilst I help a gentleman contact a you Tina for your unwavering support company about a talking watch that and dedication to the work of WVS. needs repairing. ‘What Do You Do Exactly?’ 12 noon-1 pm Lunch time! I grab a sandwich from a Felicity Kirby, Community Worker local supermarket and make a quick I’m regularly asked what my role as a dash to the office to pick up the Community Worker entails, and how stuff I’ll need for tomorrow’s Vision our work fits into the bigger picture. Support Centre. I also confirm which Most of the service users I come into one of the social clubs I’ll be visiting frequent contact with are regulars tomorrow. at one of the Vision Support Centres 1.30 pm so they, quite rightly, are curious I arrive at a library where I’ll be about what I get up to when I’m not hosting a volunteer recruitment making teas and coffees, cracking event. I’m mistaken for library staff terrible jokes or fussing over every many times over but I do also get Guide Dog in sight …! So I thought the chance to spread the word about I’d document a typical day in my role the charity and speak with the Silver to show you what I do! Surfers volunteers about our own 8.30 am IT service. I start the day by heading down to 4.30 pm Leamington Spa to host the first I pack up the stand and head back Vision Support Centre of the week. to the car. I’ve got an errand to run I’m early and so everything is set up en route home, as one of our service and ready to go by 9.30 am. Time for users wasn’t able to make it to a a cuppa and a chance to review the Vision Support Centre for a product schedule for the week ahead. he purchased, so I take a detour 10 am – 12 noon through Kenilworth. People start to arrive for the 5.00 pm morning’s session and the drink I decide to squeeze in a quick sing- rounds begin! We never leave song on the short drive home! our four-legged friends out either Singing is a great stress reliever but they stick to water. I take two and my neighbours are used to me referrals for one lady who would pulling into the drive with a show like to access our IT service but also tune playing! needs a Rehab Officer to visit her at home to mark up her appliances 8 Steve Plumpton Ill health has forced the recent resignation of Steve Plumpton from the Board. Steve joined the Board in November 2010. Steve was one of our visually impaired Board members and our lead Trustee involved with setting up Advocacy Groups across the county. His contribution and services will Steve Plumpton be missed and we send him our best wishes.

Peter Soles I wish you all every success for the future. The Board of Directors/Trustees sadly announces the resignation of The Board of Directors/Trustees Mr Peter J Soles as Chairman and would like to thank Peter for manning Director/Trustee of the Association. the helm and leaving the Association in a place where it can realise many Peter held the position of Chairman of the wishes and expectations of our of the Association for 10 years members. during which time he steered the Association through a period of challenge and transition. Peter said: I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure Peter J Soles as Chairman of the Association. I believe that we have achieved a great deal over the years and that we are now very well placed to move forward and develop new services. I would particularly like to thank all the past and present members of the Board of Directors/Trustees who have given their time, skills, experience and dedication to the Association and to all the staff members and volunteers whose care and commitment has made such a difference to the lives of visually impaired people in Warwickshire. 9 WVS Events and Activities

Progress of the Association the members. We knew that our during Peter’s Chairmanship old name symbolised a more paternalistic old fashioned view of In the light of Peter Soles’ resignation, visual impairment and that many we thought it appropriate to people acquiring sight loss did not highlight some of the achievements feel comfortable with the word during his tenure as Chairman. ‘blind.’ By changing our name to Incorporation Warwickshire Vision Support, we One of the greatest changes has hope that we are more approachable been the incorporation of the to people newly diagnosed with sight Association as a Company Limited by loss and ensure that we are perceived Guarantee in 2008. This legal process as the organisation working for all enables Warwickshire Association for people with sight issues. the Blind, rather than the Trustees to Renewal of the enter into contracts as a legal entity. Service Level Agreement In real terms, this means that the Since 2010, the Association has Association is responsible for its own been in a period of flux, awaiting debts and obligations and protects the renewal of the Service Level the assets of the Directors/Trustees. Agreement with Warwickshire You may be surprised to learn that County Council. The fact that we prior to this, the Trustees were had to fight against a proposed 20% personally liable for any debts of the cut to our income (something we Association and could potentially successfully negotiated down to only lose their homes. Incorporation 5%) and accept no inflationary rises means that we can more easily for a 6-year period certainly posed attract new Directors/Trustees and problems. But it was the uncertainty this, of course, helps us to provide of not having a guaranteed medium a professional service to you, our term income that prevented us from members. planning for the future. Thankfully, Rebranding in September 2016 we were awarded In November 2014, Warwickshire the contract for a minimum 3-year Association for the Blind changed period, meaning we can again plan its operating name to Warwickshire more effectively for the future. Vision Support. This rebranding Expansion of services process was initiated to help the Despite these levels of uncertainty, Association better reflect the we have developed new services in needs and expectations of you, the last 10 years. Many of you will 10 have visited one of our six Vision Do you know how WVS is run? Support Centres for advice and Warwickshire Vision Support is a support, received information from registered charity as well as a Limited one of the three Eye Clinic Advice Company. It has been operating as a Desks or attended IT training at our charity since 1911. training venues across the county. We do not believe in standing still, A Board of Trustees/Directors is and now that we have greater responsible for the way in which financial stability, our strategic the charity is run. They make planning process will guide us in decisions about the services provided developing new services over the to Visually Impaired People in coming years. Warwickshire. Accreditation All registered VIPs and those Warwickshire Vision Support has who have received or are always strived to attain the highest receiving services from WVS are standards. In order to monitor our automatically Members of the performance, in 2010 we applied charity - automatically receiving this for and achieved accreditation to magazine, as well as able to take ISO 9001 and 14001. In practical advantage of WVS’s other charitable terms, this accreditation means services such as Clubs and Reader/ that our administrative systems and Visitors. environmental management systems There are also Voting Members, are audited every year to ensure some of whom are sighted, who that our processes are efficient and have the right to vote on matters effective and that they minimise our relating to the running of the charity. impact on the environment. They receive details of the charity’s For you, the service user, the impact finances - what is received and what of these accreditations is that we are is spent - and are able to vote on the better able to adapt and respond appointment of Trustees/Directors. to a changing world in a structured If you would like to be more involved way that helps us to meet your needs in your Association why not become more effectively. a Voting Member? All you have to do Peter would be the first to recognise is complete a Declaration Form. The that these achievements are the only commitment made by anyone product of the hard work and becoming a Voting Member is that commitment of many, many people - they would be willing to pay £1 in the but setting a ship on a steady course event that WVS became insolvent. is fundamental to reaching the Why not become a Trustee/Director? destination. Anyone who feels that they have 11 a skill or knowledge that would lack of space to provide IT sessions make a contribution to the running at the Vision Support Centre. Since of Warwickshire Vision Support Warwickshire CAVA has taken over is welcome to apply to become the building, we aren’t able to use the a Trustee/Director. Applications room we had. They have assured us from visually impaired people are we will be able to use a room when especially welcome. Forms are they have finished their building available from the WVS office by works. In the meantime, Andrew, telephoning 01926 411331 one of our wonderful volunteers, and Rebecca, our Information Technology Community Updates Officer, are providing basic sessions within the main room for small IT Hello again! Since our last report in queries, like resolving problems with the Christmas edition of Warwickshire mobile phones. Vision those of us within the Community Team at WVS have been Stratford-upon-Avon as busy as ever! We were sorry to On the 10th January we hosted a lose Helen, one of our Community strategy meeting for stakeholders at Workers, to Blind Veterans UK but our Stratford Vision Support Centre we know she’s always been so so independent business consultant, passionate about helping veterans so Rob Legge, could meet with service we’re delighted she’s able to pursue users, carers and volunteers to hear her dream. Currently we only have their opinions of WVS. We were Sue and Felicity holding the fort delighted to receive much praise in terms of community services so from service users but we were also it’s been a bit of a struggle to cover pleased to hear some constructive everything. Hopefully by the time criticism, which will help us build the Summer issue of the magazine upon the service moving forward. reaches you we’ll have another one The need for more emotional support or two people working for the team. from peers was recognised as a key In the meantime, bear with us! request, as well as more information Nuneaton and Bedworth on benefits and employment schemes. Rob also visited Sadly, due to a substantial decrease Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby in demand we have had to close our and will use all of the information monthly Bedworth Vision Support collected to present a report to the Centre. Our Nuneaton Centre, held Board of Trustees in May. every Thursday morning, is as busy as ever and continues to attract lots Leamington Spa of new people each week. However, , which is a it also has its challenges - namely the national charity with its head office 12 in Leamington, contacted our team Some of our members are to see whether any of our service transported by family or friends and users might be interested in taking others by our volunteer drivers but part in some research. We figured those who are able to make their we might know of one or two people own way enjoy that independence. who like to talk (!) so they came along We currently have vacancies for new to our Leamington Support Centre members and if you would like to in January to have a chat about try us out for an afternoon please do sports and people’s prior and current just drop in. Alternatively you could involvement. The research aims to email Eva at [email protected] find out why people don’t access or Gill at [email protected] sports services, including Riding for for a chat about the Kenilworth Club. the Disabled groups, so they can work on increasing participation. The First ‘My Sight’ Group A commonly cited reason for not – An Insight participating was the lack of available Felicity Kirby, Community Worker public transport to sporting grounds The New Year saw the and sites, such as riding stables commencement of our My Sight and cricket greens. We hope the initiative, which you may recall information our Leamington VIPs hearing about in last summer’s were able to share will be useful in issue of the magazine. My Sight is a helping British Blind Sport create National Lottery funded programme more sporting opportunities locally which aims to provide newly and nationally. diagnosed people in Nuneaton and Kenilworth Club the surrounding area with more support whilst adjusting to life as Kenilworth Club for Visually Impaired a partially sighted or blind person. People, which has been established Our work in George Eliot Hospital’s since 1982, continues to meet at eye clinic, which has been warmly the Methodist Church Hall every supported by the clinical staff, Tuesday afternoon from 2 pm to ensured we had a good turnout for 4 pm and enjoys a varied programme our initial session on 5th January. of activities and friendship time We were pleased to see not only for its members. Last term (in the the numbers but also the variety of Autumn) we enjoyed a Harvest people in terms of age, eye condition, Lunch, some craftwork, a Fish prognosis and length of time they’d & Chip lunch, various speakers, lived with sight impairment. Variety games, musical entertainment means the group had endless afternoons, a Christmas meal and a stories to share and allowed for Christmas party. 13 great interaction and learning from she’s helped, ranging from people one another. entering the workforce for the very We’re aware Nuneaton is a close- first time to people re-training knit community and so everyone at university - one became an IT agreed at the first session that the consultant who went straight on to experiences they shared – some of an annual salary of £50,000! Week which were emotional and sensitive – three was a really interactive session would be heard in confidence and we and everyone contributed something would be supportive of one another. to the discussions surrounding As a result we had some great, benefits, work and education. insightful conversations in the very Our final week was about other first session, leading Felicity and John local and national services that (who were facilitating the session) to complement the work we do at WVS. come away feeling they’d learnt just We know that sight loss is only one as much as anyone else in the room! part of a person’s life and that often Week two focused on the different there are things going on that we eye conditions experienced by can’t advise on but we usually know members of the group and then someone who can. We talked about moved on to the assistive equipment organisations such as The Stroke that is widely available. As the first Association and Guideposts as these half is a relatively ‘dry’ subject, the were highly relevant to the group but opportunity to then examine, test future groups could see us talking and compare physical pieces of about Diabetes UK, The Alzheimer’s equipment contrasted nicely. Society, Groundwork, PHAB Clubs or anything else! That’s the beauty Our third week focused on benefits of getting to know each other over and concessions available to the space of 4 weeks – it allows us to visually impaired people, as well tailor the information to the group. as employment and educational opportunities. We know it can be We’ll be conducting follow-up hard to find work when you’re living surveys with January’s participants with a disability so we were really in the coming weeks to learn more pleased to have Georgina Bradley about what participants thought from Action for Blind People present worked well and what could be to explain about the local ‘Accelerate’ improved. It’s a continual learning programme. This supportive process for us as well as those who approach to finding employment attend but we’re up for the challenge! can, and has, made a huge difference On a personal note, I found the to individuals and Georgina was able experiences the group members to share stories with us of clients shared to be humbling, encouraging, 14 and invaluable in aiding my own libraries, hospitals, opticians, doctors’ understanding of what life is like surgeries, gyms and large companies when you have a visual impairment. across the county. Our hope is that I felt disappointment and frustration people will take on board the key for those who had been let down messages to protect their vision and by services meant to help them but they will direct anyone living with equally I admired the determination sight loss to our services. some people had for ensuring their We also hope that by raising our voices are heard and their rights profile, more local companies are respected. Although I’m not and organisations will adopt sight impaired myself, I have a close Warwickshire Vision Support as their relationship with someone who charity of the year, thereby helping is and I have, through working at us to help more people living with WVS and attending various training sight loss. events, been awoken to the daily challenges you can face. I hope If you have links to a local company anyone who attends this group or organisation that makes donations leaves feeling more confident, more to local charities, then why not supported and less stressed as a nominate Warwickshire Vision result of the information we share. Support for the Charity of the Year? If you think the My Sight group Regular Giving Campaign might benefit you and you live in The Regular Giving campaign looks the Nuneaton and Bedworth area, as if it will raise almost £5,000 this contact us on 01926 411331 and we year. We are grateful to everyone can discuss availability with you. who has made a donation - your help really does make a difference. Fundraising It is particularly important that the Phil Arkell campaign generates a minimum of Eye Health Campaign £5,000 per annum because we do not want to have to reintroduce the £12 At the beginning of the year subscribing member fees that were Warwickshire Vision Support requested from anyone receiving a launched its new ‘Protect Your Vision’ service. We much prefer a system campaign. The campaign is designed whereby those who are willing and to promote eye health through able to make a donation do so, whilst a lifestyle of regular exercise, a those less able are able to receive a balanced diet and a few simple steps service free at the point of delivery. that can reduce damage to your eyes. We have produced a complementary poster, which we are distributing to 15 Eye Health

Tips for Eye Health 1. Take sight tests 5. Be screen-smart Three out of every 10 people in the Working at a computer won’t harm UK do not have regular eye tests. your eyes but sitting staring at a Eye checks are vital for detecting screen for long periods can cause potential eye health issues and are ‘screen fatigue’ – sore, itchy or tired free for many people on the NHS, eyes, headaches, impaired colour including under-16s, over 60s, those perception and temporary blurring. on low incomes and people with a Every 20 minutes, look away from close family history of glaucoma. your computer screen for 20 seconds 2. Exercise to prevent eyestrain. Taking regular exercise could reduce 6. Wear sunglasses the risk of sight loss from narrowing Cumulative UV exposure can increase or hardening of the arteries, high your risk of developing cataracts and blood pressure and diabetes, also it macular degeneration. Look out for can delay the onset of age-related the CE, UV 400 or British Standard macular degeneration. marks – this ensures they provide a 3. Eat Properly safe level of protection from the sun’s Foods high in eye-friendly nutrients, damaging UVA and UVB rays. such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, 7. Go outdoors B6, C, E and Zinc can have significant Research has shown that spending influence on maintaining healthy time playing outdoors can be eyes. These include citrus fruits, beneficial in helping to prevent the omega-rich oily fish, eggs, nuts, seeds onset and progression of myopia and leafy green vegetables. (short-sightedness) in children. 4. Quit smoking 8. Watch your weight Smoking contributes to many eye More than half of all British adults are health issues including increasing overweight; however, maintaining the risk of cataracts. Smokers are a healthy weight helps preserve up to four times more likely to lose macular pigment density, which their sight than non-smokers. It also can prevent the onset of macular causes dry-eye syndrome, uveitis and degeneration – the UK’s leading may impair your colour vision. cause of sight loss.

16 Funding for Bionic Eyes the perception of light. The US-made system costs £150,000. NHS is providing the funding for a pilot scheme for bionic See it Right eyes. The system is American and an international trial has already taken The College of Optometrists has place. recently funded a study on the quality of glasses sold in the UK. A 68-year old patient who was one It found that 25 per cent of the of the first to have the bionic eye prescription glasses bought on-line implanted said it ‘blew his mind’. He could be putting people at risk of can now tell when his grandchildren driving illegally or falling over. run towards him. When the glasses bought in store This year ten patients will have a were tested 10 per cent were bionic eye implant on the NHS; they deemed unacceptable and 3 per will then be followed for a year to cent unsafe, while 27 per cent of see if their quality of life improves those bought online were deemed sufficiently for the technology to unacceptable and 9 per cent unsafe. become routine. The patients on The problems found were poor the pilot scheme have Retinitis fit, breach of international safety Pigmentosa, an inherited form of standards for ‘refractive correction’ blindness in which the light-sensitive and incorrect pupilary distance - the cells of the retina at the back of the distance between the wearer’s eyes. eye gradually fail. It affects about 16,000 people in Britain, with 320 of For glasses bought online the these totally blind. customer usually takes their own measurements for pupilary distance, Trials of this system are also taking while in-store measurements are place for people who have Age taken by an optician using specialist related Macular Degeneration. This is equipment. Online buyers who wear the most common cause of sight loss varifocals or bifocals are at most risk, and affects about 600,000 people in as these require the most accurate Britain. fitting. The patient wears special spectacles that have a camera incorporated. Glaucoma Group This captures light, sending it to a Warwick Hospital’s Machen Eye Unit Video Processing Unit where it is has started a group for its glaucoma converted to electrical pulses. The patients. Two meetings have taken pulses are sent via a transmitter to place, with speakers talking about the implant in the retina. Pulses various aspects of the condition. stimulate the retina, giving the user Further meetings are being arranged. 17 Financial Matters

Get help with your tax What is the Marriage Allowance? Many people find tax matters The Government introduced the confusing, but there is help available. Marriage Allowance tax-break in RNIB has a team that supports people 2015. It lets you and your partner who have sight loss with income share part of your tax-free Personal tax issues. The service, supported Allowance to help lower your overall by HM Revenue and Customs tax bill. In 2016/17 you can transfer (HMRC), provides information about £1,100 of your Personal Allowance to tax allowances such as the Blind your partner, which can save up to Person’s Allowance and the Marriage £220 in tax. Allowance, which can reduce your To apply for the Marriage Allowance tax bill. you need to be married or in a civil RNIB can help you to claim the tax partnership. Both partners need to allowances you are entitled to. In be born on or after 6th April 1935. most cases claims can be taken One partner needs to have an income over the phone, with no forms to of under £11,000, and the other complete. partner must be a basic rate taxpayer. RNIB can also help with general How to contact queries related to income tax, tax- RNIB’s Tax Advice team free savings, VAT-free products and For help and information on income tax credits. The team can contact tax and HMRC-related issues you HMRC if you need help with resolving can call RNIB on 0345 330 4897 or problems and to arrange help 0151 702 5721 or email: with completing tax forms and self [email protected] assessment tax returns. You can find more information What is the online, go to www.rnib.org.uk/tax Blind Person’s Allowance? Attendance Allowance People registered as blind (severely sight impaired) can claim the Blind Attendance Allowance can be Person’s Allowance. The allowance claimed by people with sight loss is £2,290, which can reduce tax by aged over 65 who need help with £458 this year. You can backdate the their personal care or help to make allowance for the previous 4 years. sure that they are safe. The money You can also transfer the allowance to paid by this allowance helps these your husband, wife or civil partner. people with the extra costs of their disability and ensures that they are

18 able to live as independent a life and Pensions to local councils. as possible. However at the start of this year Last year the Government was the Government announced that considering phasing out Attendance Attendance Allowance will be staying Allowance and moving the funding as it is. from the Department for Work

Money Matters The new £1 coin has just come into The old paper £5 note will be circulation - in March. It features withdrawn by the end of May. Banks a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth will continue to accept this old II. Don’t forget that the old, round, money for exchange. £1 coin will be withdrawn from circulation on 15th October.

19 Life Stories

My experience with the us. I found it quite surreal hearing NCS Partnership somebody read out my life story, and I was impressed with how much they Paul Bowler, Coleshill all got from the experience. The National Citizen Service (NCS) is They were all very enthusiastic, and a voluntary programme that provides had clearly enjoyed taking part in personal and social development for the project. Many of them talked 16- and 17-year-olds during school about their plans for university and holidays, which was first piloted careers, and I’m sure they’ll all be in 2011. Part of the scheme sees very successful. participants make a series of day trips The afternoon ended with a group to organisations, they are centred photograph, before we were around creating a community- serenaded out of the building. The based project to raise awareness of a church had a piano, and one of particular issue, and in Summer 2016 the girls, Lucy, turned out to be an members of the NCS partnership accomplished pianist, so played us worked with Warwickshire Vision out to the opening bars of Adele’s Support. Someone Like You. It was such a In early August a dozen or so nice way to end our time together, young people from NCS visited the and made me feel so glad that I’d Leamington Vision Support Centre taken part. I’d love to do it again if to collect biographies, and I was one Warwickshire Vision Support works of several people invited to speak to with NCS next year. It was such a them. I spent an hour in the company rewarding experience for everyone of Jesal and Xavier, during which we who was involved, and I would talked at length about my life and recommend it to anybody. experiences. In particular they were keen to hear my experiences of living Paul’s Story with sight loss, as well as some of my told to Jesal and Xavier accomplishments. They made notes We met Paul,who has suffered as I spoke, collecting the information from Optic Atrophy from birth. His ready to produce a mini-biography. experiences and hobbies that we A week or so later we were invited heard about were incredible. to an afternoon at Leamington Whilst his mother was pregnant with Baptist Church, where, after an him in South Africa she took malaria enjoyable chat over tea and biscuits, pills that she thinks may have been the biographies were presented to the cause of his visual impairment. 20 After he was born doctors thought a book called ‘Frozen in Time’ which that he was totally blind, however is available on Kindle and Amazon. after 6 months and many experiences He is planning to publish another within the house his parents noticed book later this year or early next that he actually could see a little. year, however he couldn’t tell us For Paul’s primary and secondary much about it because it was secret. education he went to a boarding Paul has just learnt to play the school for visually impaired children bongo drums and given his debut where he lived on campus. Paul performance with a band at a local described to us how he had a lot tennis club. of fun and also a little mischief at As an enthusiastic traveller Paul has secondary school. After lights out he visited many places abroad such would sneak out of his dorm with his as the Berlin Wall in Germany and friends to attempt a game of knock Barcelona in Spain and Amsterdam and run on other dorms. We heard in the Netherlands, which were all many more stories and they were described as exciting and a great very amusing. experience. For his college education Paul went With the advancement of technology to RNC for the Blind located in there is more equipment to help. He Hereford, where he studied Business uses apps such as Voice Over, Dragon and other related subjects. After and Magnifying Glass on his iPhone college Paul discovered an interest in to help with his visual impairment. Business Studies, which he studied at Paul also has equipment in his house University, graduating after 3 years. to aid him with everyday jobs such as He described university as one of the pouring a cup of tea. A Liquid Level best parts of his life and he told us Indicator bleeps when the liquid is that some weeks he would go out at a certain level to prevent the user on Friday night and not be back until from overfilling a cup or mug and Monday morning, ready to work hard possibly scalding the user. When towards his degree again. Paul uses the train to go to the Vision After university, despite his Business Support Centre in Nuneaton he uses Studies degree, he searched for a the Passenger Assist service that job for 4 years but was unsuccessful provides a guide at the station. because of his visual impairment. As We asked Paul if he felt that he had a member of a local writing group enough assistance around and within Coventry Paul now writes available to him. He responded articles for Warwickshire Vision. He saying that he really thought that also writes as a hobby and is an so many people were kind and official author as he has published friendly when he needed help with 21 something. He previously had a strived to complete her training as a guide dog, but it was quite nervous, nursery nurse in order to work with scared of cats and boisterous, which young children; she went on to run didn’t suit Paul too much. However her own day nursery. Despite her he would like to get another guide passion for the arts – music, dance dog to help him within and outside and drama – she was unable to the house. study these subjects at school in the Even though it was only the second 1940s, as she remained conscious of time that Paul had dropped in to her need to find work as the oldest Leamington Vision Support Centre child of four. Each week, cash wages he believes that he has made good would be collected in a tin box where connections and has met new people they were separated to pay for gas from different backgrounds. Back at and coal, house-keeping, rates and Nuneaton Paul has made so many rent with the small amount left over close friends, which is surprising, reserved for food. because only 5 years ago he said At the age of seven, World War Two he had never met another visually broke out and the danger of staying impaired person because after RNC in Coventry meant Pat and her family everyone went back to their own had to endure numerous night raids, home towns. Paul is extremely glad carrying gas masks everywhere that he can access a Centre that helps and experiencing the rationing him with his visual impairment. system. Subsequently, Pat and her We have gained a lot from talking to younger sister were evacuated to the Paul. We have learnt that his visual Shropshire countryside to stay with impairment doesn’t mean that he their great-aunt; their parents then can’t have everyday experiences like decided to send both young girls to we do. Paul showed us that he is a boarding school where they spent very independent person taking care the latter years of the war. However, of his mum while she was sick and the old-fashioned nature of the following that, living by himself. boarding school – affordable to her parents during the war – included Pat’s Story overly strict rules, high levels of modesty and the dreaded strip-wash told by Tash and Lucy twice a day. Meeting Patricia (Pat) for the first time, you can’t help but notice Pat’s life has not been without the her impeccable sense of fashion. excitement of travelling and outdoor Growing up as a working-class endeavours: she has always loved girl in Coventry, Pat had limited camping and hitch¬hiking, especially opportunities for the future, but when surrounded by nature and 22 the countryside. One of her dearest Pat now has Age-related Macular memories is camping with her family Degeneration and this impairment in the south of France, where a local has impacted her life adversely, baker would arrive with freshly baked hindering her everyday activities. delicacies (such as croissants) on offer Nonetheless, Pat has a keen for those at the campsite. As well as awareness of her other senses: visiting Thailand, Pat has travelled such as relying on touch to put around Europe with her husband in a on jewellery and skilfully taking in campervan, savouring the experience details of the surrounding area. Pat of stopping and starting wherever attends Warwickshire Vision Support they wanted. Centre sessions on a relatively regular For 2 years Pat and her husband lived basis and takes delight in talking on a farm in Mwingi, Kenya, which to people and learning about new was rife with political tension, forcing services available. She abides by the them to keep a gun beside their bed. concept of spending time with others Although there were guards, Pat felt and enjoying what you have. the need to protect her newborn son We feel humbled by our eye- – therefore, she had a plan in which if opening visit to the Leamington under attack she would hide her child Vision Support Centre where we in the cabinet above her bed and were warmly welcomed by both the place a bottle of milk in his mouth. Volunteers and the regular visitors. With the difficulty of buying a first Our experience was very enjoyable house, the couple stayed with and we loved speaking to all the relatives around England until they friendly people. were able to purchase their own. Pat moved on to teach in primary school but maintained her love of the On the Bus (2) dramatic arts by performing in many From her buggy this small girl plays, including the more ‘outrageous’ With a mass of auburn curls, roles such as the bossy leader of a Peers at the rest of the world. Women’s Institute. She sucks hard on her dummy, At 60 years of age Pat obtained a Smiling at something funny saxophone and was inspired to On the phone held by mummy. participate in several saxophone groups. She also achieved Grade Six, A lady catches her eye, though she had increasing difficulty Laden with bags, passing by, reading music on the stand at a The girl waves her hand - bye bye. distance. Sheila Venville, Warwick

23 Social Technology May. Sessions will start at 1.45 pm and end at 3.45 pm. If you are interested in finding out more about how IT could help you, making friends and a whole lot more, why not pop in to see us at Shipston With the help of a Digital Inclusion Library. Grant from Stratford District Council, Alternatively, you can pop in to see Warwickshire Vision Support is us at the Christadelphian Church offering free IT training to visually on Rother Street in Stratford-upon- impaired people in Shipston and the Avon between 10 am and 12 noon surrounding areas. We are setting any Tuesday and see our range of up training sessions for 6 weeks at demonstration equipment and talk venues across the district providing with our IT team. a basic introduction and practical training on how to make the most of For more information please a smart phone or tablet. call 01926 411331 or email: vicky. lewis@ warwickshire.vision We have a wide range of demonstration equipment for you The Accessible to explore at your leisure whilst our Friends Network, TAFN trainers and volunteers can give clear unbiased advice on what device will Andrew Harris, IT Volunteer best suit your vision, your aims and of Hello everyone, I would like to course your pocket. introduce you to a social network Our training is tailored to your needs. aimed at the visually impaired, it’s You may want to learn how to email actually been in existence for over your friends, use Skype to talk with 10 years but sadly not many people distant family members or perhaps know of it. You may well have heard you want to save money by shopping of other social networks and might online or switching your utility want to run a mile from anything that provider. Whatever your needs, we sounds similar. will try to develop a package that I do understand the sentiment, as I suits you. tend to be conservative by nature The Information Technology sessions and rather sceptical of such sites. will be held at the Shipston on Stour I still can’t get my head around Library at 12 Church Street, CV36 4AP. Facebook - why would anyone want They will take place on Tuesdays, to know what I ate for breakfast, or through April and continue to 9th where my next shopping trip will be? Anyway, enough of my ranting, I’m 24 sure Facebook has far more going for The software that is required to be it than I would be prepared to admit. downloaded when you join TAFN Back to TAFN; well, if you enjoy enables a whole room of members chatting with others from all walks to chat with each other, listen in of life, who due to visual impairment on an event, a play for instance, or can really understand where you just eavesdrop on the activity or are coming from, then TAFN is in my conversation in the chosen room. humble opinion an excellent place There is always a moderator in any to be. virtual room to ensure that there is no bad or divisive language. Please ‘Place to be?’ I hear you mutter, well don’t be confused by the techno yes it can only be accessed via the speak ‘virtual room’. This is just Internet but once you become part a place you click on in the TAFN of their activities it’s just like being at application window. a drop in centre, albeit a virtual one. Let me explain a little bit further. To access a virtual room requires the same steps you take when opening The Accessible Friends Network is just up a folder on your device, the only that, it is a network where members difference being you don’t just arrive very quickly become friends (no, it’s at the contents of a folder, you are not a dating site) and it is amazingly taken by the software to the room accessible; you don’t have to learn a that is hosting the scheduled activity. whole new way of doing things on your Laptop, iPad or Android device, When you use the TAFN software you including smart phones. It really is are presented with a list of folders, click and go, incredibly easy to access whose names in simple terms would using your keyboard or touch screen. be for instance, Quiz room, Music room, Theatre room and many more. When you join TAFN, which initially To access a room of interest and can be as a guest (free for a month), to find out who’s in the room, you you will be invited to download some simply open the folder of your choice, software. The software will enable you will then immediately hear you to join in with TAFN meetings what’s going on in the selected room. and events, where you can just listen to what’s going on or join in the TAFN posts a weekly list of meetings conversations if you want, there’s no and events to its members via email, pressure to do anything. If you have so you know what’s coming up ever used Skype or Facetime you will and may take your fancy. A sample already be familiar with software that week’s schedule offers sessions allows you to communicate over the starting at 10 am on most mornings Internet with others, at no charge. with events including a quiz, lounge chat, an Aussie mixed bag, Chain 25 reaction, a history of rock and roll and consider trying TAFN. It has really Aussie band stand. There are four changed the lives of many who have sessions at 3 pm - mid week theatre, taken the step. afternoon chat, all write show and To visit the TAFN site for yourself the documentary event, also four please go to tafn.org.uk 8pm sessions and two at 9.30pm for Thursday night jazz club and The site is run by staff who are all armchair theatre. visually impaired, they are a fantastic bunch and will help you further if you One of the biggest draws to the site want to know more about TAFN, or is the fact that if you just want to chat just try it out on a temporary basis. If with any other member or members, you do decide to become a member you can arrange to meet over the it costs £15 per year. internet. It’s like you just arranged to meet for coffee without leaving your TAFN staff are extremely helpful, house, and you really do feel you however if I can be of further help, or are actually in the same room, guess there’s a question you want to run by that’s why they call it a virtual room. me, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] Members of TAFN are all English speaking but are made up from Wikipedia a broad spectrum of ages and Wikipedia is interests. Whilst the majority will a web-based be from the UK, you can end up encyclopaedia, speaking to members from across free to its users. the globe, Americans, Canadians, It is written by Australians, New Zealanders, you anonymous name the country and there’s a good volunteers. Unlike printed chance that there will be a resident encyclopedias, Wikipedia is TAFN member. continuously updated so, for And that’s not all, there’s more to example, articles on historic events TAFN than I can cover in this article. can appear within minutes rather So if you are not asleep by now, than months or years. Anyone with before you doze off I just want to internet access can write and make mention one last item. TAFN now changes to articles except in limited runs a 24 hour Internet streamed cases. A disadvantage is that the radio show which is available to all, content cannot always be verified again very easy to access. for accuracy. If you wish to use So if you are feeling a bit isolated and Wikipedia, simply type its name into need something to look forward to your search engine. on a daily basis I would ask you to 26 What is it like to edit excluded from a ‘gifted and talented Wikipedia when you programme’ because of his sight, but later went on to attend a specialist don’t have any vision? music high school after earning a Paul Bowler, Coleshill voice scholarship. Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia Graham’s entry into the world of that allows anyone to edit its content, computer technology came in is one of the largest sources of 1997 thanks to Western Australia’s information in the world. Launched in Association for the Blind, who 2001, it currently has over five million taught him to use Microsoft Word articles on the English language and Excel. He also received a grant version, and many more in other to buy and install the screen reader languages, all of them constantly software JAWS on his computer, kept updated by thousands of and in 2000 got home internet volunteer editors. But what is it like to access for the first time. After joining edit Wikipedia when you don’t have Wikipedia he gradually became more any vision? involved with the project, and in Graham Pearce of Perth, Western 2007 was appointed one of the site’s Australia, who has been blind since administrators, a role that enables birth, is a regular contributor to him to help with tasks that keep it the website, having first joined in running smoothly. February 2005. Editing with the He is able to edit the content of an username Graham87, he writes and article by copying it into a text file, updates articles on a multitude of where he makes changes before re- topics, as well as participating in pasting the updated version back to many of Wikipedia’s behind-the- the article’s Wikipedia page. Often scenes activities, spending as much JAWS allows him to pick up spelling as 6-8 hours a day on Wikipedia- and grammatical errors that other related tasks. editors have missed, and he is also Born with retinopathy of prematurity, able to make some minor changes to a degenerative condition that affects image files. premature babies, Graham lost all Graham did not disclose his disability perception of light at the age of 9; he to other editors at first, only doing so is also hearing impaired in one ear. after JAWS got him into a bit of hot His mother began teaching him to water. Another editor accused him of read Braille when he was 3, and by page vandalism after he made some the age of 4 he was learning to write minor changes to an article which with a Perkins Brailler. Despite being introduced errors. Graham told the a capable student at school he was person about his condition, and by 27 that evening word had spread. He has described A Poem for Computer Users Over 40 it as ‘a turning point’ that A computer was something on TV ‘improved my confidence’. From a science fiction show of note He began to advocate for A window was something you hated to clean greater accessibility on And ram was the cousin of a goat the site, and has received Meg was the name of my girlfriend a positive response from And gig was a job for the nights his fellow editors which Now they all mean different things has enabled him to have And that really mega bytes. a number of the site’s technical issues fixed. An application was for employment A program was a TV show Graham has also had some A cursor used profanity involvement with the A keyboard was a piano Wikimedia Foundation, Wikipedia’s parent Memory was something that you lost with age organisation, attending A CD was a bank account their annual Wikimania And if you had a 3-inch floppy conferences in locations You hoped nobody found out such as Hong Kong and Compress was something you did to the garbage Washington DC. This Not something you did to a file year he plans to attend And if you unzipped anything in public Wikimania 2017, held in You’d be in jail for a while Montreal in early August. Log on was adding wood to the fire His work with Wikipedia has Hard drive was a long trip on the road earned him much praise A mouse pad was where a mouse lived and admiration from other And a backup happened to your commode editors, and there is no doubt that he has opened Cut you did with a pocketknife the way for other visually Paste you did with glue impaired people to use and A web was a spider’s home edit the site, while making And a virus was the flu. Wikipedia more accessible I guess I’ll stick to my pad and paper for everyone. And the memory in my head I hear nobody’s been killed in a computer crash But when it happens they will wish they were dead. Author unknown

28 Holiday Feature Rio de Janeiro Happy Holidays Chris McLatchie-Wade has visited quite a number of different countries including South Africa, Brazil, Peru and New Zealand. Chris has experienced all these countries, with the support of traveller guides – fellow holidaymakers who describe and guide as they travel round. Chris gets around in his home area of Rugby with the assistance of Munro, his guide dog. Munro stays at home VIP each day with the whole party when he goes on holiday as it would eating together in the evening – this not be practical or fair to take him helps to ensure everyone gets to abroad. (Munro is a lively 8½-year know each other. old Labrador/Retriever cross.) Traveller guides are provided with Chris travelled to these wonderful an information pack when they destinations with Traveleyes. This book. It provides a few basic hints specialist travel agency was set up in and pointers on sighted guiding 2004 by an entrepreneur who himself and stresses the importance of lost most of his sight by the age of 18. communication between the guide Knowing the difficulties of travelling and the VIP. Guides are advised to as a blind person Amar Latif set ask the VIP how much information up the company to enable visually and description they would like so impaired people to enjoy holidays that their experience can live up to both abroad and here in the U.K. expectation. The holidays are group holidays, of On their next holiday, this time varying group size depending on the to Canada, Chris and Susan got activity - half are VIPs and half are engaged. In Canada they visited traveller guides. The emphasis is very Toronto, Quebec and Niagara - where much on partnership, sharing and they experienced the thunderous having a great time. majesty of the falls. What is Chris met his future wife, Susan, particularly good about a Traveleyes when she decided to take a 5-night holiday is the way that activities are holiday as a traveller guide to Jersey. sufficiently flexible to allow random The holidays are organised so that experiences. Whilst in Canada the each guide is paired with a different group came across a Canadian 29 mounted policeman and the group with the pairings made by gender. leader arranged for them to stroke However, if someone is travelling the horse and touch the policeman’s with a companion they will uniform – a sensory experience that automatically be allocated a shared really brought things to life. room with that person, unless they Holidays usually start at a departure request otherwise. Single rooms point, which can be an airport, may be available, if required, but may coach station or hotel depending on incur an additional cost. where you are going and the type Having already met and then become of holiday you have booked. Travel engaged on Traveleyes holidays, it guides are given a basic introduction seemed only right that Chris and his to travel guiding including a few tips wife Susan would have a Traveleyes on sighted guiding. They are then honeymoon. The tour managers for paired with an initial partner and the their holiday to New Zealand sought tour manager will lead the group every way possible to make this a through the departure procedures. special occasion for them. They have About a month before departure an also done this for other couples who information pack is provided to the have been on honeymoon or people travellers, giving such details as the celebrating something special. local currency, climate and any other Traveleyes offers a range of global essential information. Also supplied holidays and here is a small sample. are the names of the other travellers, An 8-day discovery holiday to together with their home towns. If Iceland, the land of ice and fire in a name is recognized, or the town is August costs £2,198 for VIP travellers not too far away, the traveller may and £1,099 for sighted guides. An contact the company to ask if they 8-day break to Guernsey in July can approach the other traveller to costs £1,198 and £649. Visiting find out if they might wish to share Northumberland, staying at Alnwick travel arrangements to the start of for 4 days in June costs £449 and the tour. £249. A cruise on the River Rhine Should the travel timings mean an for 11 days in July, travelling from overnight stay near the airport is Basel to Amsterdam costs £2,799 necessary, the company may suggest and £1,499. some hotels, and if asked say where To contact Traveleyes telephone other members of the tour are 0113 887 4275 or email staying, so members can meet each info@ traveleyes-international.com other there. The holiday accommodation is normally in twin bedded rooms 30 Learning on Holiday The Globe Theatre, so London will be the venue, staying in university AddVenture in Learning is a accommodation conveniently registered charity, which organises situated on the South Bank. Most residential courses for sight-impaired visits are within walking distance or adults. public transport will be used. Prices The courses are held in different parts for VIs are £375 and Guides £275. of the country. Each sight-impaired ‘Kent’ will be a general course from person is assisted by a sighted guide 16th to 20th October based at a hotel and guide dogs are always welcome. in Folkestone and visiting places of Accommodation varies - from hotels interest, including Dover Castle of to outdoor educational centres wartime interest and Canterbury or university halls of residence. Cathedral. Participants must make their own If you are interested in joining a way to the venue but these are not course as a sight impaired person usually far from a railway station. or a guide, or to become a member Prices are for bed, breakfast and and receive our newsletters, please evening meal. do look at the website www.add- Courses include talks, outings and ventureinlearning.co.uk for more the chance to socialise. The price details. Or ring Isobell (course varies according to the course but administrator) on 07731 867931 or includes entrance fees, speakers and Barbara (publicity) on 01460 281226 everything on the itinerary. Past and leave a message if not available. courses have included various field We would love to hear from you. trips, studying the works of authors or musicians, visiting country houses and Cheltenham Science Festival to name but a few. ‘The Making of the Isle of Wight’ course from 15th to19th May will look at various aspects of ecology, the ever-changing coast, dinosaurs, Carisbrook Castle and evening talks. Accommodation will be in holiday chalets and packed lunches will be provided. The prices are - VIs £250 and Guides £160. th ‘Shakespeare’ will be from 14 to Doreen and her guide examine a th 18 August. There will be a visit to huge fossil on the Jurassic Coast 31 Crystal Clear Magnification At Any Size

 Free telephone training  UK telephone support

CONNECT A CAMERA  Discounts for individuals to magnify and read your Registered VI? post, greetings cards,  packaging and more! Pay 0% VAT

CALL US TO REQUEST A FREE TRIAL: 01905 754 577

YourDolphin.com

WarwickshireVision_A4_2016.indd 1 21/10/2016 10:08:51 More Holidays for VIPs welcome. Telephone: 0161 804 9898 or visit www.disabledholidays.com The range of holidays for VIPs is extensive. Here are some examples Jubilee Sailing Trust provides of holidays in the UK and abroad with accessible voyages on tall ships a brief summary of what each one for people with disabilities and offers. VIPs. Although they are not able to accommodate guide dogs, a number Vision Hotels has three hotels in the of guide dog owners have enjoyed coastal and countryside regions of these holidays. Holidaymakers South Devon, North Somerset and experience how to crew a tall ship, Lake Windermere. Holidaymakers joining in with people of all ages and can choose the number of nights abilities, to worldwide destinations. they wish to stay from one night There is a range of supporting to longer breaks. The hotels are amenities and equipment including accessible and welcome guide dogs braille signage and hearing loops. and ‘good-natured’ pet dogs. Telephone 023 80426849 or visit Telephone 0845 603 0051 or www.jst.org.uk visit: www.visionhotels.co.uk Seable Holidays offers accessible The Bond Hotel, Blackpool, caters holidays in Italy and Slovenia for for people with disabilities including VIPs. From the outset personal VIPs. It has fully accessible rooms advice is available on all aspects and a range of mobility equipment, of the holidays. Accommodation which is free of charge. It also offers is in family-run hotels. Activities care packages delivered by trained include climbing, scuba diving, staff for an additional charge. Guide skiing and sightseeing or you can dogs are welcome. The hotel is just relax, enjoying the sea and close to Blackpool’s main attractions sunshine. Guide dogs can be taken. and it also has a nightly cabaret. Telephone 02077 494 866 or email Telephone 01253 341218 or visit info@ seable co.uk www. bondhotel.co.uk Disabled Holidays can help you when booking a holiday if you are blind or partially sighted. If you have a destination in mind they will advise you on its suitability as well as accommodation in that area. They offer a wide variety of adapted cottages, hotels and apartments in the UK and abroad. Guide dogs are

33 Warwickshire Vision is distributed FREE to all members of Warwickshire Vision Support This publication is also available in digital audio, Braille and by email For more information, please contact us  01926 411331 Email: [email protected] Website: www.warwickshire.vision Warwickshire Vision Support is the operating name of Warwickshire Association for the Blind A company limited by guarantee Registered in England and Wales Number 6511954 Charity Registration Number 1123220

Acknowledgements Grateful thanks are expressed to Kenilworth Talking News for producing the digital audio version of Warwickshire Vision and to Phil Arkell for the layout of the printed version. We acknowledge the use of information from RNIB, The Signpost, Daily Telegraph and The Times. Views expressed in Warwickshire Vision are not necessarily those of the management of Warwickshire Vision Support.

Cover Image: Table Mountain, South Africa

34 Spread the Cost

Available when you spend over £100 Spread the cost with simple Interest-Free instalments. Only available online. Typical Example of payments for OrCam range. 3 6 9 12 Instalments Instalments Instalments Instalments 96% MyReader £600.00 £300.00 £200.00 £150.00 acceptance rate MyEye £800.00 £400.00 £266.67 £200.00 with immediate decision

Please note The first instalment may be fractionally higher to account for rounding.

For more information visit www.sightandsound.co.uk/hardware/scan- and-read-hardware/orcam.html

Order and credit processed and provided by DivideBuy.co.uk, credit subject to status.

For more information: Call 01604 798070 or Email [email protected] ck rwi shi a re Your Local Vision Support Centre W is there to help you with all V i t si o r your sight needs o n S u p p

St Mary’s Church Alternate Wednesdays Atherstone Church Street 10 am - 11.30 am Atherstone CV9 1HH Quakers Meeting House Every Friday Coventry Hill Street 10 am - 12 noon Coventry CV1 4AN Chandos Court Every Monday Leamington Chandos Street 10 am - 12 noon Leamington Spa CV32 4YU New Town Community Centre Every Thursday Nuneaton New Town Road 10 am - 12 noon Nuneaton CV11 4HG Rugby Baptist Church Every Wednesday Rugby Regent Place 10 am - 12 noon Rugby CV21 2AG The Christadelphian Church Stratford- Every Tuesday Rother Street upon-Avon 10 am - 12 noon Stratford CV37 6LU

Warwickshire Vision Support 5 Charles Court, Budbrooke Road Warwick CV34 5LZ  01926 411331 Email: [email protected] Web: www.warwickshire.vision www.facebook.com/Warwickshire.Vision.Support