Smart solutions for blind and partially sighted people.

Being told that you are losing your sight is a traumatic experience. Many liken it to bereavement, with shock, disbelief and anger being among the most common emotions. Sight loss is also associated with a higher than normal risk of depression. Yet emotional and practical support is not always available at the point of diagnosis leaving many to adjust to this enormous change on their own.  That’s why RNIB employ six Eye Clinic Liaison Officers across Northern Ireland who work directly with people with sight loss and their carers at the critical point of diagnosis.  In the last two years, 120 blind and partially sighted people have used the EAS programme to increase their confidence and job prospects

 We all know that the benefits and tax credit system can be daunting and the forms overwhelming.  This is all the more true if you are undergoing serious sight loss or are already blind or partially sighted. The team consists of two full-time advisers, one of whom is on secondment from DSD and a volunteer administrator.  Our advisers see over 1700 people between them each year, and in each of the past two years have generated over £1.5m in new income for their clients.   RNIB believe that a combination of an aging population and the impact of the recession will result in an increasing demand for this service.

Almost 75% of blind and partially sighted people of working age are unemployed. RNIB NI’s Employability and Skills (EAS) project aims to address this by giving unemployed blind and partially sighted people of working age, the opportunity to develop new skills.   Paul Gracey completed his final CLAIT exam in April 2010.  On completion Paul said “I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. I never thought I’d get it.  It means now I have more to offer when looking for work.”

 RNIB NI's community access service works with individuals and their key health & social care professionals in all 5 Health & Social Care Trusts in NI. Our aim is to empower blind and partially sighted people to regain their independence and to be active in their communities. . A wide range of day-time social, leisure and sporting activities are available for blind and partially sighted people living in the Belfast, Omagh and Coleraine areas. CVC staff support over 30 groups and clubs across NI. These essential services/ programmes are staffed by 11 CVC's, 2 Activity Leaders and 4 Integrated Support Workers. Last year these posts, part funded by the Health and Social Care Trusts, reached 2,221 individuals, Activity Centres reached 188 individuals and Clubs and Societies reached 720 individuals all affected by sight loss across NI.