Northumberland Blind Association News
YELLOW BOOK 2011 ONWARDS
18th May 2012
Yellow Book
Main abbreviations used in this guide
VIPs Vision Impaired People
NCBA Northumberland County Blind Association
RNIB Royal National Institute for the Blind
OT Occupational Therapist
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to this booklet, which outlines the services and support that the Northumberland County Blind Association (NCBA) and Northumberland NHS Care Trust can provide for vision-impaired people (VIPs). It also contains general information you may find useful with contact addresses and telephone numbers.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY BLIND ASSOCIATION
Reiver House, Staithes Lane, Morpeth, NE61 1TD. Telephone: 01670 514316 Fax: 01670 504393
Website: www.ncba.org.uk
The Northumberland County Blind Association (NCBA) is your local voluntary association working for VIPs throughout Northumberland. Our purpose-built resource centre is home to a wide range of services and facilities based in one accessible location. Services include clubs and support groups, specialist rehabilitation, voluntary home visiting and an information and advice service. Our facilities include a fully equipped training kitchen with examples of talking equipment, a large display of helpful daily living items and examples of computer accessibility software. We also have facilities for producing information in Braille, large print, on CD and on USB memory stick. Please telephone, write or call in for more information. Reiver House is open from Monday to Thursday inclusive from 9 am to 5 pm and on Fridays from 9 am until 4.30 pm. Visitors are welcome during these hours, however it is advisable to telephone to make an appointment if there is a specific person you wish to see.
email:
Rehabilitation Enquiries
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Sight on Site
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General Enquiries
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SPECIALIST REHABILITATION
NCBA’s Rehabilitation Team delivers the Rehabilitation Service on behalf of Northumberland NHS Care Trust, provide registration visits, specialist assessments and training in daily living skills including communication techniques (e.g. Braille), kitchen skills, mobility (using various canes) and also personal care, eating and drinking. You may be referred for rehabilitation by your hospital Eye Specialist, Optometrist, eye clinic, GP, Community Nurse or Care Manager. You can also contact NCBA yourself for advice about your needs. You do not need to be registered blind or partially sighted to use this service, which is provided by NCBA to help you adjust to your sight loss. NCBA can be contacted on 01670 514316 and the Care Trust can be contacted at 01670 536400.
SOCIALEYES NORTHUMBERLAND
Supported by the Big Lottery, NCBA are forming new social groups throughout the county. If you, or someone you know, are vision impaired and would like to join a group in or near your own community, details can be found in the section on Local Clubs and Support Groups. If you can’t find one near you, let us know. Carers and family are welcome and volunteers are always appreciated. Please contact Fran or Jane on 01670 514316.
VOLUNTARY VISITORS
The home visiting service aims to provide visitors/enablers to vision-impaired people throughout Northumberland.
Potential clients do not need to be registered blind or partially sighted. Referrals are accepted from Social Services, Health Services, family or friends.
Clients will be visited to assess their individual needs and matched with a volunteer. If a volunteer is not immediately available then the application will be listed on a waiting list and a volunteer provided as soon as possible.
We have a wonderfully loyal network of volunteers who can offer support to blind and partially sighted people by visiting them at home. Volunteers help to maintain leisure interests, choose talking books, accompany to shops, read mail or simply have a cup of tea and a chat. All NCBA volunteers receive vision impairment awareness training prior to carrying out home visits and undergo an enhanced CRB disclosure.
Due to the extensive geographical and often rural area the service covers, many clients rely on volunteer support. For more information on becoming a volunteer please contact Fran on 01670 514316.
SIGHT-ON-SITE
Complementing the support offered by NCBA, Sight-on-Site, funded by Northumberland NHS Care Trust, enables vision impaired people within Northumberland to live independently and manage their tenancies by providing a wide range of housing related support services. This can range from liasing with other organisations, advising on financial issues or dealing with the safety and security of the home.
Sight-on-Site are regarded as a “Floating Service” and as such we will visit you in your own home.
The team consists of two full time Vision Support Workers who are fully experienced at working with individuals with various sight conditions.
If you would like further information please contact Jim or Paul at NCBA on 01670 514316
SIGHTLINE
Sightline is an innovative telephone support service designed to support newly registered blind and partially sighted people and those who are isolated or still coming to terms with the practicalities of their sight loss.
Vision impaired volunteers and their clients are linked by telephone in their own homes. Volunteers can pass on valuable hints and information or just have a friendly chat with their clients.
If you would like further information, please contact Fran on 01670 514316.
INFORMATION SERVICE
We are always pleased to provide information and advice in person or by phone about equipment and services available to VIPs. Reiver House has a wide range of low vision aids for demonstration, some of which can be given out on loan.
We also produce a quarterly magazine, free to Vision Impaired people, available in large print, Braille, on audio-disc (CD or MP3), on USB memory stick or by email. The magazine is also available to outside organisations and gives news about NCBA activities and events, clubs, information about new equipment and useful information about other relevant services.
The magazine is also downloadable (Browse Aloud) on the website www.ncba.org.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND NHS CARE TRUST
The Northumberland NHS Care Trust has district offices throughout the county. The Care Trust keep confidential registers of people who are registered blind or partially sighted and can arrange a variety of services for people who have different needs, to help them live more safely and independently. To receive services from the Care Trust you must first have your needs assessed by a Care Manager who will decide with you on the appropriate support required. This could be a home help, meals on wheels, day care, counselling, special equipment or adaptations to your home. Care Managers are usually social workers or other professionals such as nurses. You can also contact the Care Trust yourself and ask for advice and support. For general enquiries, ring them on 01670 536400.
Fair Access to Care Standards is a set of standards, which the Care Trust aims to help you meet. These cover areas of life such as personal care, eating and drinking, getting about and communication. Some standards apply to carers or relatives as well as the person being cared for. There are three types of standards:
(a) guaranteed standards which they will always help to meet,
(b) target standards where they will usually help, and
(c) desirable standards where they may help.
You are entitled to ask for a copy of these standards, or any standards that may apply in future as services develop.
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)
PALS provides confidential, on-the-spot advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns you may have about the care you receive and guiding you through the different services available from the NHS.
The service aims to:
- advise and support patients, their families and carers
- provide information on NHS services
- listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries
- help sort out problems quickly on your behalf
This service is confidential, and can be contacted on the free phone number 0800 032 0202.
SIGHT TESTING AND SPECTACLES
You can get a free NHS sight test if:
• you are aged 60 or over
• you are registered as blind or partially sighted
• you have been diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma
• you are aged over 40 and are the parent, brother, sister or child of someone who has been diagnosed as having glaucoma
• you need complex lenses
• you are under 16, or under 19 and still in full-time education
• your sight test is carried out through the Hospital Eye Department as part of the management of your eye condition
• you are named on an HC2 certificate
• you or your partner are receiving:
o Income Support
o Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
o Working Families’ Tax credit and named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
o Disabled Person’s Tax Credit and named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate.
If you are entitled to a free eye test you may also qualify to have the test at home if you cannot visit the optician due to illness or a disability. You may also be entitled to vouchers towards the cost of spectacles or contact lenses if the following conditions apply:
• you need powerful or complex lenses
• you are under 16, or under 19 and still in full-time education
• you are named on an HC2 certificate
• you or your partner are getting:
o Income Support
o Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
o Working Families’ Tax credit and named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
o Disabled Person’s Tax Credit and named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate.
Please note that if your glasses or contact lenses cost more than the voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.
To obtain an HC2 certificate, complete form HC1 which can by obtained by contacting the Health Benefits Division on 0845 610 1166, who also offer a form filling service. In addition, your local Social Security office, NHS hospital, doctor, dentist or optician should also have copies.
YOUR EYE CONDITION AND ITS TREATMENT
If your sight is getting worse and cannot be corrected by glasses then you need to see a hospital eye specialist. If you have not done so, see your GP and ask to be referred to a specialist. Never ignore a sight problem or put it down to old age. Most clients from Northumberland will be seen in the Eye Department at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). The department has clinics with ophthalmologists, a Low Vision Clinic run by specialist opticians and an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer who can explain local services and give you advice about maintaining your independence.
LOW VISION
Most VIPs have some residual vision and it is important to make the best use of the sight you have left. Remember the 3 Bs :
• BIG - such as large-print text, a large TV screen
• BOLD - use contrast to make things stand out
• BRIGHT – use good lighting and avoid troublesome glare
You may be helped by low vision aids such as magnifiers. These can be supplied free of charge by the Low Vision Clinic at the RVI through JELS following an assessment visit by the NCBA Rehabilitation Team or you can purchase them from some opticians or NCBA. However, please note that not all eye conditions can be helped by a magnifier. Some magnifiers can be difficult to learn to use and will not restore normal sight.
REGISTRATION
The NHS Care Trust keep confidential registers of blind and partially sighted people. To be registered does not necessarily mean that you have no sight at all or that you are likely to lose all your sight; it just means that your sight has fallen below a certain level. Registration is voluntary but it can entitle you to certain services and financial benefits. Registration also ensures you receive help and advice.
If you are going to be registered you will receive a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). You will be referred either by LVI or RVI
The LVI is a letter that an optometrist would give to someone if they developed vision impairment needs so that they could ‘self-refer’ for social care. The RVI is a form issued by staff in the Hospital Eye Service to refer a patient (with their consent) for a social care assessment. The CVI is a certificate of vision impairment, which is used to confirm a person’s eligibility to be registered.
You will receive a copy of the CVI and a copy of the LVI, or RVI to keep. A copy will also be sent to NCBA and you will be visited by a member of the NCBA Rehabilitation team
who will ask you to confirm whether or not you wish to be registered. However you are still entitled to support and advice from NCBA or the Care Trust even if you choose not to be or are not registered.
MOBILITY
You will probably find it relatively easy to move around in your home and places that are familiar to you, but moving around outdoors can be more difficult, especially in an unfamiliar area. NCBA will provide mobility training which will help you learn to move around more confidently and can provide a white symbol cane which will alert other people to your needs.
If you need a walking stick for support you can be given a white walking stick and relevant training to use it. Ask for an O.T. assessment.
GUIDE DOGS
Are provided by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA). Anyone who is fit enough to care for a dog can apply, and this includes people with some residual vision. NCBA’s Rehabilitation team will be pleased to advise you and we have free audio copies of “Applying for a Guide Dog”, or you can call GDBA for details on 0845 372 7418 or fill in the on-line form at www.guidedogs.org.uk
USEFUL AIDS AND EQUIPMENT
There are a variety of aids and equipment, including:
• talking clocks and watches
• talking kitchen and bathroom scales
• a liquid level indicator, to prevent overfilling containers and scalding
• telephones with large buttons and numbers
• large-print playing cards, books and games
• white symbol canes
• brightly coloured chopping boards, for contrast
• pill dispensers to make taking medicine easier
• mini recorders to create medicine reminders, information labels or greeting cards
• writing templates and signature guides for cheque and giro books and letter-writing
• bump-ons – small tactile dots to stick anywhere you need a marker, eg cooker or heating controls
LARGE PRINT
This document is produced in 18-point font.
Large print documents are produced in a larger type size, typically ranging from 16 to 22 point font.
NCBA produces a quarterly newsletter called NoISe in large print as well as on CD, on MP3 disc, on USB, in Braille or by email. It is also available as Browse Aloud on the website www.ncba.org.uk
Big Print is a weekly large-print newspaper, which includes national TV and radio listings. Subscription costs £16.25 a quarter, £32.50 for half a year or £65.00 for a year. Telephone RNIB on: 0303 123 9999.
Northumberland County Library Service stocks large print books.
NCBA can enlarge printed items for you.
BRAILLE
Braille is a form of writing based on a system of raised dots. Some people find it easier to write in Braille than to read it and use it mainly for labelling food or equipment rather than reading. NCBA provides Braille training. Age is no barrier however you need a good sense of touch. NCBA also provides a Brailling service (please phone 01670 514316 for information).
MOON
Moon is a simpler form of raised writing based largely on the familiar alphabet. It is easier to learn than Braille but is more difficult to write and there are fewer publications available. Like Braille, it can also be used for labelling as well as for reading books and magazines. Lending Libraries and transcription services are available but it is not used as widely as Braille.
The RNIB Library Service has a free lending library of Braille and Moon books. Phone them on 0303 123 9999.
AUDIO SERVICES
Service Comments
Free loan of radio/CD player or pre-set radio Supplied by Wireless for the Blind through NCBA or Care Trust after assessment of need. It is possible to purchase if not registered
Talking books (on CD)
Service provided by RNIB on 0303 123 9999 for £79 per annum, paid by Care Trust for those registered blind. This includes loan of Daisy Player.
Audio Books on standard cassettes, CD, MP3 and USB Calibre Audio Library at www.calibre.org.uk or on 01296 432 339 has a free loan service. Catalogue free on website or in print by subject £2.50 to £5 or three catalogues for £10.
Libraries Free loan of CDs to registered VIPs, otherwise a small charge.
National newspapers and magazines National Talking Newspapers and Magazines have various national papers and magazines. Subscription costs vary from as little as £7 for a quarterly magazine to £69 per year. Telephone: 01435 866102.
Newcastle-based AIRS talking newspaper service. Free in the Gateshead area. Otherwise a charge is applicable please telephone AIRS on 0191 433 8450 for further details.
NoISe NCBA’s quarterly free newsletter on CD and MP3. Also available in Large Print and on USB memory stick or by email.
Local talking newspapers Alnwick: 01665 602562
Berwick: 01289 309040
Blyth: 01670 353609
Morpeth: 01670 517615
Tynedale: 01434 607264
Newcastle: 0191 261 4121
Audio-described videos Buy or hire from RNIB.
In Touch A BBC Radio 4 programme for VIPs on Tuesdays at 8.40 pm with news and useful information. Also available on BBC iplayer.
National Trust National Trust Yorkshire and North East Regional Newsletter on tape or CD is free to members.
Telephone: 01670 774691
EMPLOYMENT
The Job Centre Plus has a Disability Employment Adviser who is part of the Employment Service Placing, Assessment and Counselling Team. The DEA can advise on finding and preparing for work, training and also provide help through the Access to Work scheme, which may pay for equipment, transport, a part-time reader or a support worker.
The NCBA employment group meet monthly to discuss barriers blind and partially sighted people face regarding employment. There are opportunities to listen to guest speakers and advisors. The aim of the group is to build a supportive network to assist blind and partially sighted people back into employment, to offer support if you have never been employed before and retention of employment. Other topics covered include Transition training, Transition and Education and exploring what the changes to the benefit system and new Equality Act mean to you. Please contact Vikki Harris, Senior Rehabilitation Worker on 01670 514316 for further details.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind provides an Education and Employment Network, which can help with education, training and employment opportunities for VIPs.
Contact RNIB’s regional office for more information on 0303 123 9999.
LOCAL CLUBS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
There are many clubs and support groups available for Vision Impaired People living in Northumberland to access. Brief details are listed below, if you require any further information please telephone NCBA on 01670 514 316.
Club Meeting place Meeting details
Activities Various venues throughout the year. Once a month on Wednesdays
Ashington Bothal Community Centre, Ashington Every Monday (except August) between 1.30 and 3.30.
Bloomers Gardening Group Reiver House,
Morpeth 3rd Friday of every month between 10.30 am and 12.00 pm.
Blyth Scout Hut by Saint Winifred’s Church Social Club, Arthur St., Blyth. Every Thursday, February to mid-December from 1 to 3 pm.
Friends in Focus Please contact Jo Anne Roberts (Treasurer) on
Tel: 01434 220326 For VIP Parents and others.
Hexham Red Cross House, Unit 1, Burn Haugh Industrial Estate, Burn Lane,
NE46 3RU Alternate Fridays between 10.30 and 12.30.
Insight Riverside Resource Centre, Kitty Brewster Trading Est, Blyth. Every other Tuesday evening at 6.30 pm.
Morpeth Area Partially Sighted (M.A.P.S) St. James Centre
First Saturday each month. Contact Castle Morpeth Disability Association (CMDA) on 01670 504488.
Prudhoe Parish Hall, Front Street, Prudhoe. Alternate Wednesdays from 10 am to noon.
Reading Group Morpeth Library Thursdays month from 1.30 to 3pm
Women’s Group NCBA, Reiver House, Morpeth 3rd Tuesday of every month between 10.30 and 12.30 (not Jan. or Feb.)
SocialEyes groups are also being set up across Northumberland, please contact Fran or Jane on 01670 514316 for further information.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
We recommend that you seek advice from Social Services, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or NCBA before claiming benefits. The brief details given here cannot cover all possible circumstances. You should be able to find further information and advice relating to your specific circumstances from:
• The DWP Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00
• Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0845 608 4321
• Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444
• Disability Living Allowance (new claims) on 08457 123456
• Jobcentre Plus (for new claims) on 0800 055 6688
• Jobcentre Plus (existing claims) on 0845 608 8642
• Northumberland County Council (for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Free School Meals) on 0845 600 6400
• Pension Credit Application Line on 0800 99 1234
• Pension Service on 0845 606 0265
• Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900
• RNIB benefit guides on 0303 123 9999
• RNIB Welfare Rights on 0303 123 9999
• Action for Blind People on 0207 635 4800
• Your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau
BENEFIT COMMENTS
Disability Living Allowance For people under 65, including children, who need help with personal care and mobility. VIPs should qualify for at least low rate care and low rate mobility. Many could qualify for middle rate care. From April 2011 blind people became entitled to DLA higher rate mobility component.
Attendance Allowance For people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care.
Blind Person’s Tax Allowance Personal income tax allowance. Can be transferred to partner.
Carers’ Allowance Replaces Invalid Care Allowance. The cared-for person must be receiving AA or DLA care component at the middle or highest rate.
Income Support and Housing and Council Tax Benefit VIPs may qualify for extra premiums. Income and capital rules apply to these means-tested benefits.
Council Tax disability reduction Reductions apply if a room is used to meet disability needs.
Working Tax Credit Supplements income for working people and includes an extra element for disabled people. People without children need to be at least 25.
Child Tax Credit 9 out of 10 families can claim this. Families with a gross income of less than £58,000 per year will be able to claim.
Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit replaces Minimum Income Guarantee for those over 60; also, Savings Credit if over 65 with small private pension or savings.
Incapacity Benefit for Youth Replaces Severe Disablement Allowance for young people unable to work due to disability or ill health and who have not paid NI contributions.
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL CONCESSIONS
NCBA’s Transport Group aim to look at barriers faced by vision impaired people when using transport.
It hosts guest speakers, practical and confidence building sessions and will be working alongside local bus companies to raise awareness and advise on good practice. The group will be working in partnership with local and national organisations campaigning to improve transport and services for vision impaired people.
If you are interested in any of the above then please do not hesitate to contact Vikki or Gordon on 01670 514316.
Concession Comments
Car Tax Exemption May be available for any disabled person receiving DLA mobility component at higher rate.
Blue Badge scheme. Parking concessions for VIPs and disabled drivers. The car need not be yours. Contact your local social services district office for a form.
British Rail travel concessions 34% or 50% off fares for traveller and companion.
British Rail Disabled Persons Railcard £20 for 12 months or £54 for 3 years. Gives third off fares if travelling alone or with companion. Visit www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk for details. To apply off-line for first card, complete downloadable form from website and send with cheque to address on form. Information available on 0845 605 0525
Bus Travel Concessions A national bus travel scheme was introduced in April 2008 Contact your local council for details.
Concessions on flights within UK If travelling with guide for business training, medical treatment or rehabilitation.
OTHER BENEFITS AND CONCESSIONS
Benefit/concession Comments
Free postage using Articles for the Blind labels For some equipment, Braille, tapes or large print.
Free NHS sight test if registered blind or partially sighted Tell the optician you are registered before the sight test.
Free prescriptions You may already qualify due to age or low income. VIPs of working age may be exempt if suffering from specified conditions – your GP has a list. To claim get form P11 from chemists or doctors and send Part B to your GP for authorisation.
Reduction on TV licence 50% reduction if registered blind. Confirmation needed when buying licence. Phone 0844 800 6737 for more information.
Postal voting Contact your local District or Borough Council to register.
National Key Scheme for Disabled Toilets (RADAR) Keys to disabled toilets which are normally locked cost £3.50 direct from RADAR on 020 7250 3222.
CONSUMER SERVICES
PUBLIC UTILITIES
All suppliers should provide information and help for VIPs, in large print, Braille or audio tape on request. Some contact details for various companies are shown below.
GAS AND ELECTRICITY
Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111999
Loss of Electricity: in the NEDL area phone 0800 668877
TELEPHONES
For free Directory Enquiries registration telephone 0800 587 0195
Special phones and equipment can be bought and the big button phone can be rented. For the BT guide Freedom to Communicate for Older or Disabled People or for general enquiries ring the Age and Disability Helpline on 0800 200 789.
There are now several other companies providing telephone services.
WATER (NORTHUMBRIAN WATER)
Billing on 08457 335566.
For general enquiries contact Customer Services on
0845 717 1100.
HOLIDAYS
There are hotels and holidays run especially for VIPs including adventure, education and activity holidays and also summer schools.
Some providers are:
Access Travel (Wheelchair users only) 01942 888 844
Action for Blind People 0303 123 9999
Vitalise 0845 330 0149
Royal Blind Society
www.royalblindsociety.co.uk 01903 857023
Additional holiday information may be available from NCBA.
VISION IMPAIRED CHILDREN
The Special Educational Needs, Teaching and Support Service, (SENTAS) provides support for any child who has a significant visual problem (permanent or temporary) from birth to school-leaving age. Visits are made to parents and schools to provide advice and support. Where possible vision impaired children are educated locally.
There are three teaching units in Newcastle which aim to integrate vision impaired children into mainstream classes if and when they can work successfully alongside fully sighted children and young people:
• Regent Farm First School, Gosforth 0191 285 2294
• Gosforth West Middle School 0191 285 3060
• Gosforth High School 0191 285 1000
It is the responsibility of Northumberland Education Authority to provide mobility training at home and in schools in the county. They can be contacted on 0845 600 6400, however if you have any difficulty in obtaining this service please contact NCBA for advice.
SOCIAL SERVICES have a Children with Disabilities Team, which is based at Morpeth on 01670 516 131.
Northern Outlook is a local charity aiming (subject to funding) to provide activity holidays for vision impaired children and their families in England and Wales. For further information please contact Sian or Peter on 01670 511450 or by e-mail on: //';l[1]='a';l[2]='/';l[3]='<';l[4]='|107';l[5]='|117';l[6]='|46';l[7]='|111';l[8]='|99';l[9]='|46';l[10]='|107';l[11]='|111';l[12]='|111';l[13]='|108';l[14]='|121';l[15]='|116';l[16]='|117';l[17]='|111';l[18]='|110';l[19]='|114';l[20]='|101';l[21]='|104';l[22]='|116';l[23]='|114';l[24]='|111';l[25]='|110';l[26]='|64';l[27]='|49';l[28]='|107';l[29]='|111';l[30]='|111';l[31]='|108';l[32]='|116';l[33]='|117';l[34]='|111';l[35]='|110';l[36]='|114';l[37]='|101';l[38]='|104';l[39]='|116';l[40]='|114';l[41]='|111';l[42]='|110';l[43]='>';l[44]='"';l[45]='|107';l[46]='|117';l[47]='|46';l[48]='|111';l[49]='|99';l[50]='|46';l[51]='|107';l[52]='|111';l[53]='|111';l[54]='|108';l[55]='|121';l[56]='|116';l[57]='|117';l[58]='|111';l[59]='|110';l[60]='|114';l[61]='|101';l[62]='|104';l[63]='|116';l[64]='|114';l[65]='|111';l[66]='|110';l[67]='|64';l[68]='|49';l[69]='|107';l[70]='|111';l[71]='|111';l[72]='|108';l[73]='|116';l[74]='|117';l[75]='|111';l[76]='|110';l[77]='|114';l[78]='|101';l[79]='|104';l[80]='|116';l[81]='|114';l[82]='|111';l[83]='|110';l[84]=':';l[85]='o';l[86]='t';l[87]='l';l[88]='i';l[89]='a';l[90]='m';l[91]='"';l[92]='=';l[93]='f';l[94]='e';l[95]='r';l[96]='h';l[97]=' ';l[98]='a';l[99]='<'; for (var i = l.length-1; i >= 0; i=i-1){ if (l[i].substring(0, 1) == '|') document.write("&#"+unescape(l[i].substring(1))+";"); else document.write(unescape(l[i]));} //]]> ">
LOOK (National Federation of Families with Vision Impaired Children) is a support group for families of vision impaired children. Contact LOOK c/o Queen Alexandra College, Court Oak Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9TG on 0121 428 5038.
Useful Vision aims to help vision impaired children and their families in the north east get the most out of life by organising family events, skills workshops and family support and information services. Contact them on 0845 6048491 or visit their website www.usefulvision.org.uk
DEAF-BLINDNESS
There is a designated Deafblind Social Worker in Northumberland who will help and advise people who are both vision impaired and deaf. They also can provide details of learning communication skills and provision of special aids for Deafblind people. Tel: 01670 536400.
Deaf-Blind UK is a voluntary forum for deaf-blind people which also helps isolated members keep in touch with each other. Contact them on 01733 358100.
SENSE (The National Association for Deaf-Blind and Rubella Handicapped), 101, Pentonville Road, London, N1 9LG produces a quarterly newsletter and runs holidays and self-help groups. Their phone number is 0845 127 0060.
For local support, contact SENSE NORTH on 0113 205 9500.
LEGISLATION
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is intended to stop discrimination against disabled people and it covers:
• obtaining goods, services and facilities
• getting and keeping a job
• using public transport
THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT incorporates the fifty-year old European Convention on Human Rights into the law of England and Wales.
If you feel you have been discriminated against due to your vision impairment, contact the RNIB on 0303 123 9999, Action for Blind People on 020 7635 4800, your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau or NCBA.
SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION
Getting On is a free booklet from Action for Blind People – 020 7635 4800.
In Touch is a twenty-minute programme of information and advice for VIPs on BBC Radio 4 at 8.40 pm on Tuesdays.
NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Action for Blind People, 14-16 Verney Road, London, SE16 3DZ : tel 020 7635 4800
Deaf-Blind UK, National Centre for Deaf Blindness, John and Lucille van Geest Place, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FD : tel 01733 358100
Helpline: 0800 132320
Guide Dogs for the Blind , Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG : tel 0845 372 7418
Henshaw’s Society for Blind People, Room 25, Heaton Complex, Trewhitt Road, Newcastle, NE6 5DY: tel 0191 275 9417
LOOK (National Federation of Families with Vision Impaired Children), Queen Alexandra College, 49 Court Oak Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9TG : Tel 0121 428 5038
Macular Disease Society, PO Box 1870, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 9AD : tel 01264 350551, helpline 0845 241 2041
Partially Sighted Society, 7/9, Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AA : tel 0844 477 4966: Fax 0844 477 4969
Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB),105 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NE : tel 0303 123 9999
SENSE, 101, Pentonville Road, London, N1 9LG: Tel 0845 127 0060.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
ADAPT, Bluebird House, Haugh Lane Industrial Estate, Hexham, NE46 3PU : tel 01434 600599
Blyth Valley Disabled Forum, Eric Tolhurst Centre, 3-13 Quay Road, Blyth, NE24 2AS: tel 01670 364657
Castle Morpeth Disability Association, above Central Bean Coffee Shop, Sandersons Arcade, Morpeth, NE61 1NS
Tel: 01670 504488
Disability North, The Dene Centre, Castle Farm Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1PH, tel: 0191 2840480
Gosforth High School, Vision Impaired Unit, Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2JH, tel: 0191 2841082
Newcastle Society for Blind People, MEA House, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8XS, tel: 0191 2327292
NCBA, Reiver House, Staithes Lane, Morpeth, NE61 1TD. Telephone: 01670 514316 Fax: 01670 504393
Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Eye Outpatients Department, Claremont Wing, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP: tel 0191 282 5905
Sense North: Tel 0113 205 9500
Social Service: Contact Northumberland Healthcare. Telephone: 01670 536400
Switching to Digital TV
9th May 2012
The digital switchover will happen in the Tyne Tees region in two stages on 12 and 26 September 2012. On both dates your TV should be re-tuned, ready to receive new channels. To do this you must either have a digital TV or convert your analogue TV.
The existing analogue signal will be replaced with a new, stronger digital one giving improved sound and picture quality, an increased choice of radio and TV channels and the option of audio description on many mainstream programmes. Audio description is an additional commentary dialogue that describes what is happening on screen.
Existing TV not Digital?
If you do not already have a digital TV you will need to buy a digital box (Freeview) or invest in a new TV. Other options for going digital include satellite, cable and broadband
Existing TV already Digital?
Then you probably already receive more that the five standard channels and will just need to re-tune at switchover. If you have other sets in the home that aren’t digital they will have to be converted
Will I Need a new Aerial?
If you have Freeview your current signal will probably improve but if you have analogue TV and poor reception now, you may have to upgrade the aerial.
Who Can Help?
The Digital Television Switchover Help Scheme has been created to help if:
- one person is registered blind or partially sighted
- one person is 75 or over
- one person with a significant disability on attendance allowance (AA) or disability living allowance (DLA)
There is a fee of £40 which entitles you to
- Easy-to-Use Equipment
- An approved installer to supply and install the equipment
- A 12-month aftercare service and free helpline
The scheme will be free if the eligible person is in receipt of pension credit, income support or jobseekers allowance, AA or DLA. Others will pay a small fee of approximately £40.
The Switchover Help Scheme bus will be at the following locations to offer advice before switchover
Location July Address
Alnwick 19 Alnwick Market, Market Place, NE66 1HW
Ashington 24 Outside Boots, Station Road, NE63 9UJ
Berwick 18 Outside Clinton Cards, Marygate, TD15 1BN
Blyth 26 Market Square, Waterloo Road, NE24 1BW
Hexham 31 Wentworth Car Park, Wentworth Place, NE46 1QE
Morpeth 25 Market Place, Bridge Street, NE61 1HG
Ponteland 27 Waitrose, Main Street, NE20 9NH
Rothbury 20 Riverside Car Park, Riverside, NE65 7SN
Whitley Bay 28 Morrison's, Hillheads Road, NE25 8HN
Aug
Cramlington 1 Manor Walks Shopping Centre & Westmoreland Retail Park, NE23 6UT
Where Can I Get More Help?
Technical Advice 08456 50 50 50
Switchover Help Scheme 0800 40 85 900
NCBA Street Collection - Wednesday 4th July 2012
9th May 2012
NCBA are holding a Street Collection in Morpeth on Wednesday 4th July 2012. Help from clients and volunteers would be greatly appreciated.
If you can spare any time between 10:00 and 3:30 to help with this fundraising event, please contact Fran or Jane on 01670 514316.
Computer Assistance
9th May 2012
Would you like assistance to send e-mails, surf the internet, access online shopping, or make free phone calls to family via Skype? Well NCBA may be able to help you. We can provide further information and demonstration of screen enlargement and talking computer software, to find out if the programmes are suitable for you. Home visits? Drop in centres? Costs If there is sufficient interest this could be a new service.
Dolphin Focus Day
9th May 2012
Dolphin have kindly offered to hold a focus day for NCBA on Monday 9th July from 10am – 2pm at Reiver House. The day will focus on software such as Guide and Supernova and will be free of charge to any interested clients or volunteers. As places are limited please contact Fran on 01670 514316 to book your place.