Monthly Archives: March 2019

RNIB launches workplace support resources

March 31, 2019UncategorizedGovernment’s Disability Confident scheme, RNIB, The Royal National Institute of Blind People, workplace support resourcesSaul Wynne

RNIB launches workplace support resources

original post – Optometry Today, Andrew McClean

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched new resources to help employers support blind and partially sighted people in the workplace. The resources have been launched as part of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme, which supports businesses to attract, recruit and retain disabled employees. Director of services at the RNIB, David Clarke, highlighted that despite employment numbers being at a record high, just one in four blind or partially people are in work.

“With the right support, visually impaired people can thrive in the workplace and make a significant contribution to businesses in almost all employment sectors. We just need employers to realise the unique commercial value that blind and partially sighted employees can undoubtedly bring to their businesses,” he said. The resources include webinars, good practice toolkits, guides to making changes and blogs. It was launched on Tuesday (19 March) at an event in London hosted by insurance company Zurich.

Blind disability activist and management consultant, Caroline Casey (pictured), gave the keynote speech. The RNIB highlighted that current Government targets aim to have one million disabled people in the workplace by 2027, but the secretary of state for work and pensions, Amber Rudd, has committed to reviewing targets on disability employment.

Ms Rudd said: “My father’s blindness was a normal part of my family’s life and I have huge admiration for the RNIB’s work. I am particularly proud to have it on board with Disability Confident.”

“Far too many blind and partially sighted people are missing the opportunity to develop their talents and connect with the world of work. By working together with the RNIB, we will remove barriers and create the opportunities that blind and partially sighted people expect and deserve,” she added.

BBS: Try a VI Sports Day!

March 30, 2019NewsA fun-filled day for blind and partially sighted children and adults, blind and partially sighted, British Blind Sport, British Blind Sport Try VI Sports Day, children and adultsSaul Wynne

Come along to the British Blind Sport Try VI Sports Day!

British Blind Sport are delighted to bring an event offering a taster of visually impaired (VI) sport, open to both visually impaired and fully sighted individuals.

Date: Wednesday 17th April Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Venue: Royal National College for the Blind, Hereford
Contact: Lijana Kaziow Young Leaders Officer on 01926 424247 or email lijana@britishblindsport.org.uk.

Try cricket, football, goalball, guide running, tennis and more!

This FREE event, delivered in partnership with the Royal National College for the Blind will be a fun-filled day of activity enabling VI children and adults to have a go at a wide range of sports and activities. In addition to this sports coaches, officials and professionals will have the opportunity to explore VI sport through the experience of a young person with sight loss, increasing their understanding and raising the profile of VI sport.

British Blind Sport are delighted to bring an event offering a taster of visually impaired (VI) sport, open to both visually impaired and fully sighted individuals. British Blind Sport (BBS) is the national charity supporting blind and partially sighted people to get active and play sport. The Try VI Sports Day, delivered by BBS See My Voice Young Leaders, aims to help more VI people to find their next sporting adventure in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas as well as raising the profile and understanding of VI sport among sports coaches, officials and professionals.

The charity is pleased to work in partnership with the Royal National College for the Blind to deliver a fun-filled day of activity that enables children and adults to have a go at a wide range of sports. This event is kindly funded by Sport England and the #iwill Fund, which is made possible thanks to joint funding from the government and the National Lottery Community Fund. There will be an opportunity to try cricket, football, goalball, guide running and tennis with more sports to be confirmed very soon. Following the event, BBS will support those that attended to identify what local clubs and sporting facilities are available to them to encourage all attendees to continue to play sport regularly.

The Hereford Try VI Sports Day is free to attend will take place on Wednesday 17th April 2019, 11 am to 4 pm at the Royal National College for the Blind, Hereford, HR1 1DT.

British Blind Sport is welcoming anyone living with a visual impairment to attend as well as extending the invitation to any sports coaches, officials and professionals or anyone interested to learn more about VI sport and get a taster for themselves. Sighted participants will be able to explore VI sport through the experience of a young person with sight loss to help gain a greater understanding of what reasonable adaptations can be made to help make sport and physical activity more accessible.

Registration is required prior to the event and is available by completing a short online registration forms below:

If you are visually impaired and would like to attend this event, please complete this online form.

For further details, contact Lijana Kaziow Young Leaders Officer on 01926 424247 or email lijana@britishblindsport.org.uk.

Calling VI participants…

A fun-filled day for blind and partially sighted children and adults to come and have fun, meet new people and try a range of VI sports as well as supporting more VI people to find their next sporting adventure in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas.

Download the PDF poster here.
Download the accessible Word document poster here.

Are you a sports professional, coach, and official

Are you a sports professional, coach, and official or have ever imagined what it is like to play visually impaired sport?

Do you want to learn how to make sport sessions more accessible for people with sight loss?

Develop a greater appreciation for blind and partially sighted athletes by delving into the world of VI sport at the British Blind Sport Try VI Sports Day.

If you are a fully sighted and would like to improve your knowledge of, and explore VI sport through the experience of a young person with sight loss, please complete this online form.

Download the PDF poster here.
Download the accessible Word document poster here.

More updates form British Blind Sport can be found at https://britishblindsport.org.uk/news/.

RNIB Radio: Travelling Blind!

March 29, 2019NewsSaul Wynne

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Amar to learn more about his love of travel and the BBC programme, Travelling Blind, which pairs him up with celebrities to globe trott with a difference…

Amar Latif is the founder and owner of Traveleyes International, a travel company that provides holidays, around the globe, for sighted and visually impaired people.

Whether you want a beach holiday, explore the Amazon Jungle or throw yourself out of a plane in Cuba, there’s something for everyone.

Despite being blind, Amar is passionate about experiencing everything the world has to offer and makes it his mission to show everyone that tourism isn’t always about the sights or snapping everything in sight.

www.traveleyes-international.com

VI Tennis – Globe Tennis Club

March 28, 2019EventsBelsize Park, Blind Tennis, Globe Tennis Club, Tennis, VI Tennis, Vision Impaired TennisSaul Wynne

Venue:

Globe Tennis Club, 190a Haverstock Hill, London NW3 2AL

Time:

6.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Phone:

07951 190 805

Date:

28th June 2019

Cost:

Your first session is free and then £4 thereafter.

Contact:

info@tennisfoundation.org.uk

Vision Impaired Tennis at Globe Tennis Club, Belsize Park

Join us every other Friday evening to discover the joy of playing VI tennis outdoors on quiet and sheltered courts. Suited to all players in the B2 – B5 categories and experienced B1 players.

VI Tennis is a great way to improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing and you don’t need to be a talented sports person to experience the benefits.

Location: Globe Tennis Club, 190a Haverstock Hill, London NW3 2AL

(located immediately behind Belsize Park Underground Station)

Date: 28 June 2019 Time: 6 pm-8 pm.

The Session can be followed by a social get-together.

How to join us: Belsize Park Underground Station and bus stops for 168, 268 and C11 buses are 1 minute walk from the club. Hampstead Heath Overground Station is a 10 minute walk where we can meet you from 5:30 pm if requested.

Cost: Your first session is free and then £4 thereafter. If you would like to join us or have questions and would like more information please contact.

Contact: Robert Deane 07951 190 805 (call, text or leave message)

www.globetennisclub.com 020 7435 0248

For further information:

info@tennisfoundation.org.uk or call 0208 487 7043

amanda.green@metroblindsport.org or call 07790 102147