Open Hand from Deafblind UK - Spring 2019 LoRes
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<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />
The magazine of <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> – putting you in the picture<br />
Gaby and Dilwyn<br />
Inside:<br />
• nThe right to an assessment<br />
• nMember news: Dilwyn’s story<br />
• nWhat to do when things get difficult<br />
p20<br />
Using OXSIGHT<br />
glasses to read a menu
What’s inside?<br />
P4<br />
P6<br />
P8<br />
News<br />
News<br />
Member News<br />
What’s On<br />
Information<br />
P9 Tell us what you think<br />
P10 <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
Awareness Week<br />
P12 Take the stress out<br />
of shopping<br />
P14 The right to an<br />
assessment<br />
P16 Accessibility review<br />
– Leeds Castle<br />
P18 A Condition – Diabetic<br />
Retinopathy<br />
P20 Expanding your<br />
field of vision<br />
Features<br />
P22 Marie celebrates 15<br />
years of volunteering<br />
P24 What to do when<br />
things get difficult<br />
P26 Digital Update<br />
P28 Regional Roundup<br />
P30 A word of thanks<br />
An elderly woman walking with<br />
a <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> staff member<br />
Editor:<br />
Naomi Dainty<br />
info@deafblind.org.uk<br />
Design:<br />
Lovely Cuppa Design<br />
Published by:<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
© <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> <strong>2019</strong><br />
Pass it on<br />
When you have finished with<br />
this magazine, please pass<br />
it on to family and friends or<br />
even donate it to your local<br />
doctor’s waiting rooms.<br />
Welcome to the <strong>Spring</strong> edition of <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> which<br />
features <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s activities, useful information<br />
for members and research findings.<br />
Since the last issue, not only have we had to assess<br />
whether there would be any implications for us <strong>from</strong><br />
the various Brexit options but we have had to deal with<br />
a ‘perfect storm’ of lower than expected income <strong>from</strong><br />
our care and support services. This is a result of Local<br />
Authorities reviewing their contracts and also the effects of<br />
reduced voluntary income.<br />
However, we have set an achievable budget for the coming<br />
year and, with an increase in staff in our fundraising team,<br />
we are confident of a sustainable financial future.<br />
We believe that we now have the resources to grow our<br />
services; initially focusing on digital inclusion and providing<br />
easier and more regular access to activities.<br />
Finally, I am pleased to confirm that the Annual General<br />
Meeting (AGM) will take place on 26th June. For more<br />
information, please contact us<br />
using the details on the back<br />
of this magazine.<br />
Steve Conway<br />
Chief Executive<br />
Steve Conway<br />
2 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 3
News<br />
New online Blue<br />
Badge service<br />
The Department of Transport has launched a new service to<br />
apply for a Blue Badge online. This means that you no longer<br />
need to send important documents in the post and applications<br />
are processed more quickly. An offline system will still be<br />
available for those who are not able to apply online.<br />
For more information visit www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge.<br />
RNIB Bright Box<br />
Our friends at RNIB have<br />
created three different<br />
packs of goodies for<br />
partially sighted people<br />
which can be delivered to<br />
your door free of charge.<br />
Bright Boxes include handy<br />
signature guides, bank note<br />
checkers and bumpons.<br />
If you’re registered blind<br />
or partially sighted and<br />
live in England, subscribe<br />
online at: www.rnib.org.uk/<br />
brightbox.<br />
Blue badge sign<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
Friendly Awards<br />
Do you know anyone who<br />
has gone the extra mile to<br />
help someone with sight and<br />
hearing loss? This might be your<br />
hairdresser, shop assistant or<br />
a friendly neighbour. If so, then<br />
send us their details to nominate<br />
them for a <strong>Deafblind</strong> Friendly<br />
Award which will be presented<br />
during<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
Awareness<br />
Week in<br />
June.<br />
Our first charity shop<br />
We are excited to announce<br />
the opening of our first charity<br />
shop! All profits <strong>from</strong> the shop<br />
go straight back into the charity<br />
and help us continue to support<br />
people with combined sight and<br />
hearing loss. The shop is at The<br />
Werrington Centre, Staniland<br />
Way, Peterborough PE4 6NA<br />
and will be open Monday –<br />
Saturday 9.00am – 4.30pm.<br />
New holiday<br />
accommodation for<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> members<br />
Our discounted holidays have<br />
been so popular that we have<br />
fundraised for and bought a<br />
third caravan! This is located<br />
in Hopton, Norfolk and we are<br />
now taking bookings for <strong>2019</strong>.<br />
For more information visit:<br />
www.deafblind.org.uk/whatwe-do/holidays<br />
or contact us<br />
using the details on the back of<br />
this magazine.<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Conference Centre<br />
The <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Conference Centre in<br />
Peterborough is now taking<br />
bookings for evenings and<br />
weekends in addition to<br />
mid-week bookings.<br />
All proceeds go directly<br />
to the charity, so if you’re<br />
looking for a meeting room<br />
please consider us!<br />
Synapptic TV Box<br />
Our friends at Synapptic have<br />
launched a new TV Box which<br />
plugs into a normal TV to give<br />
visually impaired people a<br />
highly usable and simple<br />
menu system. This makes it<br />
simple and easy to find what<br />
you want to watch. For more<br />
information contact Synapptic:<br />
www.synapptic.com.<br />
A waitress pouring coffee<br />
4 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 5<br />
The new <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> caravan<br />
The <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Conference Centre
Member News<br />
Dilwyn’s story<br />
Dilwyn and Gaby<br />
Discounted holidays<br />
Book now for <strong>2019</strong>!<br />
Our self-catering<br />
holidays are selling fast.<br />
Contact us today to<br />
book one of our luxury<br />
caravans at heavily<br />
discounted rates.<br />
Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk<br />
Dilwyn, 88, lives alone near<br />
Wrexham. He began losing<br />
his sight 19 years ago and is<br />
now completely blind.<br />
He says, “The biggest<br />
challenge is being on my own<br />
for over 40 hours a week.<br />
Isolation is the hardest thing.<br />
I asked my local social services<br />
for help and they told me about<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.”<br />
Dilwyn was soon introduced<br />
to Gaby, a <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
volunteer companion and they<br />
immediately felt comfortable<br />
together. Gaby said: “I visit<br />
Dilwyn every Wednesday for<br />
2-3 hours at a time. We have a<br />
coffee and a chat. It’s nice, we<br />
have become good friends.”<br />
Dilwyn has also been welcomed<br />
to our social group in Wrexham.<br />
He has enjoyed making new<br />
friends and his self-confidence<br />
has dramatically improved -<br />
he even agreed to give a talk<br />
about his life and career!<br />
Dilwyn says: “Every meeting,<br />
before I even walk through the<br />
door at the group, my friend<br />
shouts: “Hi Dilwyn!” and it’s<br />
absolutely lovely!”<br />
Chambery, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk<br />
Prestatyn, North Wales<br />
Each of our caravans is furnished to the highest<br />
specification and located on idyllic parks which<br />
are close to the beach. For more information or<br />
to book your holiday, call us on 0800 132230<br />
or email: info@deafblind.org.uk.<br />
6 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 7
What’s On<br />
Here’s your roundup of the<br />
best places to be over the<br />
next few months. If you<br />
know of any events that<br />
you think we should list<br />
here, please let us know!<br />
Dolphin Software Events<br />
A series of events to introduce<br />
people with visual impairments<br />
to different technology and<br />
lifestyle solutions.<br />
24th April <strong>2019</strong><br />
Vision Support, Avow 21<br />
Edgerton Street, Wrexham<br />
LL11 1ND<br />
3rd June <strong>2019</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> Day Bristol, Newman Hall<br />
Grange Court Road, Westbury<br />
on Trym, Bristol BS9 4DR<br />
Low Vision and<br />
Hearing Loss Day<br />
A free event for anyone who<br />
is affected by sight loss,<br />
hearing loss or both! Come<br />
along and discover tools and<br />
services to improve life with<br />
sight and hearing loss.<br />
For more information visit:<br />
www.deafblind.org.uk/events<br />
Low vision<br />
and hearing<br />
loss day logo<br />
28th June <strong>2019</strong><br />
10.30am – 3.30pm<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>, Cygnet Road,<br />
Peterborough PE7 8FD<br />
Guide Dogs Forums<br />
A series of events for people who<br />
are blind or partially sighted, their<br />
friends, family or carers to share<br />
and provide information and raise<br />
concerns in a positive manner<br />
directly to change makers.<br />
8th May <strong>2019</strong><br />
11.00am – 1.00pm<br />
The Annesley House<br />
Hotel, Norwich NR2 2LA<br />
22nd May <strong>2019</strong><br />
12.00pm – 2.00pm<br />
Parkside Fire Station,<br />
Cambridge CB1 1JF<br />
5th June <strong>2019</strong><br />
11.00am – 1.00pm<br />
RNIB, Midgate House,<br />
Peterborough PE1 1TN<br />
Tell us what<br />
you think<br />
Who better to shape the<br />
future of our services than<br />
the people who benefit most?<br />
Our member forums are<br />
informative and engaging<br />
events where you can give us<br />
feedback about our services<br />
and make suggestions for<br />
our ongoing work. They are<br />
also a great opportunity to<br />
meet other members and talk<br />
to <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> staff.<br />
Members and staff at a<br />
recent forum<br />
Forums are planned<br />
for the following dates,<br />
so contact us to book<br />
your place! Please note<br />
that the forum can only<br />
go ahead if at least 20<br />
people book in.<br />
Northern Ireland<br />
Thursday 11th April<br />
North Wales<br />
Tuesday 7th May<br />
South Wales<br />
Thursday 23rd May<br />
Bristol<br />
Tuesday 4th June<br />
North of England<br />
Tuesday 16th July<br />
West Midlands<br />
Thursday 18th July<br />
National Forum<br />
(Peterborough)<br />
Tuesday 15th October<br />
To book a place at your local forum, call 0800 132 230<br />
or email: feedback@deafblind.org.uk<br />
8 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 9
Join us for <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
Awareness Week <strong>2019</strong>!<br />
We are already thinking about summer as we look forward to<br />
another <strong>Deafblind</strong> Awareness Week. This year’s events will<br />
take place between Monday 24th June and Sunday 30th June.<br />
woodland walk or get involved<br />
in some tree planting?<br />
Alternatively, you could hold a<br />
bake sale or coffee morning,<br />
leave a collection pot in your<br />
local pub, shop or café, or<br />
simply share our cause on<br />
social media.<br />
What is <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
Awareness Week?<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> Awareness Week<br />
commemorates the birthday<br />
of Helen Keller (1880-1968),<br />
a prominent author and political<br />
activist who became the first<br />
deafblind person to earn a<br />
Bachelor of Arts degree.<br />
The week aims to raise<br />
awareness of dual sensory loss<br />
which currently affects nearly<br />
400,000 people in the <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
Throughout <strong>Deafblind</strong> Awareness<br />
Week we will be helping<br />
more people to understand<br />
deafblindness and ensure that<br />
they know where to go for help.<br />
We encourage everyone to get<br />
involved in the week, whether<br />
it is by helping us to spread the<br />
word and support more people or<br />
by holding a fundraising activity<br />
or doing a challenge event.<br />
A picnic set up on<br />
a table outside<br />
The Great Outdoors<br />
This year <strong>Deafblind</strong> Awareness<br />
Week will be focussed around<br />
The Great Outdoors. We want<br />
to encourage as many people<br />
as possible to experience the<br />
health and wellbeing benefits of<br />
being outdoors. Studies have<br />
shown that getting outdoors,<br />
even for a short walk, can:<br />
• nDecrease stress levels<br />
• nLower blood pressure<br />
• nImprove short-term memory<br />
• nFight fatigue<br />
Walking through a forest<br />
A trip outdoors, whether it’s the<br />
beach, a nature trail, or even<br />
your own back garden is a<br />
delight for all the senses. From<br />
the smells of forest leaves to<br />
the texture of sand, it’s hugely<br />
beneficial to get away <strong>from</strong><br />
the stresses of daily life with a<br />
simple walk outside.<br />
Get involved!<br />
There’s lots you can do to<br />
support <strong>Deafblind</strong> Awareness<br />
Week. For the thrill-seekers<br />
among you, take part in our<br />
tandem skydive or swim a mile<br />
in open water in the Great East<br />
Swim. Or, why not go for a<br />
picnic in your local park, try a<br />
Dates for your diary<br />
• nGreat East Swim<br />
22nd June, Suffolk<br />
• nTandem Skydive<br />
23rd June, Sibson<br />
Airfield, Peterborough<br />
• nLow Vision and<br />
Hearing Loss Day<br />
28th June, Peterborough<br />
(see more on page 8)<br />
The Great East Swim<br />
To get involved with any of these events,<br />
please email: fundraising@deafblind.org.uk<br />
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Taking the stress<br />
out of shopping<br />
For many visually and<br />
hearing-impaired people<br />
a simple trip to the<br />
supermarket can be a<br />
stressful experience. A lack<br />
of natural light, too many<br />
crowds and loud background<br />
noise may deter people <strong>from</strong><br />
making essential trips.<br />
Thankfully, <strong>UK</strong> supermarkets are<br />
now making changes to ensure<br />
that the shopping experience<br />
is more pleasant for everyone.<br />
There are also more alternatives<br />
available now for those who<br />
prefer not to venture out.<br />
Slow shopping<br />
In 2016, supermarket chain<br />
Sainsbury’s introduced “Slow<br />
Shopping”. Between 1pm<br />
and 3pm on Tuesdays, staff<br />
members are on hand to<br />
greet elderly and vulnerable<br />
customers, while chairs are<br />
placed at the end of aisles if<br />
shoppers need a rest.<br />
This slow shopping initiative has<br />
since been introduced to other<br />
stores across the <strong>UK</strong>, including<br />
Southgate Shopping Centre,<br />
Waitrose Bath, Asda Clacton-on-<br />
Sea, and Tesco and Marks and<br />
Spencer, Kingston Park.<br />
In July 2018, supermarket chain<br />
Morrisons also launched a<br />
“Quieter Hour” between 9am and<br />
10am on Saturday mornings.<br />
During this time they have<br />
pledged to dim the lights, turn<br />
off all music and radios, avoid<br />
in-store announcements, reduce<br />
check-out noises, lessen trolley<br />
movement and inform customers<br />
that it is Quieter Hour.<br />
Person holding a basket<br />
full of vegetables<br />
Making your shopping<br />
experience less stressful<br />
For an easier shopping<br />
experience, consider:<br />
• nMaking a list in advance<br />
• nTaking a friend or relative<br />
with you<br />
• nShopping during less busy<br />
or “quiet hours”<br />
• nContact the customer service<br />
desk in advance to find out<br />
what support they can offer<br />
Alternatives to<br />
supermarket shopping<br />
Online shopping has increased<br />
considerably in recent years,<br />
almost doubling between 2010<br />
and 2016. Customers can<br />
choose <strong>from</strong> ordering groceries<br />
for delivery <strong>from</strong> Asda, Tesco,<br />
Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and<br />
Waitrose, or they can also<br />
choose click-and-collect, both<br />
of which allow them to choose a<br />
convenient time.<br />
For other shopping, such as<br />
gifts, clothes or household<br />
items, many online retailers<br />
now have just a small delivery<br />
charge or even free delivery<br />
over a certain spend. Other<br />
initiatives such as Amazon<br />
Prime provide next day delivery<br />
for a yearly or monthly charge,<br />
seven days a week.<br />
To find a “slow shop” store<br />
near you, visit:<br />
www.slowshopping.org.uk<br />
Our digital support service<br />
can help you get set up for<br />
online shopping – contact us<br />
using the details on the back<br />
of this magazine.<br />
A tablet and a laptop<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is<br />
working with shopping<br />
centres such as<br />
Serpentine Green<br />
in Peterborough to<br />
help staff understand<br />
the challenges of<br />
deafblindness.<br />
12 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 13
The right to an<br />
assessment<br />
For years, <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
and other charities have<br />
campaigned for the rights<br />
of people with dual sensory<br />
loss. This has now been<br />
acknowledged in specific<br />
legislation (The Care Act 2014)<br />
but do enough people know<br />
about this?<br />
We wanted to discover whether<br />
people with sight and hearing<br />
loss know that they are entitled<br />
to a specialist deafblind<br />
assessment and potentially<br />
further support. So, in<br />
conjunction with students <strong>from</strong><br />
Form filling<br />
the University of Cambridge,<br />
we spoke to deafblind people<br />
across Cambridgeshire to<br />
find out.<br />
Worryingly, only 15% of<br />
respondents had heard of<br />
The Care Act and just over half<br />
of these could tell us anything<br />
about their rights. Some<br />
knew that they had the right<br />
to an assessment, that their<br />
assessor should be trained<br />
in deafblindness and that an<br />
assessment should address<br />
the need for one-to-one<br />
human contact.<br />
Whilst these responses are<br />
correct, it is disappointing that<br />
so few people know about their<br />
entitlements and that so many<br />
more people could be benefiting<br />
<strong>from</strong> further support.<br />
Your rights<br />
If sight and hearing loss affects<br />
your mobility, communication<br />
and access to information,<br />
you are entitled to:<br />
• nA deafblind assessment<br />
to determine whether you<br />
have eligible needs for care<br />
and support.<br />
Your local authority must:<br />
• nRecognise that you may not<br />
necessarily be able to benefit<br />
<strong>from</strong> mainstream services or<br />
those services aimed primarily<br />
at blind people or deaf people<br />
who are able to rely on their<br />
other senses.<br />
• nEnsure that deafblind people<br />
are able to access specifically<br />
trained one-to-one support<br />
workers if they are assessed<br />
as requiring one.<br />
• nProvide information about<br />
services in ways which are<br />
accessible to deafblind people.<br />
We would like to thank<br />
our members who took<br />
part in this research,<br />
and students <strong>from</strong><br />
Cambridge Hub’s Social<br />
Innovation Programme<br />
(SIP) for working with us<br />
on this project.<br />
Chatting on<br />
the phone<br />
For more information<br />
about assessments<br />
or to request an<br />
assessment through<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>, please<br />
contact us using the<br />
details on the back of<br />
this magazine.<br />
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<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 15
<strong>Spring</strong> at Leeds Castle<br />
The keypads on these<br />
devices have been designed<br />
in conjunction with the RNIB<br />
and Action for Blind People<br />
to ensure full compliance with<br />
access guides for visuallyimpaired<br />
guests.<br />
Maidens Tower and Castle<br />
Accessibility Review:<br />
Leeds Castle<br />
Known by many as the<br />
“loveliest castle in the world”,<br />
the historic Leeds Castle<br />
celebrates its 900th birthday<br />
in <strong>2019</strong>. Contrary to the name,<br />
it is located in Maidstone,<br />
Kent and is easily accessible<br />
off the M20 motorway or by<br />
Bearsted train station.<br />
Catherine of Aragon, as well<br />
as a Jacobean country house,<br />
Georgian mansion and a retreat<br />
for Lady Baillie who left it to the<br />
Leeds Castle Foundation in<br />
1976 when it was opened to the<br />
general public.<br />
Accessible facilities<br />
at the castle<br />
The Castle Shop provides<br />
audio tours at a reduced rate<br />
for visitors with disabilities. The<br />
devices are lightweight and<br />
hand-held, while there are also<br />
hands-free stereo headphones<br />
for visitors with walking aids.<br />
Guide dogs are welcome<br />
at Leeds Castle and there<br />
are multiple accessible<br />
entrances for wheelchair users.<br />
Wheelchairs are also available<br />
free of charge, although mobility<br />
scooters are not permitted. A<br />
free mobility bus is available<br />
near the ticket office which<br />
offers regular trips to the main<br />
entrance. Many attractions are<br />
wheelchair-friendly, including<br />
the Castle View Restaurant,<br />
The Gatehouse, The Black<br />
Swan Ferry Boat and many<br />
gardens, as well as car parking.<br />
Some areas are limited due<br />
to the castle’s ancient building<br />
design but alternative tours<br />
are available.<br />
Offering a rich history, the<br />
• nMotors by the Moat:<br />
castle was built by Robert<br />
11th to 12th May<br />
de Crevecoeur as a Norman<br />
• nMedieval Jousting<br />
stronghold before it became<br />
Tournament:<br />
a royal property for six of<br />
25th to 27th May<br />
England’s medieval queens.<br />
It also served as a palace for<br />
Henry VIII and his first wife,<br />
For more information, visit:<br />
16 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
www.leeds-castle.com <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 17<br />
Guide dogs at Leeds Castle<br />
What’s On<br />
Falconry displays are<br />
available during school<br />
holidays, weekends<br />
between October and<br />
March, and daily <strong>from</strong><br />
April to September.<br />
Admission includes<br />
entry into the Gatehouse<br />
Museum, garden and more,<br />
while there are events to<br />
look forward to this spring:<br />
• nEaster Fun with the<br />
Junk Orchestra:<br />
19th to 22nd April
A condition:<br />
What is diabetic<br />
retinopathy?<br />
Developing in stages over<br />
time, diabetic retinopathy is<br />
one of the leading causes of<br />
sight loss across the world.<br />
It can affect any age group,<br />
with national screening being<br />
offered <strong>from</strong> the age of 12<br />
to identify the early signs.<br />
If left untreated it can lead<br />
to blindness, although it<br />
takes several years for the<br />
condition to develop.<br />
What causes<br />
diabetic retinopathy?<br />
Currently affecting around a third<br />
of the diabetic population, diabetic<br />
retinopathy (DR) is a complication<br />
caused by high blood sugar<br />
levels which damages the retina.<br />
The retina is made of cells that<br />
convert light into electric signals,<br />
which are sent to the brain and<br />
turned into images.<br />
To function properly, the<br />
retina needs a constant blood<br />
supply. If the blood sugar is<br />
persistently too high the blood<br />
vessels supplying the retina can<br />
become damaged.<br />
Signs and symptoms<br />
Early stages of DR do not usually<br />
present symptoms, however<br />
you should always seek medical<br />
assistance if you notice:<br />
• nBlurred or patchy vision<br />
• nEye pain or redness<br />
• n“Floaters” – shapes in your<br />
field of vision<br />
• nWorsening vision or sudden<br />
total loss<br />
A human eye<br />
Over time a persistently<br />
high blood sugar level<br />
can damage these blood<br />
vessels. This happens in<br />
three stages:<br />
1 There are small<br />
changes in the eye but<br />
sight is not affected and<br />
treatment is not needed.<br />
There is an increased<br />
risk of future sight loss.<br />
2 There are greater<br />
changes to the eye<br />
including retinal bleeds.<br />
Sight is affected and<br />
diabetic screenings<br />
should increase to every<br />
3-6 months.<br />
3 There are significant<br />
changes in the eye,<br />
bleeds and retinal<br />
detachment. There is<br />
significant sight loss<br />
and treatment can<br />
stabilise but cannot<br />
improve your sight.<br />
Treatment<br />
and prevention<br />
The risk of developing DR can<br />
be reduced by controlling your<br />
blood sugar, blood pressure<br />
and cholesterol levels alongside<br />
taking all prescribed diabetic<br />
medications and living a<br />
generally healthy lifestyle.<br />
(Your GP can give advice about<br />
a healthy lifestyle). Also, ensure<br />
you attend your yearly diabetic<br />
eye screening appointment.<br />
Depending on the severity of<br />
the condition, laser treatments,<br />
eye injections or even eye<br />
surgery may treat DR.<br />
Having a sight test<br />
National charity Diabetes <strong>UK</strong> offers local support<br />
groups and advice lines, though you should always<br />
consult your GP for medical advice.<br />
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<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 19
Life changing<br />
Using OXSIGHT<br />
glasses to read a menu<br />
technology<br />
For those of us with vision<br />
impairments, the idea of<br />
being able to see more really<br />
would be life changing. This<br />
dream could now be reality<br />
for some thanks to our<br />
friends at OXSIGHT.<br />
OXSIGHT glasses can improve<br />
sight for visually impaired people.<br />
They are designed to enhance<br />
vision for people with peripheral<br />
sight loss caused by conditions<br />
such as Glaucoma, Diabetes,<br />
Retinitis Pigmentosa and other<br />
degenerative eye diseases.<br />
vision. This can allow a user<br />
with peripheral sight loss to<br />
experience a full 68 degree<br />
field of vision.<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>’s Chairman Bob<br />
Nolan uses the glasses. He said:<br />
“The moment when I first tried<br />
on the OXSIGHT glasses will<br />
stay with me for a long time.<br />
I was talking with one of my<br />
family members and I could<br />
only make out her head and<br />
shoulders in a dimly lit room.<br />
When I put the glasses on it<br />
brightened up everything and<br />
I could clearly see not one but<br />
five members of my family!<br />
When you have less than five<br />
degree vision as I do, looking<br />
through the glasses is nothing<br />
short of miraculous.”<br />
The company was founded<br />
in 2016 by a team whose<br />
research into how the brain<br />
manages visual information<br />
began at Oxford University.<br />
OXSIGHT has since<br />
established partnerships with<br />
globally recognised partners<br />
<strong>from</strong> both the sight impaired<br />
and technology communities<br />
including: Google, The Royal<br />
National Institute of Blind<br />
People (RNIB), Guide Dogs<br />
Association, The University<br />
of Oxford, NIHR i4i, and The<br />
Royal Academy of Engineering.<br />
loss conditions. They are<br />
currently providing trials, fitting,<br />
and clinical support at their<br />
clinics in London, Oxford and<br />
Greater Manchester. Funding<br />
support for OXSIGHT devices<br />
is available through the<br />
Government’s Access to Work<br />
scheme, as well as through a<br />
0% finance plan.<br />
The glasses are fitted with a<br />
camera which streams a live<br />
feed into two high resolution<br />
Epson®-powered video<br />
OXSIGHT glasses<br />
displays. These screens are<br />
placed directly in front of the<br />
eyes and the images produced<br />
are manipulated to fit into<br />
To find out if OXSIGHT<br />
the user’s area of usable<br />
OXSIGHT glasses are suitable glasses could help you,<br />
for people with certain sight visit: www.oxsight.co.uk<br />
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or call 01865 580255. <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 21<br />
Wearing OXSIGHT<br />
glasses at the BBC
Marie celebrates 15 years of<br />
volunteering with <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Marie Meredith <strong>from</strong> Bangor has recently celebrated her<br />
15th anniversary of volunteering for <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
Marie celebrating 15<br />
years of volunteering<br />
With encouragement <strong>from</strong> her<br />
daughter, Marie admits she “fell<br />
into” volunteering. Marie explains:<br />
“My daughter started volunteering<br />
and as she couldn’t drive, I<br />
agreed to join too so I could drive<br />
her. I ended up going in to visit<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> members with her<br />
and then, when my daughter<br />
moved away to University, I<br />
agreed to take over and carry on<br />
seeing her members!”<br />
Marie says: “I’ve visited 9 or 10<br />
members during my 15 years<br />
and they’ve all been different<br />
types of people, it’s been so<br />
interesting. I also try and spread<br />
the word locally with anyone<br />
I know who has a sight and<br />
hearing loss that there is help<br />
available <strong>from</strong> <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.”<br />
Volunteering with <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
<strong>UK</strong> has also benefited Marie’s<br />
wellbeing. Marie explains: “I<br />
feel it’s in my nature to help<br />
people as I used to be a nurse.<br />
I really don’t like to see people<br />
suffering and if I can help in any<br />
way I try to. That’s why I enjoy<br />
volunteering, because I get a<br />
reward for it too.”<br />
After experiencing volunteering<br />
for so long Marie remains<br />
the strongest advocate for<br />
volunteering with <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>:<br />
“I would definitely recommend<br />
volunteering with <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
You get to make a difference to<br />
people and make them happy,<br />
you’ll be supported throughout<br />
and receive all the training<br />
you need before you start and<br />
during your role. <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
<strong>UK</strong> staff have always been<br />
supportive, I’ve been able to<br />
meet other volunteers in the<br />
regular get-togethers we’ve had<br />
in North Wales.”<br />
When asked what Marie would<br />
say to someone thinking of<br />
volunteering with <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>,<br />
Marie’s response couldn’t have<br />
been clearer: “Go for it! I never<br />
thought I’d be volunteering for<br />
so long but as I enjoy it I can’t<br />
stop! I’ve loved it.”<br />
A huge thank you and<br />
congratulations go to<br />
Marie <strong>from</strong> everyone at<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
If you are inspired by Marie’s story and would like to<br />
volunteer for <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> please contact us to find<br />
out more about the different roles available.<br />
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<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 23
An elderly woman<br />
walking with a <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
<strong>UK</strong> staff member<br />
go to the bank or to support<br />
with shopping, to help make<br />
sure that you don’t miss out on<br />
any information. They will also<br />
support you to carry on with<br />
your hobbies, making sure sight<br />
and hearing loss doesn’t stop<br />
you doing what you love.<br />
Our support workers will<br />
communicate with you in the<br />
way you want, whether this is<br />
British Sign Language (BSL),<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> Manual, block<br />
alphabet, clear speech or<br />
any other method.<br />
What to do when<br />
things get difficult<br />
Living with any level of sight<br />
and hearing loss can be<br />
hard; you might find yourself<br />
relying on family and friends<br />
to help you with reading<br />
post or making calls, you<br />
might be avoiding personal<br />
appointments because of the<br />
communication barriers they<br />
present. But did you know<br />
that there is support available<br />
for when you need some<br />
extra help?<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Care and Support<br />
is a truly unique service that<br />
combines personal support with<br />
communication and guiding<br />
to help those with sight and<br />
hearing loss continue to live as<br />
independently as possible.<br />
A support worker could visit<br />
you at home and work with you<br />
to do whatever you want. This<br />
might be helping you with post<br />
and paying bills, or it might<br />
be helping you to get to your<br />
appointments,<br />
Communicating with<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> Manual<br />
Our care and support service is a paid for service,<br />
you can access it in the following ways:<br />
Personal budgets<br />
If you have a personal<br />
budget <strong>from</strong> your local<br />
authority following a<br />
deafblind assessment,<br />
you can arrange your<br />
own support.<br />
Through your<br />
local authority<br />
If you are eligible for support<br />
following a deafblind<br />
assessment, but your local<br />
authority holds your budget,<br />
ask them if you can use<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> Care and<br />
Support as your provider.<br />
Self funding<br />
If you are not eligible for<br />
support <strong>from</strong> your local<br />
authority, you can arrange and<br />
pay for support yourself. We<br />
recommend that you check<br />
whether you are eligible for<br />
funded support first.<br />
A piggy bank<br />
Contact us using the details on the back of this<br />
magazine to see if we operate in your area.<br />
24 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 25
Digital Update<br />
Our digital support service helps people make the most of devices,<br />
apps and products to help them continue to do what they love.<br />
Welcome Solomon<br />
“Hello, I’m Solomon. I have<br />
recently joined <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
<strong>UK</strong>’s digital inclusion team<br />
in London and wow, what a<br />
start it has been! My job is to<br />
reach out to people affected<br />
by sight and hearing loss and<br />
help them to use technology<br />
to their advantage. Since I<br />
started in November, I have<br />
run a digital workshop with a<br />
patient support group, delivered<br />
digital showcases at <strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
<strong>UK</strong> social groups and visited<br />
deafblind people in their own<br />
homes to support them with<br />
digital technology.<br />
I’m astounded<br />
at just how<br />
many devices<br />
and apps on<br />
the market<br />
today can<br />
help people<br />
with sensory<br />
loss. I always Digital Inclusion<br />
include a Officer, Solomon<br />
review of the<br />
most relevant products in my<br />
talks and the reaction has been<br />
fantastic! There are so many<br />
people who want to find out more<br />
about how technology can help<br />
them, I’m going to be very busy!”<br />
Jim’s story<br />
Jim is a retired children’s<br />
book author who still enjoys<br />
creative writing. However, the<br />
onset of macular degeneration<br />
together with a detached<br />
retina makes it difficult for<br />
Jim to use his computer. He<br />
has been working with our<br />
digital support team for the<br />
past year and has learned<br />
to set a sharper background<br />
colour, configure a simpler<br />
file view and set advanced<br />
MS Word editing options. Jim<br />
said: “I could no longer read<br />
the screen but showing me<br />
simple Windows magnification<br />
keystrokes together with the<br />
built in screen reader support<br />
is proving indispensable. You<br />
have made all the difference<br />
for me being able to continue<br />
to use my computer!”<br />
Free app –<br />
Dolphin EasyReader<br />
Dolphin EasyReader is a free<br />
app designed for readers with<br />
dyslexia or low vision. It allows<br />
you to read and/or have books<br />
and newspapers read back<br />
to you. Through the app you<br />
can access the popular book<br />
and newspaper libraries such<br />
as the RNIB online talking<br />
books service or the Project<br />
Gutenberg free ebook library.<br />
We think it’s great, give it a go!<br />
The University of Bradford<br />
We recently visited the University of Bradford to talk to<br />
social work and social care students about the use of<br />
adaptive technology for sensory impairments. Students were<br />
particularly interested to hear about products such as talking<br />
phones, sophisticated Braille note takers and screen readers.<br />
Dolphin EasyReader<br />
To find out more about<br />
our digital support<br />
service, contact us using<br />
the details on the back of<br />
Solomon helping Jim<br />
26 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
this magazine. <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 27
Regional Roundup: Yorkshire<br />
Meet our Outreach Officer, Andrew, and find out what we’re<br />
up to in Yorkshire!<br />
Welcome Andrew<br />
“Hello, I’m Andrew and it’s my<br />
job to deliver <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
services in West and South<br />
Yorkshire. I joined <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
in June 2018 having worked<br />
and volunteered for hearing<br />
loss charities throughout my<br />
career. In my previous role I<br />
specialised in using technology<br />
to help people remain<br />
independent, so for information<br />
about hearing loops, amplifiers,<br />
alerting systems and all things<br />
technical, I’m your man!<br />
I was born deaf and rely on two<br />
hearing aids but I communicate<br />
through clear<br />
speech –<br />
although I<br />
am qualified<br />
in BSL.<br />
I studied<br />
Social Care<br />
and Deaf<br />
Studies at<br />
university,<br />
where I met my good friend<br />
and <strong>Deafblind</strong> Northern Ireland<br />
Outreach Officer, James.<br />
If there’s anything I can help<br />
you with please do not hesitate<br />
to contact me.”<br />
Calling all volunteers!<br />
We are urgently looking for volunteer<br />
companions to visit or call some of our more<br />
isolated members on a regular basis. This is<br />
truly rewarding and gives some people a rare<br />
chance to interact with others. If you or anyone<br />
you know might be interested in volunteering<br />
with us then please contact us.<br />
Andrew Barnes,<br />
Outreach Officer for<br />
Yorkshire<br />
Preventing<br />
social isolation<br />
in rural areas<br />
Living in a rural area, as many<br />
Yorkshire residents do, means<br />
that opportunities for social<br />
interaction can be more limited<br />
than in larger towns and cities –<br />
but it is just as important.<br />
We would love to hear about<br />
any social groups or clubs that<br />
members in Yorkshire go to<br />
so that we can recommend<br />
these to other people. Also, if<br />
you would like to meet up with<br />
another <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> member<br />
in your local area then please<br />
let us know and we will do what<br />
we can to arrange this for you.<br />
People talking<br />
Liz (SRSB), Andrew (<strong>Deafblind</strong><br />
<strong>UK</strong>) and Tracy (SRSB)<br />
Out and<br />
about<br />
We have been working<br />
closely with Sheffield<br />
Royal Society for the Blind<br />
(SRSB) and The Macular<br />
Society to raise awareness<br />
of sight and hearing loss<br />
in the local area. Together,<br />
we have attended some<br />
local events and are busy<br />
planning some activities<br />
for <strong>Deafblind</strong> Awareness<br />
Week in June.<br />
To find out more about<br />
our services in Yorkshire,<br />
contact Andrew Barnes<br />
on 07940 858749.<br />
28 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 29
A word of thanks<br />
We couldn’t do the life-changing work that we do<br />
without the generous support of fundraisers, donors,<br />
partners and volunteers.<br />
Running for <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Support a<br />
good cause<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> supports<br />
thousands of people with<br />
combined sight and hearing<br />
loss. But we couldn’t do it<br />
without support <strong>from</strong> our<br />
members and their friends and<br />
family. Do you know someone<br />
who might want to use our<br />
conference centre, take on a<br />
challenge event for us or even<br />
volunteer for us? If so please<br />
contact us using the details on<br />
the back of this magazine.<br />
Hello Abellio<br />
We’d like to say a huge<br />
thank you to Abellio for<br />
making <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
it’s charity of the year!<br />
Abellio is one of the <strong>UK</strong>’s<br />
leading transport providers<br />
operating buses and trains<br />
across the country. We are<br />
looking forward to working<br />
with the team on fundraising<br />
and awareness raising<br />
projects later this year.<br />
Abellio<br />
logo<br />
Run, Patrick, Run!<br />
Well done to Patrick who has just<br />
completed his third marathon<br />
for <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>! Patrick has<br />
now raised nearly<br />
£3,000 for deafblind<br />
people. Thank you<br />
very much!<br />
Good luck London<br />
The very best of luck to<br />
everyone running the London<br />
Marathon later this month,<br />
especially Team DB<strong>UK</strong>!<br />
Rachel, Michael, Jo, Lucy,<br />
Adam and Hilary will be<br />
running for <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>.<br />
If you would like to get<br />
involved in fundraising<br />
for <strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong>, please<br />
contact us using the<br />
Good luck everyone!<br />
details on the back of<br />
30 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong><br />
<strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong> 31<br />
Patrick<br />
Serpentine Green<br />
Thank you to Serpentine<br />
Green shopping centre in<br />
Peterborough for its ongoing<br />
support. The centre has been<br />
more than accommodating<br />
in holding collections and<br />
awareness events for us and<br />
helping us to spread the word<br />
about deafblindness.<br />
Dobbies Garden Centre<br />
Thank you to Dobbies in<br />
Peterborough for donating coat<br />
hangers and “D-bars” to our<br />
new charity shop!<br />
Cooking for raffle prizes<br />
Thank you to COOK<br />
and Steamer Trading in<br />
Stamford for kindly donating<br />
very generous raffle prizes<br />
for our fundraising activities.<br />
Progressive Property<br />
Thank you to Progressive<br />
Property for hiring rooms in<br />
our conference centre over<br />
multiple recent weekends.<br />
These bookings have allowed<br />
us to support 21 deafblind<br />
people for a whole year!<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
Conference Centre<br />
this magazine.<br />
Serpentine Green<br />
shopping centre
How can we help you?<br />
Information<br />
and advice<br />
Community outreach<br />
Casework<br />
Home, telephone and<br />
email befriending<br />
Social groups<br />
Digital support<br />
Heavily discounted<br />
holidays<br />
If you would like to access<br />
any of the services we offer<br />
please contact us:<br />
0800 132 320<br />
info@deafblind.org.uk<br />
07950 008870 www.deafblind.org.uk<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong> is a registered charity. We have to raise £35,000<br />
every week to be able to keep supporting our members.<br />
If you would like to make a regular or one off donation please<br />
go to: www.deafblind.org.uk/donate or call 0800 132 320<br />
Contact us<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />
National Centre for<br />
<strong>Deafblind</strong>ness<br />
John and Lucille van<br />
Geest Place<br />
Cygnet Road<br />
Peterborough<br />
PE7 8FD<br />
Tel/Text phone: 0800 132 320<br />
Fax: 01733 358 356<br />
email: info@deafblind.org.uk<br />
www.deafblind.org.uk<br />
DB<strong>UK</strong>Charity<br />
@<strong>Deafblind</strong><strong>UK</strong><br />
Registered Charity No: 802976<br />
Company Reg No: 2426281<br />
32 <strong>Open</strong> <strong>Hand</strong>