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About WCB.
Wales Council of the Blind is the umbrella agency representing vision impairment within Wales. We work to campaign, lobby and support the improvement of services for people with sight loss. [Read more...]
Latest news.
Children with disabilities in Wales being denied their right to an education
A new report from the Welsh Parliament's Children, Young People and Education Committee considers whether disabled children and young people have equal access to education and childcare. It concludes that although 'there is some inclusive provision which meets the needs of children, young people and their families, this provision is patchy and inconsistent across Wales'.
The report considers the issues facing families with blind and partially sighted children, and finds a postcode lottery, where some children are able to access the 'gold standard Sensory & Communication Support Service (SenCom)', and others are unable to get this level of specialist support and fall behind with their schoolwork. The report includes 32 recommendations for Welsh Government to consider, including a call for 'a clear delivery plan for addressing gaps in specialist teaching posts, for Teachers of the Deaf, and Teachers of the Visually Impaired'.
Welsh Government has been asked to respond, there will then be a debate in the Senedd. You can find out more, read the full report and a summary report here.
Wales Eyecare Conference 2024
Save the date! The Annual Wales Eyecare Conference will be taking place on Thursday 7th November 2024.
Further information will follow shortly.
Perspectif Social: New project to tackle loneliness
Perspectif Social is a new project to tackle loneliness in people with vision impairment.
Loneliness is associated with depression, sleep disturbance, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is identified as a global public health problem. Living with a vision impairment increases a person’s risk of loneliness and isolation. However, increased social interaction through signposting such as social prescribing is helpful in alleviating loneliness and isolation.
Wales Council of the Blind (WCB) is working with Rebecca John, National Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) Clinical Lead, in a Vision Foundation-funded project to develop a toolset for Low Vision practitioners for signposting patients to support using our Perspectif Information Portal. We shall be seeking members of a review panel for the project and also service users to interview.
If you would like to know more, contact WCB on 02920 473 954 or email owen@wcb-ccd.org.uk .
RNIB Cymru report reveals 'The Cost of Sight Loss in Wales'
A new report from RNIB Cymru reveals how cost of living increases have had a devastating effect on people with sight loss.
Based on responses to a survey and focus group meetings, 'The Cost of Sight Loss in Wales' shows how rises in unavoidable expenses such as taxis, lighting and support are causing genuine hardship to blind and partially sighted people. The report includes a list of measures that Welsh Government and Local Authorities should take to provide more targeted support.
You can find out more and read the full report here.