Sylw - the bulletin of Wales Council of the Blind.

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Contents.

WCB News.

Congratulations to winners of the Mixed VI Pairs Gold at the European Championships 2024

Congratulations to Julie Thomas and Steffan James with Directors Alison Peters and Chris Daniels and Team Manager John Wilson on winning the Mixed VI Pairs Gold at the European Championships 2024. [Full story...]

Wales Eyecare Conference 2024 on 7th November

This year's Annual Wales Eyecare Conference 2024 on Thursday 7th November at Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, Sophia Walk, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9XR is now fully booked. [Full story...]

Perspectif Social: New project to tackle loneliness

Perspectif Social is a new project to tackle loneliness in people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

Researching Unpaid Carers.

WCB is initiating research into the experiences of unpaid carers for people with vision impairments and of the people they support. [Full story...]

Consultations and Lobbying.

Redesign of National Slate Museum, Llanberis: Accessibility Consultation events

The National Slate Museum in Llanberis, in collaboration with Direct Access, invites D/deaf and disabled people to a consultation event on Tuesday 5th November 2024 to discuss your views and thoughts of the redesign of the museum. [Full story...]

Survey for people with Behçet’s with neurological symptoms

Behçet’s UK is asking people with the condition who have neurological symptoms to complete the Neuro Survey 2024-2025. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru Bus Survey

From inaccessible stops to poorly-trained drivers, bus travel can be challenging for people with sight loss. RNIB Cymru is running an online survey to find out about the experiences of vision impaired people in Wales. [Full story...]

Have your say on the Cardiff Crossrail project

Transport for Wales is consulting on proposals for a new tramway from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay, the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail. [Full story...]

Focus Groups for staff who work with older people with sight loss

Researchers at Cardiff University are looking for staff who work with older people with sight loss in Wales to take part in some focus groups for the Access to a Sustainable, whole System pathway for older people with vISion impairmenT (ASSIST) project, which is looking at the pathways to support older people with sight loss in navigating and accessing the support that is available to them. [Full story...]

'Cut it Back' campaign targets the hazard of overgrown vegetation

Overgrown branches and hedges alongside pavements pose a hazard to people with sight loss - and other pedestrians. The Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss councils have launched a campaign 'Cut it Back' to raise awareness of this issue, and encourage local councils and home owners to keep streets clear. [Full story...]

Welsh Government Consultations

We have produced a list of current Welsh Government consultations of potential interest to the disability sector. [Full story...]

Research into creative opportunities for vi children in Wales

UCAN Productions, the creative arts cooperative run by and for blind and visually impaired young people, are currently researching the creative opportunities available for blind and visually impaired children in Wales. They are focusing on individuals under 7 years old and their families, and also children and young adults that are Welsh speakers. [Full story...]

Disability Wales Survey

Disability Wales is asking Disabled People's Organisations and disabled-led organisations in Wales to tell them about your organisation and the barriers you face in terms of capacity building and the accessibility of funding. [Full story...]

Survey on discrimination and sight loss in housing

Tai Pawb is a charity promoting equality in housing in Wales. The organisation wants to understand the experiences of those with sight loss in privately rented and social housing in Wales, and is hosting an online survey and a series of focus groups for people to share their experiences. [Full story...]

Survey on accessibility of technology for the management of diabetes

A research project at Swansea University is looking at the accessibility of technology to manage diabetes in people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Reports and Publications.

Parliamentary group publishes results of an enquiry into the employment of vision impaired people

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Eye Health and Visual Impairment has published the results of its inquiry into the employment of vision impaired people. 'Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives: An Inquiry into Employer Attitudes and the Employment of Blind and Partially Sighted People' highlights 'the devastating impact negative employer attitudes are having on the levels of employment amongst blind and partially sighted people'. [Full story...]

Vision rehabilitation work in Powys features in Optometry Today

In a recent article in Optometry Today, senior vision rehabilitation specialist from Powys, Susan Davies, describes her work and the art sessions she has facilitated for deafblind people in her area. [Full story...]

RNIB online resources for children and families

RNIB's Children, Young People and Families team continues to update its online resources for parents and professionals. [Full story...]

Summer 2024 edition of MACS Focus Magazine available

The latest (Summer 2024) edition of 'Focus', the quarterly magazine of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support (MACS) is available. [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK publish 'Journey to Diagnosis' report

'Journey to Diagnosis' is a report commissioned by Alström Syndrome UK to gain a better understanding of the journey to diagnosis of this condition, and identify recommendations to improve patient and family experiences and health outcomes. [Full story...]

New report from Guide Dogs raises concerns about accessibility challenges of some active travel infrastructure

Guide Dogs has commissioned University College London (UCL) to explore the impact of four different types of design on disabled people, including those who are blind and vision impaired:: Floating Island Bus Stops, Shared Bus Stop Boarders, Segregated Cycle-footways and Continuous Footways. The research finds that they are causing significant fear and anxiety for people with a vision impairment and other disabilities, leading some to avoid these bus stops altogether. [Full story...]

Latest issue of Retina UK's newsletter available

The Summer 2024 issue of 'Look Forward', the newsletter of Retina UK, is available. [Full story...]

British Wireless for the Blind Fund - Impact Report 2023

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) has produced its Impact Report 2023, showing how its audio devices and apps are helping over 30,000 people access the world of audio. [Full story...]

Travelling with glaucoma medication

Glaucoma UK has some useful advice to patients who are going on holiday, and have concerns about transporting and storing their medication. [Full story...]

Latest CHECT newsletter available

The Summer 2024 edition of 'In Focus', the newsletter of The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has been published. [Full story...]

Older People's Commissioner launches 'GP Practices in Wales: A Guide for Older People'

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has launched a new guide which explains what you can expect from your GP practice, your rights, and what to do if you are experiencing difficulties. [Full story...]

RNIB response to the first report from the UK Covid -19 Inquiry

The first report from the UK Covid - 19 Inquiry, covering Resilience and Preparedness, has been published, and RNIB has issued a response. [Full story...]

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'. [Full story...]

Latest edition of Guide Dogs' 'Forward' magazine available.

The Spring/Summer 2024 edition of Forward, the Guide Dogs’ magazine for supporters, clients and the general public has been published. The cover star is Angharad, one of Wales’s youngest guide dog owners, and her story is told inside. [Full story...]

Transitioning to secondary school - advice from RSBC

Moving from primary to secondary school is a big change for children, particularly those with a vision impairment. The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) has some useful advice for children and their families to help them cope with the change. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru Welsh Language Scheme relaunched

RNIB Cymru has relaunched its Welsh Language Scheme, highlighting their commitment to supporting people with sight loss in Wales in both of the country's official languages. [Full story...]

Disability Wales launch 'A Social Model of Disability Toolkit'

Disability Wales has produced a new guide: 'A Social Model of Disability Toolkit', which is intended to be essential reading for anyone who wants to learn more about the social model, inclusive language and tackling disabling barriers in society. [Full story...]

Learning disability and sight loss - resources from SeeAbility

People with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have serious sight problems. For Learning Disability Week (17th to 23rd June), we have a reminder that SeeAbility, the organisation supporting people who have learning disabilities or autism, who may also have sight loss has produced a range of easy read guides to eye conditions and eye care. [Full story...]

Latest Vision Support newsletter available

The latest (June) newsletter from Vision Support has been published. [Full story...]

Research report gives proposals for a mental health training curriculum for staff in the visual impairment sector

Sight impairment can have profound psychological consequences but these are not always addressed. A research report published in the British Journal of Visual Impairment contains proposals for a curriculum which would train people working in the sight loss sector to identify mental health issues in their clients, and signpost them for support. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Be Helpful Guide' for sighted people

RNIB's new 'Be Helpful Guide' is full of tips and advice on how family and friends of people with sight loss, and members of the public, can make getting around easier for vision impaired people. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru publish key priorities for new First Minister

Following the appointment of Vaughan Gething as First Minister of Wales and the formation of a new cabinet, RNIB has called on the Government to address the most urgent issues facing vision impaired people in Wales. [Full story...]

Research suggests that a quarter of people with sight loss are missing out on benefits

New research carried out by Loughborough University for RNIB has found that around one in four blind and partially sighted people are not claiming the disability benefits to which they are entitled. [Full story...]

New guide: Behçet’s and Employment

Behçet’s UK has produced a new employment guide for people with the condition and updated their guide for employers. [Full story...]

'Right to Ride' - New guide from SCOPE

SCOPE has produced a guide for disabled people, 'Right to Ride' which describes your rights when travelling on land-based public transport in the UK. [Full story...]

Vision Foundation report explores loneliness and isolation in people with sight loss.

'Outside: Loneliness and Isolation', a new report from Vision Foundation, considers vision impaired people's experience of loneliness and isolation, and finds that respondents to their survey were three times more likely to report feeling lonely some or all the time than the general population. [Full story...]

Living Streets publish research report on 'Inclusive Design at Bus Stops with Cycle Tracks'

Living Streets, the charity that promotes a better walking environment, has published a very detailed research paper on the effects of ‘bus stop bypasses’, and other arrangements involving a bus stop and cycle track, on pedestrians. The report has a particular focus on the challenges that they present to people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru report reveals 'The Cost of Sight Loss in Wales'

A new report from RNIB Cymru reveals how the cost of living increases have had a devastating effect on people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Digital exclusion in public transport - Senedd research article

An article by Senedd Research (which provides impartial, authoritative information on the latest topics under consideration at the Welsh Parliament) raises concerns that the increasing use of digital technology in the transport sector, which is often seen as a solution, is making transport systems less accessible to many people in Wales. [Full story...]

Older People's Commissioner reports on difficulties in accessing GP appointments

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has produced a report which reveals that changes to the way that GP services in Wales are accessed, and the changing relationships between patients and their practices often make it difficult for older people to find suitable appointments with an appropriate clinician. [Full story...]

'Blind to the Facts' - Research report on the UK music industry for professionals with visual impairment

A new research report from BRAVO VICTOR sheds light on the challenges faced by blind people within the music industry. [Full story...]

Research report: How does the UK public treat, think and feel about people with visual impairment?

Research and innovation charity BRAVO VICTOR has produced a report that looks at the UK public's attitude to vision impaired people, and how it compares with the experiences of those people. The research was carried out in close collaboration with RNIB. [Full story...]

'Out of Sight' - RNIB report on vision rehabilitation on England

A new report by RNIB raises concerns about state of the rehabilitation service in England, with blind and partially sighted people missing out on services that they are legally entitled to, which could improve their quality of life. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs produce 'Reasonable Adjustments in Schools' guidance

Guide Dogs has produced a set of guidelines to help schools & teachers to support children & young people with a vision impairment in education. [Full story...]

Gwent Health Guide

The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has produced an online resource, The Gwent Health Guide, giving people in their area (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and South Powys) advice on where to find the right health and wellbeing service. [Full story...]

UK Government launches 'Disability Action Plan'

The UK Government has launched its Disability Action Plan, which sets out 32 practical actions intended to transform the everyday lives of disabled people. [Full story...]

New report: Access Denied: Older people’s experiences of digital exclusion in Wales

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has published a report which looks at the the wide range of challenges older people often face with digital technology while trying to use everyday services. [Full story...]

Vision Support publishes Impact Report for 2022/23

Vision Support has published its Impact Report for 2022/23, covering its work in North East Wales, Halton and Cheshire. [Full story...]

Welsh Benefits Charter launched

The Welsh Government has launched the 'Welsh Benefits Charter', an agreement with all 22 local authorities to work together to improve the Welsh Benefits System. [Full story...]

New resource : A guide to nystagmus and the early years

Nystagmus Network has launched a new guide for parents and carers of babies and toddlers diagnosed with nystagmus, designed to support you through the crucial years from birth to five years. [Full story...]

New research report: Visual impairment and minority ethnic communities - use of eye health and support services

Research and innovation charity BRAVO VICTOR has produced a second report on visual impairment and minority ethnic communities, looking at use of eye health and support services. [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK's winter newsletter available

The latest edition of Alström Syndrome UK's newsletter, for Winter 2023, has been published. [Full story...]

Supporting blind and partially sighted patients during hospital stays

Hospital stays can be particularly difficult for vision impaired people if staff do not consider their specific needs. A blog written for the International Family Nursing Association gives some very useful advice and tips on how to make the experience less stressful. [Full story...]

Making Match Day Accessible - guide for football clubs

As part of their 'Seeing Sport Differently' campaign, RNIB has produced a guide for football clubs with information on how the match day experience can be made accessible for people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Beyond Rb - Information for adults who had retinoblastoma as a child

CHECT UK has produced a range of information for adults who were affected by retinoblastoma (Rb) as children. [Full story...]

Eye Care Support Pathway launched at Wales Eye Care Conference

RNIB's 'Eye Care Support Pathway' has been launched in Wales at the Wales Eyecare Conference. The UK-wide pathway aims to ensure that patients have timely access to information, advice and support throughout their eye care journey. [Full story...]

Disability Wales publishes Annual Report for 2022/23

Disability Wales has published its Annual Report for 2022/23, giving details of its strategic aims and objectives, and its key achievements. [Full story...]

Report on Hynt access scheme shows how it has increased theatre visits

A new impact report on Hynt, the national access scheme for theatres and arts centres in Wales, shows how the scheme has increased theatre attendance for disabled audience members in Wales. [Full story...]

Results of Level Playing Field's Annual Fan Survey 2023 published

Level Playing Field, the charity campaigning for an inclusive matchday experience and equal access for all disabled sports fans in England and Wales, has published the results if its annual Fan Survey. [Full story...]

Behçet’s UK publishes Annual Report 2023

Behçet’s UK has published its Annual Report for the year ending August 2023. [Full story...]

Specsavers Report - 'Access to care 2023: The benefits of eye and hearing care in the community'

A new report from Specsavers considers the increasing need for eye care in the UK as the population ages, and highlights the vital role of primary care. It identifies areas of opportunity to reduce pressure on the waiting lists, by making more effective use of existing services, resources, and skills in community optometry. [Full story...]

New report on access to green and blue spaces by people with vision impairment

Natural England has produced a new report 'Creating More Accessible Green & Blue Spaces: Understanding the experiences of people with visual impairments that visit green and blue spaces'. [Full story...]

Access.

Audio Described Christmas shows in Wales

This winter, several theatres in Wales are providing audio described performances of their pantomimes and Christmas shows. [Full story...]

Opportunities to try Vision Impaired bowling

The Welsh Association of VI Bowling (WAVIB) has host of clubs that offer vision impaired bowls sessions. These clubs play both indoor and outdoor bowls so it’s an accessible sport that can be played all year round. Many bowls clubs offer free coaching themselves and are keen to have new members. [Full story...]

'The Welsh Dragon' - Audio described show for children

The Welsh Dragon is a bold new play for children, exploring Britain’s black ancestry. There will be touch tours and audio described performances at three venues in Wales this autumn. [Full story...]

Audio described commentary at Wrexham and Cardiff City Football Clubs

The 2024/25 football season is starting, and both Cardiff City FC and Wrexham FC will be providing audio described commentary at their home matches. The service is provided in partnership with Alan March Sport Ltd, and is available to both home and away fans. [Full story...]

Blind Barbie doll produced

The first blind Barbie doll has been released by toy-maker Mattel as part of its efforts to make its dolls more representative of society. [Full story...]

Experiences of a gamer with vision impairment

In an item on the Guide Dogs website, a vision impaired gamer describes the different types of games he plays, and the accessibility features and software that he uses. [Full story...]

Transport for Wales 'Travel Companions' to assist disabled passengers

Rail passengers with a vision impairment can travel around Wales more confidently, thanks to a new initiative by Transport for Wales. [Full story...]

Gardening when you have sight loss - Advice from Thrive

For National Gardening Week (29th April to 5th May 2024), here's a reminder that Thrive's 'Get Gardening' website has lots of tips and advice on gardening when you have sight loss. [Full story...]

UK Government announces new funding for bus operators to help disabled passengers travel with confidence

The Department for Transport in the UK Government has announced that almost £5 million is being made available to roll out audible and visual announcements on buses throughout Great Britain. [Full story...]

Audio described performances at theatres across Wales

Some theatres in Wales now have a section on their website where you can find details of all forthcoming audio described (and other accessible) performances in one place. [Full story...]

Conwy Home Library Service

Conwy has a Home Library Service that delivers books and information to the homes of people that are unable to visit their local library, including Large Print books and audio books. [Full story...]

Pilot project in Wales considers how tactile maps can help independent travel

A recent pilot project involving Sustrans and the Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, has looked at new ways of engaging people with visual impairments by exploring the use of 3D printing and tactile maps to support independent travel and navigation in Wales. [Full story...]

Wales Online highlights the obstacles facing blind pedestrians in Cardiff City Centre

A reporter from Wales Online accompanied RNIB Cymru's campaigns assistant Dan, who is registered blind, on a walk through Cardiff city centre to find out about the obstacles he faces every day. [Full story...]

'Be My Eyes' app introduces new feature for friends and families

'Be My Eyes', the app that connects blind and partially sighted people with sighted volunteers from all over the world through a live video call in order to provide assistance, has launched a new feature, 'Be My Eyes Groups'. [Full story...]

Macular Society produces 'Guide to Accessible Streaming'

The Macular Society website includes information about the accessibility features available on the most popular streaming services. [Full story...]

Torch Trust accessible library

Torch Trust has a free accessible Christian library containing nearly 3,000 titles in braille, audio and large print for people who are blind or partially sighted. [Full story...]

Events.

Sense Halloween Party in Caernarfon

Sense is holding a Halloween Party for families of children with complex disabilities (including deafblindness) aged 0 to 8 years on Thursday 31st October from to 10 am to 11.30 am. [Full story...]

Sight Life Financial Wellbeing Roadshow

Sight Life is hosting a Financial Wellbeing Roadshow in Cardiff on Monday 28th October, from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm. [Full story...]

VICTA Parent Workshop on 19th November

VICTA's next Parent Workshop on 19th November is a chance to find out about the benefits of sensory play for your child with Guide Dogs 'My time to play' team. [Full story...]

Vision Support Climbing Taster Sessions in Queensferry

Vision Support is running three indoor climbing taster sessions for adults with a vision impairment during November. [Full story...]

Newtown Library Digital Hub Open Day

There's an Open Day at Newtown Library's Digital Hub on Tuesday 5th November. [Full story...]

Vision Support Community Information Unit schedule for November

Vision Support's mobile Community Information Unit, which covers the Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy areas (as well as Cheshire & Halton) will be out and about during November. [Full story...]

Retina UK's Men's Peer Support Group meeting

The next meeting of Retina UK's Men's Peer Support Group will be on 29th October. [Full story...]

Vision Support Social Groups (in person)

Vision Support runs a range of social groups that meet in person in North Wales. [Full story...]

Family Show with Touch Tour in Hereford

'Do Not Play This Piano' is a family show by Extant which will be performed on Monday 28th October (half term week) and includes a Touch Tour. [Full story...]

VIEW Annual Conference 2025

VIEW (The Professional Association for the Vision Impairment Education Workforce)'s 2025 Annual National Conference will be held on 13th and 14th March 2025 and brings together practitioners to share ideas for supporting the education and development of children and young people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

Goalball Volunteers / Leaders Course in Carmarthen

Goalball UK is running a one-day Goalball Volunteers / Leaders Course on Saturday 2nd November from 10am to 4:30pm in Carmarthen. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Living Well with Sight Loss' telephone courses for people in Wales

RNIB 'Living Well with Sight Loss' telephone courses for people in Wales [Full story...]

Sixth Form Open Day at New College Worcester

New College Worcester (NCW) is holding a free Sixth Form Open Day on Saturday 16th November. [Full story...]

Fight for Sight webinars

Fight for Sight is running a series of free webinars related to the research that they fund. [Full story...]

Open Day at Royal National College for the Blind

There's an Open Day at Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford on Friday 6th December, giving prospective students, their families and professionals working with young people with a visual impairment the opportunity to find out about study at this specialist residential college of further education for young people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Vika’s FUN-tastic Friday - online club for young people

New College Worcester is running an online club for young people aged 9 to 15 with vision impairment - Vika's FUN-tastic Friday. The club will meet weekly until the end of November. [Full story...]

Vision Support Community Information Unit schedule for October

National Eye Health Week 2024

National Eye Health Week (23rd to 29th September) is the annual event promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. Research for this year's event reveals that 19 million Brits are putting their physical and mental health at risk by failing to have regular eye tests. [Full story...]

'No Dramas' - Free drama workshops for visually impaired people from Extant

Extant, a group of professional visually impaired artists, is delivering some free drama workshops in Hereford for adults with sight loss. [Full story...]

Falls Awareness Week 2024

16th September is the start of Falls Awareness Week 2024 in Wales, when Age Cymru, Care & Repair Cymru and Age Connects Wales remind people that falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and give advice on how they can be avoided. [Full story...]

Blind Ambition Working Age Forum

On the second Wednesday of every month, Blind Ambition's Working Age Forum (WAF), a Zoom-based discussion group, offers a relaxed and sociable environment for people of a working age who are visually impaired. [Full story...]

Digital Glaucoma Support Group meetings

Glaucoma UK has scheduled more online support group meetings. [Full story...]

National Eye Health Week 2024 - Themes announced

This year's National Eye Health Week is 23rd to 29th September, The event promotes the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. Each day will have a theme, to raise awareness of different aspects of eye care and this year's themes have been announced. [Full story...]

Macular Society Local Support Groups in South Wales

The Macular Society runs support groups at venues across South Wales, providing support, information and companionship to people affected by macular conditions. [Full story...]

Macular Society Local Support Groups in North Wales

The Macular Society runs support groups at venues across North Wales, providing support, information and companionship to people affected by macular conditions. [Full story...]

All Wales Macular Telephone Support Group calls

The Macular Society in Wales runs telephone support meetings to help those who are unable to make it to meetings in person. [Full story...]

Vision Support 'Talking Points' sessions in Corwen

Vision Support is running a series of 'Talking Points' sessions in Corwen, offering guidance to people with vision impairment on a range of topics. [Full story...]

Goalball session in Wrexham on 26th October

The next goalball session in Wrexham has been booked in for Saturday 26th October from 12pm to 2pm in the sports hall at Wrexham University. [Full story...]

RNIB Training for professionals supporting learners with vision impairment

RNIB provides a wide range of online professional development training for those working with a child or young person with vision impairment. [Full story...]

LOOK Parent Support Group

LOOK runs an online Parent Support Group for the families and carers of children and young people with sight loss. [Full story...]

'Ladies who Lunch' - Women's only social group in Wrexham

Vision Support has launched a new group ‘Ladies Who Lunch’. This is a women’s only social group providing an opportunity for women to chat in a safe space over lunch. [Full story...]

Events for professional and parents at New College Worcester

New College Worcester (NCW) is running three events for education professionals working with vision impaired young people and parents during the autumn term. [Full story...]

RSBC Connecting Families Online Groups

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) provides a range of groups for families and carers of vision impaired children and young people (aged 0-25 years). [Full story...]

Deafblind Awareness Week 2024

Deafblind Awareness Week (24th to 30th June) is all about learning about what life is like for those who are deafblind, and celebrating the achievements of people who are deafblind. [Full story...]

Glaucoma Awareness Week 2024

24th to 30th June is Glaucoma Awareness Week 2024, the annual opportunity to encourage people to talk about the condition. This year's event is focusing on the fact that glaucoma runs in families. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru Social Support Groups

Here is the current list of social support groups that are run by Sight Cymru. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK TalkTech webinars

Deafblind UK is running some more free 'Talk Tech' webinars, intended to provide practical tech advice to people with sight and hearing loss. [Full story...]

Torch Trust starts Zoom Coffee Mornings

Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, has started to run a monthly, online coffee morning for those who are unable to visit its in-person event. The sessions will be held on the fourth Thursday of the month. [Full story...]

Sight Life activities in Cardiff, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot and RCT

Sight Life runs a wide range of activities, in person and via the telephone, for people with sight loss in Cardiff, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot and RCT. [Full story...]

International Behçet’s Awareness Day

Monday 20th May 2024 was International Behçet’s Awareness Day, the event that raises awareness of this rare condition which can affect the eyes, and also raises funds for research. [Full story...]

World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week - 12th to 18th May 2024

World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week is the event that spreads the word about retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer), and raises funds to support families affected by the condition. This year's event starts on Sunday 12th May. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Parent Pathways: First Steps' course

RNIB is running a telephone course for parents and carers who have recently received, or are going through the process of receiving, a diagnosis of vision impairment for their child. [Full story...]

Online event for 'Adults with Albinism'

The Albinism Fellowship is running a series of online zoom sessions, giving an opportunity for adults with albinism (aged 18+) to meet, chat and share experiences in a friendly and safe environment. [Full story...]

Short online sessions for professionals from RNIB

RNIB runs a programme of short online sessions for professionals working with people who have a vision impairment. [Full story...]

Wrexham VI Voices group meetings

Vision Support's VI Voices groups are informal, supportive and friendly groups who are passionate about raising awareness of the issues and barriers people living with vision impairment face by sharing their experiences to make a difference in the local community. Dates of meetings for the Wrexham group are available. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Shape and Share' virtual events for families

RNIB run a series of virtual 'Shape and Share' events for children and young people with a vision impairment and their families. A schedule of events for the rest of 2024 and 2025 has been published. [Full story...]

Virtual Monthly Chats for adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

BBS UK is to lead virtual monthly chats for adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, a rare, genetic disorder, which affects approximately 1 in 100,000 babies born.! The first chat will be on 16 May at 7pm! [Full story...]

Vision Support Tech Forum

Vision Support's 'Tech Forum' is for anyone living with a vision impairment who is interested in learning more about technology and what’s available to tech-enthusiasts. The group meets every third Wednesday of the month and the next meeting is on Wednesday, 19th June at 10.30 am. You can join in person in Chester or via Microsoft Teams online. [Full story...]

Sense online and telephone activities

Sense, the organisation for people with complex disabilities, including deafblindness, runs a range of activities online and via the phone. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru Open Doors, North Cardiff

RNIB Cymru has set up an afternoon social event in Llanishen for people with sight loss who want to get out and meet new friends. [Full story...]

Blind Baseball sessions in Cardiff and Swansea

Blind Baseball are running regular sessions in Cardiff and Swansea. [Full story...]

Pickleball sessions in Swansea

Sightlife is running four pickleball sessions in Swansea throughout March. [Full story...]

RNIB Connect Cymru Telephone Groups

There have been some changes to RNIB's Community Connection groups. [Full story...]

Vision Support ‘Time to Chat’ dial-in social group

Vision Support has launched a monthly dial-in social group where you can join either by phone or through Teams and meet others living with a vision impairment North Wales and parts of Cheshire and Halton. There will be exciting speakers/entertainment each month. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network virtual support networks

Nystagmus Network runs virtual monthly support groups for parents of children with nystagmus, and for adults living with acquired or congenital nystagmus. They are an opportunity to meet like-minded people, share experiences, make new friends and support each other. [Full story...]

Royal Society for Blind Children's programme of activities

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) invites all blind and partially sighted young people in Wales to be part of an awesome online learning community! Dive into exciting opportunities and connections by signing up for a mix of activities that will help you to unlock your potential. [Full story...]

Bridgevis Coffee Mornings

A reminder that Bridgevis (Bridgend & District VI Society) hosts a coffee morning on the first Friday of each month. [Full story...]

'My Macular and Me' webinars

The Macular Society runs two webinars each month, giving people affected by the condition and those working with them the chance to find out more about macular conditions from experts. [Full story...]

New support group for people with early onset macular degeneration

The Macular Society is launching a new online support group for people with early onset macular degeneration. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network celebrates its Ruby Year

Nystagmus Network was founded in 1984 and marks its fortieth (ruby) anniversary in 2024. The charity has planned a series of events, workshops, competitions, stories and more to mark this significant anniversary. [Full story...]

New VI Bowls group in Carmarthen

A new v.i. bowls group has started in Carmarthen. [Full story...]

Behçet’s UK - Wales Support Group Meeting

Behcet's UK runs regular online Support Group Meetings for people affected by the condition in Wales. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru Connect: Face-to-face group

The RNIB Cymru Connect team runs a Face-to-face Working Age Social Group, in addition to their programme of telephone groups. [Full story...]

Torch Trust virtual meetings

Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, runs several virtual meetings each month. [Full story...]

Technology.

Macular Society's 'Connect by Tech' service

The Macular Society’s 'Connect by Tech' service offers one-to-one telephone support with the technology that you use around your home. The Society's volunteers can help Macular Society members make the most of their smartphones, tablets and more. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs 'Tech Selector'

Guide Dogs 'Tech Selector' is a resource to help you identify the right mainstream and assistive tech for you. [Full story...]

Research News

Retina UK has produced a roundup of the latest research into inherited retinal conditions, and BBC News has a report of a potential treatment for diabetic maculopathy. [Full story...]

New Accessibility Features with Android 14 on Google Pixel

The latest version of Google's Android operating system (14) includes new accessibility features. [Full story...]

Opportunities.

Family Fund Grants available for families with a disabled child in Wales

The Wales Grants Programme by Family Fund is now open. Aimed at supporting families in Wales raising a disabled child and who are living on a low income, grant items include clothing, digital devices, family breaks & more. [Full story...]

Access to Politics Grassroots Network

The Access to Politics Grassroots Network seeks to address the critical need for politics to be more inclusive and representative of Deaf and disabled people, and will further the vital work undertaken in the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales in the run up to the 2021 Senedd and 2022 Local Government Elections. [Full story...]

VIEW Courses for education professionals and parents

VIEW (The Professional Association for the Vision Impairment Education Workforce) has a number of online courses designed to support the training needs of professionals and parents to improve the quality of learning opportunities available to children and young people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

Disability Wales seeks new Board Members

Disability Wales is looking for new appointed Board Members who can help the organisation give a greater voice to disabled people across Wales and lobby for change. [Full story...]

The Amber Trust Music Awards

The Amber Trust is a charity which provides musical opportunities for blind and partially sighted children, and children with more complex needs, via its Music Awards and Music Services. Music Awards are made three times per year, and the next application deadline is 15th November 2024. [Full story...]

VICTA and ONCE Spanish/English Language Sessions 2024/25

VICTA is joining with Spanish sight loss organisation ONCE to offer young people with sight loss the opportunity to practice their Spanish in three online sessions starting in November. [Full story...]

UCAN launch new Welsh drama group

UCAN Productions has launched a new Welsh drama group. [Full story...]

Job opportunity with Disability Wales: Policy and Research Officer

Disability Wales is recruiting for a disabled person to be their Policy and Research Officer. [Full story...]

'Find your Greatness' athlete recruitment programme for ParalympicsGB

ParalympicsGB, along with TeamGB and UKSport, is looking for sporty and active people aged 16-24, who want to try out for a range of Olympic and Paralympic sports in autumn 2024. [Full story...]

Opportunity to join The Macular Society's 'Lived Experience' Panel

The Macular Society is launching a new Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) to improve their services for people with macular disease, and those who support them. The Society is looking for volunteers who are living with macular disease, and their supporters to join the panel. [Full story...]

Sense 'Virtual Buddy' service for disabled people

Sense runs a free 'Virtual Buddy' service for disabled people of all ages in the UK. The service will match you with someone of a similar age who has common interests, for a weekly chat (via phone, online etc). Volunteer virtual buddies are also needed. [Full story...]

Leonard Cheshire Disability's Change 100 internship programme is open for applications

Change 100, Leonard Cheshire Disability's flagship programme of paid summer internships, professional development and mentoring for people with disabilities is open for applications. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network launch new Facebook group for grandparents

Nystagmus Network's new Facebook group for grandparents is an opportunity to meet other 'nystagmus' grandparents, learn more about the condition and how to support your family. [Full story...]

Volunteering opportunities with Vision Support - Phone Befriender

Vision Support is looking for volunteers in Wales to have weekly, friendly phone chats with individuals who may be feeling socially isolated. [Full story...]

LOOK Mentoring Service

Young people who are feeling anxious about moving to a new school or to university can be helped by LOOK's Mentoring Service. [Full story...]

Monthly bowling sessions at Dwygyfylchi Bowls Club, Penmaenmawr

Following a recent, successful taster session at Dwygyfylchi Bowls Club, Penmaenmawr, Vision Support is to start running monthly vision impaired bowling sessions at this venue. [Full story...]

Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards 2025 - nominations open

Nominations have opened for the annual Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards, which recognise those working in the field of glaucoma that are making a difference to people with the condition. [Full story...]

VICTA 'Get Workplace Ready' course

VICTA is running a three-month 'Get Workplace Ready' course for young adults with sight loss aged 18-29 who are not in education, employment or training and looking to enter the workplace. [Full story...]

Sighted Guide Training from Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs runs free, online courses that will teach you how to guide an adult with sight loss with confidence, skill and empathy. This year, the charity putting more resources into these sessions, with the aim of making sighted guiding skills as widespread and well-known as first aid. [Full story...]

British Wireless for the Blind Fund launches scheme to provide free Alexa devices

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) has launched a new scheme to provide a free Alexa device to people with sight loss who meet certain criteria. [Full story...]

Vision Support new accessible taster sessions in North Wales

Vision Support has been awarded a grant from the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust to be able to deliver cycling and climbing taster sessions in North Wales with the first sessions planned for the coming months. [Full story...]

VI Bowls sessions starting at Islywn Indoor Bowls Club

Weekly vision impaired bowls sessions are starting on 10th April at Islywn Indoor Bowls Club. [Full story...]

Chance to join Retina UK's Lived Experience Panel

Retina UK is inviting people who are living with inherited sight loss to join their 'Lived Experience' panel. [Full story...]

Ice-skating for people with sight loss in South Wales.

IS-vid is a project that will provide free, safe, supervised on-ice experiences for members of the vision impaired and deafblind community (aged 5 years plus) in South Wales. Sessions will run at the Vindico Arena in Cardiff Bay from April 2024. [Full story...]

Blind Baseball Cymru to provide more sessions in Wales

Blind Baseball Cymru are pleased to announce that, with some supportive funding, they are able to provide Blind Baseball sessions farther and wider in Wales! [Full story...]

Vision Impaired Tennis in Wrexham

Wrexham Tennis Centre is running weekly vision impaired tennis sessions [Full story...]

'Working Sense' employment project

Working Sense is a project that will enhance the employability of people over 25 with sensory loss or disability, by providing specialist support to enable the target group to enter/re-enter and remain in employment, or move closer towards employment using a holistic one to one approach utilising designated project staff. [Full story...]

Could you help glaucoma research?

As well as providing information and support to people with the condition, Glaucoma UK funds research into glaucoma. They are always interested in hearing from glaucoma patients who would like to help research, for example, by participating in clinical trials or completing surveys. [Full story...]

Other resources.

Warm Welcome Spaces in venues across Wales

If you are struggling to heat your home this winter, Warm Welcome Spaces open their doors to their local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space, and can be found in locations across Wales. [Full story...]

Contact's 'Building Resilience' project for families in Wales

Following the recent announcement that Contact Wales, the organisation for families with disabled children, has been given a half-million-pound award from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a new project, Building Resilience, appointments can now be made. [Full story...]

Sight Loss Friendly Churches - Information from Torch Trust

Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, has a range of resources to help churches to become more inclusive of people with vision impairment. They also have a webpage which enables you to search for a sight loss friendly church in your area. [Full story...]

Family Fund's 'Discover More Support' tool

The Family Fund's website includes a section where families with a disabled or seriously ill child can look for charities and organisations that can help them. [Full story...]

Vision Support launches new website

Vision Support, the charity that provides services for people with a vision impairment that aim to increase independence, wellbeing and reduce social isolation across North East Wales and Cheshire, has launched a new website. [Full story...]

Relaunch for Fight for Sight

Fight for Sight, the organisation that funds research into eye conditions, has relaunched with a new identity and a vision to 'Save Sight. Change Lives'. [Full story...]

LOOK's guide to 'Making the Most of the Summer Holidays'

LOOK has produced some information to help parents with a vision impaired child make the most of the summer holidays. [Full story...]

Vision Support Counselling Service

Vision Support's new counselling service is now available for service users who are experiencing visual impairment or sight loss in North Wales. [Full story...]

50/50 Vision marks fifty years of Radio 4's 'In Touch' programme

A programme on the BBC iPlayer titled 50/50 Vision marks fifty years of Radio 4's In Touch programme for vision impaired people. [Full story...]

Understanding the the role of the ECLO

In a recent Macular Society webinar, Ruth Rhydderch, an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) at the University Hospital of Wales, explains her role, and how it helps patients understand their eye condition and the support that's available. The session is available to watch on the Macular Society website. [Full story...]

British Blind Sport launches new podcast

'Let's Talk VI Sport' is a new podcast series from British Blind Sport. [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK to pilot a Wellbeing Service

Alström Syndrome UK is piloting a Wellbeing Service. This follows research which revealed the impact that a diagnosis of a rare condition can have on the physical, mental and emotional health of the person with the condition, and their family. [Full story...]

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

For Mental Health Awareness Week (13th to 19th May), we have a summary of some of the resources and support that are available to help people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Care and Repair Cymru launch 'Older not Colder' service

'Older not colder' is a new service from Care and Repair Cymru which aims to help people aged over 60, who own their home or privately rent, to keep their homes warm and energy efficient. [Full story...]

Sight Loss resources from Blind Veterans UK

The website of Blind Veterans UK includes a wide range of sight loss resources, to help you with daily living tasks, hobbies and money matters. [Full story...]

Benefits and Finance - tips for parents from LOOK

LOOK has some advice on finance and benefits for the parents of children with a vision impairment, based on information provided at a meeting of their Parent Support Group. [Full story...]

Latest episodes of The Macular Society's Bitesize Benefits available.

In January 2024, The Macular Society launched a new podcast mini-series to provide information to people with sight loss about the benefits that they may be entitled to claim. Five episodes are now available, covering Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the Spring budget and what it means for people with sight loss, and the first of two episodes on Attendance Allowance. [Full story...]

RNIB's Children and Family Services Team in Wales

RNIB's Children and Family Services Team provide a range of support, information and activities for families with a vision impaired child and professionals working with them. [Full story...]

Visionary launches Making Lived Experience Matter podcasts

Visionary has launched a new podcast to highlight the importance and value of lived experience in organisations, at leadership level. [Full story...]

New resource for current and future guide dog owners

Guide Dogs has produced a new online resource, exclusively for guide dog owners and those in the process of applying for a dog. [Full story...]

Applying for a guide dog - a personal story

Vision impaired blogger Holly (@lifeofablindgirl) has written a post about her experience of applying for a guide dog. [Full story...]

New website for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK, the only registered UK charity supporting people with Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl (LMBB) Syndrome, their families and carers, has a new website. [Full story...]

Miscellaneous.

Welshpool & District VI Group

Welshpool & District VI Group is a social and entertainment group for persons who are vision impaired and their carers. Meetings are held every fortnight from the first Tuesday in February to the end of December at the Methodist Church in Welshpool. [Full story...]

Support from Visual Impairment Breconshire

Visual Impairment Breconshire (VIB) provides a range of support for people with sight loss in south Powys. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs stops running the My Sighted Guide service

Guide Dogs has stopped running the My Sighted Guide service, which matched volunteers with users. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru the chosen charity of the Mayor of Abergavenny

Abergavenny's Mayor, Chris Holland has selected Sight Cymru as one of his chosen charities. [Full story...]

Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

From this winter the Winter Fuel Payment will be linked to the receipt of specific means-tested benefits. As such, for many older people in Wales, Pension Credit will be the key to accessing their entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment. [Full story...]

Patients in Wales receive CVI from their local optometrist

Following the introduction of a new optometry contract in Wales, 101 patients have been given a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) from their local optometrist, rather than having to visit a hospital. [Full story...]

New Macular Society Group Launch in the Rhondda

The Macular Society has launched a new face-to-face peer support group at Treorchy Library. [Full story...]

Advice for eye injections from the Macular Society

Being told that you need to have an eye injection as part of your treatment can be worrying, but an article on the Macular Society website has some useful advice. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK expands services for people with Usher Syndrome

Deafblind UK has announced that it is expanding its services for people impacted by Usher syndrome, including those who have previously been supported by Sense. As part of this expansion, the Sense Usher team and their service users, have transferred to Deafblind UK. [Full story...]

Wales Low Vision Service change of phone number

If you already have a vision impairment or low vision, an optometrist can help you make the best use of the sight you have. [Full story...]

Diabetes Week 2024: 10th to 16th June

Diabetes Week (10th-16th June) is the event which raises awareness of the condition, which can lead to sight loss. This year, Diabetes UK is highlighting how important it is for people to get all their diabetes health checks, including diabetic eye checks. [Full story...]

Bronze medal succes for South Wales Goalball team

Congratulations to South Wales Goalball Club on winning a bronze medal at a novice tournament on Saturday 20th April. [Full story...]

Interview with Optometry Wales chair.

Craig MacKenzie, the Chair of Optometry Wales, has given an interview to Optometry Today, in which he talks about how the introduction of the new optometry contract in Wales is transforming services. [Full story...]

Macular Society partners with UK’s largest health research programme

The Macular Society has announced a new partnership with the health research programme 'Our Future Health'. [Full story...]

New Chief Executive for Optometry Wales

Judy Misra will be joining Optometry Wales as chief executive officer from 1st April 2024. [Full story...]

'What is it like being a vision impaired parent?' - A personal story

In a blog on the Vision Support website, the charity's North Wales Services Manager Nia writes about her personal experience of being a parent to twin boys. [Full story...]

Disability Wales to represent concerns of disabled people's organisations at Covid-19 Inquiry

The UK Public Enquiry will be in Cardiff from the week commencing 26th February for hearings about decision-making in Wales during the pandemic. Disability Wales will be giving evidence on the devastating impact of Covid-19 on disabled people. [Full story...]

Interview with Wales' Chief Optometric Advisor

Following the announcement that David O'Sullivan, Chief Optometric Advisor to the Welsh Government, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours for services to eye care, he has given a short interview to Optometry Today.. [Full story...]

New Macular Society Support Group for carers

The Macular Society is to set up a new online support group for caregivers and those supporting people living with macular disease. [Full story...]

England footballer raises awareness of Stargardt's disease

A recent edition of 'Access All', the BBC podcast about disability issues, features an interview with former England footballer Michael Owen and his son James who has Stargardt's disease. [Full story...]

The evolution of eye care delivery across Wales

In an interview on the Optometry Today website, Sharon Beatty, Clinical Adviser to Optometry Wales, reflects on changes to eye care services in Wales over the past 30 years, culminating in the introduction of Optometry Contract Reform in 2023/24. [Full story...]

Optometry Wales awards ceremony

Optometry Wales has held its first awards ceremony, to recognise the work of the optometry workforce. [Full story...]

RNIB #BeforeYouAsk campaign

RNIB has launched a campaign that aims to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about sight loss, and provide answers to some of the annoying questions that vision impaired people are regularly asked. [Full story...]