More than 12,500 blind and sight-impaired people have discovered that loss of sight can be a new beginning. In partnership with the Blind Foundation, anyone who is blind or sight impaired learns how to create a new beginning using new skills, technologies or sources of information. All can use the talking book library, learn techniques that enable them to do every day tasks in the home and community, develop new recreational interests or even retain the ones they have. They can also use special equipment like talking clocks or high tech computers with speech programmes that turn text into voice. By working with the Foundation, employers can set up new workplace practices to enable staff to keep their jobs or even employ blind or sight-impaired staff.
Services are available at the location of choice and at any stage of life.
Direct Access to the Foundation central computer via Telnet is available to those with authorised access logins. Orientation and Mobility Instructors train people to get around safely using a cane, with a guide dog, sighted guide or electronic aid. Techniques of Daily Living Instructors teach people how to live independently using special techniques for every day activities like food preparation, house cleaning and telling the time. Counselling, Child and Family Social Work Professional counsellors work with members and their families as they adjust to the challenges that come from vision loss. Community Living Service Community Living Service arranges for people with multiple disabilities to have access to appropriate services.