Rehabilitation Information and Advice
Awareness about sight Impairment
When you can see well it is hard to imagine what it is like to have seriously impaired sight. The more knowledge and understanding you have about different ways people see, the easier it is to give appropriate help when it is needed. Ask for our leaflets Meeting people who are blind and Settling into a new home.
At KAB we offer training in visual awareness to volunteers and employees in the public and private sectors. Social workers, hospital and supermarket staff are amongst those to benefit from our practical courses.
But most importantly we remember that our service users and their relatives want to understand more about their eye condition. To help explain the way people see we have simulation spectacles. These demonstrate the difficulties that people with low vision experience on a daily basis.
KAB produces leaflets about common eye conditions, eg cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Diabetics might wish to join the Diabetes UK. This funds research, offers advice and produces cookery books. The bi-monthly magazine Balance is available in print and on tape. The address is Diabetes UK, Maclead House, 10 Parkway, London NW1 7AA. Telephone 0207 424 1000.
People with Glaucoma might like to support the International Glaucoma Association which funds research, produces newsletters, leaflets and answers general questions about Glaucoma. Contact the International Glaucoma Association, 108c Warner Road, Camberwell, London SE5 9HQ. Telephone 0207 737 3265.
The Macular Disease Society publishes a quarterly magazine 'Sideview', funds research, and runs self-help groups to provide mutual support and encourage confidence and independence. Contact PO Box 1870, Andover, SP10 9AD. Telephone 0845 241 2041.
The Nystagmus Nework supports research and provides information. Call their helpline 01392 272573.
The British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society helpline is manned every weekday until 10pm. The aim is to help members understand, live with or overcome visual problems. Telephone 01280 860195.
We can supply information about other support groups and voluntary organisations.
Help for carers
Being a carer can be exhausting and time consuming. At the KAB we recognise the commitment involved and offer advice about sources of support.
The Carers UK, 20-25 Glasshouse Yard, London EC1A 4JS, telephone 0808 808 7777is one such organisation.
Foundation Degree Health and Social Care (Visual Impairment)
KAB and Canterbury Christ Church university offer a two-year Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Visual Impairment), for further details please click here.
Help for parents, children and students
Children with sight impairment
are now educated in mainstream schools. KAB provides mobility training for these children
on behalf of Kent, Medway and Bromley Education. Experienced Mobility
Officers can teach children various coping strategies to travel safely around
the school and in their home area.
Specialist Educational Advisers are available to discuss your child's needs through the Specialist Teaching Services of your Local Authority.
'Skill' gives information about all aspects of post 16 education, training and the transition to employment for people with disability or learning difficulties. Telephone between 1.30pm and 4.30pm weekdays. Minicom is available on 0207 450 0620.
'Look' National Federation of Families with Visually Impaired Children offers support too. Telephone 0121 428 5038.