Tag: RNIB Scotland

Annette will do Kiltwalk along Water of Leith to say thank you to sight loss charity

Undeterred by lockdown, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is happening in virtual form this year, and still inviting people to raise funds for their favourite charity, money that will be topped up by a further 50 percent from Sir Tom Hunter’s Foundation.

Clearly, tartan-clad hordes can’t descend on the streets of the capital as in previous years. Instead, this September the Virtual Kiltwalk can be completed in your local area, keeping within social distancing guidelines. Over the weekend September 11-13th you simply don some tartan, go for a walk of any length, and raise funds for your chosen cause.

But if walking isn’t your thing the organisers invite you to create your own Kiltwalk challenge. You can skip a mile in tartan, do a kilted ‘trampoline-a-thon’, or even an all-day Highland fling!

Annette West is both walking and talking the walk. She will be raising much needed funds for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, which is based in Edinburgh.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “Since having two successful eye operations to restore my sight four years ago my life has changed again. I now feel that I want to give back something to RNIB Scotland by taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk.”

Annette  aims to walk the Water of Leith on Sunday, September 13th, starting from Cannon Mills and finishing at Colinton, a distance of six miles.

“People can either join me at the start and do the whole walk to the finish, or join me anywhere along the route,” she says. “I was inspired by listening to Kings Church Sunday service on YouTube and they talked about walking along the Water of Leith. It was a light-bulb moment as I live in Leith and can invite a few of my friends to join me along different sections and make my way back home.

“The Water of Leith is beautiful and local so, taking into account social distancing and restrictions which may still be in place, I can do a mini walk.

“I decided to do the Virtual Kiltwalk after a conversation with a friend, Irene, who I have known and have worked with for many years but who is terminally ill with cancer. She suggested to me that I could get a piece of paper and write whatever came into my head relating to why I might want to do the virtual Kiltwalk.

“So I thought, firstly, this is my way of saying thank you to the RNIB Scotland for all the years that they have helped me on my sight loss journey. I want to help other people with sight loss by sharing my story, knowledge and experience. I want to help them feel confident about themselves in order to live happy, meaningful and purposeful daily lives.

“I also believe that staying mentally healthy is essential. During this period of lockdown we all have to take responsibility for our own mental state and this has given me something to focus on. I feel that a healthy mind and body go hand in hand. During lockdown, I have found it very difficult to take exercise and stay motivated. But since hearing about the Virtual Kiltwalk, I have become re-energised and it has rekindled my passion for walking.

“And as a radio presenter with the Heart Song Live station, I can appreciate the value of sharing my story and hope that it can help to inspire, encourage and help others to fully live their lives.”

To sponsor Annette, please donate to her page at 

https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

Emerging Out Of Lockdown Is Something To Sing About

A ‘virtual choir’ of ten blind and partially sighted people has recorded their own version of The Proclaimers iconic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, the chart-topping hit that became an instant classic of Scottish pop.

But this version [https://www.facebook.com/RNIB.Scotland/] has changed the lyrics to give a humorous take on the frustrations and difficulties that people with sight loss have experienced during lockdown.

Mike Holroyd, who brings the RNIB Scotland Connect Singers together over the phone, said: “When it comes to social distancing, too often sighted people think that others are being careless if they are getting too close to them. But the reality is that those who are blind or partially sighted can’t always fully see other people even when they are alongside.

“Singing has become an important pass-time during lockdown in many countries, and this has certainly been true for some of our members in Scotland.

“Our singers, who continue to meet over the phone each week, decided to write a song about some of the challenges they face as we emerge out of lockdown. They were all involved in writing and re-writing lines of the song until everyone was happy with the result.

“We asked Steven Johnson, an RNIB Scotland volunteer and himself a singer/song-writer, to record some guitar and vocals. We were then able to add piano and further vocals through sending audio-files backwards and forwards and even collecting some vocals via phone call.

“This has been a fun project. But it also highlights a serious issue. Many of us who are blind and partially sighted do not find social distancing easy, and so we will need the wider community to understand and maybe offer a bit of support if needed. We have heard stories of blind and partially sighted people being shouted at because they have not been aware of queues or been unable to judge distances. This song  conveys a serious message in a light hearted way.

“The Proclaimers music publishers have been very generous in allowing us to borrow their tune for this song.”

The choir members come from Edinburgh, Stirling, Ayrshire and Glasgow.

To listen to the song, please go to https://www.facebook.com/RNIB.Scotland/

Alternative lyrics to ‘I’m Gonna BE… (500 Miles)’

After lockdown, well I know I’m gonna need

I’m gonna need a bit of freedom just like you.

And when I go out, yeah I know I may well need

Someone to guide me when I’m walking just like you.

If I get drunk, well I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be the one who gets drunk just like you.

And when I travel, yeah I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be the one who travels just like you.

But social distancing is something

I will find it hard to do

And all I ask is understanding

That I can’t see quite like you.

When I’m working, yeah I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be the one who’s working just like you.

When I’m shopping, yeah I know I’m gonna spend

I’m gonna spend my pounds and pennies just like you.

When I go home, well I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be so pleased I went out just like you.

And if I grow old, well I know I’m gonna be

I’m going to be so glad of kind folk just like you.

But social distancing is something

I will find it hard to do

And all I ask is understanding

That I can’t see quite like you.

Ba-da-da …

After lockdown

After lockdown …

Well I’m not lonely, I’m not lonely cos I know

I’m only one quick call or text away from you

And when I’m dreaming, well I know I’m gonna dream

I’m gonna dream about the time when this is through

And when we go out, yeah we know we’re gonna need

Someone to guide us when we’re walking just like you.

And when we come home well we know we’re gonna be

We’re gonna be so glad we’ve freedom just like you

But social distancing is something

I will find it hard to do

And all I ask is understanding

That I can’t see quite like you.

Ba-da-da-da …

No more lockdown

No more lockdown

All together again…

Ba-da-da-da…

After lockdown

After lockdown …

Don’t ignore eye check-ups – they can save your sight!

Optometric practices (opticians) have now reopened in Scotland and a charity is urging people to resume treatment and eye examinations which may prevent later sight loss.

Eye examinations are free in Scotland and can spot the first signs of sight problems when impairment of vision can be arrested or even reversed.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “The coronavirus has eclipsed other concerns in the public consciousness lately, but we still have to be aware of maintaining our wider health, including our eyes. That’s why it’s very important we still go for regular eye examinations and continue treatment that can save sight.”

The charity is pointing to a recent survey by ophthalmic professionals that found that up to 50 per cent of people with acute or urgent eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of sight loss in Britain, had missed appointments during the peak of lockdown.

David Quigley, chair of professional body Optometry Scotland, said the emphasis was on ensuring a safe environment and experience for patients and staff. “So while appointments may be a little different as we closely follow Government guidelines, optometrists can now offer a wide spectrum of eyecare, including routine exams, which are crucial in maintaining eye health and reducing avoidable sight loss.

“The sector is also embracing technology to continue to offer remote services where appropriate, something we are keen to encourage as we move into a new reality of care. We encourage patients to phone their local optometrist in the first instance, who will assess whether they are best served remotely or in practice and will make an appointment as necessary.”

Home visits will be available for those who can’t attend a practice without assistance. This could be someone who is shielding, needs the support of carers, is unable to travel to a practice, or is temporarily injured. Most parts of a routine eye exam can be carried out and a broad spectrum of treatment can be administered too.

Optometry Scotland has produced a video [https://bit.ly/2AZ55VO] with RNIB Scotland explaining the special procedures in place for blind and partially sighted people when visiting their local optometrist practice.

* RNIB’s ‘Eye health during Coronavirus: What to do and what to expect’ leaflet is available here – https://www.rnib.org.uk/sites/default/files/eye-health-coronavirus-tips-2.pdf. 

For more information on what to do if you have concerns about your sight, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.

Letters: Let’s make sure the Scotland we return to is inclusive for everyone

Dear Editor

As lockdown eases the Scottish Government wants us to walk and cycle more, to reduce passenger numbers on public transport and encourage us all to keep fit and healthy.

RNIB Scotland believes this ‘Spaces for People’ initiative could transform active travel for everyone. However, we remain concerned that, if these moves are introduced too hastily, with not enough thought given to people who are blind or partially sighted or who have other mobility issues, it could actually end up putting barriers in place.

We want space for new cycle lanes to be taken from roads not pavements, for new designs to avoid the shared spaces concept, for clutter to be removed from our streets, and for controlled crossings to the road or bus stops to be installed. This will make things safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The current situation has made us all a little more aware of what it is like to feel vulnerable, to depend more on others. Let’s build on the sense of greater cohesiveness this crisis has created and make sure the Scotland we return to is inclusive for everyone.

James Adams

Director, Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland

12-14 Hillside Crescent

Edinbugh

Braille versions of Test and Protect guidance will be available for Scots with sight loss

Sight loss charity RNIB Scotland will produce braille versions of the Scottish Government Test and Protect guidance relating to the current coronavirus situation.

The move follows concerns that some blind and partially sighted people might be unable to access important health advice and guidance. In a  survey of people with sight loss commissioned by RNIB in May, one in four respondents said they had struggled to get information in a format they could understand.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “In the current situation accessible healthcare information is more essential than ever. It is vitally important everyone knows how to keep themselves and their community safe, and that blind and partially sighted people, who can be particularly vulnerable, are kept informed of new developments and guidance.

“So we are pleased to be able to assist the Scottish Government in making braille versions of information available on procedures for testing.”

Braille is the tactile system of raised dots on paper that can be ‘read’ by  fingertip touch. Although many blind and partially sighted people now use audio or screen-reading software to access information, thousands still use the system invented by Frenchman Louis Braille in 1837.

RNIB has produced guidelines on making information accessible for a range of public bodies and businesses. Some adjustments are relatively easy to make, points out Mr Adams.

“Even people who don’t consider themselves sight-impaired can sometimes struggle with very small print, or with text that doesn’t have a sharp enough contrast with the background colour,” James said.

“Much information is now communicated electronically or online. For people who use screen-reading software – which reads out text on websites or emails – this might not seem a problem. But some graphics can still confuse screen-readers, such as text superimposed on images, photos that don’t have alt-tags, text that is justified on both sides, or even just sentences that don’t end with a full-stop.

“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that we give full consideration to how accessible our communications are.”

Braille copies of Scottish Government Test and Protect information materials relating to the current coronavirus situation can be obtained from scotland@rnib.org.uk.

Test and Protect information is also available in audio and large-print format, as well as other languages and formats, from the Scottish Government website at  www.gov.scot/test-and-protect,

* The RNIB Helpline is available on 0303 123 9999.

Firestarters!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like getting around central Edinburgh if you were blind, partly sighted, a wheelchair user or have mobility issues? Yesterday, 15 people found out.

A grouping of charities gave them an opportunity to accompany people with a range of complex needs around the congested area beside the Omni Centre on Greenside Row.

The move is part of the ‘Firestarter’ programme of nationwide events that aims to ‘allow people from all aspects of public service to share innovative and creative ways that are making a difference to Scotland’. Those taking part included policymakers, civil servants and other influencers.

Yesterday’s event was hosted by We Walk, We Cycle, We Vote, a collaborative campaign calling for more investment in walking and cycling, with RNIB Scotland, Spinal Injuries Scotland. Guide Dogs Scotland also supported the event.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “Letting the people who set the framework for things like planning and urban design experience hear what it’s like trying to get around a city centre will give them a greater appreciation of the potential problems those with sight loss and other disabilities face every day.

“We are campaigning for all of our cities and towns to be made more accessible to people and for any obstacles or impediments to be kept to a minimum.

“That’s why we very much welcomed the recent decision by Edinburgh City Council to make its ban on advertising boards permanent. A bold and progressive move like this will make our capital more welcoming to residents and visitors with disabilities.”

Maureen Morrison, operations manager with Spinal Injuries Scotland , said, “We are committed to supporting spinal cord injured (SCI) people and ensuring that our towns and cities are designed to enable them to undertake life’s daily functions with as much independence as possible.

“For many who require a greater level of accessibility, the prospect of leaving the house can be daunting. We welcome this event as an opportunity to point out the barriers that many people face in the hope that influencers will incorporate more accessible design in our towns and cities in the future, for a more inclusive society.”

RNIB Talking Books appeal gets most votes from Edinburgh Tesco shoppers

Tesco community champion April Waters (pictured above, right) presents RNIB Scotland volunteer Hazel Kelly (left) with a cheque for £4,000, after the sight loss charity came first in six Tesco store’s ‘Bags of Help’ initiative, including Hermiston Gait and Corstorphine. Shoppers voted with special tokens for their favourite cause. Continue reading RNIB Talking Books appeal gets most votes from Edinburgh Tesco shoppers

Seeing is believing: new project tells the story of Edinburgh’s blind people

rnibA Heritage Lottery Fund project that will bring to life the stories of people with sight loss in Edinburgh and the Lothians a hundred years ago is being launched today.

‘Seeing Our History’ will offer a unique but often grim glimpse of a time when the blind and partially sighted were consigned to the margins of society, almost wholly dependent on the goodwill of others.

Sight loss charity RNIB Scotland has received £55,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to begin the 12-month project.

The aim is to compile a 60-page booklet – in hard copy, braille and ‘talking-book’ formats – to accompany a series of six programmes to be broadcast on the charity’s award-winning Insight Radio station.

The project is indebted to former RNIB Scotland Chair and long-time community activist, campaigner and Councillor Jimmy Cook whose passionate interest in the history of blindness ensured that records survive today.

Dr Catriona Burness of RNIB Scotland said: “We are very excited to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for this unique project.

“Historical and cultural studies have mainly neglected the experiences of blind and partially sighted people. ‘Seeing our History’ will address this by showing what it was like to have sight loss in Edwardian Edinburgh and Lothians before the First World War. Adults and children endured harsh lives, usually dependent on subsistence work or welfare relief that was conditional on religious conformity.

“This was an era before sight-saving eye-treatments, disability benefits, computer screen-readers and audio-books. If to be poor then was to be at the margins of society, to be blind and poor was to be at the margins of the margins. People had to rely upon poor relief, charitable aid, and meagre supplementary earnings from activities such as hawking, knitting, teaching or playing music, selling tea or keeping house.

“‘Seeing Our History’ will give up to 12 research volunteers, including some with sight loss, an opportunity to develop heritage interest and learn new skills, while also taking the history of blindness to a wider audience who might not previously have given disability much thought.”

The project will base its work on the 1903-10 register of ‘the outdoor blind’ (ie, those not resident in institutions) recently donated by RNIB Scotland to the Lothian Health Services Archive. Details include names, address, place of birth, age when sight was lost, cause of blindness; marital status; how employed; weekly earnings before losing sight and weekly income after, and date of death.

The 1,170 entries in the register will be supplemented by other materials such as census returns, poor relief records, and family papers and wills for the wealthy to enable the project to reconstruct some of the stories of blind and partially sighted people’s lives across social class, gender, occupation, and locality.

Colin McLean, head of HLF Scotland, said “We are delighted to give this innovative project our support. As well as exploring a fascinating and so far largely undiscovered part of our heritage, the project provides opportunities for participants to learn new skills, expand their knowledge and produce a valuable resource for others to learn from, enjoy and be inspired by.”

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