The following local and national organisations provide help, assistance and guidance for visually impaired children and their families. We have found these web sites informative and easy to use. We would like to know of any other organisations that have helped you with their services and advice - please let us know.
General Advice
Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
http://www.rbsociety.org.uk/
Support and info about retinoblastoma.
Contact a Family
http://www.cafamily.org/
A UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children - no matter what their health condition. We also enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis.
Guide Dogs
http://www.guidedogs.org
Information about how to contact your nearest office and receive advice on owning a dog.
This is only relevant for our older teenagers.
HelpinSight
http://www.helpinsight.org.uk/
A database of mainstream schools in the UK with facilities for VI students.
Sense
http://www.sense.org.uk/
Advice on multi sensory disability.Toys & Games
Toys and Games
Calibre
www.calibre.org.uk
A free nationwide postal library or recorded books.
Specialeyes World
www.specialeyesworld.com
Provides sensory toys for all disabilities.
TFH Special Needs Toys
http://www.tfhuk.com/
Touch Feel heal. Mail order toys for children and teenagers with special needs.Books & Reading
Books and Reading
Green Metropolis
AUDIO & LARGE PRINT BOOKS - ALL £3.75
www.GreenMetropolis.com
This site is a comprehensive online secondhand bookstore, where all paperbacks cost £3.75 (inc delivery) whether they're the latest release or last year's blockbuster. Log on, search for the book you want, register and buy it. The site operates a buy and sell account, which means you can sell your already-read books via the site. They have made a point of including audio and large print books to ensure people with sight or reading problems have access to books at an affordable price.
Clear Vision Project
http://www.clearvisionproject.org
Clear Vision lend tactile books and dual format Braille/print or moon/print for adults and children.
Booktrust
www.booktrust.org.uk
Introducing blind and partially sighted babies and toddlers to books. A free pack is available which contains specially selected books and advice.
Cue and Review
www.cueandreview.org.uk
National magazines on tape with 5 teen titles focusing on music reviews.
Living Paintings Trust
www.livingpaintings.org
A registered charity offering free postal library of books with Braille and print and raised paintings with description tapes to follow.
National Library for the Blind
www.nlb-online.org
This site is aimed at adults rather than young children however, these is a lot of information on visually impaired reader's groups, events and activities.
Talking Newspaper Association of the United Kingdom
www.tnauk.org.uk
Talking newspapers - some for children Leisure & Entertainment
Leisure and Entertainment
Your Local Cinema
www.yourlocalcinema.com
Your nearest cinema with audio description together with details of what’s on.
British Blind Sport
www.britishblindsport.org.uk
British Blind Sport is the co coordinating body of sport for the blind and partially sighted.
Sort It
www.sorit.org.uk
Sort it is a charity for children and teenagers 11 years onwards. The site is designed as a youth magazine and discusses current issues such as going away from home, starting university, celebrities, technology, computer games to name but a few.
Traveleyes
www.traveleyes.co.uk
A travel company with a difference. It aims to provide holidays for both blind/visually impaired and sighted travellers, journeying together in a spirit of mutual independence.
Extant
www.extant.org.uk
A theatre company of professional actors and directors who are visually impaired.Technology
Technology
Inclusive Technology
www.inclusive.co.uk
Information on educational software, switches and computer access devices, simple communication aids and assistive technology for learners with special needs.
Help, Advice and Information