Help, Advice and Information
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
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.
MACS
www.macs.org.uk
Information about Microanophthalmia, Anophthalmia, Coloboma and related conditions. MACS offer support and information to parents and professionals in the UK and around the world. Macs also give parents, families and children the opportunity to meet each other, support each other and learn from each other.
The Eyeless Trust
www.eyeless.org.uk
A charity offering information and support for families affected by Anophthalmia, Microphthalmia or Coloboma.
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.
Toys and Games
Sense
http://www.sense.org.uk/
Advice on multi sensory disability.Toys & Games
Specialeyes World
www.specialeyesworld.com
Provides sensory toys for all disabilities.
Books and Reading
TFH Special Needs Toys
http://www.tfhuk.com/
Touch Feel heal. Mail order toys for children and teenagers with special needs.Books & Reading
Calibre
www.calibre.org.uk
A free nationwide postal library or recorded books.
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.
Leisure and Entertainment
Talking Newspaper Association of the United Kingdom
www.tnauk.org.uk
Talking newspapers - some for children Leisure & 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
Ability Net
A national charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology
www.abilitynet.org.uk
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.
Specialist Equipment
Cobolt Systems Uk
www.cobolt.co.uk
Products for the Blind and Visually Impaired & suppliers of Audible Products
A wide range of products including talking clocks, talking multi function radios, talking combination ovens, talking watches, microwave cookware, a range of glasses, and more.