Connect Magazine - RNIB - See differently



Connect MagazineAugust 2016Issue 6Connect MagazineAugust 2016Issue 6Contents Page numberArticle5Your Voice Stories from your fellow community members9News Brexit, campaign news, Toyota’s latest tech for blind and partially sighted people and more14Health and wellbeing- Losing vision but discovering a passion for teaching Pilates19Welfare and money Managing your money with little or no sight24Community update and events27Recipe: Liver with sage30How I see: Explaining what low vision looks like34Stay in touch Welcome I’m Sabeena from London. I’m registered as severely sight impaired. You have every reason to look forward to what’s to come in this month’s magazine, including my tips on how to manage money with sight loss.Sabeena De SaramRNIB Connect community memberYour Voice My mission to improve audio guides for people with sight lossMick Beck from Sheffield has been blind since he was seven. He believes audio guides are a real lifeline for people with sight loss to enjoy culture.“Audio guides are a great help to many members of the public, but especially to visually impaired people like myself. It means that I don’t have to rely so much on the people that I’m with to interpret what’s there.” Mick would like audio guide authors to bear in mind that some users will be blind or partially sighted and make the information more accessible.Authors need to explain what they want the user to focus on, by providing the context and pointing out the main features of the exhibit.“I think feedback and guidance from visually impaired people and organisations like RNIB could help raise the standards of audio guides.”So whether you’ve had a good or badexperience at a museum or gallery, get in touch with us and share your story. Losing your sight isn’t always sight lossElla McCalman is a former art teacher in her 80s who lives in Islay. She is losing her sight but gaining something really quite unexpected.“My sight problem is advanced macular degeneration. When my sight began to fail, I thought that was the end of drawing for me, but since then I’ve realised that my vision is a wonderful thing, despite the sight loss.What I see now – the hallucinationsI suppose you would call them – are big, swirling masses of roses and other wonderful flowers and leaves, which suddenly change into triangles and patterns. The other evening, they changed into a whole row of little, wooden soldiers standing on my mantelpiece.I know that sounds daft but that’s what happened. I eventually realised that ‘real painting’ – which I always did a bit of – was now beyond me.But the hallucinations became much more interesting as I drew them. I’ve realised now that it’s a never-ending kaleidoscope of what my brain makes of the hole in my eyesight.”This month’s Your Voice contributors will receive a Communiclock - that’s a talking calendar clock. You can get in touch with us and share your story too. Speak to your Connect team on 0303 1234 555 or email connectstories@.ukNewsContacting your MP made easier Royal Mail is supporting a service that enables your MP to have their letters to constituents like you, confidentially transcribed by RNIB into audio, Braille or large print.The scheme works both ways too, so if you send your MP a letter in Braille or audio, it’ll be transcribed. You can send any letter in the usual way, safe in the knowledge that you’ll both be able to read it.Let your MP know if you’d like to receive your reply in a format other than print and remind them to contact RNIB’s Campaigns Team on 020 7391 2123 if they aren’t sure how to do this.People with sight loss failed by vision rehabilitation services RNIB’s latest report See, Plan and Provide, has found nearly half of people in contact with their local council haven’t received the simple assessment that can reduce or prevent the need for far more costly care provision.RNIB believes the specialist face-to-face meeting should take place within 28 days of first contact. We’re calling on councils to put this in place, along with a commitment for support to start within 12 weeks.Find out more and support the campaign, visit .uk/ see-and-planToyota’s navigation innovation Toyota is developing a wearable device for blind people that could improve mobility. Project BLAID is worn around the neck, sitting on the shoulders and helps the wearer navigate indoor spaces. The device is equipped with cameras to detect the user’s surroundings and communicates information through speakers and vibrating motors. Wearers can interact with the device using voice recognition and buttons.We’ll keep in touch with any updates on Project BLAID, so stay tuned on RNIB Connect Radio news and in your Connect Magazine.Remember a Charity in your Will WeekOver 150 charities will come together between 12?18 September to spread the message of how you can do something legendary by remembering your favourite charity in your Will.Find out more at .uk/rac or call the Legacies team on 0845 600 0313BrexitAs you know, the UK recently votedto leave the European Union. As the picture becomes clearer, RNIB will provide appropriate advice for blind and partially sighted people.If you have any queries call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999, or contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.Health and wellbeing Losing vision but discovering a passion for teaching PilatesConnect Radio’s Alice Glossop spoke with a young woman who lost her sight but gained a skill in teaching Pilates. Her name is Emma Hillyard. She’s 24, from London and is partially sighted. Emma was always into dance and physical activities, and then when she went onto ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) they encouraged her to go out and do other things. “That’s when I attended a Pilates class, and from that day I knew it was for me. I thought ‘This is so cool, and I really want to teach this’ - and I went on and did it.” Can you tell us a little about your sight condition? “It’s called cone-rod dystrophy and actually I only found out about that a few years ago. I just thought I was a normal person with glasses and I didn’t even know that my eyes could get worse, so it was a big shock.”Do you think your classes are different to any other Pilates class?“When I was doing Pilates, instead of just watching an instructor, I would close my eyes and listen more, and I found that really made me connect mind and body rather than just watching and trying to copy.”Do you think your sight condition makes a difference to you as a teacher?“I like my small groups because now they come in and you know, there’s only a limited amount of people who it could be. I really find it hard to recognise people. So when new people come in or I’ve got different people, I have to ask if I’ve taught them before. I worry people might think I’m rude, so I do have to constantly, every week, tell people: ‘Just a reminder, you know I’ve got a sight problem.’ Other than that though, I seem to have all good feedback.” What do you want to do next?“I want to branch out more. I want to do more of my own classes. I’m studying my pre and post-natal Pilates now.” Would you recommend trying Pilates to other blind or partially sighted people?“There’s a nice pace to it, you’re not having to dance around the room. It gives me time in between to go around and correct people and people are able to follow along because I give a lot of imagery. People often say that they just close their eyes and follow along.”You can give Pilates a go with Emma!Visit justuniquepilates.co.uk or email emma.pilates@ And if you’re not based in London, get in touch with your local gym or community centre or visit pilatesnearyou.co.ukWelfare and money Managing your money with little or no sightWhen you are blind or partially sighted, there are all sorts of things that can make managing your money a bit challenging.One person who knows this all too well is Sabeena, who recently lost her sight.Sabeena has RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) in both eyes and has had to learn very quickly how to manage her money without sight. She shared some tips on how she keeps a handle on her finances with RNIB Connect team member Leeanne Coyle.“I live in London. I am registered as severely sight impaired. The main reason why I like to do banking online is because I find it difficult to go to the bank.NatWest have developed a new app that is completely accessible if you are a Voice over user. This app allows me to transfer money safely, make payments safely and also withdraw cash.”How does cash withdrawal work?“There is a feature in the app called Get Cash. So you don’t even have to carry your bank card with you, you only need your mobile phone. It’s a safe, easy and accessible technique. Contact your bank or building society directly to find out about their mobile banking app and accessibility.” Are there any other tips that you can give people out there?“I struggle to sort notes out. So now I use a money sorter. It’s a little card you can buy from RNIB. It has ‘steps’. It’s a card you can open, you put your note inside and you can feel the ridge of the note and just trace your finger up to where it ends. Five pounds is the lowest step and then ?10, then the step higher than that is?20 and the last step is ?50.”As someone who’s recently lost their sight, how did you feel to find out you’re eligible for the Blind Person’s Tax Allowance?“When I first found out that I’m eligible for tax relief, I was thrilled. I have to spend more money eating or buying my food as I struggle to cook and prepare my own meals, which doesn’t let me save a lot. So I was really pleased when I heard I’m eligible.” For help and advice on the Blind Person’s Tax Allowance contact the RNIB Tax Advice service on 0345 330 4897 or email tax@.uk If you’d like to find out about more useful products and gadgets, including the note checker Sabeena mentioned, visit RNIB’s online shop or call the Helpline..uk/shop 0303 123 9999Community updates and events RNIB AGM All members of the RNIB Connect community are invited to RNIB’s annual general meeting or AGM, on 29 September in Birmingham. The AGM is your chance to pose your questions to RNIB Trustees and management.To confirm your place with the GovernanceTeam by 26 August, call 020 7391 2132 or email governance@.ukTalk and Support telephone groupsIf you’re interested in telephone social or book groups, all you need is a landline phone and RNIB will cover costs and take care of the rest.From a monthly reading group, artists group or one-off sci-fi group in August, there’s something for everyone. To join or find out more, call Talk and Support on0845 300 3723 or email talkandsupport@.ukShare your thoughts in our eye condition focus groupsRNIB produces information leaflets with advice on certain eye conditions. We’re updating these booklets and we want your help improving them.We’re looking for people affected by some eye conditions to take part in a telephone-based group this September. Your feedback will help us with the kind of information you found helpful when diagnosed.If you’re interested in taking part contact the RNIB Eye Health Information Service. Phone 020 7391 3299 or email eyehealth@.uk What’s cooking this month?Liver with sageA double delight for the cook as much as the diners with this traditional recipe.Ingredients (serves four)? 2 carrots, finely sliced? 350g (12oz) fresh calves’ liver? 2 tbsp cornflour? Pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper? Sunflower oil? 2 tbsp sherry? 2 tbsp soy sauce? 1 handful of fresh sage leaves, shredded (or 1 tsp dried sage)? 50ml chicken stock (or 1 stock cube in hot water)? 1 tbsp sesame oilMethodFinely slice the carrots.Blanch the carrots in boiling water for a few minutes.Chop the liver into finger?sized pieces with pair of kitchen scissors. Place the seasoned cornflour into a shallow bowl, toss the chopped liver in it and coat well.Heat up your oil in a wok or a large frying pan and quickly fry the liver, stirring and turning it several times; keep it moving while it’s in the hot fat. Lift the liver out of the pan; put it onto a warmed plate. Heat up your wok again. You’ve still got that oil in there, so add the soy sauce, stock, sherry and sage. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by about a half, stirring throughout.Take the liver back out of the oven, pop it into the pan for another minute with the sauce, add the carrots and stir over heat for another minute, stir in the sesame oil, and serve.How I see Explaining what low vision looks likeIt’s a common misconception that blind people have no sight at all, but this is often not the case. This month we launch the How I See campaign in the hope of educating the general public. Nicki Kelly from Birmingham is registered severely sight-impaired with optic atrophy. She explained the ups and downs of low vision.What are your experiences of having low vision, as opposed to being completely blind?“I realised how low my vision is when I was walking one day with my headphones on. I’ve got very little field of vision, and I knocked a woman over because I just didn’t see her. She was very unhappy and shouted at me. From then on I used my white cane. People assume that anyone with a white cane or guide dog has no vision at all, so we must need lots of help. I’m grateful, but sometimes it’s too much. It can feel like the little things I can do are being taken away from me.”What do you say to people, without putting them off helping others?“I always consider this, because the next person might be completely blind and need that extra help. Sometimes I’ll just go with it, or I’ll grab their arm and chat to relieve the awkwardness. “My advice to the general public is to offer assistance, but always ask: do you need help?”Check out the film and share your storyWe’re featuring How I See on RNIB Connect Radio’s Morning Mix withSimon Pauley from Monday 1 to Friday 5 August from 10am to 1pm. Call in to share your story too! Listen on Freeview Channel 730 and online at rnibconnectradio.co.ukVisit .uk/howIsee and #HowISee on Facebook and TwitterStay in touch“My name is Shadeen Rose. Did you know that you can receive Connect Magazine in print (16pt), braille, audio CD and by email?” At any point you can change the way you wish to receive Connect Magazine. Just contact the Connect Team on 0303 123 4555 or email connect@.ukContact Connect Magazine Write to RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NEEmail connect@.uk Call 0845 330 4134 – leave a message and we’ll call you back. Calls cost 3p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Connect online with other members at .uk/connectEye health information, emotional support, benefits advice and product informationCall 0303 123 9999 Email helpline@.uk or visit .uk/ask Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.30pm and calls costs no more than a standard rate call to an 01 or 02 number.FundraisingCall 0345 345 0054, email fundraising@.uk orvisit .uk/donate.VolunteeringCall 01733 375 450, emailvolunteering@.ukor visit .uk/volunteering.CampaigningCall 020 7391 2123, emailcampaign@.uk or .uk/campaigningAdvertising queriesContact Landmark Publishingon 020 7520 9474 or email Sharon@lps.co.uk ................
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