RVI Eye Dep. User Group Web Site
More Useful Information -items of Specific and General Interest
1. Help for the Visually Impaired:
Action for Blind People (Extensive Information and help) Helpline: 08457 258 852 or (0207) 635 4800 www.afbp.org See their extensive 2000 update book of National Information on this site click here
New grants available for home energy saving & security - you may be eligible - contact Citizens Advice or EGA on 0800 952 0600
Recent hi-tech goodies seen at Sight Village 2000 Click Here
National Federation of the Blind, (Pressure Group) 01924 291 313 Life sub £30, The Old Surgery, 215 Kirkgate, Wakefield ,Yorks, WF1 1JG.
Cassette Tape radio & TV guide: Click here
Guide dogs for the Blind 01423 711711 www.gdba.org.uk
Big Print Newspaper (70p per week or £50 per year): 0800 124007 EMail sales@bigprint.co.uk
Signpost North East have now been taken over by Action for Blind People (monthly magazine on tape, welfare rights advice, etc) (0142) 986 8495 or Head Office 0207 635 4800 Fax: (0142) 929 1033
Directory for Disabled People 0207402 6681 www.nif.org.uk
Disability Law Service for advice 020 7791 9800
Court if Law Procedures in Large print and Braille from enquiry line 0207 210 2266 or from any court.
Audio Description - can be available for live performances, TV and Video. Negotiations are currently (2001) in hand with The Theatre Royal (watch this space), TV audio description is now available on a few Sky channels via its 'narrative' channel but is a problem on terrestrial TV, one day it will be available on digital TV (listen to audio for more info), VHS Videos are available from the RNIB for hire @ £2.50 for 2 weeks or purchase, ring 0845 023 153 for catalogue and orders. Many new DVD videos have audio description included from their menu - check the sleeve first, which is always in small print! - This is the best form of TV for the VI since sliced bread! For sport on TV if you can find a simultaneous radio commentary you've got it made.
'Come Gardening' quarterly magazine for the VI in any format @ £5.00 per year includes access to their extensive cassette library. 'Getting on with Gardening' Book in most formats for VI's @ £3.50. All by 'Thrive' 0118 988 5688 or answerphone 0118 988 6668 or www.carryongardening.org.uk or through RNIB 08457 023 153.
2. General Help:
Benefits Agency Enquiry Line 0800 882200
Help the Aged Senior-line gives free advice and information for older people, their relatives and friends: 0800 650065 and for benefits advice use 0808 800 6565
NHS Direct gives advice and information on medical problems, accidents, or emergencies, day or night. 0845 4647
Retired persons Government backed non-tariff fuel service up to 3 bedrooms and 4 residents - should always be the cheapest gas and electricity offer - 'Stay Warm' from TXU 0800 1694 694
Age Concern Newcastle 0191 235 9926 - They also have special offers with cheaper? fuel from Powergen: 0800 917 3352 www.ace.org.uk
Consumers Advice Bureau (CAB) 0870 126 4015 www.adviceguide.org.uk
Stop unwanted selling phone calls 0800 398 893
Winter Fuel Payments 0645 151515
Disability Rights Advice Service 0345 585445
Telephone Yellow pages 0800 600 900
H.M.Government Info www.ukstate.com
Local Government Ombudsman advice line 0845 602 1983
Home Office Practical Guide to home crime prevention - on tape - 0870 241 4680
3. Miscellaneous VI Info:
Cooking Recipes in most formats RNIB
If you are a business, organisation, architect, planner, designer or educator and require recommendations for compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act in respect of services and accessible buildings which meet the needs of visually (and sensory) Impaired people DOWNLOAD Newcastle Disability Forum's document in various formats or visit www.ndf.org.uk
'A Sight for Sore Eyes' Audio info, interest, leisure, etc www.kenmatthews.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
Sounds Natural service on CD's and tape: 01557 33 9000 E-Mail sounds.natural@scotweb.co.uk
National Centre for Tactile Diagrams (Made to order for individuals or companies) 01707 2863448
About your Eyes www.eyecare.org
Macular Society Questionnaire results Click for REPORT
Photo Dynamic Therapy for wet AMD at BUPA Washington Click Details
Extensive Information for devices, ongoing research & development, serial publications, abbreviations & acronyms + help for professionals in the service of VI's www.tiresias.org