“Communication Centre for Blind and Visually Impaired People”

The Problem

Try to imagine what your life would be like if you could not read ordinary print.

Would you like to have your private correspondence read to you?

Would you like to fall into arrears with your rent because you could not read the printed notification of an increase that was sent to you?

Would you like to take risks with your prescriptions because you could not read the instructions about frequency of dosage or the leaflet about possible side effects?

Would you like to miss out on all the bargains that are on offer in the shops and supermarkets because you could not read about special offers?

Would you like to be denied a private vote because you were unable to read the ballot paper?

Would you like to have menus in restaurants read out loud to you so that you can make your choice of a meal?

These are just a few of the many problems that blind and visually impaired people face every day.

There are about 1,800 people who live in Stockton who are in this position. They range from the totally blind to people whose sight has faded, usually through old age. Although the degree of their disabilities varies considerably they all have one thing in common – they cannot read ordinary print. Consequently they become increasingly isolated and more dependent on others.

If you have any doubts about the seriousness of this problem try the following experiment: -

Try to manage for three hours without reading any print. How would you use your computer? How would you cook a meal? How would you do your shopping? How would you find out what was on the radio? What would you do with your post?

You will find that your easy, comfortable life comes to a full stop to be replaced by doubt, uncertainty and frustration, and if you rely on taking prescriptions even life threatening.

The Solution

The “Communication Centre for Blind and Visually Impaired People” will address all of these issues and will offer the following services: -

• Ordinary print will be converted into a range of alternative formats to meet the needs of individuals. This will include Braille, CD, cassette, computer disk or large print.

• Employers and service providers can have their various letters, leaflets and other printed matter converted into the same range of formats to enable them to communicate effectively with their blind and visually impaired customers.

• Training will be provided to teach the sighted staff of employers and service providers how to read and write Braille and how to prepare documents so that they can be readily transcribed into alternative formats.

• Blind and visually impaired people will be offered training to enable them to access information that they receive in formats other than print.

• Every blind and visually impaired person should register with the Communication Centre. They will need to indicate what printed information they would like to receive and in what alternative format.

• Every employer and service provider should contact the Communication
  Centre to discuss how their printed information can be prepared ready for transcription into alternative formats.

• Blind and visually impaired people now have a legally enforceable right through the Disability Discrimination Act to receive printed information in the medium of their choice.