Newsletter for Autumn 2007: Issue 19

This information is also available in Braille, on tape or, if you prefer, by e-mail. If you wish to receive your newsletter in any of these formats, give us a call on 01495 763650 and speak to Sam.

Newsletter Contents

Clicking one of the content links below will take you to the relevant section if you do not wish to read the entire newsletter.

Talking Computers Web Site

The Talking Computers web site is an excellent online resource for blind and partially sighted computer users. It offers help, advice and encouragement for anyone getting to grips with, or an experienced user of, computer technology.

It originally started as a monthly tape magazine by the Disability Advice and Information Service (DAIS), based in Merseyside. Ted Martin and Liz Warren took over in January 2004, and launched the website in 2006.

They still send out a tape version to those who want it. There is no subscription charge; listeners provide their own audio cassettes, which should be a good quality 90 minute, and their own postal wallets. If this is a problem, they can supply them for £2.50.

If anyone is interested in receiving the magazine on tape, you should send your tape and wallet, or £2.50 to: Mrs. E A Warren, 171 Dunraven Drive, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 6AZ. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Talking Computers. The web address is www.talking-computers.org.uk.

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Pontypool Gym Club for Vision Impaired

For any Torfaen residents who would like to get a little fitter and enjoy the social side of having a chat with other like-minded people, the Pontypool Gym Club are keen to welcome new members.

They meet every Wednesday morning, and there is plenty of help with the equipment. After a workout, the group meet for a drink and something to eat. So if you have thought about using a gym but been put off by your lack of sight, this is your chance. Please phone 01495 762200 and speak to Mary Evans or Adrian Thole for more details. Alternatively call 01495 763650 and we will try to help.

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Forthcoming Events

Forthcoming Events in your Area:

Event	When	Where
Blaenau Gwent Open Day	Thursday 27 September, 2007	Civic Centre, Ebbw Vale
Get Your Boots On Sponsored Walk	Saturday 29 September, 2007	Cwmcarn Scenic Drive. Meet 10:00am in the park
Advice Day	Monday 8 November, 2007	Ystrad Mynach Dance Centre
For the above event:	Advice and information about benefit entitlement, healthy eating, exercise, eye care, talking books and much more. A buffet is planned, so book your place on 01495 763650.

Argos Audio Catalogue

Argos now produces an audio copy of their catalogue. It is available on CD or tape. To get a copy, telephone 0870 6003030, or ask at your local store.

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Contaminated Fake Toothpaste

Fake Sensodyne Original and Sensodyne Mint toothpaste, in 50ml tubes, have been sold in unauthorised markets and discount shops and are a potential danger to public health. Tests indicate that the products contain a substance which could be toxic to young children and anyone with impaired liver or kidney function.

Legitimate Sensodyne, labelled only in English and sourced from authorised suppliers is NOT defective and you can continue to purchase and use these products.

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The Accessible Friends Network

The Accessible Friends Network is a UK Registered Charity who use email, the internet, voice conferencing and other resources to improve the quality of life for people who are registered blind amd their partners. They provide support, raise funds and organise activities online.

The Accessible Friends Network offer live support via voice chat over the computer, as well as quizzes smf fun events. The group offers each member moral support and tries hard to foster a friendly atmosphere. They always give new members and guests a warm welcome.

Several members are musicians and music and radio fans, and enjoy sharing information about music, radio, equipment and all types of audio. They also provide guides and WebPages on this subject for members and guests entertainment, along with an accessible games page with a TOP 10 chart, members game reviews, news and advice. With members skilled in computing and access technology, they are able to provide technical help where possible, to help keep members’ computers running smoothly.

Why not sign up for a free 3 month trial today? It's free and friendly. They can help you get your computer set up (if needed). www.tafn.org.uk.

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Sainsbury's Telephone Shopping Service

You can now shop with Sainsbury's over the phone! Simply call 0845 3012020 and tell them the items you need - no product codes are required. It's as easy as that!

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Raffle

With the hard copies of this newsletter we have enclosed 2 books of raffle tickets. If you would like to take part in our Christmas raffle the tickets are £1 each, £5 per book so £10 for the two books. The prizes include £300 cash, chocolates, wine, spirits, toiletries and much more.

If you would be good enough to complete the stubs and send with your money to Gwent Association for the Blind, Bradbury House, Park Buildings, Pontypool NP4 6JH, we would be very grateful.

If you don't want to take part please don't worry about returning them, but all monies raised will go toward keeping our Resource Centre open, 5 days a week 10am - 3pm.

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Hear the News

National Talking Newspapers and Magazines have launched a new service. Blind and print-disabled listeners will be able to download audio versions of national newspaper and magazine titles that have been recorded in the charity's studios.

Initially, the 50 most popular titles recorded by the charity will be available but extra titles will be added regularly with the aim of including all 230 titles over the coming months.

The audio files can either be listened to online by visiting the website or downloaded to be played later on MP3 players. Each file is 45 minutes long and individual articles can be chosen from a play list. This gives subscribers the opportunity of being selective in the articles that they listen to, just like sighted people would skim through a newspaper and choose what to read.

To find out how to receive this, or any of the services provided by NTNM, please call the customer care team on 01435 866102 or visit the website, www.tnauk.org.uk.

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Studying with a Disability

The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is a government grant that helps with the extra costs of studying which might arise from a disability. Allowances are not means tested, and there are no age limits. Certain requirements have to be met in order to qualify relating to the disability.

Once you have been accepted for DSA, the next step is to be assessed by a specialist company. This will cover every aspect - not just how your disability affects your studies, but also your own way of working. It is important because it ensures each student gets the right level of benefit.

The amount of money you may be eligible for is broken down into different elements:

• Allowance for Specialist Equipment (up to £4905) - which could include specialist software for your computer, large screen monitor, scanner or textreading software, magnifiers etc.
• Non-Medical Helper Allowance (up to £12420) - for support such as sign language interpreters, note takers, or someone to train you in how to use specialist equipment and software.
• General Allowance (up to £1640) - for additional expenses such as printer ink cartridges, computer disks and other consumables.

There is also some allowance for travel expenses. The amount of financial support you could be eligible for from DSA depends on your circumstances and the course you are considering studying, but it is important not to be put off further education because of a disability - help is out there!

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Get Set for Digital

The Digital Switchover Help Scheme is designed to help those with disabilities who have not already switched to digital television. It provides practical help and support for approximately seven million households where one person is registered blind or partially sighted, or one person is aged 75 years or over, or one person is receiving attendance allowance or disability living allowance.

The scheme is free if the eligible person is in receipt of Income Support, Pension Credit or Jobseekers Allowance - others will pay a minimal fee. The scheme will provide people with an accessible digital television receiver; help with the installation of the equipment and training on how to use it.

The process of switching to digital will take place between 2008 and 2013, region by region. For more information about digital television and this scheme, contact Digital UK on 0800 5192021 or go to the website at www.digitaluk.co.uk/helpscheme

In addition to this, we are currently in the process of arranging a representative of Digital UK to deliver a series of presentations, both to the V.I. Clubs at their meeting places as well as anyone else interested here at Bradbury House. Watch this space for more details.

To find out how to receive audio description on digital television, contact Jill Whitehead at the R.N.I.B. on 020 73912398 or e-mail jill.whitehead@rnib.org.uk.

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Sponsored Walk

On Saturday September 29th we are holding our annual Sponsored Walk at Cwmcarn Scenic Drive, to help raise much needed funds to enable us to continue delivering our services. Register at the main car park next to the Visitor’s Centre from 10:00am. There will be a great party atmosphere and prizes for walkers who raise more than £50 in sponsorship.

Please come along, bring your friends and family for a wonderful day in the countryside. The walk will be followed by a BBQ alongside the lake. Enjoy the last day of summer in the stunning surrounds of Cwmcarn Forest.

If you are unable to manage the walk yourself, please encourage friends and family to take part. It will be helpful if you could let the office know if you will be attending. Sponsorship forms can be posted to you by telephoning us on 01495 763650.

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Rehabilitation Services in Torfaen

If you live in Torfaen, and feel you would benefit from some help with getting out and about safely, or remaining independent in your own home, the Rehabilitation Worker will be pleased to come and see you to offer advice and assistance. Please telephone 01495 763650 to arrange.

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The Gwent Bobby Van Trust

Having made the move from New Inn to Bradbury House, and now that we are providing so many more services than before we have been debating whether the time has come to change our name. The reasons for doing this include the fact that GWENT no longer exists and that many people are put off by the term BLIND and may therefore not take up our services even when they would get much benefit from them. We have had instances in the hospital, for example, where people have said that they didn't contact us because they didn't consider themselves to be blind even though they couldn't see the headline in a newspaper. Lots of people also think our name smacks of CHARITY and feel this doesn't apply to them - they feel too independent and proud and don't want to feel part of an organisation that has a bit of an institutional feel about its name.

The Gwent Bobby Van Trust is a project jointly run by Gwent Police, Age Concern and Victim Support, with the aim of protecting elderly and vulnerable people.

They provide a free service to anyone over 60 years of age who requires help or advice in securing their homes. You can arrange a visit by calling Steve Llewellyn on 01633 245202.

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New Rehabilitation Worker

Rebecca Hollebon joined us on the 20th August to cover the Monmouthshire area. If you live in the area and require any help or support, please contact us on 01495 763650.

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Bric-a-Brac Stall

If you have any items we could sell at our new Bric-a-Bracstall in the Resource Centre please let us know. We welcome contributions of good quality clothing, household items (no electrical items please) and other bric-a-Brac.

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Get Your Feet Sorted

Jane Bailey is a fully qualified foot healthcare professional and she is at our Resource Centre every Wednesday morning from 19th September. She will try and fit in anyone who just drop in, but to be sure of a place please phone 07092 895200 to make an appointment. Depending on what you are having done, you may need to allow an hour.

Jane's care suits people who find it difficult to look after their own feet. She will treat calluses, corns, in growing nails, fungal infections and of course trim toenails or fingernails. She specialises in foot problems caused by diabetes and those with this condition should get their feet checked regularly as they may not realise there is a problem as loss of feeling can mask the discomfort.

Jane normally charges £25 but as a special offer will be offering her service for £20. Call 07092 895200 for more information. She will also do home visits where someone is unable to get out.

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Whitestick.co.uk

Tom Lorimer has set up a web site aimed at vision-impaired computer users. It provides a wealth of detail to assist in locating services and information relating to blindness.

The website features links to online books, games, voice chat, medical web sites, mailing lists as well as holiday companies who specialise for the vision-impaired traveller and free downloadable software which may assist in using a computer. It's well worth a visit! www.whitestick.co.uk.

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Legacy Giving

No-one likes to think of their own passing, but unless you write a will your assets may not go where you wish. Making a Will is also an opportunity to leave something to a local charity, particularly if you've benefited from their care and attention in your lifetime. It needn't be a very large sum, but such a legacy to GAB would help us carry on our vital work. Examples of what the money could be spent on are:

• £200 would typically help us supply specialist speech software for a mobile phone used by a blind person.
• £1000would almost be enough to provide a special tool to allow a child to read their homework despite their severe sight loss. GAB likes to fund this equipment to make sure we give the best possible start to a child's life.
• £10 000 would allow us to fund an Eye Clinic Officer so that when someone is first told by the consultant at the Hospital 'I'm sorry there's nothing more the doctors can do for you', there is someone there to help them through those difficult times.

If you would like more information about writing a Will or any other help please call us on 01495 763650. If you have already thought about leaving a legacy for those who are blind in this area, please ensure you specify you wish it to go to Gwent Association for the Blind. If your Will just says 'the Blind' your money will go to a large, national organisation such as the RNIB or Guide Dogs and not be spent locally. We are not part of these organisations, and receive no funding from them.

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Making Yourself Safer

By making just a few small changes to your home and habits, you can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and the chances of having your personal data stolen. Most of these changes require little or no expenditure, and can take just a few minutes to carry out.

• Keep all stairs and passageways free from clutter.
• Fit a letterbox cage to save having to bend down.
• Store frequently used items near to hand.
• Put 100 watt light bulbs in halls and stairways so they are brightly lit.
• Use low-energy long-life bulbs so you don't have to change them so often, and you can leave them switched on for longer.
• Paint the outer edge of steps with non-slip white paint.
• Use non-slip mats under rugs or better still remove them altogether.
• information (bank account details, National Insurance number etc.), are torn up or better still put through a shredder before binning them. Small handshredders can be bought for less than ten pounds in most supermarkets.
• If you have any appointment letters for hospital, doctors etc. keep them with you until after the appointment has passed. Disposing of these letters can potentially give someone an idea of when you aren't going to be at home.

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Cataracts

A Cataract is caused when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. People often find that they are dazzled by bright lights, notice that it is more difficult to see fine details and colours appear faded.

Cataracts can develop at any age. The most common type is age related and develops as people get older although they can be present at birth and in younger people cataracts may also be related to other health conditions. They have also been linked to smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight and poor diet.

The most effective treatment for a cataract is an operation to remove the cloudy lens. This is usually done as soon as your eyesight interferes with your daily life.

Most cataract operations are carried out under local anaesthetic. The eye specialist makes a small opening at the front of your eye, removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a new plastic lens. This is called an intraocular lens and remains in your eye permanently.

Most people notice an improvement in their sight fairly quickly after the operation, although complete healing can take several months.

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