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Regular Activities/Opportunities and Other Events:

The Royal National College for the Blind, Hereford, next designated Open Days that are aimed at professionals who work with people who are visually impaired, will be in October 2010
● Wednesday 6 October 2010: Connexions/Careers Personal Advisers/School Careers Staff and Staff involved with transition planning Open Day - A day aimed at those who advise young people with disabilities. The day is designed to put you in a much better position to advise any of your clients who are visually impaired and to learn more about how we work to help blind and partially sighted people into further and higher education and employment.
● Thursday 7 October 2010: Staff working in Local Authorities, Local Authority Services for VI Children, Social Services, Education and Inclusion Services Open Day - A day aimed at those staff who support visually impaired young people within mainstream and specialist schools and other professionals who advise young people with disabilities.
● Wednesday 13 October 2010: Disability Employment Advisers and Job Brokers Open Day - A day aimed at those working within the employment service, especially for those who advise people with disabilities. The day offers the opportunity to learn more about how we work to get unemployed blind and partially sighted people into employment or self-employment.
● Thursday 14 October 2010: Ophthalmology Staff/Associations for the Blind/Voluntary Sector and Support Groups Open Day - A day designed specifically for those employed within Ophthalmology Departments, Associations for the Blind and Support Groups and Organisations involved in visual impairment. The day offers the opportunity to learn more about how we work to help blind and partially sighted people into further and higher education, employment or self-employment.
For more information or to reserve your place on one of the above open days, please contact us - email: info@rncb.ac.uk or phone RNC Marketing on 01432 265725. We also have informal visits throughout the year, for those people who cannot make an open day – please phone RNC Enquiries Line 01432 376621 for more information.

The following courses are available through Deafblind UK:
Deafblind Awareness 1 day training
Signature CDC Level 2 training, taught over 4 days, plus half a day for practical assessments
Contact: Julie Brown, 01733 358100 Ext. 256 - voice, 01733 358100 Ext 215 minicom - julie.brown@deafblind.org.uk

Second Sight (services) UK Ltd have developed a range of training packages for those who are working with, care for or are providing services to vision impaired people. The aim of the training is to raise awareness and share knowledge and experience of issues arising with people who have a vision impairment. Each course is tailor-made to suit the specific needs of your Agency, Group or Business.
Sessions may include:
• Challenging the stereotypes and myths about blindness
• Common diseases of the eye and their effect on sight
• Recognising the onset of sight problems
• The emotional impact of sight loss
• Additional disabilities compounding the effect of sight loss
• Ways of communicating with people who have a vision impairment
• Producing information in accessible formats
• Guiding skills
• Equipment available to assist those with sight loss
• Local and National resources for people with a vision impairment
• Awareness of good and bad environmental design
• Access issues
• The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Personal Practices
Training is delivered in line with Sensory Services National Occupational Standards (NOS) ans training methods include formal teaching, simulation exercises, demonstrations, practical sessions and personal experiences. Training can be arranged at your own establishment, or a venue of your choice. Each course participant will be provided with a comprehensive training pack appropriate to his or her needs.
For more information or to book please contact:
Penny Dane, Second Sight (services) UK Ltd, Drummonds, Blagdon Hall. Seaton Burn. Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 6DD T. 01670 789728 M. 07811956381
E. pennydane@hotmail.com

Ipswich Blind Society is offering a new service at St Felix Home for the Blind in Felixstowe. Day Care will be provided for Blind or Visually Impaired Elderly People, initially on 2 days a week, but extending to 5 days depending on demand. Day Care will run from 9.30 to 3.30 each day and will include a 2-course home cooked lunch. Activities will be provided in the morning, including crafts, reminiscing, gardening, manicures, talking book club and similar. All for £24 a day. Roger Fern, Chairman of Ipswich Blind Society, said “This is an important new service in Felixstowe, providing an interesting day out for the elderly person, and respite for their carer. The activities will be aimed at people with poor sight, an important specialist service.”
Further details from: John Booty, Executive Officer on 01473 219712.

Ipswich Blind Society, in a joint project with Action for Blind, is able to offer “Taster” demonstration sessions of the latest software designed to assist Blind or Visually Impaired people to use Computers and access the Internet. Action for Blind has installed 2 desk-top Computers loaded with the latest versions of Guide, Jaws and Supernova at Ipswich Blind Society’s Offices at 19 Tower Street, Ipswich. This software enables anyone with sight problems to either greatly enlarge and change the colour of the screen image, or hear through headphones the print on any screen. Thus even a completely Blind person can readily use a computer and “surf the net”. Under the Disability Discrimination Act, any employee who has difficulty using a computer at work due to sight problems can request their employer to provide such software to enable them to perform their duties. Roger Fern, Chairman of Ipswich Blind Society said “These taster sessions enable people to find out which software suits them before they commit to purchase. By using this software, blind and visually impaired people need not be left out of the digital age, or be disadvantaged in employment”. Action for Blind is a National Charity assisting Blind and Visually Impaired people to find and retain work. Ipswich Blind Society is a local Charity assisting Blind and Visually Impaired people in Ipswich.
For further details call 01473 219712

Kent Association for the Blind and Canterbury Christ Church University offer a two-year Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Visual Impairment Rehabilitation).
This course is suitable for those working with visually impaired people, in any health and social care or educational setting, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, who wish to improve their knowledge and skills at work. If you are self-motivated, can provide evidence of employer support, and can demonstrate the ability to study to Foundation Degree level, this course offers a qualification in rehabilitation work, suitable for working with visually impaired people.
We offer six specialist modules and six generic modules. These can be studied over 2-4 years, all modules are delivered by qualified and recognised experts in the field of rehabilitation and low vision. Attendance on two days a week is required for the fast track route, or one day a week for the slow track route.
For those students who can not be released from work on two days a week, the 'Cluster Award' may be for you!
The Cluster Awards are delivered alongside the Foundation Degree, students can specialise in low vision care, Orientation and Mobility or Rehabilitation, each Cluster award is worth 60 Higher Education credits.
Places are limited please book a place now, for May and September intake
For further information or an application pack please contact Avril Chapman, Foundation Degree Coordinator, Kent Association for the Blind 72 College Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6SJ - Tel: 01622 691357/Fax: 01622 663999
Email: avril.chapman@kab.org.uk Website: www.kab.org.uk

Kent Association for the Blind - offer an OCN accredited course in Understanding Visual Impairment, this is a certificated course and is set at Level 2 (comparable to NVQ2) within a credit-based unit worth 3 credits.
This one day course is suitable for those who want to learn about sight impairment and have an awareness of how people with a sight impairment cope with daily living skills and learn how to guide a person safely. This course has been designed for employers, educators, health workers, students, volunteers and for anyone with an interest in visual impairment.
OCN qualifications are designed to be accessible to support work and community activities.
The course introduces students to the Anatomy and physiology of the human eye, common eye conditions, understanding the main causes of sight impairment. Practical and emotional aspects of visual impairment. Practical exercises under simulation incorporating daily living skills and guiding skills. Awareness of Braille and Deafblind manual. Recognition of the roles and Functions of a range of agencies and individuals providing services for people with sight impairment.
Courses run throughout the year in Kent and South London
For further details and a booking form contact Avril Chapman, Kent Association for the Blind 72 College Road, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6SJ - Tel: 01622 691357/Fax: 01622 663999
Email: avril.chapman@kab.org.uk Website: www.kab.org.uk

Queen Alexandra College - Informal visits for potential learners and their families:
Each visit can last up to 2.5 hours and give an opportunity to view classrooms, buildings and specialist equipment for vision impaired learners, meet academic and residential staff as well as learners. All visits are booked on first come, first served basis.Please call 0121 428 5041 or email info@qac.ac.uk to check availability.

Readers' Groups for Visually Impaired People
Gateshead Libraries run two readers' groups specifically for visually impaired people who read in large print or Braille or listen to audio books. The Central Library group meets on the second Thursday of the month and the Blaydon Library group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, both from 2.00-3.30pm. Transport can be arranged for those who need it. Readers are all given the same book in their appropriate format at each meeting. At the next meeting, they bring the book back and discuss what they thought of it, then take a new book to read over the next month. If you live in Gateshead and are interested in joining either group, please ring Ann Ruddick in AIRS (Access to Information and Reading Services) on 0191 433 8453 or email annruddick@gateshead.gov.uk

Every Wednesday, 1.30pm - Art & Creative Craft classes for blind and visually impaired people
Organised by: Henshaws Society for Blind People (Merseyside)
Venue: Henshaws Merseyside Centre, central Liverpool
Contact: Brian at Henshaws
Tel: 01704 567 489
Website link: http://www.hsbp.co.uk/Templates/Event.asp?NodeID=90232

Every Wednesday, 10.30am - Braille Group
Organised by: Henshaws Society for Blind People (Merseyside)
Venue: Henshaws Merseyside Centre, central Liverpool
Contact: Irene Bullock
Tel: 0151 727 6791
Website link: http://www.hsbp.co.uk/Templates/Event.asp?NodeID=90231

Every Tuesday afternoon, 1.30pm - Visually Impaired Writers Group
Organised by: Henshaws Society for Blind People (Merseyside)
Venue: Henshaws Merseyside Centre, central Liverpool
Contact: Irene Robinson
Tel: 0151 494 9145
Website link: http://www.hsbp.co.uk/Templates/Event.asp?NodeID=90230

VIEWS (Visually Impaired Empowered Workers & Students) - This group meets during the evening on the first Wednesday of the month - one month at Gateshead Civic Centre and every other month there are various activities, meals, theatre trips pubs etc. The VIEWS group discuss a wide range of topics and listen to guest speakers. They socialise and share experiences and promote positive attitudes to visual impairment. VIEWS has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and is open to all people who are interested in visual impairment issues.
Tel: Gateshead 478 5959/Email: mickshaw63@hotmail.com

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - Skillstep to Success Course
A FREE course designed to empower unemployed blind and visually impaired people to gain employment, further training or voluntary opportunities.
Organised by: Henshaws Society for Blind People (Greater Manchester)
Venue: Henshaws Greater Manchester Centre, Old Trafford
Contact: Jane Touil
Tel: 0161 872 1234
Email: jane.touil@hsbp.co.uk
Website link: http://www.hsbp.co.uk/Templates/Event.asp?NodeID=90084

Royal Blind Society Holidays:
RBS's Jersey and Guernsey Holiday Brochure for 2009 is available. The Society has selected 6 hotels on each island which offer blind and particlly sighted people quality and value for money for holidays and short breaks.
Contact: Peter Hards on 01283 711152/Email: peterhards@royalblindsociety.org

BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme:
Access Technology Foundation Certificate - Understanding access technology solutions for visually impaired. A one day course combining coaching of people with sight loss with an introduction to access technology. This course has been designed for all professionals who work with visually impaired pople and who need to understand access technology solutions.
Visit: http://www. btcs.org.uk

Blind in Business believes in changing attitudes and sharing information that provides young visually impaired people with the power to succeed. Training days are run all over the UK. Your help is needed to find participants and a venue for these free courses.
Contact: Dan Mitchell on 020 7588 1885/Email: courses@blindbusiness.org.uk

RNIB advanced certificate in grade 2 English braille - BTEC accredited course
Interested in gaining a qualification in braille? This distance learning course is aimed at anyone who works alongside individuals using braille, such as teachers, teaching assistants, parents and support workers. It is also open to anyone who has a specific interest in braille. The full correspondence course is designed for sighted adults and provides complete tuition in how to read and write the grade 2 English braille code. The fast track option is open to sighted and non-sighted individuals who already have a good working knowledge of braille.
The course includes the following:
•all aspects of standard English literary braille (grade 2)
•basic numbers, money, time, fractions and decimals.
It does not cover the following:
•advanced notation in specialist subject areas (mathematics, science or music)
•skills of teaching braille to blind individuals.
There are two start dates for the course every year, in October and February. To start in the autumn, please apply by 16 September at the latest.
Full correspondence course Price £695
£300 for parents/carers of children who are blind or partially sighted
Fast track course Price £350 - No discounts apply to this mode of the course.
For further information, contact Anne Donnelly, Lead Braille Tutor. For information on course content and standards, telephone 0121 665 4214 or email anne.donnelly@rnib.org.uk. Contact Jen Morton, Administrative Assistant, for information on course enrolment. Telephone 0121 665 4212 or email dstraining@rnib.org.uk
RNIB External Training Services, 58-72 John Bright Street, Birmingham B1 1BN
rnib.org.uk/grade2braillecourse
Want to find out more about RNIB training?
For information on further training and development opportunities, please visit our website rnib.org.uk/training.

RNIB Education and Family Services Training Courses:
- Supporting blind and partially sighted customers - A visual awareness course for those working with members of the lubliuc (half day or one day)
- Access technology - a range of technology courses for professionals working with young people in an educational setting (half day or one day)
To discuss the above courses or to discuss developing a training programme, contact Mary Dallas, 12-14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh, EH7 5AE - Tel. No. 0131 652 3144/Email mary.dallas@rnib.org.uk

RNIB BTEC Certificate course for Teaching Assistants:
Partners in Learning is a level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate course for teaching assistants and other support staff working with blind or partially sighted children and young people in educational settings, including those with additional disabilities or complex needs.
The course aims to increase students' understanding of the impact of visual impairment on development and learning, to develop their skills in providing day to day support and to assist them in working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. It is available throughout the UK and is usually studied over the course of one school year.
For further information visit www.rnib.org.uk/pil or contact Sona Molnarova at email address children@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0121 665 4235

RNIB Children's Services Training Events
Training opportunities for professionals in education, health and social services and parents of blind or partially sighted children. Courses cost £130 per person.
For further information, please contact Anne Brook, Telephone: 0207 874 1317or email DSTraining@rnib.org.uk or visit www.rnib.org.uk/shortcourseschildren

RNIB Technology Courses
RNIB offer technology-related training courses at various locations across the UK. Courses cost £130-£160 per person.
For further information, please contact Anne Brook Telephone: 0207 874 1317 email DSTraining@rnib.org.uk or visit www.rnib.org.uk/technologycourses

RNIB Cymru's Accessible Learning & Information Centre
Providing ICT training to individuals and businesses across Wales
Courses cost £150, plus VAT per person. Booking multiple courses or delegates qualifies for a 20% discount off £150 full price booking.
For further information, please contact Laura Dunning, Marketing Officer on 02920 449557 or alicenquiries@rnib.org.uk

RNIB Cymru - RNIB Web Accessibility Road show - new dates and venues!
Would you like to:
* Reach more customers
* Understand how people with disabilities use your website
* Perform better in search engines
* Find out how WCAG 2.0 affects you
* Meet legal requirements
Help is at hand! Following the success of our Web Accessibility Roadshow in 2009, we're announcing new dates and locations for 2010. 5 full day courses run back-to-back, giving you a unique opportunity to find out why accessibility is vital to you and how to do it.
Whether you're an experienced web developer wanting to update your skills, or a content editor, project manager or marketing professional looking to increase your accessibility knowledge, we're here to help. Our expert trainers will take you through every step, from understanding how accessible websites can benefit your business, through to practical application of new guidelines and how to test your website.
Dates:
* 20 to 24 September 2010 (Cardiff)
* 17 to 21 January 2011 (Cardiff)
Courses:
- Demystifying accessibility - Cardiff: 20 September 2010
This full day course is designed to introduce website owners, commissioners, web designers, project managers and marketing staff to the many reasons for making websites accessible, including the principles and practices that make this possible. You'll learn about the various ways users with a disability access the web and take away tips and tricks to make your sites more accessible.
- Working through WCAG 2.0 - Cardiff: 21 September 2010
This full day practical workshop provides information, techniques and resources to help you upgrade to the Web Accessibility Content Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0). It identifies the main differences between this and the previous version of the guidelines and examines techniques that can help or hinder conformance.
- Accessibility - beyond the basics - Cardiff: 22 September 2010
This full day technical course enables website designers and developers to make informed best-practice choices with some of the more advanced techniques of accessible web design by looking at (X)HTML structure, web forms, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and JavaScript.
- Practical accessibility testing - Cardiff: 23 September 2010
This full day practical workshop guides you through web accessibility testing techniques, introducing tools and providing tangible examples.
It focuses on testing carried out using dedicated testing tools, simple browser tests and some widely used assistive technology software, such as screen readers. The workshop illustrates both automated and manual testing and explains the differences between them.
- Accessible Rich Internet Applications - understand and use WAI-ARIA - Cardiff: 24 September 2010
This full day technical course introduces the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) specification. ARIA improves the accessibility of script heavy websites and web applications for assistive technology users. Learn about the problems ARIA sets out to solve, how it solves them and how to start using it.
Visit our main training page: http://www.rnib.org.uk/webaccessibility
Or our main website: http://www.rnib.org.uk/webaccesstraining
Special offer: A 10% discount is available for delegates that book on more than one training course during the same training week. This 10% discount applies to each course booked after the first one.
For further details or to book, please contact Kara Townsend on Email: Kara.Townsend@rnib.org.uk or Tel: 01792 325 304

RNIB National Health and Social Care Training Courses
Training for staff in the health and social care sector in rehabilitation, low vision, visual awareness and care services
Courses are designed to offer professional development opportunities for staff providing services for blind and partially sighted people.
One day courses cost £100 per person and include training materials, refreshments and lunch. Most are held at RNIB regional offices.
Fur further information, please contact Chris Smith on 0121 665 4243 or email NH&SCtraining@rnib.org.uk. Web link: www.rnib.org.uk/healthsocialcaretraining

RNIB: Visual Awareness and Learning Disability
Description:
Visual Awareness and Learning Disability training provides participants with an introduction to sight loss issues for people with a learning disability. The training focuses on raising awareness of the inequality in access to eye health care; the prevalence of eye conditions related to specific learning disabilities; and strategies to employ in the development of person-centred support and care plans.
The training will be delivered as a one day course.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:
1.Prevalence and effects of sight problems in people with a learning disability
2.Sight testing for people with a learning disability
3.The link between the effects of sight problems and behaviours that challenge
4.Environmental considerations – contrast, lighting, layout, tactile, aroma and sound
5.Sighted guiding and mobility issues
6.Strategies for inclusive practice
7.Effective communication strategies
8.Resources and equipment
Presenters:
Linda Mitchell, NPDT Manager
Iain Kennedy, NPDT Trainer and Consultant
Bill Anderson, Rehabilitation Officer - Visual Impairment
Who should attend?
Anyone who supports, or plans services for, people with a learning disability. In order that appropriate and person-centred care planning can take place there must be an understanding of the nature and implications of sight problems and sight loss. There must also be a recognition of the prevalence of under detection in the general learning disability population.
Dates, times and location:
We run training sessions throughout the year at various locations. Please contact us to find a training course near you. We can offer training courses at a time and venue that is suitable to you. If you would like to discuss your training requirements further please contact us to discuss your needs.
Booking details:
If you would like to book a place, please complete our online booking form on our web site at www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_scotvildcourse.hcsp. If you have any queries, please email learningdisabilty@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0141 772 5588.
Address:
RNIB Visual Impairment and Learning Disability Services
National Practice & Development Team, Springfield Road, GLASGOW, G64 1PN

RNIB Scotland Access Technology Courses
These hands on, one day courses are aimed at people working with or supporting blind and/or partially sighted people.
Courses cost £100 per person. If you are interested in participating in any of the courses, please contact RNIB Scotland, Employment and Learning Centre, 24d Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2NJ - telephone 0131 657 8200 - email malsaigh@rnib.org.uk

Training Courses for Rehab Workers:
Focal Point UK, in partnership with RNIB Cymru, is offering a range of new training opportunities to rehab workers throughout the UK.
For further information, contact Susan Coulson on 0191 478 5959.

Drama/Theatre:
The following theatres offer audio description - please contact the relevant box office for details:

Belfast Grand Opera House - 02890 241919
Bolton Octagon - 01204 522481
Bradford Alhambra - 01274 432000
Bromley Churchill Theatre - 0870 060 6620
Cambridge Arts Theatre - 01223 503333
Chester Gateway - 01244 340392
Comedy Theatre - 0870 060 6637
Darwen Library Theatre - 01457 835096
Derby Playhouse - 01332 363275
Donmar Warehouse - 020 7845 5813
Edinburgh Playhouse - 0131 524 3301/0800 587 5007
Exeter Northcott Theatre - 01392 493493
Glasgow Theatre Royal - 0141 240 1133
Hampstead Theatre - 020 7722 9301
HM Theatre, Haymarket - 0870 850 9171
Jackson's Lane - 020 8340 5226
Lancaster Duke's Theatre - 01524 598505
Liverpool Empire - 0151 708 3222
Liverpool Everyman - 0151 709 4776
Liverpool Playhouse - 0151 709 4776
London Almeida Theatre - 020 7288 4999
Manchester Library Theatre - 0161 236 7110/07840 532725 or www.librarytheatre.com
Milton Keynes Theatre - 0870 060 6652
National Theatre - 020 7452 3000 or www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne - 0870 905 5060
New Wimbledon Theatre - 0870 060 6646 or www.newwimbledontheatre.co.uk
Oldham Coliseum - 0161 624 1731
Piccadilly Theatre - 0870 0600 123 or email: ticketcentre@theambassadors.com
Plymouth, Theatre Royal - 01752 267222
Richmond-Upon-Thames Orange Tree Theatre - 020 8940 3633
Royal and Derngate Theatres Northampton - 01604 624811 or www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Salford, The Lowry - 0870 787 5793/5790
Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre - 0114 249 6000
Southampton Mayflower - 023 8071 1811
Sadlers Wells - 0870 737 7737
St. Martin's Theatre - 0870 162 8787
Theatre Royal, Stratford East - 020 8534 0310
The Lowry Art & Entertainment - 0870 220 2003 www.thelowry.com
Unicorn Theatre - 0870 0534 534
Watford Palace Theatre - 01923 225671
Weston-Super-Mare Playhouse - 01934 417117
Wolverhampton Grand - 01902 429212

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