INFORMATION
1. SIGHT IMPAIRMENT INFORMATION
North Yorkshire County Council Sensory Team - Rehabilitation
Our local Sensort Team, for Visual Impairment, offer an assessment and advice service. They can provide advice on equipment and specialist training to improve your safety at home and outdoors. The Sensory Team can be contacted at Adult & Community Services at North Yorkshire County Council in Northallerton.
Telephone: 01609 780780
RNIB
National charity supporting blind and partially sighted people.
Offering Audio Book Library, resources and support.
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Web: www.rnib.org.uk
BLIND VETERANS SOCIETY
Provide free support and services to vision-impaired ex-Armed Forces and National Service personnel. Blind Veterans UK is a registered charity in England and Scotland and operates throughout the United Kingdom.
Telephone: 0800 389 7979
MACULAR SOCIETY
A specialist charity for people affected by any form of the condition, and aims to promote independence, confidence and quality of life for people with macular disease. Their long-term aim is to find a cure for macular disease in the future and provide excellence in treatment, rehabilitation and support in the meantime.
Telephone: 0300 3030 111
GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION
A charity which raises awareness so glaucoma is detected early and treated, it supports people to live well with glaucoma and it funds sight saving researchTelephone: 01233 64 81 64
SENSE
GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
Providing mobility for the blind and partially sighted. Supporting research, raising awareness and campaigning for the visually impaired.
Telephone: 0118 983 5555
Web: www.guidedogs.org.uk
WILBERFORCE TRUST
Offering supported housing, supported living, sensory impairment assessments, sight registrations, rehabilitation support and much more.
It is also the home of Club Wilber, the fantastic club for the families of children with visual impairments!
Telephone: 01904 760037
RYEDALE CARERS SUPPORT
A local charity in Ryedale which provides practical and emotional help for carers, the people they care for and older people living on their own.
Telephone: 01751 432288
2. TRAVEL
BUS TRAVEL
Those who are blind or partially sighted are eligible for a bus pass, enabling free travel at certain times of the day. Contact North Yorkshire County Council at Northallerton.
Applications can be made online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/apply-online
Telephone: 01609 780780
CAR
If you are registered as a severely sight impaired (blind) person or as a disabled person you qualify for a Blue Badge. The badge enables the driver to park in designated disabled persons’ parking places and restricted areas for limited periods of time. Contact North Yorkshire County Council at Northallerton. Applications must be made online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/apply-online
Telephone: 01609 780780
RAIL
If you are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired (blind) you are eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard and discounts on the ticket prices of most train journeys. If you travel with a non-registered helper they receive the same discount. To get a Disabled Persons Railcard, call for an application form.
Telephone: 0345 605 0525
RAIL ASSISTANCE
When travelling by train, you can book assistance by phoning the rail “journey line” number. Such assistance will help you with train transfers at all stations.
Telephone: 0345 6050525
COACH
Concessionary fares are available for people who are registered sight impaired, providing a 50% discount. A person travelling as an escort does not qualify for a reduction. For further information and application forms, please contact the Disabled Persons Travel Helpline.
Telephone: 08717 818179
3. LEISURE
RYEDALE TALKING MAGAZINE
Telephone: 01751 476499
YORK TALKING MAGAZINE
Telephone: 01904 760140
TALKING NEWSPAPERS UK
BRITISH WIRELESS FOR THE BLIND
Provide audio equipment specially designed and adapted for those living with sight loss.
Telephone: 01622 754757
Web: www.blind.org.uk
CALIBRE AUDIO LIBRARY
A national charity lending free audiobooks to anyone who is print disabled, including Visually Impaired and those living with Dyslexia.
Telephone: 01296 432339
Web: www.calibre.org.uk
RNIB NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE
AUDIO DESCRIPTION
A large number of TV programmes, Cinema and Theatre Shows now support audio described performances. This can improve the enjoyment of TV for people with sight problems by adding additional commentary describing body language, expressions and movements.
VOCAL EYES
THRIVE
BRITISH BLIND SPORT
A UK charity providing and promoting opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to access, participate and compete in sport.
Telephone: 01926 424247
4. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Stanley Harrison House, Norton, Malton
Telephone: 03444 111444