A new vision strategy for Sandwell

We need your views to help shape how services will be offered to people with sight loss in Sandwell in the future.

Sandwell Council's Adult Services and Health is working with SVI (Sandwell Visually Impaired) an organisation run by visually impaired people, to develop a vision strategy for Sandwell. We want to get the views of people with a visual impairment and the wider community, to find out what YOU think the main aims of this strategy should be.

You can find out more about this, and how you can get involved, by visiting SVI's website. The consultation will last from 30 August 2010 to 17 November 2010.

If you need help and advice now about any issue with your sight, you can contact our Vision Team. There is more information about the team below.

What is the Vision Team?

The Vision Team is part of Sandwell Council’s Adult and Community Services Vision Services. We aim to help you to adapt to your sight loss, and maintain your independence.

What can the Vision Team do to help me?

You might be having difficulties with everyday tasks such as:

• Preparing a drink or meal
• Using the cooker or microwave
• Seeing to read household bills, newspapers, magazines and mail
• Using the telephone
• Writing
• Crossing roads safely

We can give you information, support and training.

We can advise you about equipment that is available to make it easier for you to live independently.

We offer mobility training, information about direct payments, advocacy, and low vision assessments to find out what equipment may help you.

We can also give help, advice and support to your carers, relatives and friends.

Our staff include:

• Rehabilitation officer – a qualified specialist who gives help and support to enable you live as independently as possible.
• Community care officer – carries out basic assessments and issues equipment.
• Eye clinic liaison officer – works with, and is based at, the eye clinic, and can be the first point of contact for getting help and support.
• Counselling and information officer – gives information about services available to support you, and provides you with an opportunity to talk in depth about your sight-related concerns.

How do I get this help from you?

You, your carer, or a relative can contact us for advice and information.

You may be referred to us by a social worker in one of our Adults Teams, or by another health or social care professional.

You may be referred to us by an eye specialist at the eye clinic. The eye specialist will examine your eyes and offer relevant treatment. If the specialist offers you certification as sight impaired, or severely sight impaired, they will send a form to the Vision Team, who will contact you to arrange a visit. At this visit we will talk with you to find out what your needs are (an assessment).

Who do I contact?

Vision Services
Independent Living Centre
100 Oldbury Road
Smethwick
West Midlands
B66 1JE
Tel: 0121 558 5555
Fax: 0121 565 7976

Is there a charge?

There is no charge for using the services of the Vision Team.

Where can I find out more?

You can ask us for our booklet “Services for Sensory Impairment”, or you can download a copy.

Is there anywhere else I can go for help and information?

Beacon Centre

The Beacon Centre provides a range of services for people with a visual impairment, including social groups in Sandwell.

Beacon Centre for the Blind
Wolverhampton Road East
WV4 6AZ
Tel: 01902 880 111
Fax: 01902 886 795
Web: www.beacon4blind.co.uk

Sandwell Active Independent Blind Association (SAIBA)

SAIBA help you to enjoy an active social life.
Visit their website at www.saiba.org

Sandwell Visually Impaired (SVI)

SVI provides information and advice about services and organisations that can help you. Members are visually impaired themselves, or are the carers of people with a visual impairment. SVI gives you a chance to have your say about services for people with a visual impairment.

Find out more on their website www.sandwellvisuallyimpaired.org