Supporting Oxfordshire residents who have visual impairments
The support that more than 20,000 residents with visual impairment receive in Oxfordshire was showcased during a special event organised to mark World Sight Day on 14 October.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Leader, Liz Leffman and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Jenny Hannaby visited Oxfordshire Association for the Blind’s (OAB) in Oxford to celebrate the council and charity’s collective and individual work in supporting blind and partially sighted people.
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We were extremely pleased to visit Oxfordshire Association for the Blind and gain a greater understanding of what life with visual impairment truly means for so many of our county’s residents. The efforts of the association, alongside our sensory impairment team are imperative to the advice, guidance and care many people with sight loss need.”
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, whose father lived with vision loss, said: “Every year, World Sight Day acts not only as a vital call for awareness on the education and prevention of sight loss, but the resources and tools organisations such as Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, and our own sensory impairment team provide. Having seen first-hand how different life can be for those with visual impairment, such support is tantamount to so many in Oxfordshire – and beyond.”
Oxfordshire Association for the Blind was first established in 1877 and has since evolved to be a central support for visually impaired people in the county. The association provides assistance to children, young people and adults with sight loss, including equipment and assistive technology, counselling and guidance, and access to support groups.
During the visit, the association showcased its work and equipment resource centre to Cllrs Hannaby and Leffman. Members of the council’s sensory impairment team also attended and offered the councillors an immersive experience for a glimpse into the life of visually impaired people.
The council’s sensory impairment team works closely with the association to ensure county residents receive the correct support required for their individual or evolving circumstances. Specially trained staff provide support and advice to residents with any type of visual impairment and the wider issues relating to this, and rehabilitation. The team also implements training and education for those wishing to know more about supporting those with visual impairment, such as workplaces.
World Sight Day aims to draw attention to blindness and visual impairment worldwide, and the importance of greater education and accessibility. This year’s theme, ‘Love Your Eyes’, focused on eye health and the prevention of sight and related issues.
ENDS
For more information about this release contact the Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk
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