Helpers learn what it's like to have a visual disability

2:30pm Monday 28th January 2008

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A TRAINING session for people who work with disability sufferers proved a real success.

Mary Parsons, a visual impairment worker, ran the session at the Oasis Leisure Centre at North Star in Swindon.

"It was for those who work with multi-disabled people, including those with visual impairment," she explained.

"These days a lot of specialist centres are closing down and people are having to go to mainstream places where they might not get the special attention they need.

"I wanted people who came to this session to learn practical skills they could use in their work. It was for people to gain knowledge in things outside their area of expertise."

Ben Humphrey, ability sports development officer at Swindon Council, found the session extremely useful.

He said: "I work mainly with people who have learning disabilities but also those who are visually impaired. One of the good things was that I learnt more about the various eye conditions and the correct medical terms, which I didn't know before."

Nikki Dambelly and Cheryl Grice, who are both teaching assistants at Commonweal School, tried out some of the props to get a better understanding of what it is like to have a visual disability.

Nikki said: "We found it very useful and gained experience in areas we didn't have before. The best thing was trying on the low vision glasses so we could understand what our students went through."

Mary is currently looking for sponsors to produce her visual impairment handbooks and to help with her training of businesses, public sector workers, social workers and teachers. Anyone wishing to get in touch can call 07934 446366 or e-mail info@creativevisionuk.com.