Visibility Scotland

Did you know that in Scotland, vision impaired individuals are entitled to free travel on public transport through the National Entitlement Card. This card ensures greater mobility and independence across the country.

Information on eligibility checks, applications, and renewals can all be found on the NEC Scot website, which is linked below.

Apply Now How to Apply Applications for new, replacement and renewal National Entitlement Cards are accepted across Scotland, however the services and application routes available at each council will vary. If you are aged 5-21 and are wanting to access the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme, information a...

The changes made to the Highway Code in 2022 were meant to protect vulnerable road users. Instead, pedestrian fatalities have increased. Why? Possibly because many drivers are still unaware that they now need to give way to pedestrians. This needs to change, and we have plans to help make that happen. Watch this space for more details in the coming weeks, and click the link below if you'd like to learn more about the current situation!

Highway Code confusion highlighted as pedestrian fatalities increase Crossing the road used to be relatively straightforward. Now confusion reigns. Some pedestrians will calmly walk in front of cars, thinking they have the right of way – and that may well be the case. Some drivers will respectfully stop and – quite rightly – beckon anyone on foot to cross unmol...

TripleTapTech has a great list of activities coming up, including an accessible gaming group for vision impaired persons!

Coming Up Glasgow Accessible Gaming Group. Join us in the our Scottish Accessible Tech Centre at The Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JP for this gaming group. Here you will be able to play on …

What's on at Visibility Scotland? Quite a lot as it turns out! Take a look at our August programme at the link below. We have activities and events for service users of all ages.

Visibility Scotland August 2024 programme - Visibility Scotland We help and support anyone, of any age, living with a visual impairment across Scotland - Visibility Scotland August 2024 programme

A massive thank you to Greenock Whinhill Golf Club for the generous donation of £1,562, raised at their annual Jimmy Lang Memorial Charity Open!

We were fortunate enough to meet with Jimmy's son, Jim, who presented us with the cheque. Thank you Jim and everyone who helped fundraise for us!

Image description:
Two Visibility Scotland staff members stand on either side of Jim, holding a large presentation cheque which shows the donation amount of £1,562.


Inverclyde Leisure

July has been a wonderfully busy month here at Visibility Scotland, take a look at just a few of the things our service users and volunteers have been up to!

1. Our Monday craft group has been up to a whole bunch of activities, including knitting an entire king sized blanket, redoing the outdoor space at our office, gardening, and making delicious soups and cakes.

2. At our Tuesday Café, many cakes were eaten, tea was drank, and laughs were shared. Every second Tuesday we welcome Deafblind Scotland in to run a Welfare Rights Clinic, where service users can receive free welfare rights advice and information. Please call ahead if you'd like to see them!

3. In our digital suite, service users had the opportunity to try out digital magnifiers. We also hosted two digital skills groups in which our service users learned how to use their smartphones and tablets in an accessible way.

4. We held our first pizza party for vision impaired children and young people in partnership with hellofreedomandjoy and it was a blast.

Thank you to all our attendees, helpers, and funders for making it possible for us to offer these services and events to our service users. We can’t wait to see what August brings!

Image descriptions are in image captions.

This week we teamed up with hellofreedomandjoy to host our first ever summer pizza party! Our service users got the chance to play music, create beautiful works of textured art, socialise with one another, and eat lots and lots of delicious wood fired pizza. We had so much fun and we hope our young people did too!

A huge thank you to Woodlands Community for so generously offering their space and pizza oven for the day, we couldn't have done it without you!

Image descriptions:

1. Three people sit on a bench. One is playing a guitar and one is playing a maraca. Two of the people are smiling broadly.

2. An in progress textured painting sits on a table.

3. Pizza is being put into a wood fire oven.

4. Two people stand next to one another smiling.

5. Two large textured paintings stand side by side.

Our Charged Up café will be closed for a short summer break on Tuesday 6th and 13th August.

The café will re-open on Tuesday, 20th August.

Due to the high demand for the café, we are implementing a booking system. To book a place at our Tuesday Charged Up café, you can call us or email us (details below).

Telephone: 0141 332 4632

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you back to the café after our summer break.

Image description: Visibility Scotland service users and Andy, a staff member, sit around a table in the cafe room.

Did you know that in the UK, guide dogs are legally allowed in all public places, including restaurants, shops, Ubers, and public transport. This ensures that vision impaired individuals can navigate their environments safely and independently.

Refusing a guide dog entry is illegal, though it unfortunately happens all too often. If you have been refused entry to an establishment with a guide dog there are steps you can take. Citizen’s Advice and the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) are two organisations which provide advice on discrimination and human rights issues. The phone numbers for Citizen’s Advice vary depending on locality. The general phone number for the EASS is 0808 800 0082.

If you would like more information on how to contact your local Citizen’s Advice or the EASS, Visibility Scotland can help! Either contact us via our website or give us a call on 0141 332 4632.

Image description:
The Visibility Scotland Patient Support team, including guide dog Gina, stands together smiling.

Our former Administrator August has recently transitioned into a new role at Visibility Scotland as our Digital and Analytics Support.

Get to know August and what she hopes to accomplish in her new position at her blog post below:

Meet August, Digital and Analytics Support - Visibility Scotland We help and support anyone, of any age, living with a visual impairment across Scotland - Meet August, Digital and Analytics Support

We are hiring! Visibility Scotland is now recruiting for a nine-month, part-time (21 hours per week) Administrator and Digital Communications Intern. The internship is offered as part of the Get Set Progress (GSP) Internship through Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT).

This post has a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the successful applicant be a person who is blind or partially sighted, in line with The Equality Act 2010. To find out more, visit the job posting on our website, linked below!

Administrator and Digital Communications Internship - Visibility Scotland We help and support anyone, of any age, living with a visual impairment across Scotland - Administrator and Digital Communications Internship

A huge thank you to our longstanding volunteer Treena for 40 years of volunteering for Visibility Scotland!

Treena first started volunteering for Visibility Scotland in 1984, back when it was known as Glasgow and the West of Scotland Society for the Blind. When asked what the best part of volunteering for Visibility Scotland is, she responded “Meeting people, getting to listen to their stories, and being able to help in a way that really matters, I find it very fulfilling.”

Treena says the reason she’s stayed involved with our organisation for so long is because she’s always had people to help that she enjoys spending time with, who teach her many different things about life. In her own words, “It’s so interesting, I’ve heard all sorts of stories over the years! The people I’ve helped I have worked with for quite some time, and I really enjoy building these long lasting relationships.”

People like Treena are what make Visibility Scotland great. We are so thankful to her for all her years of selfless service, and we cannot emphasize enough what an asset she is to our organisation. We hope that she continues to volunteer for us for many years to come.

Image description:
Treena, Visibility Scotland volunteer, sits at a table smiling to camera.

Spread the word! Visibility Scotland is hosting a baby massage session on Saturday the 20th of July from 10:45 AM until 11:45 AM at our main office, 2 Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9BW.

We are offering the session in partnership with Heather Burns, a trained therapist. It is open to vision impaired children ages zero to five and their parents or caregivers. During the session you will learn a range of baby massage moves, and have the chance to meet and speak with other parents and caregivers of vision impaired children. The session also includes baby yoga and stretching!

If you would to book a spot, please do so via one of the following:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0141 332 4632

When booking, please let us know if your child has any dietary or accessibility requirements.

Image description: Three pairs of adults and children sit on a floor while an instructor demonstrates a baby massage move.

Did you know that the Access to Work grant in the UK provides support for vision impaired employees and their employers? This can include specialist equipment, adaptations, support workers, and help with travel.

Here at Visibility Scotland we support access to employment by providing one-to-one training on technology, accessibility and assistive apps for people living with a vision impairment. We can also support people with their Access to Work claim, and offer the opportunity to try out different types of assistive technology in our Digital Suite.

To find out more about Access to Work and how we can support you, visit our website, send us a message, or give our friendly team a call on 0141 332 4632!

ID: Craig, Digital Advisor at Visibility Scotland, sits behind a desk smiling. He is wearing a blue Visibility Scotland tee shirt.

Are you a vision impaired voter? Let RNIB know about your experience!

The survey linked below is anonymous, and RNIB use the information provided to track what it is like for blind or partially sighted voters, to cast their ballots. It is these experiences that form the basis for RNIB’s “Turned Out” reports which are shared with the UK Government and the Electoral Commission to keep the pressure up for improvements in the accessibility of voting.

It should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. If you have any questions or are having difficulty completing this survey, please contact the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999.

Fill | 2024 UK General Election About our survey. Please answer a short survey about your experience of voting (or why you didn’t vote) in the May 2024 UK General Election. Every time we go to the polls, we ask you to tell us about your voter experience, good or bad.  We use the information you provide to track what it is l...

Please join us in wishing congratulations to our graduates! Today Jeni and Sam officially graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University's Graduate Low Vision Rehabilitation course. We are so proud of them and lucky to have them on the team!

ID: Sam and Jeni stand together in a hall smiling at the camera. They are both wearing blue and black graduation gowns. Sam has long brown hair and Jeni has shoulder length blonde hair.

It's more than 150 years since the establishment of the right to vote in secret. But this right is still not afforded to many people with sight loss.

RNIB want to reach the future UK Prime Minister to make sure no blind or partially sighted person is prevented from voting independently and in secret the next time they go to the polling station. Over 1,500 people have already signed RNIB's open letter to the future Prime Minister, add your name now if you haven't already!

Will you add your voice? I‘ve signed RNIB‘s letter to the future Prime Minister calling for a secret vote for blind and partially sighted people. Join me and add your name: https://rnib.in/FBOpenLetter

"We're all totally unique, wonderful individuals. To me, Disability Pride Month is a celebration of that" - Audrey, Visibility Scotland staff member.

Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month? We're using our platforms to amplify the voices of our visually impaired staff and service users, starting with our very own Information Line Worker, Audrey. Click the link below to read the full blog!

How are you celebrating Disability Pride Month? Let us know in the comments, and send us a message if you'd like your story shared.

Disability Pride Month: Audrey - Visibility Scotland We help and support anyone, of any age, living with a visual impairment across Scotland - Disability Pride Month: Audrey

Did you know that the UK government supports accessible voting for vision impaired individuals? With the election coming up on the 4th of July, it's important to know what your voting rights and options are!

Tactile voting devices and assistance at polling stations are available to ensure everyone's voice is heard in elections. The excellent team over at RNIB have put together a comprehensive guide to voting with a vision impairment, check it out by clicking the link below!

Voting and elections: what you need to know If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you

Did you know? Week 15

Many of us are familiar with the white cane, but did you know that there are actually many different types of cane tips? From the rugged rover tip to the elegant pencil tip, these small but mighty components can make a big difference in mobility and safety. Visit our new resource linked below to find out more.

Different guide cane tips - Visibility Scotland - You don't need sight to have vision. We help and support anyone, of any age, living with a visual impairment across Scotland - Different guide cane tips

Did you know? Week 14.
This week, we’re uncovering the significance of dual-sensory canes.

What does the colour red symbolise on a white cane?
The red markings signify that the person using the cane has both a vision and a hearing impairment -dual sensory loss/ deafblindness.

This distinctive feature helps to alert others that the user may need additional assistance or accommodations.

Types of canes with red markings :
You’ll find red sections or red tape on various types of canes, including symbol canes, long canes, and guide canes. While each type of cane serves a different primary function—such as identification, navigation, or obstacle detection—the red markings universally indicate dual sensory impairment.

Why are these markings important?
The red sections are crucial for fostering understanding and patience from the public. For instance, when someone sees a person using a cane with red markings, they’ll know that verbal cues might not be effective and that the person may rely more heavily on visual or tactile communication methods. This awareness can lead to more considerate interactions and a greater willingness to offer appropriate help.

Different canes, different uses:
Whether it's a symbol cane primarily used for signalling visual impairment, a long cane for navigating obstacles, or a guide cane for a mix of both functions, the addition of red markings serves an essential purpose. It bridges a communication gap, ensuring that people with dual sensory impairments are recognized and understood in their communities.

ID: Long cane folded in half. The cane represents dual sensory loss.

A massive 'thank you' to Bearsden Fiddlers, who donated £1,750! If you would like to raise funds for Visibility Scotland, please get in touch. We want to support you on your fundraising journey.

Thank you, Bearsden Fiddlers

ID: A large cheque presentation from Bearsden Fiddlers

Our friends at Resourceful Ramblers are looking for new members!

Resourceful Ramblers are a walking group for visually impaired adults. They meet on the last Saturday of the month from March to October.

A minibus leaves from Charing Cross station in Glasgow at 10:00AM and returns around 4:00PM

Each walk is fairly flat and takes in around 4 - 5 miles of countryside but you'll need good walking shoes, a rucksack for hats, gloves and water bottles and a packed lunch.

We are looking for volunteers to be sighted guides and for visually impaired people to join our group. If you are interested, please contact the Secretary, Janice Davis on 01389 763 803 or on mobile number 07810 622 247.

Did you know? Week 13

This week, we’re examining a practical and empowering tool for people with vision impairment: the guide cane.

What is a guide cane?
Guide canes are mid-length mobility aids designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings more safely and confidently. Unlike long canes, which detect obstacles at ground level, or symbol canes, which signal a visual impairment to others, guide canes offer a mix of both functions. They provide tactile feedback about underfoot terrain, provide valuable depth perception cues, and indicate their visual impairment to others.

Who uses a guide cane?
Guide canes are often used by individuals who have some residual vision but still require assistance with obstacle detection. People with lower visual field loss may benefit from a guide cane, as it detects underfoot changes. The guide cane is perfect for those who need more information about their immediate surroundings but do not require the full reach of a long cane.

Why are guide canes Important?
Guide canes can enhance independence and safe travel for visually impaired individuals. They help users detect kerbs, steps, and other obstacles, preventing trips and falls. Additionally, it signals to others that the user has a vision impairment. Guide canes increase awareness and accommodating environment. This dual function significantly boosts the user’s confidence.

Different canes, different uses:
It's fascinating to see how different types of canes serve varied needs. While symbol canes focus on communication and long canes on navigation, guide canes bridge the gap, offering detection and signalling. This versatility makes them an essential tool for many visually impaired individuals.

Want to learn more?
If you or someone you know could benefit from a guide cane, get in touch with Visibility Scotland, as we can offer further information and advice on types, uses, and training for canes, as well as where to get them.

ID: White guide cane

Visibility Scotland would like to give a very big thank you to The Hospital Saturday Fund who have given us a grant of £9,000 towards our Listening Ear project!! This generous grant adds to the £16,000 per year of funding we receive for this amazing service from the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust.

The Listening Ear provides support to people with vision impairment across Scotland via telephone and web based services which include our information line, wellbeing calls, webinars, and our Positive Outlook course. Thank you again to The Hospital Saturday Fund team for helping us continue this good work!

Image Description: Laura Walker Visibility Scotland CEO, Emma Scott Visibility Scotland HOO, June Devlin from the Hospital Saturday Fund, Audrey Ward from the Listening Ear project, and Claire Maclaverty from Visibility Scotland stand side by side smiling at the grant presentation. June, Audrey, and Claire are holding a giant cheque which shows the grant amount of £9,000.

Hip hip hooray, it’s our birthday!

Today we are celebrating 165 years of Visibility Scotland! We started all the way back in 1859 when the majority of vision impaired people in Scotland were amongst the most disadvantaged. They had no support or extra help, and that’s where we came in. Our name has gone through changes over the years, but our mission to help and support people who have a vision impairment to live independent and fulfilling lives remains the same.

Currently, Visibility Scotland offers support and services Scotland wide, as well as local services in Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians, and Dumfries and Galloway. Last year alone we supported 3,189 people living with vision impairment. We offer a range of online, telephone, and face to face services which include community groups, information and advice, neurological sight loss support, and much much more!

In addition to the support Visibility Scotland provides to our service users, we also offer Inclusive Communications and CPD accredited Vision Impairment training courses through our social enterprise. These courses empower organisations and individuals to be aware and inclusive of persons with vision impairment.

Image description: Gold number balloons above white text on a blue background. The balloons and text read “165 Years of Visibility Scotland”

Join our team and make a difference! A full-time position is available in . Get in touch for more details.

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Did you know? Week 12

This week, we’re exploring the long white cane.

What is a long white cane?
A long white cane is a mobility aid used by people with low or no vision. It enables safe obstacle detection and navigation.

It is typically made of lightweight materials like aluminium, graphite, or fibreglass and can be folded for convenience. The length of the cane is usually tailored to the user’s height, reaching up to the sternum when held vertically.

Who uses long white canes?
People with a vision impairment. The long cane is especially helpful for those who need to navigate independently in unfamiliar or busy environments. The cane provides tactile feedback about surroundings, such as changes in terrain, steps, or obstacles in the path, enabling the user to travel confidently and safely.

Why are long white canes important?
The long white cane is more than just a mobility aid; it is a symbol of independence. It detects obstacles and aids navigation, empowering the user to travel autonomously, whether in school, the workplace, the local community, or unfamiliar places. The cane also signals to others that the user has a vision impairment, fostering understanding and encouraging others to offer assistance when needed.

Different canes, different uses:
While symbol canes and guide canes serve specific purposes, the long white cane is the go-to tool for comprehensive navigation. It is designed to sweep or tap the ground ahead of the user, providing critical environmental information. This makes it indispensable for those who need detailed feedback to move around safely.

Want to learn more?
Visibility Scotland offers guidance on all canes. In addition, we can provide advice on selecting the right cane, techniques, and rehabilitation training to maximise the cane’s effectiveness and ensure safe travel.

A long cane should only be used independently once vision rehabilitation training has been successfully completed.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to speak to a vision rehabilitation specialist.

ID: Two Ambutech four-section long canes.

Welfare Rights Advice at Visibility Scotland's headquarters

Deafblind Scotland Welfare Rights clinics are available at Visibility Scotland, 2 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, every second Tuesday between 10 am and 1pm.

Dates:
June 4th and 18th
July 2nd, 16th and 30th.

Pop in or make an appointment.

Deafblind Scotland will assist with benefit checks and advise on what benefits are relevant to your circumstances. If you need assistance completing these forms, Deafblind Scotland can help.

Did you know?

Personal Independent Payment (PIP) is transferring to Adult Disability Payment (ADP). This is because the Scottish Government will be managing Disability Benefits rather than Westminster.

Many people have already had their benefits moved across. This started in summer 2022. It will take until 2025 to move everyone’s benefits across. You don’t have to do anything. You will receive a letter about the transfer, and you may receive an update form from ADP. If you need any help to complete this, please contact Helen at Deafblind Scotland 0141 777 5835.

Helen can help you complete the form.

Adult Disability Payment Information about Adult Disability Payment including payment rates, who should apply, how to apply, what happens after you apply and what to do if you disagree with a decision.

Did you know? Week 11.

This week, we’re shining a light on a lesser-known but incredibly important mobility aid for people with vision impairment: the symbol cane.

What is a csymbol cane?
Symbol canes are lightweight, often foldable, but sometimes telescopic white canes that serve a very specific purpose. Identification of vision loss/ vision impairment.

Unlike long canes, which are used for navigating and detecting obstacles, symbol canes are solely for identification. They signal to others that the person using the cane has a vision impairment. This awareness helps others understand why someone might need extra space, assistance, or simply a bit more patience.

Who uses a symbol cane?
Symbol canes are typically used by individuals who have some vision but still need assistance or space in certain situations. This can include people who are partially sighted or have conditions that affect their vision under specific circumstances, like low light or bright glare.

Why are symbol canes important?
Symbol canes play a crucial role in promoting safety and independence. The symbol cane alters people to the symbol cane users' visual challenges.

Many people report an increase in confidence when using the symbol cane. Busy spaces and crowds can part as other pedestrians are more inclined to give space and offer assistance.

This small aid can make a big difference in social interactions, reducing the stigma and misunderstandings often faced by those with partial vision loss.

Different canes for different needs:
There are many different canes, all designed to accommodate different needs. Each type of cane is tailored to enhance the user’s mobility and independence in different environments, and we will be sharing information on each of these over the next few weeks.

White canes represent vision impairment.

Where can you learn more?
If you or someone you know could benefit from a symbol cane, contact us or your local sensory impairment team.

We, Visibility Scotland, provide information and advice on types, uses, and training for canes and where to get them.

ID: Ambutech folding white symbol cane.