NCBI Library teams helps Santa to reply to children who are blind or vision impaired this Christmas.

Photo os Vision Ireland Santa writing a letter in braille

Thursday 26th December 2020 – NCBI (the National Council for the Blind) Library is again ready this Christmas to help Santa write back to letters from children who are blind or visually impaired in fully accessible formats like Braille, large print and audio CD. This partnership with An Post has been running for many years.

This year has been particularly hard on children due to Covid19, often separated from some of their extended family and friends due to restrictions being imposed, so Santa is very keen to hear from all children this year.

Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access Services at NCBI. explains: “We have been working with Santa for many years now to make sure that he can respond to all children who are blind or vision impaired.  I am one of Santa’s helpers who oversees this project for him. I am looking forward to receiving your letters and passing them on to Santa!”

If you know a child who would like an accessible Santa Card, please email: [email protected] Please let Santa know if you would like an audio, Braille or large print response and please provide your address and Santa will write back! You can also send your letter to Santa, C/O NCBI Library, Unit 29 Finglas Business Centre, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11. Deadline to have your Santa letter in to ensure an accessible response is December 15th.

Let’s make this Christmas an unforgettable one, for all children.

ENDS

 

Contact Katie Drea, Communications Executive, 087 6612287 or at [email protected]

 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

NCBI is the national sight loss organisation, working for people with sight loss.

We provide practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services and other training designed to help people with sight loss to live independently and confidently.

Services Offered:

  • Emotional support and counselling for people struggling to come to terms with sight loss.
  • Rehabilitation training, including independent living skills and mobility training, which may include using a long cane. Loss of independence is the biggest issue facing people – NCBI gives back independence and builds confidence.
  • Advice and information.
  • Low vision solutions, such as magnifiers and other aids.
  • Assistive technology advice and training to learn how to access all accessibility features in mainstream technology as well as latest gadgets and Apps all designed to assist people living with sight loss.
  • Library – large-print, Braille and audio books – giving back the joy of reading.
  • Employment advice.

As a charity NCBI must raise €3 million annually just to keep operating at current levels that equates to €4 out of every €10 we spend on vital services.