NCBI is reminding everyone living with sight loss that its InfoLine 1800 911 250 is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday at this time, offering practical and emotional advice and support as well as information on our breadth of services that may be relevant to them.
Chris White, NCBI CEO said “We know this is a difficult time for everyone and the current guidance around social distancing can make people who are blind or visually impaired feel even more isolated from their community. NCBI services are located in communities across Ireland and we will continue to offer tailored services to respond to each individual’s needs. These include practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, library books in accessible formats and extensive technical support. We know our services are important to you at this time and we look forward to being there with you.”
Watch a short video from Chris White: https://youtu.be/ltUITMvmhRg
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For further information and to arrange interviews, please contact June Tinsley NCBI 01 8821917/ 087 9955076
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, to help people to read standard print.
- Assistive technology advice and training to either magnify or read aloud what is on screen.
- Library – large-print 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.