Outlook - Shopping independently with blindness and low vision: Autumn 2020 - AWS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Formerly
Blind Foundation
Outlook Autumn
2020
Shopping independently with
blindness and low vision:
Finding shops • Inside the shop • The accessible future
Feedback on
our services
Blind Low Vision NZ is committed
to providing high quality services.
To provide feedback on our services,
please contact Denise Kitto,
Manager National Services, at
feedback@blindlowvision.org.nz
Or C/- Private Bag 99941,
Newmarket, Auckland 1149.
Please get in touch if your vision
needs change on 0800 24 33 33.
Cover photo: Jackson Paraha
facebook.com/BlindLowVisonNZ
blindlowvision.org.nz
ISSN 2703-4216
2
The inside word
Message from the Chair and Chief Executive • Covid-19
• Introducing our regional service model • Eye health
Aotearoa develops seven-point plan
13
Feature
Shopping independently with blindness or low vision.
18
People
Celebrating 130 Years
24
Everyday living
Accessible religious content to practice your faith •
Sharing tips on personal grooming with vision loss
29
Community
Life without limits around the country • Message from
parents of Vision Impaired NZ (PVINZ) • Consumer
organisation contact details
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 1
The Inside Word
Hello to All
Welcome to the 2020 Autumn edition of Outlook, our
flagship publication aiming to keep you up to date
with what’s going on at Blind Low Vision NZ and to
share helpful information and stories featuring some
of the great people in our community.
Covid-19 Update Covid-19 Level Alert
We want you to have the support Recovery Plan
you need to get through the What it means for you:
Covid-19 crisis. If your vision has
worsened or you don’t have access Level 2 - Reduce:
to the essentials such as food or The disease is contained, but the
medicine, please get in contact and risk of community transmission
we will help in any way we can – remains.
0800 24 33 33, • Essential services designation
info@blindlowvision.org.nz now applied across the
You may have been contacted by organisation. Operational
a member of our team to check in decisions to be based on
on your health and wellbeing and Alert Levels by a town, city,
make sure you have access to the and territorial local authority,
essentials. We want no one left regional or national level.
behind during the Covid-19 crisis • Service delivery to a client will
and we have joined with blind, low require approval.
vision and deafblind organisations
• All offices re-open to employees
to make sure we are doing
only, with limited numbers using
everything we can to support you.
social distancing and shifts. (This
It has been an honour to be classed will vary depending on locations
as an essential service and at Alert and buildings).
Level 2 we can look at resuming
face-to-face client visits.
2 Outlook • Autumn 2020
• Physical distance and infection Level 1 - Prepare:
control guidelines followed The disease is contained in
including PPE. New Zealand.
• Contact tracing measures • All offices re-open to employees,
established and implemented. members, volunteer groups and
the public.
• Individual client service
appointments may occur in the • Meeting appropriate public
office or offsite. health requirements, and health
• All offices are closed to and safety requirements.
members/clients, volunteer • No restrictions on gatherings.
groups or the public.
For the full recovery plan go to
blindlowvision.org.nz
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 3
The Inside Word
Support in your local area waiting time, we have moved into
Since starting at Blind Low Vision a regionalised structure. The idea
NZ in August 2019, it has been full is that a supportive and local team
speed ahead for Chief Executive structure will be better equipped
John Mulka and the team. We are to respond to the specific needs
pleased to share that we have for you and your area. Although
made great progress in embedding we only officially moved to this
a new approach to providing the model in March 2020, promisingly,
service you are looking for. our data is already showing
improvements in bringing you
In the last issue of Outlook we service faster.
shared information about our
approach to service being person- We have a fantastic team
directed, putting the people we supported by regional and area
are here to serve firmly in the managers – a mix of new and
director’s seat. Since then, in old faces from the organisation.
order to better manage increased Find out more about them and
demand for services and reduce our services areas on page 8.
130 years strong and
looking ahead
This year marks 130 years since we
first formed as Jubilee Institute for
the Blind New Zealand. Over this
time our purpose has remained
grounded in supporting people
who are blind or have low vision,
but the way we go about it is
always evolving. The latest change
to our name – now Blind Low Vision
NZ – inclusively acknowledges the
many people we are here for who
identify as having low vision.
The way we provide service is
another striking example of how
4 Outlook • Autumn 2020
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 5
things have changed. Once, we only Strategic plan
had one location – in Auckland.
2020-2024
Now we have offices in 18 locations
We would like to thank everyone
around New Zealand, and counting.
who fed into the recent consultation
Promisingly, our plans to further
process for developing our next
monetise our Parnell site to support
long-term strategic plan. It’s
service delivery are developing well.
important we focus our efforts
Out of this, clients will benefit from
around what matters most to you,
the brand new facilities developed
our clients and family.
as part of the retirement village
joint venture. Early indications suggest you want
us to be focused on advocating
Plans to open an office later this
for accessiblity, employment and
year in West Auckland fit in with the
technology. By the time you read
long lens we are casting over how
this our strategic plan will have
we are ensure we are best placed to
been finalised. You can find more
serve clients in their communities.
on blindlowvision.org.nz
6 Outlook • Autumn 2020
Meanwhile, we remain committed We wouldn’t be where we are
and active in driving for systemic without the support of generous
change with accessibility and eye New Zealanders who give their time
health care in New Zealand. and money to making a difference
for people who are blind or have
On page 10 you can read more
low vision.
about our progress with Eye Health
Aotearoa and the seven-point plan Nga Mihi,
for action. You can also find out
the latest on the Access Alliance’s
campaign to introduce accessibility
legislation in New Zealand. We are
pleased with the progress, but we
also cannot rest on our laurels to
see it through to completion.
Lastly, we would like to
acknowledge and thank the many
people who John has met over the
past six months who have helped John Mulka
him become acquainted with the Blind Low Vision NZ Chief Executive
community. Having travelled the
length of the country, it has been
an insightful exercise to understand
how Blind Low Vision NZ can best
meet the needs of our clients and
work together with the consumer
groups in the wider community.
Speaking of great people, a special
congratulations goes to Pip McCann
who received a Queen’s Service
Medal in the New Year Honours list
this year. Pip has dedicated many Rick Hoskin
years of service to raising puppies Royal New Zealand Foundation of
and funds in support of our guide the Blind (RNZFB) Board Chair
dogs service, first in Auckland and
then in Queenstown.
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 7
The Inside Word
Introducing our
regional service model
In March 2020, we officially moved to a new model
for delivering service. The idea of the new regional
approach is that a supportive and local team structure
will be better equipped to respond to the specific needs
for you and your area.
Alongside this, our Primary Service expected of them to make sound,
Providers (PSPs) based in all areas client centric decisions.”
are your local point of contact
responsible for arranging the
Dan Shepherd:
services that can best meet your
Area Manager
personal goals for living with
Auckland and
blindness or low vision.
Northland
We are pleased to introduce you to
our leadership team representing “As a part of the blind and low
your local area. vision community myself, I am
continually seeking ways to make
Northern region a difference.
This role allows me to be part of a
Liz Ansell: team that shares that commitment
Regional Manager and to deliver better quality
service and support to clients.”
“The new model builds
accountability and empowers
local leadership to know what is
8 Outlook • Autumn 2020serve. I am now in a position where
Sefulu Calvert: I can lead and support a team of
Area Manager highly motivated and committed
Waikato and professionals so that the people we
Bay of Plenty help continue to achieve their goals.”
“I aim to be principle centered as it Chloe Billington:
applies equally to everyone; myself, Area Manager
my team and the clients I serve. Nelson, Wellington
Principles will never fail you.” and Kapiti
Central and In previous roles I’ve had
Southern region the opportunity to meet
representatives from Blind Low
Vision NZ and have been amazed
Bryce Tietjens:
by your breadth of services.
Regional Manager
I am humbled and excited by the
opportunity to join the team.”
“Since joining I have found the
Carolyn Stiles:
passion around Blind Low Vision
Area Manager
NZ - its people, volunteers and Christchurch,
partners – to be just amazing. I Dunedin,
have been blessed to have met Invercargill and
many incredible people.” Timaru
Israel Coello: “It’s all about our clients. And for
Area Manager me, the key to that is working
Gisborne, Napier, alongside local service delivery
New Plymouth, teams and supporting them to
Palmerston North deliver local solutions for clients in
and Wanganui our communities.”
“Having formerly been an adaptive
communications trainer, I have seen
first-hand the tremendous impact
our services have on the people we
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 9The Inside Word
Eye health
Aotearoa develops
seven-point plan
In the previous issue of the Outlook magazine we
reported on indications that New Zealand is facing
a growing crisis in eye health, especially with
age-related eye conditions.
Blind Low Vision NZ believes every Eye Health Aotearoa recognises that
New Zealander should be able to the health system is facing complex
access the eye care services they challenges, and its recommendations
need to support the best outcomes accommodate for this environment
for themselves. This means taking while seeking to increase equitable
steps to address avoidable access to quality eye health for
blindness, make the most of a New Zealanders.
person’s remaining vision, and if
“In setting out a seven-point plan
needed, maximise the ability to
for how eye health can begin
live with sight loss.
to be treated with the priority it
In our work as part of Eye Health needs over the next three years,
Aotearoa (formerly the Eye Health we identify three of these as
Coalition), we are pleased to share especially pressing actions that
that a seven-point action plan has we urge the government to act on
been developed and presented immediately,” says Blind Low Vision
to MPs to promote understanding NZ Chief Executive John Mulka.
and action towards making eye
health count in 2020.
10 Outlook • Autumn 2020The immediate steps that
need to happen are:
1) Put eye health questions back
in the National Health Survey.
2) Action the Coalition Government’s
commitment to the free annual
health check including an eye
health check for all SuperGold
card holders this year.
3) Get the first national eye health
survey underway.
Simon O’Connor MP, and Louisa
1. Conduct the first ever
Wall MP, Co-chairs of the
National Eye Health Survey in
Parliamentary Friends of Eye Health
New Zealand, to inform future
both acknowledged that it’s time
planning and funding decisions.
to band together to ensure that
all New Zealanders can access 2. Educate the public about the
equitable quality eye health importance of taking care of
services and prevent avoidable their eyes.
vision loss.
3. Provide funded examinations as
The Seven-Point a first step to increase equitable
access to eye health services
Action Plan for SuperGold card holders and
This plan has been carefully hard-to-reach populations.
considered to be affordable and
achievable, while significantly 4. Establish a “New Zealand
improving New Zealanders’ Vision Bus” to deliver
eye health and reducing costs funded comprehensive eye
elsewhere in the health system. examinations to key groups.
It targets high-risk communities 5. Provide timely access to quality
who are unable to access eye treatment services to prevent or
health services: slow down vision loss.
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 11The Inside Word
6. Provide early support for people Trustee organisations
diagnosed with eye conditions
or vision loss. • Blind Low Vision NZ
7. Ensure rapid access to • Glaucoma New Zealand
comprehensive vision • Macular Degeneration
rehabilitation, habilitation, New Zealand
and low vision services.
• The Royal Australian and
What is Eye Health New Zealand College of
Ophthalmologists
Aotearoa?
Eye Health Aotearoa is a • University of Auckland School of
multi-sector collaborative of Optometry and Vision Science
representatives from across the
eye health sector. We’ve banded
Supporting Organisations
together to ensure that all • Retina New Zealand Inc.
New Zealanders can access • Optometrists and Dispensing
equitable, quality eye health Opticians Board
services and prevent avoidable
vision loss.
Our plan is affordable and
achievable. It will significantly
improve New Zealanders’ eye
health and reduce costs elsewhere
in the health system. It targets
high-risk communities who are
unable to access eye health
services.
To find out more about Eye Health Aotearoa, email us at
info@eyehealthaotearoa.org.nz
12 Outlook • Autumn 2020Feature
Shopping
independently with
blindness or low vision
Head into a modern shopping mall these days and
more likely than not you will find accessible aids such
as tactile markers at the end of escalators, and lifts
incorporating braille and tactile print. These elements
of accessible environmental design were once the
exception, and now they are part of everyday life.
This progress can be applauded, Finding shops
but there’s still a long way to go. Often, shops are clustered together
Similarly, modern technology has in a strip mall (outdoor shopping
empowered people with more area you find in a suburban place)
options and access to information or a shopping mall.
than ever before, but it’s no
Adaptive Communications and
silver bullet.
Technology Trainer Chantelle
In this article we take a look how Griffiths, points out that at
accessible shopping is today for a general level, being blind
people who are blind or have low means you may walk past shops
vision, and share some advice regularly and not know what is
for how to shop with confidence. there. “Incidental browsing is less
Then, we outline progress towards accessible, but in some high traffic
introducing accessibility legislation areas new GPS technology is
that would ultimately redefine challenging this norm.”
shopping experiences in the future. She explains that mobile phone
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 13Feature
apps like BlindSquare can give regularly it is a good idea to book in
audio prompts about stores around some time with someone from Blind
you and points of interest as you are Low Vision NZ to help you become
walking down the street, and these familiar with the route and make
can be customisable so you can use of mobility aids.”
filter for information that you care
about (for example, coffee shops).
Similarly, some large public spaces Try downloading
such as train stations and airports and experimenting
here in New Zealand are looking with apps like
at supporting emerging BlindSquare and
wayfinding technology. Seeing AI.
In terms of getting around,
Ask us for help in
Blind Low Vision NZ Access and
developing skills to
Awareness Advisor Chris Orr
independently use
explains that while any route can be
apps like these on
learned, often strip malls are easier
your phone.
to negotiate because the shops are
laid out in a line and smaller in size. Ask us for help
in navigating
“You’ve got landmarks and fixed
new routes.
items like walls to reference,
whereas shopping malls aren’t
intuitive and other clues like sound
may be less useful because malls Inside the shop
can be noisy spaces.” The good news for some shopping
Chris says it is good to see the experiences now is that you don’t
recently opened Westfield mall in have to physically go to a shop to
Newmarket, Auckland, offering browse for the items you want and
tours for people to help them learn make a purchase.
the layout of the mall, which is “Some types of shopping, like
another marker of progress.
groceries, can lend themselves
“Ultimately though, if there are really well to being done online.
places you anticipate visiting We often work with clients who have
14 Outlook • Autumn 2020idea to try using both the
website and the app and
see what works better for
you, because often the
experience between the
two can be quite different.
Of course, there will always
be items that are best considered
in store – for example, you might
want to physically experience
a goal to learn to order groceries how an appliance works or try on
online and while we can’t control clothes before making a purchase.
when these companies might Chantelle recommends online
make changes to the layout or research ahead of visiting a store
functionality of their app or website, can be a helpful combination.
our adaptive technology specialists “It’s really important to be able
teach skills broadly applicable so you to access shopping in a way that
can more easily adjust when they works for you as a person and to be
do,” explains Chantelle. able to use the tools, resources and
Chantelle shares that accessible support around you to get what you
design is also becoming more need. Part of this is knowing what
understood and naturally options are available for where you
considered by web developers. live, for example you may qualify
The bigger companies are more for assistance from people who will
likely to have greater tech support help you do your shopping.
at hand, while smaller businesses “It’s a massive boost in confidence
with a more DIY approach might to do your shopping fully
not realise that their website isn’t independently, and in some
accessible. She says if a business circumstances it may take longer
also has an app it can be a good but it’s achievable.”
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 15Feature
Chris says that your experience
inside a shop can be different if you Try using both the
are blind or have low vision. For website and app
those with some useful vision, having for a business and
the right magnification aids at hand see what provides
might make the difference in being a better experience
able to find and choose the items for you.
you are after. Generally speaking
though, chaotic shop layouts that Seek advice from
have tight aisles and merchandise Blind Low Vision
all over the place are unhelpful. NZ on what the
best magnification
Both Chantelle and Chris
aids are for you.
recommend a combination of
strategies for enhancing your Plan and research.
experience in the shop. Don’t be afraid to
make contact with
Chantelle says, “Sometimes I will call
ahead and tell the shop I’m coming
the shop ahead of
in so I can come at a time when
your visit and be
there’s fewer people in the shop. specific about your
Calling beforehand helps them get preferences.
a sense of who you are, gives you an Find out what
opportunity to find out if they have other services
what you want, and being specific may be available
means you can be efficient with the to support your
time spent. shopping needs.
“If you’ve never been to the shop Ask your Blind Low
before, it’s also useful to ask for Vision NZ primary
someone to look out for you around service provider for
the time you’re coming. For those further information
who may not be experienced in and advice.
serving people who are blind, it
also gives you an opportunity to
guide them on what is most
helpful to you.”
16 Outlook • Autumn 2020The accessible future Promisingly, the Access Alliance
While Chantelle and Chris is continuing to advance the
recommend proactivity as a good government’s commitment to
approach to help your shopping designing an approach to achieve
endeavours, they also recognise that a fully accessible New Zealand.
in a perfect world this shouldn’t and This commitment was made in 2018,
wouldn’t be required. after sustained pressure from the
Access Alliance and our community
“The fact is we still live in a world that of accessibility advocates.
has some way to go to embracing
accessibility and removing barriers
for people who are blind or have low “ The fact is we still live in a
vision. world that has some way to go
We are working on changing this to embracing accessibility and
from the top as part of the Access removing barriers for people who
Alliance seeking the introduction are blind or have low vision. ”
of accessibility legislation into the
future,” says Chris. Chris
He says in this future, shops would be
designed so that all members of the You can lend your voice to the
community would be able to shop campaign by getting in touch with
independently. That would include your local MP candidate and letting
staff awareness and training, as well them know what accessibility means
as environmental design – which is to you.
about straight lines and good colour
contrast for people with sight loss. To stay up to date and for more
He also imagines continued growth information on getting involved,
in the capability of technology to visit accessalliance.org.nz or
enhance shopping experiences. phone 0800 24 33 33
Aftershock headsets – enable
you to listen to your phone
speech while still hearing the
sound around you.
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 17People
Celebrating
130 Years
On 9 July 2020, Blind Low Vision NZ will celebrate
its 130th birthday. We talk to Jackson Paraha, Nola
Burgess and Shaun Johnson about their experience
with our community, and how life has changed living
with blindness and low vision over the years.
Did you know?
Our name evolves with the times.
We have had seven name changes since we were founded in 1890.
1890-1932 2003 – 2013
Jubilee Institute for the Blind of Royal New Zealand Foundation
New Zealand of the Blind
1933 – 1956 2013 – 2019
New Zealand Institute for the Blind Blind Foundation (legal name
1956 – 1971 remains Royal New Zealand
New Zealand Foundation for the Foundation of the Blind)
Blind 2019 – present
1972 – 2002 Blind Low Vision NZ (legal name
Royal New Zealand Foundation remains Royal New Zealand
for the Blind Foundation of the Blind)
18 Outlook • Autumn 2020Jackson Paraha, 57 – Blind the first low vision member of the
Kapa Haka group. I really needed
Low Vision NZ Client.
that support as a young Māori - it
With the rollout of our new
strengthened me and gave me the
brand Blind Low Vision NZ,
desire to learn more about who I
Jackson Paraha, supported us
was and where I was from - it was
in a photography project.
the start of my education and how
His motivations were to raise
I became who I am today.
awareness of our services for Māori
and anyone who needs our support.
Tell us about how you first became
engaged with Blind Low Vision NZ?
It was at primary school in Kaitaia
that my eye condition was picked
up. I wasn’t aware that I had a
problem, I thought that I could
see properly, I assumed I was like
everyone else – but I was struggling
through school. I moved from
Kaitaia to Auckland to go to the
Homai School for the Blind (now
known as BLENNZ) which was a big
change for a young Māori boy.
Homai was awesome. I met so many
new people and made so many
mates from different tribal areas.
There was a really strong focus on
whanau. When I went from Homai
to Manurewa High School I was
Jackson Paraha with
his grandchildren.
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 19People
What is it like living with Recently you took part in our
blindness now compared to brand photography project –
when you were younger? the purpose of which was to let
Well Blind Low Vision NZ is still people know that we are here for
supporting me today in my current everyone in New Zealand.
role as a kaiako in Kohanga Reo Why did you agree to be involved
(teaching Māori language and values and why is it important to you?
to preschool children). They are It was really important that other
helping me with training and getting young Māori or anyone who needs
the right software to continue to do a support to make a better life for
great job in my role. themselves know where to go.
I have to be honest for a long time
What are you hopes for the
I wanted to be somebody I wasn’t,
future for young blind people
someone with full sight. I have
in today’s society?
accepted my blindness now but it’s
I recently met a young Māori boy taken a while. For me from a Māori
- about 18, who reminded me very perspective I may not have my
much of myself when I was his age. vision but I have my reo [language].
He is really bright but doesn’t know
where to get advice or support in So now, nothing is more important
terms of employment or what to do to me than having some input in a
next - there seems to be a gap from child’s growth in Te Reo. I want to
transitioning from school to getting give back to my community and
a job. I have two daughters of my especially the young ones. So I am
own who have low vision and wish happy to support Blind Low Vision
there was more support out there NZ get the message out to not only
to help young people to access the Māori but everyone who needs
services they need and to show the services.
them the options that are available
to them.
20 Outlook • Autumn 2020Nola Burgess, 85 – Blind I got my first guide dog in 1982 and
Low Vision NZ client and I have had four – it has meant that
I have been able to hold down a
volunteer for Gisborne
job and get on with things. I have
Community Committee. been on the Community Committee
Awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in (formerly the Advisory Committee)
2018 for services to the blind and low for 39 years, at one stage I was the
vision community, Nola’s journey with Chairwoman. We wanted a space
Blind Low Vision NZ began when she where we could socialise and meet up
became a client at aged 21. She went
so I suggested we ask for a Gisborne
on to become the Chairperson of the
centre. People thought it would never
Gisborne Advisory Committee (now
happen, but in 1991 we celebrated
known as Community Committee)
the opening. I remember a member
and paved the way for a local
saying ‘now I feel like I belong’ and
Gisborne office and community
that’s what it’s all about.
centre of Blind Low Vision NZ to
open in 1991.
Tell us about your early years with
Blind Low Vision NZ.
I’ve been a member since 1956. A
social worker (now known as a service
provider at Blind Low Vision NZ) used
to visit twice a year. I remember they
gave us a free walking stick (it wasn’t
called a white cane back then), a free
radio licence and a free braille watch.
The talking book machine was a
great big gramophone and played
huge records – you could only listen
to one book at a time because you
needed several records per book.
Nola Burgess and
When it changed to cassettes, it was Governor General Patsy Reddy.
an absolute lifesaver.
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 21People
You’ve done a lot to support the I want people to understand that
community over the years – what blindness affects people from all
drives you to give back? walks of life – you can’t put us in a
I believe that when you lose your box. We’re just normal people only
sight, you don’t worry about what our vision is impaired. We have
you can’t do, you get on with what feelings just as everyone else – we
you can. People say that I am an laugh and cry just like everyone else.
inspiration, but that’s not my aim, I
just get on with life and encourage
others to do the same.
Shaun Johnson, 75 –
Have you experienced a change Resident at the New
in attitude over the years towards
people who are blind or have Zealand Institute for
low vision? the Blind in Parnell, now
Certainly – there is a lot more things known as Blind Low Vision
available for people, a lot more
NZ, 1950 - 1961.
technology and equipment so that
It is likely you can find Shaun
you can gain employment, study,
travel or do whatever you choose to Johnson, of Wellington, at the
do. Once upon a time blind people James Cook Hotel. He has held a
made baskets and that was it. I residency there for an incredible
envy, but am happy for, the young 39 years playing the piano. He first
people growing up today because learnt to play at the New Zealand
they have many opportunities that Institute for the Blind where he lived
I never had. for 11 years.
What are your hopes for
the future?
I would like to see people who are
blind or have low vision carry on a
normal life, as normal as they can.
22 Outlook • Autumn 2020Tell us a bit about living at the What were the advantages
New Zealand Institute for the of living there and the
Blind in the 1950s? disadvantages?
I was a boarder at Nathan House I didn’t see much of my parents in
and went to school at the Institute. my first year until they moved up to
I started in 1950 when I was six Auckland from Dunedin, but it was
years old. There were about 24 boys where I learnt piano.
there and the boys and girls were
Music classes were compulsory
separated. We slept there, we ate
and if you were good at it then you
there and we went to school there.
carried on. I was also a member of
As well as normal classes, there
the brass band. Two people who got
were also special classes where we
me up to scratch to study music at
learnt a hobby.
university were teachers May Bray
and Lilian Martin.
Have you experienced a change in
attitude to people who are blind
or have low vision over the years?
I think now there is more of an
acceptance in society and there is a
lot more that a person who is blind
or has low vision can do.
What are your hopes for the future
for people who are blind or have
low vision?
If they try and do something there
is every chance that they will
succeed – there is technology out
there that means there are so many
possibilities now.
Shaun Johnson at his piano.
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 23Everyday living
Library:
Accessible religious content
to practice your faith
Blind Low Vision NZ provides Kiwis who are blind
or have low vision with the practical and emotional
support to do the things they need and want to do,
and this includes giving people access to the tools to
practice their faiths independently.
With this in mind, it follows that Provision of the Seekers and When
religious content is a popular part the Moon Split in both Arabic and
of our accessible library service. English, narrated by Qays Buksh.
“We think it is important to provide “It’s really good because as a Muslim
different religious material in an visually impaired person, we don’t
accessible way, which provides [normally] have material like that in
people with independence to audio format. You can listen to it in
receive content about their faiths,” your own time and concentrate on
says Blind Low Vision NZ Library what it’s saying.”
Manager Geraldine Lewis, “Our He says listening to the recorded
aim is to provide a collection that is material is a different experience
current, relevant and responsive to than having someone read to you,
the needs of our clients. because you can read it at your
We encourage and track all client own pace and listen to sections over
requests, and use these requests again to absorb it to its full extent.
as the basis of title selection.”
“After the Christchurch mosque
Library member Naushad Ali, of shooting last year it is important,
Auckland, appreciates the Islamic now more than ever, for people to
content provided in audio format. have access to their faiths which
We recently recorded two titles, at the heart of it comes down to
24 Outlook • Autumn 2020compassion and kindness. The collection; however, we cannot get
shooter thought he was going hold of the complete works.
to tear people apart but it was Our producer Simon Lynch did
actually the opposite, it brought research into this and calculated
people closer together.” that it would take several years of
his time to produce each version,”
In the past two years’ the library
says Geraldine.
team has also added 650 Seventh
Day Adventist titles and 2,100 “An idea we have is to ask whether
Christian Blind Mission titles that people with some knowledge in
were gifted to our collection. these areas and can speak Samoan
or Tongan would like to record audio
Looking for support to add the of religious text and provide it to us
Samoan and Tongan bible to for our collection. If you or anyone
our collection: you know may be interested in
The team is continuing to diversify contributing, we would love to work
the library’s religious content and is with you so please get in touch.”
currently looking for help to narrate
To access the library collection
the Samoan and Tongan bibles.
or express interest in narrating,
“This is a popular request. We have please contact our library on
searched for this audio material and 0800 24 33 33 or email
have added what we can find to our library@blindlowvision.org.nz
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 25Everyday living
Sharing tips on
personal grooming
with vision loss
Putting on make-up and shaving can be a challenge
when you have low or no vision.
Our Adaptive Daily Living Instructors process to prevent makeup
help people to learn tricks for residue from rubbing off on your
adapting to sight loss. Read on for face, clothing, and upholstery.
some top tips from the experts, as
well as tips that you have shared
You say:
with us on our Facebook page.
Makeup We say: 1. “Use a short eye pencil and
1. Use a headband mascara with a short wand
when applying makeup to pull and use your fingers to apply
your hair away from your face. eyeshadow.” – Dena Harnett.
This is especially helpful when
2. “Get yourself a magnifying ring
applying foundation and eye
makeup. light mirror or get a compact
mirror you can hold in your hand
2. You can also use a magnifying close to your face while using the
mirror with an adjustable arm to
other hand to apply makeup.”
enlarge the image of your face
– Kelly Brown.
and head.
3. Keep a wet washcloth, wet wipes, 3. “After putting foundation on with
or paper towels nearby to remove your hands/brush, use a beauty
makeup from your fingertips. blender type sponge to make
Clean your hands and fingertips sure it’s all rubbed in.”
after each step in the application – Wainui Witika-Park.
26 Outlook • Autumn 2020We say:
Shaving: three minutes now. Shaving is all
about feel - honestly, that’s it.
1. You can determine the areas that
require shaving (such as your The best advice I can give from
face, legs, or underarms) or the my own experience is to start
location of a nick or scratch by slow, use plenty of gel or shave
using your sense of touch. foam and just feel the grip of the
blades and smoothness of the
2. Wash the area to be shaved with finish and you’ll be shaving in
soap and water, and pat dry. the dark in no time!”
This will soften your hair, which
makes it easier to shave cleanly – Rob McGoram.
and safely. In reply to Rob:
3. Use shaving cream or lotion if 3. “Legend mate. I too am partially
you use a safety razor. It will blind, hardly ever have I needed
protect your skin and help you to rely on mirrors to shave, and
better locate the areas you’ve I agree ‘it’s all about the feel’.
already shaved. Practice makes perfect,
confidence strengthens
You say: independence.”
– Murakareke Roretana.
1. “I go to the barber shop now, got
exhausting trying to see one side
of my head with tunnel vision.”
– Terry Richards.
2. “I’m partially blind, use razor
blades and I’ve never once used
a mirror to shave. I shave in the
shower before dawn and often
don’t have the bathroom lights
on. I haven’t nicked myself in
years and I can full-face and Paveen Shakar shaving with a razor.
neck shave in under
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 27Everyday living
Items to help with personal grooming available in
our shop. We stock a wide range of products for
people who are blind or have low vison. Here are
a few you might be interested in:
10x Compact Round rimless hand held
Magnifying Mirror 2x magnifier with LED light
This compact mirror is This hand held 2x magnifier
perfect for in your handbag with light, has a round, rimless
or around the home and has 110mm lens for non-distracted
two optical quality glass viewing. It is powered by two
mirrors which give a clear, super bright LED lights that
undistortedimage and do can last up to 5000 hours.
not scratch. Batteries are included.
Client price: $29 Client price: $32
Full price: $34 Full price: $36
To learn more about these products and to browse more items,
visit blindlowvision.org.nz/shop or call 0800 24 33 33 and speak
to our equipment specialists.
28 Outlook • Autumn 2020Community
Life without limits
around the country
Please note at the time of writing, community events
are on hold due to the Covid-19 public health crisis.
Check our website for the latest updates. We hope
to be back on board as soon as possible, and in the
meantime, here are some highlights from earlier:
South Island Tramp,
Central Otago,
8 - 9 November, 2019
Ten clients returned from a South
Island tramp happy, windblown
and more knowledgeable about
the great New Zealand gold rush.
They had a wonderful time and
finished their walk by sampling of Clients, volunteers and staff in front
local wine at a member’s vineyard. of an historic run in Welshtown.
Taupo Kids Camp, The theme for the camp this year
12 – 17 January was ‘Superheroes’ so the grand
Zip lining, martial arts, archery, finale was a heroic costume
morning yoga and making rocky parade, followed by a talent quest.
road were just some of “During their time at camp the
the activities at the kids camp kids were presented with many
at MiCamp near Taupo. opportunities to step outside
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 29their comfort zones, build on their
independent living skills, and gain
confidence in their social and
physical abilities. The icing on
the cake was fun and friendship
experienced by all who attended,”
says Micky Gunn, Blind Low
Vision NZ Recreation and
Community Advisor.
Taupo Kids Camp.
12-17 January 2020
Red Puppy Appeal,
13 – 14 March
More than 1800 volunteers hit
the streets to raise money and
awareness for Blind Low Vision NZ
Guide Dogs with our Red Puppy
Appeal street collection. Thank you to
everyone who supported the appeal!
$250,000 was raised to breed and
train guide dogs.
Find something that suits you.
Would you like to get involved with a recreation or
a community event? Get in touch on 0800 24 33 33
or go to our website blindlowvision.org.nz and
check out the events section to find something that
suits you in your local area
30 Outlook • Autumn 2020Message from parents
of Vision Impaired NZ (PVINZ)
Tēnā koutou katoa,
I haere mai ōku tūpuna i Kōtirana
No Kirikiriroa tāku papa kainga
Kie Waikato-Tainui ahau e noho ana
Ko Parents of Vision Impaired tāku mahi
Ko Lily te pōtiki ana tāku kotiro te kanohi atarua
Ko Rebekah Graham tāku ingoa.
Kia ora, my name is Rebekah and the respective issues we face may
I am the new Executive Officer change (depending on the ages
for Parents of Vision Impaired NZ and stages of our children), the
(PVINZ). My journey into PVINZ need for support and advocacy
began seven years ago, with the does not.
birth of our fourth child, Lily. Our Many of us are learning on our feet
initial ophthalmologist appointment about our child’s needs and the
quickly provided a diagnosis, support they need. Children born
followed by a prognosis, and then with congenital vision conditions
a cheery “see you in two years”. I often have additional challenges
was left with little idea of what to and disabilities. This means that
expect, no clue as to what services parents must manage multiple
existed, or where to go to find out! health professionals and various
After posting on Facebook, a friend appointment times, work with
of a friend put us in touch with a schools to develop educational
mutual friend who then put us in and safety plans, and deal with the
touch with PVINZ – and the rest, as vagaries of MSD, Work and Income,
they say, is history. and service providers.
In coming to know parents through Educators, health professionals,
PVINZ I have noted that while and even service providers can
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 31be unaware of the specific needs It also means that we can continue
of blind, low-vision and vision- reducing societal barriers to
impaired children. This leaves inclusion while ensuring blind, low
parents in the unenviable position vision and vision-impaired children
of having to educate those around get the support they need to enjoy
them – which is particularly and participate in society as equals
challenging in environments where at every stage of their life.
parental concerns are minimised, Ngā mihi
disparaged, and/or dismissed. Rebekah Graham
PVINZ aims to walk alongside
parents as they navigate all these For more information visit:
challenges. Having other parents www.pvi.org.nz
who ‘get it’ provides space to We are also on Twitter:
debrief and find encouragement @PVI_NZ
and reassurance. A listening ear Or you can contact me
alongside advocacy and support (Rebekah) via
services means that parents feel Phone: 0226215740 or
less isolated. Email: rgraham@pvi.org.nz
Rebekah’s daughter
Lily on a horse.
32 Outlook • Autumn 2020Blind Low Vision NZ is proud New Zealand Vision
to support and partner with Impaired Empowering
organisations directly representing Women (NZ VIEW)
the interests of Kiwis who are blind National President: Janet Palmer
or have low vision. 04 476 7329
nzviewinc@gmail.com
Contact details Parents of Vision Impaired
New Zealand (PVINZ) Inc.
Albinism NZ
Executive Officer: Dr Rebekah Graham
(06) 367 5900
022 621 5740
albinism@inspire.net.nz
rgraham@pvi.org.nz
albinism.nz
pvi.org.nz
Blind Citizens NZ
Retina New Zealand
Mail: PO Box 7144, Newtown,
0800 569 849
Wellington 6242
admin@retina.org.nz
0800 222 694, or 04 389 0033
retina.org.nz
admin@abcnz.org.nz.
Search Retina New Zealand or
blindcitizensnz.org.nz
Retina Youth to find them on
facebook.com/BlindCitizensNZ
social media.
Blind Sport New Zealand
Support and Education
(09) 930 1579
for our Youth, their Families
casey@blindsport.kiwi
and their Friends
blindsport.kiwi
021 0235 4395
Deafblind Association of NZ seyffnz@gmail.com
Charitable Trust
0800 450 650 These details are correct at the
info@deafblindassociation.nz time of printing. Please check
Deafblindassociation.nz the Blind Low Vision NZ
website for updated details
Kāpo Māori Aotearoa
and more information at
0800 770 990
blindlowvision.org.nz
info@kapomaori.co.nz
kapomaori.com
Autumn 2020 • Outlook 33The gift of a life without limits Receive an information pack today about how a gift in your will can make a profound and lasting difference. Please contact Supporter Care on 0800 366 283 or blindlowvision.org.nz
You can also read
