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Magazine
VOl. 20, No. 4. Winter 2017
16-year-old Louie McGee, founder of Louie’s Vision, wants young people with vision impairment to prosper in the #BlindNewWorld — See story on pages 6-7.
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NCBI inSight (Incorporating The Blind Citizen 1923) is published four times a year by: NCBI,Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Tel: 01 830 7033 Fax: 01 8307 787 email: [email protected] website: www.ncbi.ieEditor: Frank Callery, Mobile: 087 6724097 email: [email protected] by: PB Print Solutions Tel: 353 86 2511640.
3. Sightlines.
8. NCBI at the National Ploughing Championships.
4. NCBI Library Update.
10. The Buzz of Retail!
6. Building a #BlindNewWorld.
12. Kildare Social Inclusion.
16. Carlow: St. Willibrord returns.
18. Santa Cards, 2017.
19. NCBI Educational Bursary.
22. Fundraising for NCBI.
23. NCBI volunteer nominated for Volunteer Ireland Award!
24. NCBI Wicklow Retail celebrates 21 years in Business.
20. NCBI Clear Footpaths Campaign.
21. A Big Thank You to all NCBI Fundraisers.
Participants in the Kildare Social Inclusion Week — see pages 12 to 15.
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22. Fundraising for NCBI.
23. NCBI volunteer nominated for Volunteer Ireland Award!
24. NCBI Wicklow Retail celebrates 21 years in Business.
As 2017 draws to a close we look back on our year in NCBI, we reflect on the people we have worked with and the difference that our services make to the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired.
Problems in their daily lives Each year we work with 8,000 people. Many come to us for the first time, as they deal with a recently acquired eye condition that has seriously affected their sight, or perhaps a significant deterioration in an existing eye condition, which is causing problems in their daily lives.
Our aim is to enable people to lead independent lives so they can fully participate in society. This means something different to everyone we work with so that first interaction is a vital means of getting to the root of their problems and putting a plan in place to enable people to reach their goals.
We are here for all The nature of sight loss is that people come back to NCBI as their circumstances change such as a new job, loss of a job, moving house, and going to college or deteriorating vision. We are here for all of these life changes. The approaching New Year is also a chance for us to reflect on what enables us to provide these services and how you have helped by supporting our fundraising events throughout the year.
Challenges people face There are many highlights for NCBI in 2017, to name just a few, this year we ran our second annual Dine in the Dark Week in November, seeing 80 restaurants hosting a Dine in the Dark event, where customers were blindfolded for the duration of their meal, with a donation given to NCBI. It sparked many conversations about what it means to live with sight loss and the challenges people face, and overcome, on a daily basis.
Third level education We ran our first ever Cycle of Light event, with cyclists cycling into the darkness from Dalkey to Howth and back through the outskirts of the city. We launched the NCBI Bursary alongside the Taoiseach which will provide two students with financial aid going into third level education.
NCBI would like to thank you all for your ongoing support throughout the year. We wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
SIGHTLINES
“How we see it!”
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In the coming months, as soon as Legislation has passed, Irish Water will begin to refund domestic water charges. Irish Water is really focused on trying to make the refund process as easy and quick as possible for everyone so there is no application or registration process.
A cheque for the full amount will be issued to the account holder at the address where the last bill was sent. If you haven’t moved or if your personal details have not changed, you will not need to contact Irish Water.
If your details have changed then please give them a call on :
1850 448 448. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm. If you do need to call Irish Water they will ask you some security questions to ensure they are speaking to the right person. But no one from Irish Water will ever ask you for your bank details.
Irish Water has already completed a substantial amount of work to prepare for the issuing of refunds. There will be almost one million payments issuing over a period of months.
They will be ready to implement the process as soon as they are advised by Government.
Irish Water refunds
Our second annual Dine in the Dark Week took place on the second week of November. It was a fantastic week with 80 events nationwide and over 2,000 people dining in the dark to raise funds for NCBI. This year we also had the honour of hosting a Dine in the Dark event in Leinster House in the Ceann Comhairle’s dining room for Ministers, Senators and Deputies. Thank you to everyone who supported us, restaurants, customers and our sponsors.
Dine in the Dark
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By donating to NCBI regularly, you will be contributing to the provision of NCBI’s life changing services.
Our practical and emotional advice and supports help 8,000 people and their families face their futures with confidence every year.
We help people deal emotionally with the diagnosis of an eye condition and the impact it will have on different aspects of your life, from family to work to education, now and into the future. One of the first things we do is provide information and advice about how your vision has been affected and how you can maximise the vision you still have.
We help people like Katie. She says this about our services: “My brain tumour came as a bolt out of the blue and had a serious effect on my sight.
I was suffering from blurred double vision. I turned to the NCBI for help and guidance. NCBI has been a Godsend; they have given me help, support, information and a network of contacts. My family has benefited too, as we all feel supported. I am very optimistic for the future and this, in no small part, is down to NCBI.”
Make a regular donation through our Direct Debit forms. The Direct Debit forms are available by contacting Roisin on the details below, from our retail shops and regional offices, or print the form from our website www.ncbi.ie. [email protected] or call (01) 830 7033.
Becoming a Regular Donor To NCBI
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All of us in NCBI were deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our colleague and friend Gerard Byrne. Gerard passed away at his home in Lucan on Saturday 14th October.
Gerard joined NCBI in 2003 and was Regional Manager for South Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow until last year, when he became National Services Manager. Throughout his career he was an advocate for people with disabilities. He was also a talented and passionate musician and an avid Chelsea fan.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Gerard’s partner Annette, his sons Mark
Death of our colleague Gerard Byrne
and Philip, his brothers and sister and his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
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Building a #BlindNewWorld
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An adventurous teen who founded a non-profit to help other blind kids live a life that is “boundless, fun, courageous and confident.”
A sighted fitness trainer who teaches boxing and self-defense to people who are visually impaired.
A young, blind cancer survivor who headed to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro the day after he graduated college.
And a mom eager to share easy ways to be socially inclusive – whether your friends are sighted or visually impaired.
These are just a few of the people who have shared their stories via BlindNewWorld (blindnewworld.org), a social change campaign that seeks to break down barriers to inclusion for blind and low-vision people in the workplace, in the community and in education.
The campaign aims to bring together a variety of perspectives from all people who have been impacted by blindness – whether they’re sighted or visually impaired.
Since its launch in May 2016, BlindNewWorld has built a community of more than 75,000 followers – and reached more than 50 million people around the world, including 2.2
By Leah Barrett Demers
million views of their fun (and informative) videos, available both on the BlindNewWorld site and on Upworthy.
Along the way, the campaign has made some famous friends…
Christine Ha (also known as The Blind Cook), Tommy Edison (The Blind Film Critic), EJ Scott (a blind marathoner) and the guys behind Two Blind Brothers apparel (as featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show) have all participated in BlindNewWorld — and the community just keeps growing.
Want to join the conversation? There are a number of ways to get involved in BlindNewWorld.
To follow along, find BlindNewWorld on Facebook (facebook.com/BlindNewWorld), Twitter (@BlindNewWorld) and Instagram (@BlindNewWorld)
To contribute your perspective on the #MyBlindStory blog, submit your story at blindnewworld.org/blog/now-its-your-turn or send an email to [email protected]. To share an image, use the BlindNewWorld editing tool at blindnewworld.org/share – then submit your photo to the gallery.
What’s next?BlindNewWorld wants to keep the
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Building a #BlindNewWorld
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momentum going – and they’re looking for help from people who are prioritising inclusion, kindness and open-mindedness in the workplace.
BlindNewWorld At Work (blindnewworld.org/at-work) is a new resource centre that offers materials that you – and your employers and employees – can use to start or advance the conversation around inclusiveness.
Check it out – share it, spread the word, and let BlindNewWorld know what you think! Blind new world Tim Conners AKA Tim
Possible — top of Mount Sherman.
Blind new world Mark Sayer — boxing instructor.
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Mr. David Keegan, Consultant Ophthalmologist — (who emphasises the importance of early detection of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) —and Anna May McHugh, Chief Executive of the National Ploughing Association.
NCBI at the National Ploughing ChampionshipsThis year we braved the elements once again at the National Ploughing Championships for the second year.
Our stand was packed with activity for all to get involved. We had a true / false game, virtual reality headsets which gave an idea of what it is like to have Age related macular degenerations (AMD), the NCBI AMD Aware App on iPads for visitors to try, an area for people to test the simulation spectacles and a tandem bike outside for people to try out.
The CEO of the National Ploughing Association, Anna May McHugh, joined with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland in calling for people to prioritise regular sight tests, with an emphasis on Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Anna May participated in an AMD test with Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mr. David Keegan. She said, “It is so important that people take care of their sight. I take my sight seriously and if that means going for a simple test, I am happy to do that. It is a painless and easy test and only takes a few minutes. The NCBI is always urging people to go for regular sight tests and I agree as it staves off trouble down the road. Early detection is so important. I am delighted to participate in this AMD test”.
David Keegan, Consultant Ophthalmologist explains that the condition can affect anybody but particularly the over 55’s. “It is a condition which affects the back of the eye and is characterised by some specific changes. There is a genetic component but it is not simple genetics. It is a complex genetic disease in that there are multiple
genetic alternations that all lead to increased risk in the individual”. He adds “While we don’t know how to prevent AMD we do know what we can do to reduce the risk of somebody getting it. Apart from any inherited pre disposition, the biggest single risk factor is smoking. High blood pressure is also a risk factor. So basically no smoking, check your blood pressure and eat a diet rich in carotenoids and please get your eyes tested regularly”.
Mr Keegan stresses that people in the ‘at risk’ age bracket should not put failing sight down to old age. “Old age in of itself does not cause vision loss; it can be associated with it but does not cause it. So if you are experiencing problems with your vision go and see an eye specialist and let him or her take it from there”.
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Two visitors trying out the virtual reality headsets at the NCBI stand.
Aaron Mullaniff explaining the different simulation spectacles to a visitor.
The NCBI stand at the Ploughing Championships.
NCBI at the National Ploughing ChampionshipsWe have a jam packed fundraising calendar for the New Year! If you are interested in taking part or finding out more about any of the events, contact Collette: [email protected].
Runamuck Challenge – Saturday 10th March.
Hell & Back Challenge.
Turf Warrior.
Abseiling off Croke Park – April.
Connemarathon – Sunday, 22nd April.
VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, Dublin – Sunday 3rd June.
Cork Cycle – Sunday 16th June.
NCBI Des Cullen Classic & Vintage Vehicle Show – June.
Tough Mudder Ireland – July 21st & 22nd.
NCBI Cycle of Light 2018 – August 8.
NCBI Camino Walk – Sept 8th until 15th.
Sky Dive 4 Sight Loss 2018 – 22nd and 23rd September.
Great Dublin Bike Ride – September.
NCBI National Table Quiz – October/November.
Trip to Tipp Cycle Challenge.
Would you like to fundraise for NCBI in 2018?
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By Sally McEllistrim They say that a change is as good as a rest but while NCBI Area Manager Orla Butler changed careers she is far from resting!
The former qualified Secondary school teacher joined NCBI in 2015 in the busy role of Area Manager and she laughs as she recounts her frenetic career saying that her phone can ring nonstop! She reveals that she did actually count the number of missed calls one day and the tally came to a staggering 70 calls! Her area is diverse and stretches from Cavan to Navan with parts of Offaly, Kildare and Laois also under Orla’s remit .
Since Orla came on board she has overseen the opening of six shops in her area namely, Ardee, Balbriggan, Whitewater in Newbridge, Dunshaughlin, Maynooth and Leixlip as well as relocating NCBI’s Edenderry shop and renovating the Kells and Tullamore shops. “Yes it’s a hectic job but as they say find a job you love and it’ll never feel like work. I think I have done that!
Let’s try everything and if it works, great!“I love the diversity of the role and the fact that no two shops are the same, what works well in one shop may not be as successful in
another and that’s fair enough. I love trying out new ideas in the shops and hearing everyone's ideas.... my attitude is always let's try everything and if it works, great, and if it doesn't we try something else! Each shop has its own unique strengths.
“No two days are ever the same but generally day to day involves travelling to shops, meeting the managers and the team, checking stock levels, prices, shop layout, discussing any staffing issues, any further training needs, interviewing new shop managers, liaising with Tus/CE supervisors, liaising with head office, fundraising and communications team, builders, electricians and Retail head office.”
Achieve the very best Orla says “At the end of the day I'm happy when I've done my best to help the shop manager and his or her team to achieve the very best for the shops and that's all I ask of anyone. I am very competitive and I don't like the word ‘no!’
“Many of our shop managers were previous volunteers and scheme participants, I love recognising good talent, helping people learn and develop and I will always support and encourage someone to progress.”
The buzz of retail wins over classroom!Focus on NCBI Retail Area Manager Orla Butler.
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“I am so fortunate with so many good managers in my area who train up their volunteers and scheme participants so that when a new shop opens they are ready to apply for new roles if they so wish.”
Orla is keenly aware that the money raised in NCBI’s shops is an integral part in the overall fundraising effort of the charity.
Incredible work for people with sight loss “Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. NCBI does incredible work for people with sight loss and it’s a privilege to be able to support services. There are also coffee mornings taking place, street collections, Tesco bag packs and lots of fashion shows. We will also have quiz nights, so fundraising amongst the shops is always busy but a
necessary part of raising funds for people with vision impairment and living with sight loss.
We could not survive without them What really amazes me about the charity sector is how brilliant our volunteers are. I have met the most fantastic people who give up their time so willingly and work so hard, be it in the shop and / or fundraising. We could not survive without them and they are a very important part of our organisation”. And as to any downtime Orla says “On my day off you will not get me in a car for love nor money unless I'm being chauffeured around!”
You can understand why!
The buzz of retail wins over classroom!
NCBI Retail Area Manager Orla Butler.
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Social Inclusion Week in Kildare
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Martin Kelly, a member of People with Disabilities, Kildare, who was a participant on the steering group and representing the interests of people with a disability, reports on a number of disability related events that took place as part of the week’s celebration of social inclusion in County Kildare.
The inaugural Social Inclusion Week in County Kildare took place from September 25th to Friday 29th. It covered all areas of the county stretching from Celbridge to Athy and hosted a variety of individual community events over the week, including events such as, strengthening families to a photographic exposition on the life experiences of refugees in Kildare. The Friday afternoon witnessed a thrilling demonstration of Blind Football as one of the week’s concluding events.
The ultimate aim for Social Inclusion Week was to bring together groups that would eventually form a social inclusion network for the county, under the auspices of the Public Participation Network (PPN) with the support of the Local Community Partnership (CKLP). Initially, mooted as a one-day event to highlight social inclusion in Kildare but in essence, needing a week to roll out a miscellany of activities that community groups are delivering across the county on a daily basis.
Disability Access Audit On the Tuesday, a representative group of people with disabilities met up at Kildare town Heritage Centre to embark on a disability access audit of the Town.
Our personal journey covered most of the town’s major thoroughfares. Along with the county’s Access Officer (AO) we identified eighteen “black spots” that will need to be addressed urgently. These ranged from poorly dished crossings to several undulating footpaths and badly parked vehicles. Apart from noting the myriad of environmental shortcomings, The AO also took photographic evidence to support our findings and his comprehensive report for the town Engineer.
On the Wednesday, it was an open day at the IWA Jon Sullivan Centre in Clane, where Wheelchair users from across South Kildare regularly attend and spend a large part of their day. While there, they can engage with a wide range of activities, from creative Arts to learning all about modern technology. Coincidentally, one of the on-site PCs is equipped with a JAWS speech package to cater for blind/VI participants.
Given that the week’s events were concluding on the Friday, a grand finale was arranged at Áras Chill Dara, in Devoy Park, Naas. The new location for the Local Authority HQ, in Kildare. The afternoon kicked off with a demonstration of blind football, pre-planned by the local Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) in conjunction with the FAI.
A team of local Garda took on a civilian team from the Local Authority Staff. They all embraced this challenge with gusto and with blindfolds firmly affixed, attempted to experience this exacting sport that comes under the umbrella of Vision Sports Ireland (VSI).
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Social Inclusion Week in Kildare
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Needless to say, it was a thoroughly entertaining event but not surprisingly, there were more penalty points than goals clocked up during the game. At times, the FAI referee allowed the players to lift their blindfolds to reorientate themselves on the play area. When the final whistle blew, the players were all gathered together to express their views on how they found the whole experience. The importance of hearing was of course, paramount. Then we adjourned to the comfort of the Aras Chamber for the rest of the afternoon’s proceedings.
This opened with a short play by the Run of the Mill theatre group from the John of God’s centre in Celbridge, depicting a series of short job interviews for a selection of positions but as you can imagine, looking for a job and having a disability didn’t result in a very positive outcome.
RIGHT: Mary Hennessy Co. Kildare Leader Partnership and Martin Kelly from People with disabilities Kildare.
Above: “Run of The Mill” Theatre Group from St. John of God’s Celbridge.
Continued on Page 14
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However, it was extremely well presented in a very imaginative and entertaining fashion.
We were then treated to a number of popular pieces by the Local Authority’s four-part choir, which was well received by the packed chamber. A number of keynote speakers then appraised the week, these included the Manager of the Community Partnership along with Kildare’s Mayor. Finally, we were treated to a fine rendition of more popular songs by the KARE Group comprising a large group of young people with a learning disability. It was truly a captivating experience.
It was clear to all that Social Inclusion Week was indeed an important vehicle in highlighting the good work that so many groups are engaged in around the county. Over 40 separate events took place across
the five municipal districts, involving hundreds of volunteers and staff from the numerous voluntary organisations that provide services to individuals and families who experience social exclusion in County Kildare. This week has been a good start and hopefully there will be many more similar events in Kildare to eliminate exclusion for everyone in our County.
Taking part in the Social Inclusion week were L-R: Zoryana Physk, Mary Hennessy, Bernie Hurst, (CKLP), Martin Kelly and Breda Mitchell.
The KARE Choir performing at Kildare Social Inclusion week.
— CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13.
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A team from An Garda Siochana and Kildare Local Authority playing a game of Blind Soccer as part of Social Inclusion Week supported by FAI and Kildare Sports Disability Officer.
Referendum 2018 The NCBI Library and Media Centre would like to hear from you if you are interested in receiving future Referendum information in accessible formats (audio, Braille or large print).
The NCBI Library and Media Centre are currently updating their database of individuals who would like to receive the Referendum Information Booklet in accessible formats.
Please contact the library on: 01 8642266, or email: [email protected]
What is VIPER?VIPER stands for Vision Impaired Persons Electronic Register. The VIPER database was set up over 12 years ago with the sole purpose of distributing Government information, such as Referendum information booklets to NCBI clients in accessible formats.
We are not able to use the CRM system to send Government information as our service users need to opt into VIPER. VIPER is not used for marketing or selling purposes and the database is not shared with any other party. The purpose of VIPER is specifically to communicate government information in accessible formats to those that wish to receive that information.
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Carlow — Saint Willibrord Returns to his old School
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Pictured, top left: during the prayers of the faithful, L to R, Mary Jordan, Ellen O’Neill, Church Usher Mary Dempsey, Kieran Graham Karen Kealy (at podium) and Lizzy Dermody.
Top centre. Ellen O’Neill being helped to touch the relic.
Top, right, Kieran Graham, touching the relic,
Bottom left: Lizzy Dermody touching the statue.
NCBI service users in Carlow took part in a service on Thursday 12th. October in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, in honour of Saint Willbrord, a seventh century Anglo-Saxon monk whose relic is now housed in the Cathedral which was visited by NCBI’s Judith Martin and her service users.
St Willibrord was born near York in England but trained and was ordained in the townland of Garryhundon, Co. Carlow — commonly referred to as Killogan, Rath Melsigi (Rathmelsh) or Clonmelsh Graveyard. During the seventh and eighth centuries this site was an important Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical settlement in Ireland. It was here from 678AD to c. 720AD that Willibrord and his countrymen were trained for the continental mission.
He is the Patron Saint of Luxembourg and is buried in the Basilica of Echternach there, part of his monastic foundation. As part of the Anglo Saxon mission to the Lowlands, he was responsible for the destruction of many Pagan sites and rituals. From his base at Echternach Willibrord orchestrated missions to adjacent countries until his death, at age 81, in AD 739.
He is relatively unknown in Ireland, but religious festivals are held in his honour in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. The most famous is the annual hopping procession, a dance that dates back to the earliest times and probably predates his lifetime. The hopping procession takes place annually on the Tuesday after Pentecost Sunday.
St. Willibrord’s signature is the oldest datable signature of an English person. The oldest datable use of Anno Domini (A.D.) dating is attributed to him. Both are contained in a book possibly written in
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Carlow — Saint Willibrord Returns to his old School
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Above, Carlow group gathers around the saint’s new shrine.
Carlow before his continental mission. It is known as the ‘Calendar of Willibrord’ and is housed in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, at Paris. It is a listing of saints’ feast days that were honoured in his day.
Our service users enjoyed being part of the celebration and got to touch the relic, before enjoying tea and coffee in the Parish Centre. If you are in Carlow it is worth paying a visit. — Frank Callery.
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Santa Cards 2017
NCBI Library and Media Centre and Childvision held their tenth annual Braille Reading Day on Monday the 20th of November in Childvision, Drumcondra.Our guests this year was the author Judi Curtin and Claire Whelan, a Braille reader and teacher.
The Braille Reading Day was an enjoyable
An Post kindly sponsor accessible Santa cards every year. If you have any children in your area that would like to receive an accessible Santa card, please send their letters to: Santa Claus, C/O NCBI Library and Media Centre, Unit 29 Finglas Business Centre, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 or by email to [email protected] by Monday the 18th December. Each child will receive a beautiful card with large print and a lovely decoration to be cut out, coloured in and placed on the Christmas tree. A Braille insert will be sent to children who are Braille readers, with a CD for those who prefer to listen to Santa's response, along with an embossed image of a Christmas tree decoration.
Eight year old Alannah Moriarty from Dublin loves Braille. She loves posting her letter to Santa and thinks “it is the best thing about
Above: eight-year-old Alannah Moriarty and five-year-old Kian Fahey, posting their Santa letters.
the year”. Kian Fahey is five and is from Co. Galway. He loves reading and is learning Braille. He wrote to Santa asking for a Blaze fire engine for Christmas. He says that popping his Santa letter into the An Post letterbox “was so exciting, I was so happy “.
experience with each child reading a selected article in Braille and some read their own pieces. Art and music activities were scheduled throughout the day with children writing and decorating letters to Santa.
Braille Reading Day
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Santa Cards 2017
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, launched a NCBI’s new bursary programme for third level students who are blind or vision impaired. The bursary is funded by the NCBI.
The Taoiseach said: “In a Republic of Opportunity, it’s important for us to think about how we can remove barriers to young people with sight loss accessing third level education. Going to college comes with extra challenges if you have a disability, so I would like to commend the NCBI for introducing this new bursary which will help students to cope with the extra costs they may face, allowing them to get the most from their college experience.”
While the total numbers of students with disabilities rose 4% from 2015 to 2016, the number of students who are blind or vision impaired actually fell by 10%.
Chris White, CEO of NCBI said: “The barriers that young people with sight loss face in
progressing in education are complex and far reaching. Not only is there an impact on their educational attainment but also their employment aspirations and opportunities. It is NCBI’s hope that this bursary will go some way to offsetting the additional costs of living with sight loss for students moving on from second level and improve their opportunities.”
NCBI’s annual bursary is to the value of €3,000 per annum, with €1,500 available for a male student and €1,500 for a female student. This sum will be paid annually for up to four years, giving the students a total contribution of up to €6,000 towards their education. In addition, NCBI will offer a 6-month internship to one of the bursary recipients annually, helping them to gain work experience and giving them a chance to further prepare for employment.
For further information on the NCBI Bursary go to www.ncbi.ie
NCBI Bursary for third level students launch by the Taoiseach
Students Patrick, Bobbie and Jessica, with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, T.D., and Senator Martin Conway at the launch of the NCBI Bursary programme.
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NCBI ran a Clear Footpaths campaign between the 13th and the 17th of November.
The Clear Footpaths Campaign urged the public to keep footpaths clear for people who are blind or vision impaired. We focused on temporary obstacles such as cars parked on footpaths, bins, overhanging branches, sandwich boards, street furniture, dog litter and bicycles.
Many people joined in by uploading photos or video footage on social media of obstacles with the hashtag #ClearOurPaths. We had stickers saying ‘This blocks my path’ which were placed on obstacles nationwide. Thank you to everyone who got involved.
NCBI’s Clear Footpaths Campaign
Regular everyday objects are obstacles to people with vision impairment.
Making society aware of the hazards vision impaired pedestrians face as they negotiate our streets will bring benefits and safety.Many business are not aware of the
hazards they create.
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A Big Thank you to all NCBI FundraisersThank you to all those kind people who have raised money for NCBI Services!
This group of kids raised money in aid of NCBI by holding a bake sale on their street during the summer, raising €200. Thank you to Michelle, James & Adam Tansey, Jack & Sarah McDonnell and Pheilim & Mia Clarkin.
Reggie Abbott from Birr, Co. Offaly has donated €197 to NCBI. He recently had his 70th birthday and asked for donations instead of birthday presents. A very selfless donation.
Sister Kathleen Kavanagh generously raffled off one of her paintings along with a few other items to raise money for NCBI. The raffle raised €1,340.00.
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A Big Thank you to all NCBI Fundraisers
Sharon Kerr CorkSharon has raised a remarkable €1500 for NCBI. Sharon held a jazz coffee morning over the Jazz weekend in Cork and also completed the Dingle half marathon. All of her fundraising efforts have been done in memory of her sister Diane Kenny who worked in NCBI Cork and her late father, Bruce Aston. A huge thank you to Sharon for all her hard work!
Loreto, Kilkenny On Tuesday November 21st a group of Transition Year students at Loreto, Kilkenny held a Dine in the Dark event in their school with the First year students. The event involved some of the students being guided under blindfold to dine in the dark, and other students took part in drawing in the dark! The TY students also did a presentation raising awareness about visual impairment. The event was a big success and raised some much needed funds for NCBI and the TY students are planning a bake sale to add to what they have already raised. A big thank you to Olivia, Hannah, Laoise, Megan and Rachel.
Eire Lynch did a Readathon fundraiser in November, she read for 24 hours straight - 12am on Sat 25th until 12am Sun 26th November. Eire is 18 and has congenital nystagmus. This was such a unique way to fundraise.
Trip to TippHuge thank you to all who took part in this year’s Trip to Tipp cycling fundraiser. Another successful event this year. A massive €24,100 was raised! A special thanks to Brendan Shields who raised an amazing €10,250 for NCBI through his fundraising and participation in the annual Trip to Tipp. Also, a huge thank you to Billy & Katriona Shanahan, who organise the event year on year. The Trip to Tipp is now in its 22nd year and is dedicated to the memory of the late Lorraine Shanahan.
L-R: Brendan Shields, Billy Shanahan and Chris White with the cheque.
Eire’s Readathon
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One of NCBI’s stalwart volunteers has been nominated for a Volunteer Ireland Award. Keith Hyland, a lighting technician with RTE, has been giving his time and IT skills to NCBI for over a year.
The Chilean born man, who lives in Blackrock Co. Dublin, says that his time spent volunteering with NCBI both “enriches and energises my life”. Keith says that the idea of volunteering first came to him following a conversation with a colleague at the state broadcaster.
“I saw firsthand the service they provide.” “I was talking to a colleague in RTE who was gradually losing his sight and I began to think of how it must be for him. I also began to wonder how I would deal with losing my sight if that was ever to happen to me. I approached the NCBI in Dun Laoghaire and I was so impressed by Alix and Tracey who work there. I saw firsthand the service they provide to people with sight loss and they are so passionate about their work, it is inspiring. I decided there and then to impart what knowledge I have around IT to those people with sight loss who could benefit”.
Keith believes that he receives more than he gets by volunteering. “It is a wonderful opportunity to meet wonderful people whose fortitude and determination is both a pleasure to see and an example to live by”.
The Volunteer Ireland Awards describe their annual event as “a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to ordinary people doing extraordinary work across the country. The awards aim to celebrate and recognise the thousands of remarkable people across the country who selflessly give their time and talent to benefit others”
NCBI’s Patron, President Michael D. Higgins is Patron of the Awards.
NCBI’s volunteer nominated for a Volunteer Ireland Award
NCBI volunteer Keith Hyland.
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NCBI Retail — Wicklow celebrates 21 years in business!
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RIGHT: NCBI’s Finbarr Roche addressing staff and volunteers at the lunch party. Back row, nearest to Finbarr is retired NCBI Chairperson, Margaret McDowell.
Its a nice milestone to reach, 21 years in Business! And NCBI Retail Wicklow has been making a valuable contribution to NCBI funds with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, who have given many years of dedicated service.
NCBI News first reported on Wicklow back in January, 1999! It is hard to believe that people like Anthea Goodbody and Anne Looby, and retired NCBI Chairperson, Margaret McDowell and many others have been serving vision impaired people in Co. Wicklow for so long. Congratulations Wicklow, thank you for your great service.
Shop Manager Sharon O’Connor. Long time volunteers at Wicklow, Anthea Goodbody and Anne Looby.
