Sight loss can take away so much for anyone with such problems, but especially veterans. However, Anne Garry, an Independent Living Worker with Sight Scotland Veterans, the operating name of Scottish War Blinded, was keen to advise members of Largs Probus Club that it doesn’t have to be that way. They have been around since late 1915, when Scottish War Blinded began to receive blinded servicemen at a small hostel at 37 Grange Loan, Edinburgh.
Anne drew attention to the many ways that this charitable organisation can restore independence and rebuild lives of veterans with a vast array of gadgets and other aids. Support provided may be helping them learn the new skills needed for adapting to sight loss and instilling confidence to manage everyday tasks with one-to-one support at home and out and about.
Speaking on the work of their expert rehabilitation team, Anne said their first step will be to go into the person’s home to assess their needs with a view to equipping the veteran with the skills and tools to thrive and live the life they want, from managing in the kitchen to reading and writing. The assessment would look at lighting, glare management, colour contrasting and audio; the latter covering talking books, clocks, scales, wrist watches and microwaves, etc.
The vast array of assistive equipment and technology was demonstrated by Anne who also advised that the charity help veterans choose the best possible devices to match their lifestyle and provide this specialist equipment free of charge – first ensuring that it is right for each person and their goals. When asked Anne said that many of the items demonstrated are available on the RNIB shop website, although through Sight Scotland Veterans, these gadgets are available free of charge or on long term loan.
Sight Scotland Veterans work with fellow charities, local authorities, health boards, social care and medical professionals to support veterans in their communities with their specialist teams. They cover a niche area and value publicity to draw their services to the attention of veterans living in Largs and the surrounding area. Any veteran who has vision loss, no matter the cause, are encouraged to contact them on 0800 035 6409. If you know any veterans with sight loss, please help them to make contact.
Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday 9th October at 10am when Bill Fitzpatrick will speak on the Treaty of Versailles. Come at 9.40 or so for a coffee beforehand.
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and then use our Contact Form if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.