May 4, 2024
The Macular Society have just sent out their May update newsletter. Below are the headlines, plus intro – you can read the full newsletter here. Welcome to your May e-newsletter. Thank you for joining us once again. Despite spring now being in full swing, we’re still finding ourselves …
April 26, 2024
The RNIB are inviting people to take part in a survey by sharing your experiences and views about sight loss, your engagement – or otherwise – with charities and what you think would make a real difference for people with sight loss. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize …
April 22, 2024
New research, highlighted by the RNIB, shows that more than one in four blind and partially sighted people miss out on the disability benefits they’re entitled to. The barriers include: * Applications being refused and issues with submitting applications * Poor communication from the Department for …
April 15, 2024
Travelling by public transport can be hard if you’re disabled. When things go wrong it can be hard to know what your rights are, or how to make a complaint. Especially when this information is split across different sources. Over a quarter of disabled people told the disability charity Scope they …
April 15, 2024
The lightweight ARx AI headset connects to your Android smartphone to translate visual information into audio, making the world a more accessible place for people with sight loss. The AI-enabled camera can read out text, from newspaper articles and letters to bus timetables and menus. It can also …
April 8, 2024
The April newsletter from the Macular Society is out and we have the intro and headlines below. Read the full newsletter here. Welcome to your April e-newsletter. It feels like just yesterday we were diving into the new year, and while the birds and flowers seem to be ready for spring, the weather …
March 25, 2024
The latest edition of the Macular Society’s magazine, Sideview, is out. Here’s what’s in it and how to access it: Thanks to your unwavering support, this year we can help more people affected by macular disease to move forward with their lives. Together we will continue working to …
March 18, 2024
Disability Rights UK have highlighted the following campaigns in their most recent newsletter (subscribe here – subscription form is about half way down the page). We Want Your Voices Heard! Take Part in this Survey on Physical Activity As Disabled people, we know how alienating some language …
March 18, 2024
This is a press release from the RNIB which was published on 11 March 2024 Thousands denied right to support after sight loss in hidden social care scandal. Thousands of blind and partially sighted people are being denied their right to vital rehabilitation services – the first step in rebuilding …
March 13, 2024
Scope is a disability equality charity that operates in England and Wales. They provide a range of practical information and support and maintain a range of campaigns, generally aimed at creating a fairer society. Their website is an excellent source of information. Visit their online support page …
March 11, 2024
Below are the headlines from the latest newsletter from the Macular Society – you can read the newsletter in full here Welcome to your March enewsletter. As we emerge from what felt like a very long winter, complete with an extra day in February, the first signs of spring are emerging. And …
March 1, 2024
Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum (HBDAF) have their Annual General Meeting on Monday 18th March 2024 2.30pm to 4.30pm, in Hebden Bridge Town Hall and by Zoom video link. HBDAF works to improve access for disabled people in the Hebden Bridge area, and meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. In …
February 19, 2024
Outlookers is a member led organisation that runs support services for people with visual impairments in Kirklees. They have an excellent website including a great page of activities and groups to get involved with. Below are their current activities: Weekly Peer Support Groups Batley, The …
February 12, 2024
Halifax Society For The Blind’s Technology Group runs every 1st Wednesday of the month 11:00am – 12:00pm at their HQ, 7 Southgate, Halifax, HX1 1DL. Pop along for demonstrations of the newest technology they currently have in their sight centre, such as the Orcam Read, Hark Reader, and …
February 5, 2024
The February edition of the Macular Society’s e-newsletter is out – below are the main headlines – you can read the full newsletter here Michael Owen prays for a cure for son’s Stargardt Michael Owen has brought Stargardt into the spotlight again as he admits he ‘prays every …
January 15, 2024
It’s Glaucoma awareness month and below are listed the 5 different types of Glaucoma: – Primary open angle Glaucoma – Closed Angle Glaucoma – Normal Tension Glaucoma – Secondary Glaucoma – Congenital Glaucoma Glaucoma UK are an organisation dedicated to the …
January 15, 2024
Keep a grip on your phone This little accessory provides extra, secure grip – it slides between your fingers – while taking selfies, and acts as a stand so you can watch videos without having to hold the phone. Simply stick the PopSocket to the back of your smartphone and quickly swap the …
January 15, 2024
The January edition of the Macular Society’s e-newsletter is out – below are the main headlines – you can read the full newsletter here ‘I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work for such a wonderful organisation’ Our chief executive Cathy Yelf has announced …
January 8, 2024
Most of us will experience some sight loss at some point in our lives, especially as we age. Having a visual impairment can cause difficulties in your daily life. But there are many products that can make your life easier and help you live independently. The excellent Independent Age website has a …
December 13, 2023
Disability Partnership Calderdale visited Huddersfield Royal Infirmary on Monday 11 December at the invitation of Calderdale And Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. The goal of the meet-up was to review the patient signage at the hospital and advise on improvements that could be made, with visually …
December 13, 2023
The Macular Society’s December update newsletter is out. The ain headlines are below – you can read the full newsletter here. Welcome to your December enewsletter. As we say farewell to 2023, we also say the biggest thank you to you for your unwavering support this year. Another big …
December 6, 2023
From 30th November West Yorkshire Metro are launching a new orange travel wallet scheme. The orange wallet scheme aims to make it easier for people with communication difficulties or disabilities to use public transport. It’s a subtle way of letting transport staff know that a passenger with a …
November 7, 2023
You can read the Macular Society’s latest newsletter here – below are the headlines and snippets from the main stories: Proposals to transform eye care to be unveiled to politicians Recommendations for a national plan to improve eye care services across the UK will be presented to MPs …
October 31, 2023
The Halifax Society For The Blind’s Christmas Fair will take place at their new premises, 7 Southgate, Halifax on Saturday 25th November from 10am to 2pm. They will be offering refreshments throughout the day in their on-site café area. Meanwhile their Sight Centre will be open for you to …
October 24, 2023
Pop over to Youtube to listen to our October podcast. In it you’ll find details of our Christmas party, a range of other upcoming events in Calderdale, plus news and updates, all aimed at the disability community in Calderdale:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmaEiK0q8uw …
October 23, 2023
The older person’s website, Independent Age, has put together a great little guide to advice and support for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Attendance Allowance This Independent Age guide explains everything you need to know about who’s eligible for this extremely …
October 23, 2023
Disability Partnership Calderdale would like to invite you along to our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY. It’s totally free to attend and includes a big Christmas buffet. Once again, we will be back at the popular Old Rishworthians Rugby Club, Copley Lane, Copley, Halifax, HX3 0UG, which is accessible …
October 16, 2023
As you may be aware the new Halifax bus station is now in the process of re-opening. The Transport Accessibility Coordinator has offered to do tours of the new facility for Halifax Society for the Blind members. These will take place on Tuesday 24th October at 1pm and Friday 27th October at 11am. …
October 16, 2023
16th October 2023 The Halifax Society for the Blind Eye Alert Newsletter is out and you can Download a copy here Alternatively, here is the plain text version: To join all of our Zoom sessions, use the details below: Link –
https://zoom.us/j/9683947679 Phone – On any phone, dial 0131 …
October 16, 2023
The Macular Society’s October e-newsletter is out and below are the main stories. You can view the newsletter with links to more on all the topics covered here – View Newsletter New telescopic lens for patients with late-stage AMD Eye surgeons in Newcastle have become the first in the …
September 27, 2023
Outlookers is the new name for Kirklees Visual Impairment Network (KVIN) and the Society for the Blind of Dewsbury, Batley & District. Outlookers is a member led organisation that runs support services for people with visual impairments. Their aim is to enhance the lives of visually impaired …
September 26, 2023
Click on the video below to hear our latest podcast, covering a range of news and a guide to Shibden Park for wheelchair users.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivxCB_7mmwU …
September 25, 2023
The website
http://www.accessable.co.uk has put together a reading/viewing/listening list to coincide with the start of National Inclusion Week. Here’s what they have to day about it: We have compiled a list of disability media we believe everyone should engage with. Allyship is about an ongoing …
September 18, 2023
The RNIB shop is a great source of ideas, gadgets and information about making the lives of people with visual impairments easier. If you want to check out their newest products, pop over to their website they also have downloadable copies of their New Product Guide, you can download July’s …
September 18, 2023
Disability Partnership Calderdale’s September 2023 podcast is now out and it contains the usual range of news, events and info. Find out about what Shibden Park has to offer wheelchair users; hear about events in Todmorden and Leeds; learn to spot a rogue trader; and find out why …
September 15, 2023
This month’s newsletter from the Macular Society is now out – you can read it here Below are some of the headline stories in the newsletter: Second drug for dry AMD becomes available in the US Another new drug to treat late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been …
September 4, 2023
Download the newsletter here: Eye Alert 04.09.23 Halifax Society for the Blind CIO’s latest newsletter is out – download a copy above or read the plain text version below: Eye Alert w/c 4th September 2023 To join all of our Zoom sessions, use the details below: Link – …
August 8, 2023
West Yorkshire Combined Authority, who are responsible for the project have released a map of the soon to be completed Halifax Bus Station. It will be part of a range of information that will be available ahead of the opening of the new facility, aimed at helping users to make the most of it.…
August 8, 2023
The latest newsletter from the Macular Society is out – you can read it here Here are the headlines from this newsletter: ‘Inspiring’ pop singer and Macular Society patron Vince Hill dies age 89 We pay tribute to our much-loved patron, pop singer Vince Hill who has sadly died at …
August 8, 2023
You can find out what the Halifax Society For The Blind are up to in their latest newsletter, which details many of the groups and activities they run. 7 August Newsletter (pdf) Here are a few of their headline news items: Visiting Optician– On the first Monday of every month we have a visiting …
July 27, 2023
Over the 2023 summer holidays Halifax Society For The Blind are planning to run two new groups: 1/ A family group for visually impaired children under the age of 11yrs and their parents/ grandparents or carers. At this group, children will have the opportunity to make new friends, play games and …
July 27, 2023
Here’s the latest list of HSB events and activities (27 July 2023) To join all of Zoom sessions, use the details below: Link –
https://zoom.us/j/9683947679 Phone – On any phone, dial 0131 460 1196, then enter the meeting ID 968 394 7679 HSB News & Events Brighouse Group …
July 19, 2023
Erica Ward, Transport Accessibility Coordinator for West Yorkshire Combined Authority is looking for feedback on Travel Assistance Cards. Travel Assistance Cards have been designed to help people using public transport who have certain health conditions, are older or disabled. The cards are …
July 19, 2023
Group 1 : The Inbetweeners Formerly known as the Working Age Group, The Inbetweeners meet at 6pm on the 4th Thursday of every month. Each session will cost £1.50 with refreshments included Group 2 : Youth Group A group created for those with a visual impairment between the ages of 11 – 19 …
July 11, 2023
Halifax Society for the Blind’s new Social Café and Sight Centre, their social café and sight centre is now open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm – it is located opposite Wilko’s in the Town Centre – Corn Market, Halifax HX1 1TH. Pop along and see them for a brew and a bun! …
July 11, 2023
The RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) are hosting their very first Community Connection and Campaigning Roadshow. RNIB and Leeds Hearing and Sight Loss Service are combining together for a one day event talking about what they each have to offer and how you can shape your local …
July 10, 2023
The Macular Society’s latest newsletter is out. See below for all the headlines. You can read the full newsletter here “As a mother, it’s one of the hardest things to face” Ten-year-old Freddie was diagnosed with Stargardt, a rare form of macular disease, last year after teachers initially …
June 27, 2023
Halifax Society for the Blind have launched a new website and it’s a great place to visit to find out about their many activities. It also has links to all their latest newsletters and updates. Visit new website…
June 12, 2023
Tune in to your sight and hearing this Deafblind Awareness Week Deafblind Awareness Week is 26th June to 2nd July and DeafBlindUK are asking everyone to tune in to their sight and hearing! This means being aware of changes and looking out for signs of deterioration in yourself and others. During …
June 12, 2023
Halifax Society for the Blind will have the grand opening of their brand-new centre on Friday 23rd June 2023. The much anticipated Sight Centre will be an enormous benefit to all visually impaired adults and children across Calderdale. The new centre is located opposite Wilko’s in the Town …
June 12, 2023
Here are the headlines from the Macular Society’s latest newsletter – you can read the full stories here June update Welcome to your June e-newsletter. It’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through the year – but why not take a breather and catch up on your latest macular news? …
June 6, 2023
Here’s the latest copy of the Halifax Society For The Blind’s bi-weekly news bulletin, Eye Alert. It’s full of activities and things to do, plus there’s news of their open day at their new HQ, later in the month. Eye Alert Newsletter…
June 6, 2023
On Wednesday 24 May 2023, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and British Blind Sport (BBS) launch a new participation campaign. ‘See Sport Differently’ aims to tackle the biggest barriers that stop blind and partially sighted people enjoying sport and physical activity. …
May 16, 2023
Here are the headlines from the latest newsletter from DeafBlindUK – read the full newsletter here Inspiring young people at school Are you a teacher, or do you support young people living with deafblindness? As part of our award-winning education project, which is making classrooms more …
May 16, 2023
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May 16, 2023
This is the latest newsletter from Halifax Society for the Blind CIO To join all of our Zoom sessions, use the details below: Link –
https://zoom.us/j/9683947679 Phone – On any phone, dial 0131 460 1196, then enter the meeting ID 968 394 7679, HSB News and Events Welcome to our new …
May 8, 2023
The National Federation of the Blind of the UK is campaigning against some changes that threaten the future of local radio. Many disabled people rely on local radio and are likely to be impacted by the changes. Full details of the campaign and information about the background are below: The …
May 7, 2023
Here’s the latest from the Macular society – their newsletter headlines are all below – to read the full story on all of them, view the full newsletter here: Welcome to your May e-newsletter. I hope you are well and looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime weekend as the new King …
May 7, 2023
Outlookers, the local sight loss charity for Kirklees, will be offering a range of activities to support new and existing members of their peer support groups during 2023. Activities will include yoga, aromatherapy and creative writing, walking. For more information: Email: info@outlookers.org.uk …
April 19, 2023
Welcome to your April e-newsletter. We hope you had a lovely Easter and that you managed to get some sunshine – although it’s never guaranteed with our unpredictable weather! While we can learn to live with never knowing what to expect from the weather, none of us can accept the uncertainty that …
April 13, 2023
The latest RNIB newsletter features some exciting new products- From a minimalist talking clock to actual rose-tinted glasses, and, most exciting of all, the new RNIB Accord USB player. Available from 28 April, the RNIB Accord not only sounds great, it also charges on a wireless quick charge pad …
April 4, 2023
The Macular Society holds a meeting on the 2nd Friday of every month from 1pm to 3pm at the Maurice Jagger Centre, Lister St, Halifax HX1 1UZ. These meetings provide support, tea and a chat. The next group takes place on Friday 14th April, for further information please contact Gillian Thornber: …
March 29, 2023
Halifax Society for the Blind are starting their very own Walking Group. Walks will be once a month between May and September. The first walk will be Tuesday 16th May 2023 at Ogden Water. Contact them to book or for more details: Call HSB’s office: 01422 352383 Email: …
March 29, 2023
The Halifax Society for the Blind’s monthly newsletter, Look Out, is always a good read – we have their latest edition here for you to download: Look Out! March 2023 (pdf) The newsletter includes details of the Theatre Group, Walking Group and Dining Out Group, plus all their other …
March 29, 2023
We spotted this great article in Halifax blind Society’s latest newsletter Meet Fran, the Eye Care Liaison Officer Hi, my name’s Fran and I’m the new Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) at Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust. I have worked within the NHS for approximately 15 years, spending …
March 29, 2023
DeafBlind UK are pushing a new Deafblind Studies course. They’ve teamed up with Birmingham City University to launch a new course, the Certificate in Professional Studies (Deafblind Studies). It’s designed for health and social care professionals supporting people with deafblindness. If …
March 13, 2023
Here’s the March newsletter of DeafBlind UK – a link to the full newsletter is at the foot of the article. What is the emotional impact of sight and hearing loss? Meet Tracey – who, at 62, was finding her sight and hearing loss was taking a toll on her mental health. Find out how …
March 13, 2023
We recently published a story about police in West Yorkshire testing the eyesight of drivers. We had a big response to the article, so here’s a follow-up from Compare The Market, who have gone into a lot more detail about this important subject: Safety First Safety should always be the …
March 13, 2023
Halifax Society For The Blind’s weekly update of their activities is below: Monday 13th March 2023 – 12.30 pm –14.30 pm Brighouse Group – friendly gathering of people with sight loss, friends and family for social chat, information, and games. Tuesday 14th March 2023 11.00am -12.00 noon …
March 8, 2023
Below are the main headlines from the March Macular Society e-newsletter – if you want to read more on any of them, the full newsletter is here: There is an exciting development for people living with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as the first ever treatment for the condition …
March 1, 2023
West Yorkshire Police will be conducting voluntary roadside vision checks between 27 February – 12 March 2023 as part of a nationwide initiative to remind motorists they have a legal responsibility to ensure their vision is roadworthy every time they get behind the wheel. Regular eye tests, every …
February 25, 2023
Here are the details of all HSB’s group sessions for the coming week: Monday 27th February – 12.30pm –14.30pm Brighouse Group – friendly gathering of people with sight loss, friends and family for social chat, information, and games. Tuesday 28th February 2023 11.00am -12.00 noon …
February 16, 2023
Welcome to your February e-newsletter. We’ve got a bumper edition for you, packed with the latest news on how, together, we are Beating Macular Disease. Below are the headlines from the newsletter – to read more on any of the stories below, please see the full newsletter online here. …
February 6, 2023
Welcome to your February e-newsletter. We’ve got a bumper edition for you, packed with the latest news on how, together, we are Beating Macular Disease. Artificial intelligence, or AI seems like something out of a science fiction book! But as Dr Wen Hwa Lee told us in January’s exclusive My Macular …
January 25, 2023
If you’re struggling with certain tasks or activities due to a sensory or physical impairment, there could be equipment to help you manage and stay independent. There’s a lot available, so it’s a good idea to get advice about what could help you. The popular website Independent Age has a range of …
January 16, 2023
Happy New Year and welcome to your January e-newsletter! We’re thrilled to kick off 2023 with a very exciting webinar on Tuesday 17 January when we will welcome Dr Wen Hwa Lee, CEO of Action Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AAAMD). AAAMD is a collaboration between the Macular Society, …
January 12, 2023
the latest newsletter from DeafBlind UK is out. As ever, it’s mainly aimed at professionals working with Deaf-Blind people, but it contains plenty of generally useful information, plus links to their excellent website. Read Newsletter Here…
December 14, 2022
This is the Macular Society’s Newsletter – below are a list of their latest stories. You can follow them up and read more here. Welcome to your December e-newsletter – the last one of 2023! Thank you for all your support this year – through all of the challenges and twists and turns, …
December 14, 2022
Pete Hoey, Chief Officer for Halifax Society For The Blind (HSB) is to stand down at the end of December. He’s released a statement looking back at his time in the role: “I wanted to pass on my gratitude to everybody who has worked so hard to make a real difference for local people with …
December 7, 2022
Still looking for last-minute gifts and stocking fillers, perhaps for a person with a visual impairment? The RNIB have possibly got the solution – whether you want a practical present or a nice little something that supports the work they do at RNIB to make every day better for those affected by …
November 30, 2022
Read the full newsletter here New toolkits for sight loss organisations and sports clubs British Blind Sport (BBS) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are pleased to announce the release of two new See Sport Differently toolkits to support sight loss organisations and sports …
November 30, 2022
Read the latest RNIB newsletter online now – read newsletter Here are a couple of their main stories: Resources for cost of living support If you’re feeling under pressure from the current cost of living crisis, we can help. We can provide practical and emotional support and assist with …
November 23, 2022
The Deaf Blind association has an excellent email newsletter – the latest edition is now out. You can read it here…
November 21, 2022
The Macular Society produce an excellent monthly newsletter. Here’s a taste of what’s in this month’s edition, which you can read here. Welcome to your November e-newsletter. You’ve told us how important raising awareness of macular disease is to you, and we’re delighted to tell …
November 15, 2022
Disability Partnership Calderdale would like to invite you along to our annual CHRISTMAS PARTY. It’s totally free to attend and includes a big Christmas buffet. Once again, we will be back at the popular Old Rishworthians Rugby Club, Copley Lane, Copley, Halifax, HX3 0UG, which is accessible …
November 10, 2022
RNIB works with geo and Energy UK to help make smart meters more accessible We’ve worked with geo and Energy UK to develop the accessible in-home display (AIHD) to make it easier for blind and partially sighted people to manage their energy usage. An AIHD works together with a smart meter and …
November 7, 2022
Reading is important. If you’re struggling to read because of your sight RNIB Reading Services offers plenty of solutions to help, whatever your reading tastes and preferences. Browse their growing collection of 30,000 books to borrow, download and listen to on your smartphone, tablet, …
November 7, 2022
Here’s the latest newsletter from the RNIB, with s great mix of stories: Get a Letter from Santa RNIB is once again helping to deliver the magic of Christmas by making sure all children with a vision impairment can receive a special festive letter. Our jolly elves work closely with Santa to …
November 7, 2022
The RNIB offer a mental wellbeing service for people with sight-loss – here’s what they say about it and there’s also a link to sign-up: While isolation, stress and loneliness can affect anyone, we know those dealing with sight loss can experience more feelings of isolation and …
November 1, 2022
Here’s the latest edition of the Halifax Society for the Blind Newsletter. Foreword from the Chair Dear Members and colleagues, welcome to our Autumn Newsletter! As the days get shorter, I start to think about my top tips for a better winter. Autumn always starts with my favourite jumper! …
November 1, 2022
Writer and editor Emma Purcell, who is visually impaired and a wheelchair user, recently wrote a very personal piece on her blog, Rock for Disability, about loneliness. Despite having good friends and family, she won’t be alone in feeling that this can be one of the hardest things about being …
October 13, 2022
As the rising cost of living continues to dominate the headlines, The Macular Society spoke to Kate Urwin, the founder and director of Yorkshire Energy Doctor. Kate offers independent advice on anything to do with energy, whether it is understanding energy bills, advice on the forthcoming price …
October 13, 2022
Welcome to your October e-newsletter. We’re really happy that we can brighten up this autumn with lots of promising updates for you, including two interesting webinars you might like to join this month. The first of this month’s My Macular and Me webinars will feature Dr Tim Corson from …
October 13, 2022
The Macular Society has a new national TV advert which launches today, raising awareness of macular disease and the importance of regular sight tests, as part of a partnership between the Macular Society and Bayer. The new ad features actress and model Dame Lesley Lawson, best known as Twiggy. The …
October 13, 2022
Every week is braille week for some people, but this week is National Braille Week, where awareness of braille and how it works are being raised. The RNIB are a great source of information on braille and they also stock a selection of our braille-related products for you. And if you’re new to …
October 6, 2022
Here’s the latest “What’s On” email from DEX, who provide events for young deaf people in West Yorkshire. There are several BSL videos to go with it! We have been busy planning all of our FREE DDYC events for the rest of this year! I have attached all of the posters to this …
September 5, 2022
This article was prepared by the Macular Society and contains many good tips, especially if you have a visual impairment. Many people living with sight loss already face additional, unavoidable costs. So, when the country is facing a cost of living crisis, this undoubtedly has more of an impact on …
September 5, 2022
September Update Welcome to your September e-newsletter. Next week we’ll be joined by renowned experts from the world of macular research who will share with you the latest developments and discoveries being made by our amazing scientists at our Hope for the Future conference. It’s not too late to …
August 24, 2022
Kane Irish Dance Group, who are based in Huddersfield are looking to form a regular Saturday lesson that is inclusive for all. they have a young blind girl who has recently joined them. Check out her latest video on YouTube
https://youtu.be/SgcSSlkE1Zo Here is the booking link for their next 4 week …
August 11, 2022
A new role which could help transform eye care services for people living with macular disease and other sight conditions, has been appointed by NHS England. Louisa Wickham, who is the medical director at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has been announced as the UK’s first National …