WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT VSHD?
There is a wide range of resources, services and activities available from the society. Besides the information on the website, the best means of getting to know them and the people involved at the HDSB is by visiting the Vision Support Centre at Russell Sergeant House.
WHAT OTHER HELP IS AVAILABLE?
There are other organisations that can be contacted for assistance for the visually impaired; notable among these is the RNIB.
WHERE CAN I GET A MAGNIFIER?
Magnifiers are available from the Low Vision clinic at Harrogate Hospital. Ask your Eye Consultant next time you visit the Eye Clinic or ask your GP to refer you to the Low Vision Clinic. We do not provide magnifier assessments at the Vision Support Centre, as the hospital if appropriate will dispense magnifiers free of charge.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE READING DUE TO POOR LIGHTING IN MY HOME. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN HELP ME?
If you give us a call, we can refer you on to the Sensory Team at Social Services. They will do an assessment of your home and advise you on lighting, and other items that can assist you in your day to day life.
I LOVE TO READ, BUT DUE TO POOR EYESIGHT, I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO DO SO. WHAT CAN I DO?
Have you tried audio books? There are a number of organizations that supply these. Check your local library (some include a home visiting service). For a subscription fee, Calibre Audio Library, will send by post, a wide range of audio books. You can also subscribe to the RNIB Talking Books service. If you would like any further information on these, please give us a call.
I MISS READING MY LOCAL HARROGATE & DISTRICT NEWSPAPER. ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES?
Yes! There is a great free service from the Harrogate & District Talking Newspaper. They provide players (which we give out at our Centre in Harrogate) and memory sticks that are sent to you by post. The memory sticks are recorded weekly, they feature local news, and a selection of other items from the local newspapers. A magazine is recorded monthly and this features talks by local people on a wide variety of topics. If you are interested in subscribing to this free service, please give us a call.