VISPA Directory of Services.
Employment Support
Careers advice, information, guidance towards further training options, advancing career prospects and job retention are all aspects of employment support. Relevant advice on legislation, job retention, redeployment and awareness training are available. Advice is also available relating to adaptations in the work place to meet the needs of an employee/employer who is blind or vision impaired.
Provided by:
- NCBI - Working for People with Sight Loss Tel: 1850 334353
- ChildVision - National Education Centre for Blind Children Tel: 01 8373635 (16 – 22 years)
- Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Tel: 1850 506300
Guide Dogs
Training with a Guide Dog is offered free of charge to persons who are blind or vision impaired, aged 18 or over and are residents in Ireland.
Those interested are encouraged to apply. Applicants are assessed both in their own home and at our National Headquarters for their suitability to owning a Guide Dog.
Full support is given during this process. Training takes place at our National Headquarters and Training Centre in Cork with aftercare and support being offered in the home, work and educational environments. Financial assistance is provided for vet fees and feeding of the dog to those who require it.
Provided by:
- Irish Guide Dogs Tel: 1850 506300
Independent Living
Independent living skills includes training and advice on practical solutions that enable people who are blind or vision impaired to carry out everyday tasks safely and independently. Introduction, advanced and refresher training options are available.
There are a wide range of residential based training programmes available including:
- Introduction to Independent living skills training
- Introduction to gardening
- Introduction to leisure activities
- Advanced Independent living skills training
- Technology & everyday living
Provided by:
- NCBI - Working for People with Sight Loss Tel: 1850 334353
- ChildVision - National Education Centre for Blind Children Tel: 01 8373635 (16 – 22 years only)
- Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Tel: 1850 506300
Information Technology
A wide range of assistive technology is available and this service includes:
- Assessment of individual needs in relation to technology.
- Demonstration of technological equipment.
- Installation of equipment.
- Technical support.
- Information Technology training in groups or individually.
Advice and training is also available to enhance orientation and mobility skills through the use of GPS and other technological aids.
Provided by:
- NCBI - Working for People with Sight Loss Tel: 1850 334353
- ChildVision - National Education Centre for Blind Children Tel: 01 8373635
- Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Tel: 1850 506300
Library & Information
(See also Braille, Audio and Large Print) This includes a wide range of Braille, audio and large print books, newspapers and magazines for people who are blind or vision impaired.
A comprehensive resource of information on all aspects of vision impairment is also available for families and professionals.
Provided by:
- NCBI - Working for People with Sight Loss Tel: 1850 334353
- ChildVision - National Education Centre for Blind Children Tel: 01 8373635
Low Vision Service
The low vision service includes an assessment of functional vision together with advice and provision of appropriate magnification aids which may make certain tasks easier for a person with impaired vision. The service also includes the provision of a range of practical options which enhance independence. Follow up support in the use of low vision aids is provided as required.
For children, extensive clinical paediatric examinations take place in a child centered environment with adaptations to clinical tests to suit children with multiple disabilities.
Provided by:
- NCBI - Working for People with Sight Loss Tel: 1850 334353
- ChildVision - National Education Centre for Blind Children Tel: 01 8373635 (0 – 22 years only)
Multi-Media
This includes the production of audio description for
film and documentaries for TV broadcasts. The
service also produces
Provided by:
- NCBI - Working for People with Sight Loss Tel: 1850 334353