Open Sight

The resource centre holds a stock of items ranging from the personal such as talking watches or anti glare glasses, to more practical things that encourage independence i.e. a talking microwave, talking kitchen scales or talking jug. And the more humble liquid level indicator that facilitates the making of hot drinks more safely.

Items not in stock can be ordered and sent through the post with an invoice.  
Also held is a comprehensive selection of magnifiers ranging from the basic handheld variety through to compact and portable hi tech camera based, magnifiers, useful when shopping, to read labels or when travelling to read ticket information.

Other options for reading and magnification include a simple device like a computer mouse attached by a lead and scart socket into any domestic television that will enlarge text onto the TV screen, one magnification available but tempered by the size of the TV screen.

Also on display are static electronic magnifiers such as cctv's.

Magnification is specific to the individual and equipment can be tried on site.

Lighting is another very important aspect and the resource centre procures and stocks a wide range of lamps from adjustable lamps through up lighters and floor standing lamps to smaller portable lamps, all with the recommended daylight tubes which prevent glare and strain.  Advice on computer software such as screen magnification and speech is offered to those able to use computers or wishing to learn to use them.  

Help and advice about how to get the best use out of equipment is always on hand.

• Advice on many other issues pertinent to sight loss is also accessible through the resource centre, which is open to all.
• Please Note: An appointment to view is necessary as the department is always very busy and time is needed to set up the equipment.
• Research into the best available technology is ongoing;Equipment and goods are sourced from a wide range of suppliers.
• Customers are advised to keep their receipts for items they have purchased from us, then if things go wrong, goods can be replaced on a no quibble basis and losses recovered by the resource centre.
• The Resource centre is open from 10 am (11 am Monday) until 3 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Training Opportunities

Open Sight offers a range of training opportunities for visually impaired people, carers and family and for organisations and companies seeking to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and offer their staff a deeper understanding of sight loss difficulties.

Awareness Training

This one-day course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to provide an appropriate level of service ands assistance to people with poor sight. This is very much a hands on learning experience in which participants experience some of the problems encountered by visually impaired people in their everyday lives and learn the basic skills required to sight guide those in need of practical support to negotiate their environment.

Courses are run periodically but can also be arranged to suit employers, groups and individuals. This course is to be accredited through Open College Network.
Please call the Branch Support Team at HACB for details.

Insightful

This course is aimed at providing initial advice, support and assistance to visually impaired people who have recently been referred to, or joined the association. Accreditation is being sought from Open College Network to provide participants a first step certificate in training upon which they build towards further education and independence.

Support Course

This course is provided for families, carers and colleagues of visually impaired people to offer some understanding of the impact of sight loss and to equip participants with skills and information to be able to better support and assist. This course is also being accredited through Open College Network.

Volunteer Courses

As part of our commitment to the many hundreds of Volunteers who give freely of their time and energy to run Open Sight's groups and clubs we have established training courses, ranging from sight awareness to communication and administration skills.

Regular seminars for branch officers, reviews and positive feedback systems also feature as part of this progressive approach to recognise the vital contribution made by our Volunteers to the delivery of the organisations’ services to visually impaired people in Hampshire.