Besides the many Services we provide as detailed below, we have lots of
Information Handouts, some of which are reproduced on this site. Please
Click the Links as required
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A RESOURCE & TRAINING CENTRE
Well-stocked with aids & equipment for visually impaired people, such as talking
& tactile watches & clocks; specialised kitchen items; talking bathroom &
kitchen scales; talking microwave oven - and many other helpful items for daily
living. There is also a training kitchen available for any registered visually
impaired person to see what can be done to assist.
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An ADVISORY SERVICE
Our GCAB
Coordinator currently covers the County visiting registered visually impaired people, offering help,
contacts, general advice and, where possible, a regular volunteer visitor.
As soon as an
individual is certified (on a BD8 form) as either blind or partially sighted by
an ophthalmic consultant, Social Services complete the registration process and
send GCAB a monthly list of new registrations. The Coordinators arrange a first
GCAB visit to offer help and advice on safety, communication, provisions,
benefits, specialised equipment,
talking books and newspapers, and any other aspects which a client may
wish to raise.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICE
The HIS serves
many of the Eye Clinics held in our local hospitals throughout the county.
Look out for our
trained volunteers wearing our bright yellow tabards. They are available to
speak to you about any worries or concerns you may have. They also have leaflets
on the more common eye conditions, useful aids and equipment and the other
services offered by GCAB. The picture also shows the information trolley and
notice board.
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ADVICE and HELP
WE CAN HELP YOU in many ways through our range of services or we can refer you
to other agencies that can help, if this is more appropriate.
• Are you struggling to read the dial* on your washing machine or cooker?
We can advise on ways
to mark these and other appliances.
• Are you having
problems with reading your post, newspaper or pursuing your interests and
hobbies?
We can offer advice
on alternative ways to approach these difficulties.
• Are you
concerned about crossing the road safely or going shopping?
We can help and
advise
• Have you thought
about light levels?
The right level of
light, both inside and outdoors, is vital, as the effects of both low light and
glare can make seeing more difficult. We can share many tried and tested
solutions.
If our volunteers on
duty cannot help you directly, they can, with your permission, take your details
and pass them on to the GCAB Centre, where someone will be able to find the
answer.
You are also very welcome to come and visit us at the GCAB RESOURCE CENTRE,
based at our Offices in Albion Street, Cheltenham. Here we have a display
kitchen and resource room where you can look at and try out many useful items of
equipment before you buy. We can also offer advice on the most suitable aids for
your situation.
RESOURCE CENTRE opening hours are:-
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Afternoon visits can be arranged but please telephone to make an appointment.
A NEWSLETTER
Produced six times a year giving information specifically for visually
impaired people.
INFORMATION HANDOUTS
We have produced a
wealth of information for VIP's many of which are here on out web site.
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