Meet Hadisa, a Henshaws service user who shares her experience of living with a visual impairment. Learn how Henshaws has supported her.
Tag: Sight Loss
Showing 1-100 of 100 for tag: Sight Loss
Introducing version 8 of the Synapptic software
This blog gives an introduction to Synapptic, and introduces some of the features of Version 8.
A descent into darkness: 10 rules of engagement
Simon Mahoney, a totally blind military veteran, talks through is 10 rules of engagement, his top tips for anybody coming to terms with sight loss.
Meet Matilda-Henshaws service user takeover
Meet Matilda, a Henshaws service user who shares her experiences of living with a visual impairment. Learn about her work as an artist.
Super Lidar: An app for exploring your environment
Find out about Super Lidar, an app that uses the Lidar scanner to enable you to find people and objects around you.
Meet Geoff-Henshaws service user takeover
Meet Geoff, a Henshaws service user who shares his experience of living with a visual impairment.
Nina’s Day-A day in the life of a Henshaws service user
Meet Nina, a Henshaws service user, who shares her experiences of visual impairment through a life in her day.
AirTags: Helping you find your items
Find out about AirTag, Apple's answer to item tracking. Find out how it compares with Tile, another item tracking solution.
Introducing the AngelEye Smart Reader
AngelEye is a new wearable smart reader produced by a company called NextVPU, who have developed their Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for people with low or no vision.
Diagnosing autism in a child with a visual impairment
A child born with congenital blindness is 30 times more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our blog discusses the issues with its diagnosis.
Envision Glasses: AI for your eye
Learn about the features of the Envision Glasses, AI-enabled smart glasses designed specifically for visually impaired people.
Mindfulness activities for children with a visual impairment
Mindfulness is a practice where you use your senses to physically engage in the world around you. We've put together some useful activities to support visually impaired children.
Supporting mobility with a Sunu Band
We took the Sunu Band, a wearable assistive device, on a test drive to see how it can support people with sight loss with their mobility and independence.
Henshaws staff meet with HRH The Earl of Wessex
Henshaws were invited to meet with Prince Edward via a Zoom meeting to discuss how our charity has been continuing to support people living with sight loss during the pandemic.
Introducing the RealSAM smart speaker
RealSAM, the people behind the 'In Your Pocket' accessible phone, have developed a smart speaker skill so that you can access audiobooks and podcasts on a Google smart speaker.
Our guide to the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI)
Read our handy guide to find out everything you need to know about the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI).
Supporting a visually impaired child after a diagnosis of autism
When a child with a visual impairment is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it may be necessary to alter accordingly the resources and strategies for supporting them.
The benefits of baby massage for infants with a visual impairment
Baby massage is beneficial for both infants and their parents, but it is particularly valuable for children who have a visual impairment as it promotes communication through touch.
The story of my first COVID vaccine as a person living with sight loss
Our Senior Rehabilitation Officer, Simon, tells us about his experience of receiving his COVID-19 vaccine as a person with low vision.
New Sight Loss Sector Charter launched
A new Sight Loss Sector Charter was launched in November 2020 which puts blind and partially sighted people at the heart of the work of charities in the sector.
Pregnancy test re-designed for people with sight loss
The RNIB have launched a prototype pregnancy test for visually impaired people, making it possible for the first time to find out results independently.
The story of our Optelec digital magnifier giveaway!
Support from the Manchester High Sheriff's Fund enabled us to distribute Optelec digital magnifiers to the most vulnerable visually impaired people across Greater Manchester.
Recognising money if you have a visual impairment
Find out how to recognise money if you are visually impaired, and learn how the process has become easier since the introduction of polymer banknotes.
Sensory gift ideas for children and young people with a visual impairment
Our Children and Young People's team have put together some great suggestions for sensory gift ideas for young people who have a visual impairment.
Sensory activity ideas for Christmas
Our Children and Young People's team have put together some sensory activity ideas to try out at home over the Christmas period with blind or visually impaired young people.
Tech Talk’s Top Tech of 2020
Find out what our Trafford and Oldham Tech Talk members voted as their favourite piece of technology in 2020.
10 Gift Ideas for people with a Visual Impairment
Find out 10 of our gift ideas for somebody with a visual impairment.
Laundry Lens: An app to help with clothes washing
Find out about Laundry Lens, an app that can help you to interpret laundry labels when washing your clothes.
Henshaws helps university students with ‘The Future of Work’ project
Henshaws staff were asked to support undergraduate students from Manchester Metropolitan University on a project focussing on workplaces of the future for disabled employees.
Using Pingit if you have a visual impairment
Find out about Pingit, an accessible solution for managing your money.
Top tips for making websites and apps accessible for people with sight loss
Top tips for making websites and apps accessible to people living with sight loss and other disabilities, providing equal access and equal opportunity for all.
Using the Wetherspoons app with a visual impairment
Richard from our Digital Team visited his local Wetherspoons pub to try out their food and drink ordering app and assess how it would work for a person living with sight loss.
Visiting Manchester Central Library post-lockdown
We offer digital technology assessments at Manchester Central Library, so we went along to check out what's changed at the building since the COVID-19 lockdown.
Using the NHS Test and Trace COVID-19 app if you are blind or visually impaired
The new NHS COVID-19 app for Apple and Android devices launched yesterday. Our Digital Team checked it out to see how blind and visually impaired people will be able to use it.
Top tips for visiting an eye clinic with your child
Appointments of any kind can cause worry and stress, especially when the appointment is for your child. Our top tips will hopefully help when you visit the eye clinic.
Getting out and about: Using a smartphone to navigate independently
Hear from Lynne Nicholson, who is visually impaired and uses her smartphone and navigation apps to travel independently.
Guide to COVID-19 scams
Commonly during crisis situations, fraudsters create lots of new ways to defraud their unsuspecting victims. We've put together a guide to current COVID-19 scams.
Track and Trace: An example of how it works
From 14 September, venues such as pubs and restaurants will be legally required to request contact details of customers as part of the Track and Trace initiative.
A day in the life of a sight loss Enablement Officer
Our Enablement Officer for the borough of Tameside, Greater Manchester, talks about her day-to-day duties supporting people living with sight loss in the local area.
Dictation solutions put to the test
There are a number of dictation solutions available, but which one is the best? We thought we would try some of the most common versions side by side to see how they performed.
Out and about on the high street after lockdown
Mark discusses how shops and services have changed since lockdown restrictions eased, in order to help better inform visually impaired people of what to expect when they go out.
COVID InSights: Nina’s story
'COVID InSights' is a new series from Henshaws in which blind and visually impaired individuals share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through videos and blogs.
Introducing the Orcam Read
The Orcam Read is a handheld smart device that identifies, captures and reads text aloud. Richard from our Digital Team puts it to the test with some visually impaired people.
Coming out of lockdown if you are visually impaired (Part 2)
As the pandemic lockdown restrictions across the UK are eased, we discuss tips for how people with sight loss can prepare themselves for the 'new normal' in our towns and cities.
Life as an Enablement Officer at Henshaws
Kate, our Enablement Officer based in Oldham, explains her role in supporting the local sight loss community and the services that she delivers on a daily basis.
Coming out of lockdown if you are visually impaired (Part 1)
As lockdown restrictions across the UK are eased as part of the roadmap to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, we discuss how people with a visual impairment may need support.
“The Synapptic phone is a life-changer for me!”
Stories from two visually impaired people who purchased the Synapptic phone package, and our trained staff showed them how to use it to help with their sight loss.
Top tips for helping a visually impaired person when they visit your venue
Top tips to businesses and venues that are re-opening after the Covid-19 lockdown on how to support visitors who are visually impaired in our new socially-distanced world.
Blind and partially sighted COVID-19 survey report published
A survey of 955 blind and visually impaired people from the first 10 weeks of the lockdown evidences the unique issues they are facing; a final report highlights key concerns.
Our Digital Enablement Service helps visually impaired people get connected with tech
Our Digital Enablement Service is helping people living with sight loss to get connected through tech, and offers training with a wide variety of products and skills.
Henshaws feature on BBC North West Tonight
Henshaws were featured in a report by BBC North West discussing the issues facing blind and visually impaired people during the Covid-19 pandemic, including social distancing.
Back to school after lockdown: A guide for teachers of children with a vision impairment
Teachers are preparing for children to return to classrooms during Covid-19 - our guide should help you consider how you can better support children with a vision impairment.
Back to school after lockdown: A guide for parents of children with a vision impairment
Parents of children with a vision impairment may have concerns over the return to school during Covid-19; this guide is designed to give peace of mind during uncertain times.
Help your visually impaired child learn at home
Some children may need to be motivated to learn at home, but there is so much learning to be done through play, crafts and games! Here are some ideas to try.
Top tips for mindfulness during lockdown
Maria, our Enablement Officer for Tameside, discusses mindfulness tips to try and overcome any negative emotions you may experience during lockdown.
A counsellor’s guide to the stages of grief associated with sight loss
Our counsellor discusses how primarily, working with blind and partially sighted clients is rooted in supporting the issues connected to bereavement and its stages of grief.
A young person’s guide to visually impaired bloggers and YouTubers
Orla, 17, talks about some of the fab influential bloggers and YouTubers out there who she follows, and who she thinks other young people with sight loss might also enjoy.
Top tips for social distancing if you are blind or visually impaired
Our Senior Rehabilitation Officer, Simon, shares his top tips for social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic if you are blind or visually impaired.
How an Amazon Echo Show and a Wifi Hub connected a family during lockdown
Mark discusses how his first thought on the announcement of the Covid-19 lockdown was getting his elderly relatives some connectivity with an Amazon Echo Show.
Stretching exercises: Tips and techniques
Mark, a qualified Sports Therapist, discusses some tips and techniques for 10 stretching exercises you can do at home, to support your health and wellbeing.
Mindfulness for children with a visual impairment or additional support needs
Mindfulness can foster wellbeing, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, and provide coping mechanisms, which has proved to be beneficial to children with a visual impairment.
Our response to Covid-19 in Greater Manchester and changes to our service delivery model
The response by charity staff in Greater Manchester to the Covid-19 pandemic and changes to the service delivery model to meet the needs of the sight loss community.
Keeping children with sight loss active at home
Tips to keep children with sight loss active at home, through sports and activities that can be done in the house or garden.
Looking after your mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic
The Covid-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on the way we live our lives, so we consider ways to look after your mental health at this challenging time.
12 top tips for shopping for a visually impaired person
Our Senior Rehabilitation Officer, Simon Merrills, shares his top tips for helping a visually impaired person with their shopping, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Getting connected and keeping informed using technology
Getting connected with family and keeping informed has never been as important as it is during the Covid-19 lockdown. Read our blog about the technology that can help.
Using Zoom virtual meetings if you are visually impaired
Zoom is an app allowing people to have virtual meetings and stay connected. We tested it to see how well it can be used if you have a visual impairment.
Engaging the other senses in children with sight loss
Most info we gain about the world is through vision. This blog explores sensory learning and ways to encourage children to engage their senses and understand their world better.
12 tips for keeping your visually impaired child entertained and educated at home
Most children will now be learning from home during this period. Follow our tips to find out what is right for you and your visually impaired child during this time.
Managing Social Isolation with Technology
We outline our top tips for using technology to manage social isolation if you have a visual impairment.
The Theatre of the Mind – living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Hear from the founder of Esme's Umbrella, a charity who support people living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) - a condition in which people with sight loss have hallucinations.
Henshaws joins the Talking Newspaper app
Read about the new Talking Newspaper app developed by British Wireless for the Blind and the Talking News Federation, and how you can access Henshaws news through it.
Meet Fred the centenarian with sight loss
I was very fortunate to be invited to meet one of our visually impaired service users from Oldham last month, just a few days after he celebrated his 100th birthday!
Eye-D: An app that can act as your eyes
We review Eye-D, an app for iOS and Android that enables people with a visual impairment to be more independent.
Bowled Over by Blind Cricket
As the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup gets underway in England, we turn our minds to what's on offer specifically for visually impaired cricketers.
Access to Work – making employment possible
If you’re disabled or have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to do your job, Access to Work is there to support you.
Tactile time travel? Reviewing the accessibility of Bolton Museum
We take a trip to Bolton Museum and it's new Egyptian Gallery. How accessible is it to visually impaired visitors?
A fantastic afternoon at the Henshaws Awards 2018
We held our awards afternoon at the Midland Hotel last Thursday, celebrating all the amazing achievements across our Community Services from the past year.
“The problems diabetes could cause were never really drilled into me; either that or I didn’t want to hear them.”
We spoke to Richard recently about the dangers that diabetes can bring in terms of sight loss, his personal experience and how coming to Henshaws has helped him.
“I can even read the telephone directory with the magnifier, which is magic! How many people can read the telephone directory?”
Frank has attended Henshaws' Living with Sight Loss course and is a regular at our Tuesday group. He explains how Henshaws has helped him keep in touch with old friends!
Museum Digital Touch Project wins Jodi Award
Our Museums and Galleries Group has supported Manchester Museum in the development of award winning 3D technologies.
Carols by Candlelight gets the festive season started
Mulled wine, mice pies and many wonderful performances, Carols by Candlelight was the perfect way to start the run up to Christmas
Researching 180 years of Henshaws
Read about how Lena, our Research Intern found her time at Henshaws and discover some of the fascinating stories she unearthed while conducting her research
Top 10 sight loss gadgets for under £50
Check out our top 10 everyday gadgets for under £50 and see how each piece of tech can help those with a visual impairment
How I play video games with a visual impairment
We spoke to Kyle, a graduate from Henshaws Skillstep course who is an avid gamer about how his visual impairment affects the way he plays video games.
How can you play games if you have a visual impairment?
Take a look at the accessible games out there and find out how possible it is for visually impaired and blind people to enjoy video games.
7 tips to make your business more accessible
Read our top tips for making your business accessible. By following our 7 tips, your place of work can be accessible for all.
Living Well with Sight Loss course
These short courses are free to attend and aim to give you information and advice about living with your sight loss.
My experience of eye surgery
Eye surgery is a scary prospect and although we know it can be life changing, it’s also normal to worry about the potential risks. Zoe White shares her experience with us.
Henshaws Heroes – Volunteers
Meet Nina - who despite numerous surgeries, the loss of an eye, a cataract removal all whilst being a mother of one - still gives up her time to volunteer for Henshaws.
Meet Kate, our new Enablement Officer in Oldham
Kate Nattrass, our new Enablement Officer based in Oldham tells us more about herself and the work she'll be doing in Oldham.
Widening horizons and stretching boundaries – our first round of IMCYP courses have been a resounding success!
Our Children and Young People’s Enablement Officer, Natalie Thompson, tells us about the success of our first round of IMCYP courses which took place in Manchester this Summer.
How do you walk home on your own without sight?
Travel independently with our VI travel series from Andrew Rose: this weeks covers walking.
“People say football is only a game, but it’s more than that to me”
Henshaws Community Services attendee Paul tells us his story of how blind football has changed his life.
Travelling Tips Series for those with a VI – Bus travel
Andrew Rose gives his top tips on how to travel independently travelling by bus with sight loss
“We must not let young people with sight loss fall through the gaps”
Our Research and Information Manager Helen recently attended the Vision UK Conference held in London and tells us about her experience.
My experience as a severely sight impaired illustrator
Kimberley shares some of her illustrations, as well as how she won the competition for RNIB's ‘Young Illustrator of the Year’ title.
