Below we have a number of useful sites that may be of interest.
LITS Lost in the Stacks: This is an email list to download audio books. This is a free service to join, to join send an email to,
lostinthestacks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Sound Talking: Sound Talking produces free shopping catalogues for some of the big names in retail. For instance they produce the Argos catalogue, Marks and Spencers magazines, Waitrose magazines and the seasons magazines which contains recipe suggestions to suit the time of year and their monthly publication called 'New'. To order any or all of these or to enquire about other audio publications they have on offer, you can phone Sound Talking on 01435 862737 or email,
Blind ipod Mailing List you can join the Blind ipod mailing list for discussion of portable media devices and to receive assistance concerning how to use them as visually impaired people. to join email,
blindipod-request@freelists.org
RNIB and British Gas 'here to HELP' project: RNIB and British Gas are working together on the 'here to HELP' project, a scheme that provides free loft and cavity wall insulation, meaning cheaper fuel bills. You don't have to be a British Gas customer to qualify or change your energy supplier and there are no application forms to complete. For more information contact the RNIB on 0845 330 4897 or email,
The RNIB also provide other support such as big button telephones, reading lamps, and talking clocks and services such as talking books.
Is your hearing up to scratch?
If you phone 0845 600 5555 you will get a simple hearing test at the end of the test they will tell you if it's good or bad and whether you need medical attention.
Audio Description: Many programmes and films now come with audio description. This is where someone describes what is going on during a programme or film making them accessible to people with visual impairments. However, in order to access audio description on your TV you will need a special set-top box or be a subscriber to a SKY or cable provider. For more information contact the RNIB or visit the RNIB website,
http://www.rnib.org.uk/audiodescription
Cinemas: According to the RNIB, 100 films had audio description in 2006, contact your local cinema to see which films will be audio described, you can also ring ahead to book a headset which is reccomended.
http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/as/html
Are you concerned about security: various devices are available, to enquire email,
Talking Newspaper Association: Talking newspaper association provide an extensive range of newspapers and magazines through various formats including tape, via e-mail and DAISY format audio disks. Visit the website,
or email info@tnauk.org.uk
Living Paintings Trust: Was set up, to assist in making art accessible to the visually impaired.
Living paintings trust, have produced a number of embossed/tactile books on several artists - each book has embossed replicas of paintings and is often accompanied by an audio tape or CD. For more information Tel: 01635 299771 or email,
http://www.livingpaintings.org
If you struggle to buy clothes then you may need the help of a personal shopper. Many stores and supermarkets have staff who are available to assist you in your shopping needs. Some stores have specially trained staff to help you chose and match your clothes. It is always wise to ring shops/shopping centres up first in case the personal assistance needs to be booked in advance. Trafford Centre Tel: 0161 749 1717 Meadow Hall Tel: 0114 256 8800.
Gardening: Thrive produce a quarterly magazine for visually impaired gardners. The magazine is available in several formats (tape, PC disk, via e-mail, braille and large print) For info Tel: 0118 988 5688 or email,
website, http://www.thrive.org.uk
