Help for the partially sighted?

gardenia101

I'm new to MSE forums, & would love to know how partially sighted people cope with they daily stuff that I took for granted before.

I was registed as partially sighted a few months ago following a retinal bleed which has affected my central vision in one eye, so I'm left with peripheral vision (when corrected with very thick glasses/contact lenses). I lost most of the sight in my other eye over 10 years ago & can only see hand movements in one area of my vision with that eye.

As I was self employed I'm now claiming ESA (Contributory) & awaiting the medical next week.

I had a benefits advisor complete my DLA claim this week.

I'm struggling with the paperwork side of things as nobody seems to be able to provide me with any info in large print (which I can read bits of with a magnifier & decent lighting)! Does anyone else have this problem? I find it hard to believe that ATOS etc aren't obliged to send things out in large print.

Mind you, it took 4 requests & 2 months for HMRC to send out my tax credits statement in large print & even the eye ward where I have monthly appointments can't do large print letters (the nurse seemed suprised when I asked for large print ) so maybe I shouldn't be suprised...

How do other partially sighted people get on?

I'm slowly getting used to going out with others, although I'm not very confident on my own just yet, even in areas that I know quite well. The thought of going somewhere new on my own terrifies me, although I know I'll get over it! I have a long cane which I use when I've had drops in my eyes, or in the dark, but I can often get about in bright daylight without it if it isn't too busy. I also don't want to get too dependent on it.

Thankfully I have a bus pass, although the last driver said my daughter (11) isn't allowed to be my "free" companion as she isn't an adult. Is this correct? I'm not up to catching a bus by myself yet (think I need more practice with others as I don't have a great sense of direction anyway), but again, I'm sure this will change with confidence.

How do others manage when they're out & about?

Thanks in advance - I'm sure I'll have more questions as this goes on....

Indie_Kid

I'm partially sighted and have requested stuff from DWP in large print. So far, I've had everything on A3 or standard size print.

My local eye hospital is much better. They send out everything in large print for me.

gardenia101

sh1305 wrote: »

I'm partially sighted and have requested stuff from DWP in large print. So far, I've had everything on A3 or standard size print.

My local eye hospital is much better. They send out everything in large print for me.

Funny how it varies from place to place. I have a very helpful advisor at the job centre who gave me some pre-paid envelopes so I could send stuff to her & she'll enlarge it for me on her photocopier & post it back! Just seems a bit mad really - I can't see why it is so difficult!

If the usual admin lady is on duty at my local hospital then she'll write the times/dates in big letters at the bottom of the letter for me, but their system "cant cope with large print".

Bank statements have been challenging - either the bank has been grand or utterly useless. Still, it's made me get off my whatsit & close a few accounts. The DDA doesn't seem to have any teeth - 1 bank weren't even aware of it.

What computer software do you use? I just have a magnifier with Vista that splits the screen & enlarges the top half. It's OK but quite slow to move about sites. I'm so glad I learn't to touchtype before my vision got worse.

Indie_Kid

I just connect my latop up to my TV and use that. I have tried 3 different pieces of talking software; but found that with one, you had to highlight the text. Not good if I can't really see it.

gardenia101

I had my first ESA medical yesterday. A friend took me as I'm not yet up to finding my way on public transport on my own & there is a 10 minute walk from the train station which I probably couldn't do yet as I've never been to that area before. The letter & map had come in standard print (sigh) so I couldn't read them anyway, despite ATOS insisting that it was sent out in large print. They also said there wasn't any parking nearby, just a multi story car park 5 minutes walk away, which was OK for me (as I had help) but I do wonder how people less physically active then me would cope.

I saw a pleasant nurse, who did appear to listen to what I said & I didn't feel rushed even though the appointments that day had all been running late. But she appeared not to have read my ESA medical info form, & oddly didn't ask me to read anything, despite my only disability being visual loss. I don't know how a decision can be made without it, but who knows? I have been registered partially sighted, but she didn't take down the visual accuities on that form.

I'm fully expecting to fail (even though I do pass their standard of not being able to read 16pt print at 20cm) as everyone has warned me that now is a bad time to be applying for disability benefits (as if I chose to lose my sight...).

How have other partially sighted people got on with ESA medicals?

gardenia101

Well I had my ESA decision today - impressed with how quickly it was dealt with. I've been put into the work related group, so I guess I will find out how many meetings I'll need to attend at the job centre soon. So glad to have had a reply as I've been dreading it. Only minor moan is that the letter came in standard print, despite the nurse putting "large print" on the form & the job centre staff insisting that all my my mail comes out large print!

Owain_Moneysaver

gardenia101 wrote: »

A friend took me as I'm not yet up to finding my way on public transport on my own & there is a 10 minute walk from the train station

In case you aren't aware of it, all the train companies offer an Assisted Travel service where they can meet you and escort you to/from your train to/from taxi. This can include ramps on/off trains if you are uncomfortable stepping over the gap. Contact the train company operating the first leg of your journey. The service is free.

SRSB

I work for a local blind charity, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind. The issue of information in an accessible format is one that many people with sight problems struggle with. Any organisation should provide information in a format of your choice whether it be large print, braille, audio or e-mail but for many organisations/businesses it seems that they either can't be bothered or, more likely, they just don't know how to do it.

Have you been in touch with your local blind society? They are independent from the national blind charities and usually are able to offer support to people with sight problems in a variety of ways. They may be able to assist you with ESA and DLA as well as help you get the information you need in an accessible format. To find your local blind society please telephone Visionary - Linking Local Sight Loss Charities on 01777 705299.

If we can help further then please contact us.

Savvy_Sue

Your local Social Services dept should also have a sensory impairment team who should be able to come and visit you to see if there are aids and adaptations which would help, I believe.

Indie_Kid

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Your local Social Services dept should also have a sensory impairment team who should be able to come and visit you to see if there are aids and adaptations which would help, I believe.

As well as this, they also offer mobility training. Your local low vision clinic can also give you some visual aids to use - but it's the cheap hand-held ones.

gardenia101

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Your local Social Services dept should also have a sensory impairment team who should be able to come and visit you to see if there are aids and adaptations which would help, I believe.

I have had some training with a long cane, & with basic cooking, which has helped. There are 2 people who do this training for my county but 1 has been on long term sick & the other is so overworked that she is now on the sick too! Their manager doesn;t know when/if they'll be back up to speed as the dept may be restructured due to budget cuts.

I feel I've had enough training to get by, & my sight has slowly been improving, so I jus need to work on my confidence I think.

I feel very sorry for anyone who has recentsight loss now in my county - will they get any support?