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Volume 18 No. 3. Autumn, 2015
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NCBI NewsIncorporating The Blind Citizen (1923)
In this Issue:
Independent Living Skills in Limerick.
Accessibility Workshop at NCBI Cork
Digiplace4all — a peer to peer innovation.
Junior masterchefs at NCBI Midlands.
Left: Kamil Fornagiel and (right) Daniel Creedon learning to use adaptive technologies at the NCBI Cork Accessibility workshop.
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Publisher: NCBINCBI NEWS (Incorporating The Blind Citizen 1923) is published four times a year by: NCBI,Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Tel: 01 830 7033 Fax: 01 8307 787email: [email protected] website: www.ncbi.ieEditor: Frank Callery, Mobile: 087 6724097 email: [email protected] by: PB Print SolutionsTel: 353 86 2511640.
NCBI is a registered Charity,registered in Ireland No. 26293 Charity No. CHY 4626
IN THIS ISSUE:Pages 4-5:News in Brief.
Page 7:Mid West children’s’ Workshop.
Pages 8-9:My year at NCBI — Robert Leonard.
Pages 10-11:MayFest with Vision Sports Ireland.
Pages 12-13:DigiPlace4all — new online peer support community for digital skills.
Pages 14-15:Young MasterChefs in the Midlands Pages 16-17:A personal profile, Vincent Mulligan.
Pages 18-23:NCBI fundraising events.
Eleanor Murchan is 14 years old and in 3rd year in Loreto Secondary School, Navan, Co. Meath. Last May, she entered SciFest, a science and technology competition open to all secondary students in Ireland. It is held annually at local level in many schools and also in 15 Institutes of Technology.
“I am not the first to make connections between SciFest and NCBI,” says Eleanor. “President Michael D. Higgins is patron of both organisations! I entered the SciFest in Blanchardstown Institute of Technology with my project: “Investigating an Improved Method to Help Vision Impaired People Identify Euro Notes.” For this, I designed a new way for people with sight loss to identify money easily. The project received
Sight Lines
one of the major awards at SciFest, the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award along with receiving 1st place in the Junior Individual Technology category. Worthwhile “The project involved a reasonably simple idea: I designed what I call NoteCheck, similar to a small plastic wallet containing 4 separate slots for each of the first four euro notes: €5, €10, €20 and €50. Each slot is made to the exact size of one of the euro notes allowing the user to insert the note and feel along the sides against the plastic to determine what the denomination of the note is. I initially made a prototype out of cardboard. Following a few tests by my school friends and family I realised that this idea was actually worthwhile and decided to develop it further.
Vision Impairment Project Wins Science Award
Eleanor Murchan with her project.
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Chris White’s Sky Dive
NCBI’s CEO Chris White is doing a skydive for NCBI on 26th September. Who doesn’t want to see their boss jump out of an airplane?! We wish Chris all the best and look forward to seeing the photographic / video evidence from the day. Please show your support here: http://www.mycharity.ie/event/chris_whites_event/.
“I contacted the NCBI office in Navan about my idea. Jean Kiernan, Community Resource Worker in the area, was very helpful in explaining methods of note identification that she has come across in her work. I also arranged to meet with Dr. Patricia McCarthy, a researcher in vision impairment in Trinity College Dublin. Patricia is vision impaired herself and so was helpful to me in understanding further the needs of vision impaired people. Assistance was also provided by Ms Mary Tolan a teacher in St. Joseph’s Primary School for Children with Visual Impairment, Drumcondra.
“From these contacts I made an improved version of NoteCheck that included laminated contrasting coloured cards, braille numbers and print numbers. This was tested by blindfolded sighted students in my school. I also got feedback from a number of NCBI Service Users. This research indicated that NoteCheck has great potential to help people with sight loss to identify notes.
At the competition in Blanchardstown IT the judges spent a lot of time talking to Eleanor about the project, how it was undertaken and the results. The simplicity of NoteCheck caught their attention, something that was also noted by a number of people who participated in the research.
This project has a personal aspect to it. Eleanor has a younger sister
who is blind. “I know how difficult seemingly simple things can be for Sarah, and that prompted me to create something that could potentially benefit her, and other people with vision impairment. It just shows what you can achieve when you pick a topic that you’re interested in and that’s close to your heart”.
We will bring you an update on Eleanor’s project in a future issue of NCBI News.
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by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as part of the Per Cent for Art Programme under the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
NCBI holds a number of tandem cycling events during the summer. Many thanks to the assistance of Tullamore Cycling Club, Wolftrap Cycling Club Birr, Grand Canal Adventures, Boora Bike Hire, Offaly Sports Partnership and Tullamore Credit Union, without whom, these events would not take place.
If you would like to find out more information or would like to participate in or help at these events, please contact Aileen Ahern on 086-8371937.
A vision impaired and blind blues and rock band are seeking a drummer to join the band. Anyone who plays any instrument or sings should contact Anthony on 085 773 2948 to find out more.
NCBI and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s Sightless Cinema project saw a live radio play performed at UCD in June, where members of the White Cane Audio Theatre gathered in a darkened cinema for a shared listening experience, where all the pictures were in their head!
Participant and NCBI service user Marie Kirker, outlines the importance of increasing awareness of sight loss. “Even when people know you have a vision impairment, they forget because you don’t look any different to anyone else.”
White Cane Audio Theatre is a group of participants who are blind or vision impaired, facilitated by NCBI with the support of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, and led by a professional director Ciarán Taylor with radio programme maker and composer Rachel
Attention Music Lovers
Tandem Cycling in Offaly
Sightless Cinema
News in Brief
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Ní Chúinn. The group had been meeting for nine months, exploring audio as a means of shared expression. Sightless Cinema is a presentation of some of the work generated during the project.
A wide range of lively audio pieces were given in their first ever presentations. ‘Crossing the Floor’ was about looking for love at public dances across four decades. ‘Talking to Empty Chairs’ took a lighter look at the experiences of blind and visually impaired people while out and about. ‘Flying Blind’ was a reality piece about the life adventures of group members.
This event was the culmination of a year-long public art participatory project commissioned and funded
The participants perform on stage in UCD.
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museums’s collection. Learn about a different topic each week through tactile, family friendly object handling sessions. Sessions take place Monday to Friday from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. For more information please email [email protected] or call 061-312833. You can also visit www.huntmuseum.com.
Féach, the support group for parents of a child with sight loss, will hold a Family Information Day on Saturday 26th September 2015 in the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel from 2:00pm – 5:00pm.
Speakers on the day include:John Delaney – Senior Counselling Manager at Insight Counselling Centre. John has lived with RP since he was a young boy.
Aoife Kearney – Educational Psychologist. Aoife is a vision impaired mother whose daughter is also vision impaired. Aoife will share her unique experience of VI, concentrating on issues such as disclosure, finding work as a person with a VI, job interviews, seeking accommodations et al.
Pictured above is Michael Hayes, service user from Co. Offaly with his pilot, Pierre, from the Wolftrap Cycling Club, Birr, at an event in Lough Boora Parklands, Co. Offaly. Two tandem bikes are available to hire from Boora Bike Hire during the summer season. For more information go to www.loughboora.com.
This summer the Hunt Museum will be opening up its collection for visitors to Get Hands On and encounter artefacts in a new and exciting way! Discover more about wonderful and fascinating objects from the
Get Hands-on at the Hunt Museum, Limerick
Féach Family Information Day
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Conor Hartigan – Regional Assistive Technology Coordinator University of Limerick will talk about the various software apps and technologies available.
Irish Guide Dogs – The Next Step is a new training program offered by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind for young adults who are blind or vision impaired. It aims to equip people with the skills to manage the transition to life in college or the workplace.
Michael O’Connor, Dean Cusack – Michael, a Braille user who has just completed the leaving certificate and Dean Cusack a 5th year VI student, will give their perspective on managing life as a young person with a visual impairment.
Parents of junior and senior school kids will share their experience of the various stages in a child’s life, the challenges, the fears, the joys, the good, the bad, and the mundane.
Please RSVP to this email or text Eithne Walsh on 087 9880518. Each speaker will host a table and groups will move from table to table to ensure everyone gets face time with all speakers, therefore spaces are limited.
Michael and Pilot, Pierre.
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Services at your Fingertips
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Ballincollig Art Exhibition
Members of NCBI’s art group in Ballincollig, Co. Cork held an exhibition recently in Ballincollig Library.
The exhibitors have been facilitated by artists Therese Newman, Margaret Horgan and Kathryn McCarthy with the generous help of the Cork County Council.
Using Picasso as a reference the exhibitors made a selection of art in ceramics, textiles and collage.
Bishopstown Community School played an important role in the preparation for the exhibition when students and exhibitors worked together to glaze and fire the ceramics. Volunteers with NCBIThis project has been running for two years. Artists Therese Newman, Margaret Horgan and Kathryn McCarthy were volunteers with NCBI, before they approached Cork County Council for grant aid so that they could give more time to the art group and expand the members’ knowledge and enjoyment of the art process.
According to Therese: “This project was inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso. We
interpreted Picasso’s work and spent time discussing and reflecting on it. Each artist then worked with the group in their chosen medium. I’m fortunate to have the support of the Bishopstown Community College with the firing and glazing elements of the ceramic process.
“With the kindness of the Art teacher David O’Mahony it has become part of the
project to go to the school with the members and work in situ with the students.
Inter-generational This has broadened our horizons and added an inter-generational element to the project. The members excel in the variety of work created, to such a degree that the project culminates in an exhibition in the Ballincollig Library.”
Some of the artwork on display in Ballincollig.
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Mid West Children’s WorkshopOur recent children’s independent living skills workshop included an introduction to independent travel using public transport with a bus training session facilitated by Bus Eireann.
The group visited the train station and had a chance to see the train driver’s compartment, blow the whistle and practise boarding the train. We also had time to look at the accessibility features on the iPad and make lunch and giant cookies!
Our final workshop focused on access technology training, baking, using public transport and distance vision solutions.
Many thanks to all staff involved and a special word of thanks to Noel, Pat, Tom and Martin staff at Bus Eireann and to Gary Kiely, John and Albert, staff at Irish Rail for facilitating our visits and providing plenty of entertainment!
We would also like to thank our fantastic volunteer Annette Costelloe.
Volunteer Annette Costello helps measure out ingredients with Dineka Mason.
Annie, Cian, Ola and Joseph trying out a bus journey with the help of Bus Eireann.
Gary Kiely at Irish Rail shows the children the tools of the trade.
Annette Costello travels on the bus with Dineka Mason and Jodie O’Neill.
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In Profile
My name is Robert Leonard I arrived here to NCBI nearly a year ago on a CE Scheme and I have to say I have never been happier in work. Before I came here I had heard of NCBI but I was not sure exactly what they did. I also have to say it’s with a real irony that I have had my eyes opened by the visually impaired.
Two stints at college I come from a reasonably well educated background. I do not have a degree but I did two stints at college and I am fond of reading. I studied engineering at Bolton St. DIT, after repeating my Leaving Cert. I failed at the engineering, so perhaps it is not my vocation. I went to Whitehall College, where I studied computers.
I completed three separate full-time courses there over four years, starting off a bit easier doing Microsoft Word, Excel and Access or as some of you would call it ECDL. I then built up to the big course, CCNA or Computer Networking in layman’s terms. After two years of hard work, I aced it. I could now break down IP addresses, check to see if a network was functioning and everything related to it. I was delighted with myself for sticking it out. I might just have a more prosperous future.
I had always disliked going to work, until a year ago. I saw the ad for NCBI on the FAS website and went for it. They offered me the position there and then. I was chuffed.
A bit of everything And what a year I have had here. I have done a bit of everything here at NCBI. I have dabbled in everything and I am always on hand to fix a computer or an IT issue. While I have been here I have branched out into tutoring; an area I have always had an interest in, as I am an advocate for education. The assistive technology class on a Tuesday afternoon is one I have helped out with. I even teach it sometimes when the opportunity arises.
More recently I have taken on the book club for three weeks and I get real enjoyment from it. Another class I have enjoyed is Toastmasters. Being able to stand up in front of a group of people and deliver a speech you wrote yourself is a recognised skill around the world.
“Terry’s Tactile Test” We have also had many events here at NCBI over the twelve months as well. Recently we had Mars Ireland come into the centre. The best part of that day was when we played a game called “Terry’s Tactile Test”. We asked them to put their hands into a pillow-case for five seconds and tell us what they found. There were all kinds of different paraphernalia in there, from the Eiffel Tower to rubber ducks. By the time it was over they didn’t want to leave.
Robert Leonard works in NCBI’s Rehabilitation Training Centre in Whitworth Road, as part of the Community Employment scheme. Robert took part in a Toastmaster’s course at the training centre and below is a copy of a speech delivered by Robert.
My Year at NCBI — By Robert Leonard
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I have also had the opportunity to take some courses here. I completed the “Train the Trainer” course in November with flying colours. It teaches you how to set out a course in anything you have knowledge of. I also finished a First Aid course more recently, which is always useful.
Looking forward to work is unheard of, but I must admit I do. I live two bus journeys away but that doesn’t bother me in the least.
Like I said earlier, I have had my eyes opened by people with a visually impairment. I have only scratched the surface of what I have done since I arrived, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working here.
My Year at NCBI — By Robert Leonard
NCBI’s Rehabilitation Training Centre’s annual graduation ceremony took place at the end of July. Guest speaker Mark Pollock told of how he felt he had lost his identity when he first lost his sight. “Sometimes we chose our challenges, sometimes they choose us - it’s about what we decide to do about these challenges. It’s the choice between being a spectator or a competitor. Willingness to try is what counts,” said Mark.
Rehabilitation Training Centre manager Stuart Lawler gave an update on everything that had been happening over the year, from working with ChildVision and Irish Guide Dogs to getting involved with NCBI Retail and organising a blindfolded lunch. Stuart congratulated all of the graduates on their achievements and ended his speech with a quote from Steve Jobs: “If you do something and it turns out good, go do something else wonderful.”
QQI Level 1 Certificates were presented to Allison Jennings, Amy Ryan, Anne O’Brien, Chiara Flannery, Christian Byrne, Colm McGarry, Denis Fahey, Enda Delany, Eugene Hancock, Francis Jackson, Gavin Leddy Hugh Martin, John O’Brien and Nicola Murray.
QQI Level 2 Certificates were presented to Amy Ryan, Anne O’Brien, Anthony Spain, Denis Fahey, Enda Delaney, Francis Jackson and Jessica Donovan. These certificates were presented by Brenda, from NALA, and Claire. Well done to all graduates on their achievements.
Rehabilitation Training Centre Graduation 2015
Amy Ryan receives her award from Brenda Daly from NALA (the National Adult Literacy Association).
Robert Leonard.
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The sun took its hat off for MayFest 2015 at Mount Anville, south Dublin, on Saturday, 23rd May last. It was a springboard into a sporting summer and autumn for many blind and vision impaired people.
MC Eamon Duffy, formerly of the NCBI parish, raised the white flag and sent 18 cyclists on tandems on their way on a 30k trek. SNAG, an acronym for So New At Golf was on show beside the Irish Blind Golf range.
In the sports hall the Irish Judo Association were demonstrating the Paralympic sport of judo. Beside them Leinster Cricket hosted the new disabled friendly sport of Table Cricket, where rain never stops play. Off side the Futsal squad played an exciting game.
Athletics Ireland held a fit for all session on track watched by many kids, and kids at heart, on flicker scooters. On the adjacent all weather sports surface Blind Football Ireland attracted quite a lively group to roar and score. Kate Dobbyn, wife of Vision Sports Ireland Chair Robert, led out the 8k Park Walk.
Heave ho, heave ho, it’s off to war we go as the tug of war attracted the biggest crowd of the day. Elsewhere, a group gathered for a tenpin bowling test at Stillorgan Leiasureplex while five
swimmers completed a combined distance of almost 20k.
There were two prestige awards on the day as legendary athletes and administrators Michael Clarke and Joe Geraghty were inducted into the VSI Hall of Fame.
Soon it was time to fold up the MayFest Marquee as the ice cream man sold off his last 99, the burger stands cooled and the bouncy castle deflated .
MayFest has left its legacy as all of the associated sports have new followers. Throughout the summer new faces could be seen at a range of activities around the country. For further information check out www.visionsports.ie
MayFest with Vision Sports Ireland
Plenty of Pull at MayFest
Vision Sports Ireland’s MayFest once again had them sweating and cheering at its annual Fest of sport and fun.
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Left to right: Robert Dobbyn, Chair VSI, with Shane and Trish Clyne who raised 3,000 Euros for MayFest 2015.
MayFest with Vision Sports Ireland
Above, spectators watch from the gallery as the ‘disabled friendly’ sport of Table Cricket and Judo get underway at Mount Anville.
Left: It was ‘dig in and hold’ at the Tug-o-War competition.
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DigiPlace4all — new online peer support community for digital skills
Peer to Peer
NCBI has recently launched, a new online peer support community for digital skills. The aim of DigiPlace4all is to help people with disabilities help each other in developing the digital literacy skills they need to transition from centre-based training to mainstream education & employment.
DigiPlace4all has been developed by the European funded DICE project, coordinated by NCBI with partners in four countries – Ireland, Belgium, Bulgaria and Poland. Project Coordinator, Dr. Mark Magennis from the NCBI Centre for Inclusive Technology (CFIT), explains:
“DigiPlace4all is based on a novel peer support model, where community members support each other in choosing and using technologies, sharing their experiences of navigating the digital challenges involved in moving into further and higher education and the workplace. This provides a new layer of assistance for service users on top of and complementary to the training and support they receive from NCBI’s nationwide team of Technology Trainers and Community Resource Workers.”
Develop one-to-one support relationshipsThe heart of the community is the DigiPlace4all website www.digiplace4all.eu, where members can develop one-to-one support relationships and share information about topics related to technology, education and employment, including new developments, sources of funding, upcoming events and training opportunities. The online community also includes educators and employers,
supporting them in developing the knowledge and skills required to make their learning environments and workplaces inclusive for students and employees with disabilities.
DigiPlace4all was officially launched at an interactive seminar held in the Radisson hotel, Dublin in May. Senator Martin Conway introduced the event, setting the tone by saying: “Digiplace4all I think is fantastic, what it’s doing is bringing Irish people together, and using modern technology to do it”.
Speakers at the launch included staff and service users, not only of NCBI, but of many interested organisations from across the disability sector, including Enable Ireland, DeafHear and the Dyslexia Association.
NCBI’s team of Technology Trainers have now started introducing DigiPlace4all to service users at special training events
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DigiPlace4all — new online peer support community for digital skills
in the Dublin training centre and the Cork and Galway offices. These have been hugely successful.
Brian Manning, NCBI’s Technology Trainer in Cork, says: “it is the dynamic of people with a disability supporting others with a disability that really appeals to me”.
Further events are planned in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and Cork, with a special event in Dublin aimed at policy makers and funding providers in the disability, education and employment sectors. Such is the belief across the sector that this is a valuable development, other organisations such as Enable Ireland, the Dyslexia Association and the National Learning Network are running their own DigiPlace4all training events.
Key to the growth and continuation of the community are the DigiPlace4all Champions like Claire Shorten. Claire
Participants at the DigiPlace4all launch.
is a former NCBI trainee who has gone on to study Geography and History at NCI Maynooth. She now wants to use her experience to help others like her to achieve the same and says of DigiPlace4all: “It’s a great idea to get on the website to look for help, to learn from other people and get support, but also as a social network to meet up with people and discuss tech stuff”.
Over a dozen NCBI service users are now signed up as Champions, helping to grow the community together with many other Champions from across the disability, education and employment sectors.
We now look forward to a brighter digital future where people with disabilities are helping themselves by helping each other.For further information, or to become a DigiPlace4all Champion, contact NCBI digital inclusion researcher Esther Murphy at [email protected]. n
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The Proof is in the Eating!
Young Masterchefs in the MidlandsA group of six blind children have been getting together during school holidays since April 2014 to take part in our children’s independent living skills group, otherwise known as Junior Masterchef. This month we ran two consecutive days to continue our progress in culinary skills and much more besides.
The day started with Shane, our youngest chef, sorting out the uniforms and ensuring everyone had the correct shirt, apron and hat. Each uniform is labelled with a different button and Shane quickly got the task completed. Once we all looked the part the children got familiar with their work stations and read out their Braille recipes.
Jambalaya was the first dish up and we practised our chopping, pouring and mixing with great enthusiasm. Roisin and Jordan were charged with setting the table for lunch, while Daniel took the drinks orders. He got loads of practice with his liquid level indicator as the orders kept coming in, this cooking is thirsty work! The mornings work paid off and all the children came together to eat and chat over the lunch they had prepared.
We then got busy with white chocolate and berry pudding for dessert. Before the fun could start the children had to locate all the equipment and utensils they needed from their equipment boxes underneath their work stations. Good preparation and organisation were the keys to success for all. Again the children undertook the tasks required of them with great eagerness and each child applying themselves fully every step of the way.
Once all the hard work was done we made sure to have time for a taste test before the clean-up started. Keisha was at hand to gather up all of the uniforms and put them in the laundry just before the parents arrived.
The second day followed a similar format, with cajun chicken burgers, microwave potatoes and veg on the menu, followed by lemon pudding for dessert. This fantastic group of children consistently show great interest and eagerness to learn and improve their techniques and skills. Well done to all our participants - Shane Earley, Daniel Daly, Jordan Mahoney, Roisin Lenehan, Keisha Beirne and Victoria Alves De Oliveira.
The children have agreed to practice these dishes at home and before we meet again for another two day workshop in August. The big finale is getting close with Neven Maguire coming to judge the children on Sept 19th, in true Masterchef style! n
Jordan takes great care measuring out a can of rice
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Young Masterchefs in the Midlands
ABOVE TOP: Our young chefs are busy getting their uniforms on before we start
ABOVE LEFT: Lunch time and everyone has a job to do! We love Roisin’s great technique when chopping a pepper!
ABOVE RIGHT: Smiling while he gets busy chopping chorizo, great technique Shane!
RIGHT: Lunch time and everyone has a job to do! The proof is in the eating!
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Personal Profile
As a 26-year-old electrician, Vincent Mulligan from Wexford town had a good job and was in a good place in his life, when he lost his sight as a result of a complication of diabetes 6 years ago. Following an injury and a diabetic coma, Vincent’s sight deteriorated rapidly and he was suddenly faced with a very different future to the one he imagined. By his own admission he was in a dark place following his diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. “I woke up one morning with very bad sight and I thought life was over. It was a very difficult time; I was so young and it was a big shock,” explained Vincent, who’s now 32.
One of the biggest losses Adjusting to sight loss is a huge emotional journey for people, who may go from being independent, employed and active, to suddenly being dependent on others for even basic needs. One of the biggest losses is no longer being able to drive, which Vincent highlights.
“Not being able to drive was the biggest thing for me, as well as getting out and about again. The little challenges are sometimes the most difficult. Things like not being able to cook in the same way, reading the paper and seeing things on the television.”
But Vincent has found practical and emotional support from NCBI, the national sight loss organisation. NCBI is a not-for-profit organisation which provides information, advice, support, rehabilitation services and other training designed to assist people who are living with sight loss to do so independently. Services offered by NCBI include rehabilitation training, independent living skills, mobility training, low vision solutions, IT training, guidance in choosing a range of assistive technology, employment advice and counselling.
A Very Different Future — Vincent MulliganNCBI News talks with our Wexford service user, Vincent Mulligan, about the changes and challenges he has had to face with his sight loss.
The majority of people using NCBI’s services have some level of vision and most acquire sight loss during their adult lives.
NCBI works with more than 500 people in County Wexford from its base at the Lochrann Centre in Wexford town. With sight loss on the increase as our population ages, the charity is keen to create awareness around the help that is out there for people who may be struggling.
“When I first met NCBI and my support worker it opened my eyes to what was out there for me. I wasn’t in a great place but with their support I started to look at things that I could do with the rest of my life. I started with equipment that helped me to read and write, a phone that speaks and I then went on to do computer classes with NCBI. Those practical things, and the comfort and support that I got, was a huge help to me in the early stages. I realised I could still do what I wanted,” said Vincent. A year after his diagnosis Vincent went back to college, completing a 4-year degree in social studies in the Wexford campus of Carlow IT.
Testament to his determination He is rightly proud of graduating with first class honours, having left school at 15. For Vincent, the challenge of going back to college was beyond academic. First of all there was figuring out getting there and getting around the campus. Vincent has enough vision to get around in familiar places independently and uses a long cane at night. Using the cane on occasion in college helped to let other people know that he had a vision impairment. In addition to mobility, there was also the volume of reading material to contend with. Using equipment which magnifies text and reads it aloud, Vincent was able to manage, but at a much slower pace than his sighted peers – sometimes reading letter by letter - which is testament to his determination and achievement.
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Children’s workshop in Cork
An introduction to accessibility features on the iPad was facilitated by NCBI IT Trainer, Brian Manning, in Cork in July as part of a one day training workshop.
This was attended by a group of children wishing to learn accessibility changes to suit their visual needs. Following this, the children practised their kitchen skills and made sandwiches and brownies.
A treasure hunt completed the day which promoted the efficient use of residual vision and portable distance viewing magnifiers. Many thanks to Brian Manning and Stephanie Heffernan.
A Very Different Future — Vincent Mulligan
Finding employment was the next challenge, one which Vincent feels needs more attention. “It’s very daunting looking for work. I really have to prove myself but it’s hard to even get your foot in the door in the first place. Employers may fear how they will accommodate a person with sight loss but there is information and support out there for employers too from organisations like NCBI,” stated Vincent, who works for the Irish Society for Autism.
Vincent believes that his journey to getting back on his feet is a life-long one. He still struggles with coming to terms with sight loss and, for example, with using a long cane, which is a public symbol of his vision impairment. But the future is bright as Vincent and his wife look forward to the birth of their first child in October. For more information on NCBI’s services in Wexford contact 053 9124342.
Vincent Mulligan
Brian Manning and Stephanie Heffernan instructing Kamil Fornagiel (left) and Daniel Creedon.
LEFT: Kamil Fornagiel using magnification on an Ipad in the Accessibility workshop.
RIGHT: Daniel Creedon using a hand-held magnifier at the Accessibility workshop.
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NCBI’s Early Learning Centre
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NCBI Early Learning Centre had the ‘End of Year’ party Kidspace Rathfarnham. It was a fantastic day and the children had great fun! It also gave the parents the opportunity to mingle and chat. The day was quite emotional as we said goodbye to some of the children, one of whom attended the Early Learning Centre for the past four years. We hope you all enjoy the summer break and look forward to seeing many of you back next term.
It has been a busy few months in the Early Learning Centre for the parents fundraising-wise too!
Run A MuckEarlier in the year Aisling Long, whose daughter Georgia attends the Centre, organised a large group of family and friends to take part in the Run a Muck adventure race to raise funds and awareness.
Charity Football Match On 26th July, Laura and Paul Ratcliffe, whose son Tadhg has attended the Early Learning Centre for the last four years, organised a charity football match between Kentstown Rovers FC and the Republic of Ireland Masters Football Team in aid of the Early Learning Centre. The real winner of the day, Tadhg Ratcliffe. Kentstown Rovers flying the NCBI Flag.
Face Painting Fundraiser at Ardgillan CastleOn 3rd August, Claire and Fintan Maher, whose son Oren attends the Early Learning Centre, organised a face painting fundraiser in next to the playgrounds in Ardgillan Castle.
Thanks so much to Laura and Paul, Claire and Fintan and all the parents of the Early Learning Centre for your generosity and support.
Fundraising activity at the Early Learning CentreMargaret Bouquet, NCBI’s Early Learning Centre Coordinator, brings us the latest news on activities there.
Claire Maher presents a cheque for €1,020 to Chris While, NCBI Group CEO and Margaret Bousquet, Early Learning Centre Coordinator. Left to Right: Oren Maher, Claire Maher, Joanna Siadul, Margaret Bousquet and Chris White.
Laura and Paul Ratcliffe present a cheque for €1,500 to Chris White, NCBI Group CEO and Margaret Bousquet, Early Learning Centre Coordinator. Left to Right: Margaret Bousquet, Chris White, Laura, Paul and Tadhg Ratcliffe.
Children enjoying the ELC party at Kidspace.
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Fundraising activity at the Early Learning Centre
Sugar Loaf Climb and Charity AuctionOn Friday 3rd July Matt Ryan and Sheila Wall, whose daughter Shannan avails of NCBI’s services, organised a sponsored climb (and very chilly overnight camp!) with family and friends up to the top of the Sugar Loaf mountain in Wicklow to raise funds for NCBI.
This was followed by a hugely successful auction in the Igo Inn on the Sunday which featured fantastic prizes including signed Katie Taylor boxing gloves, signed Leinster jerseys and much more. A huge thanks to Matt and Sheila and also to Eamon and Tom McHugh in the Igo Inn for their fantastic support with this fundraiser. In the end a total of €3,210 was raised which is outstanding work!
Charity Auction: Left to Right: Eamon McHugh (from the Igo Inn) with Sheila Ryan, Glenn Wall, Shannan Wall and Matt Wall
Charity Auction items ready for the hammer.
ABOVE: Children and Volunteers at the Ardgillan Fundraiser.
ABOVE: Volunteer artist in action at the Ardgillan Fundraiser.
NCBI Fundraisers on top of the Sugar Loaf.
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NCBI FundRaising Events
Upcoming Fundraising EventsGolf Classic in Citywest Golf Club28th AugustA Golf Classic in Citywest Golf Club takes place on Friday 28th August with a BBQ, raffle and prize giving afterwards in Templeogue Tennis Club. Entry for a four ball is €200 and for more information you can contact Laurence Mullin on 087 9641112.
Cork Women’s Mini Marathon27th SeptemberSupport NCBI by taking part in the Cork Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday 27th September. Whether you decide to run, job or walk, NCBI would really appreciate your support!
All participants will receive a light weight NCBI top, goody bag and fundraising support. For more information please call JP on 01 8821970.
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Trip to Tipp Weekend of Cycling – 20th Anniversary15th and 16th AugustIt’s that time of year again - time to hop on your bike and join Billy Shanahan and the rest of the gang for the Trip to Tipp Weekend of Cycling in aid of NCBI – Working for People with Sight Loss!
As always, there will be a variety of routes of on offer over the weekend to suit all levels of cyclists. Entry is just €25 online or €30 on the day with all participants receiving a goody bag, refreshments, and certificate of completion. And what’s more, all participants can purchase the hugely popular Trip to Tipp Cycle Jersey for just €20 online or €25 on the day. So don’t miss out and register online today at www.ncbi.ie.
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Granard Cup Final in Woodbrook Golf Club24th AugustEstablished in 1933, The Granard Cup is one of the longest running ladies golf competitions in Ireland. This year’s All Ireland Granard Cup Final, which has a record 114 clubs taking part, will be held in Woodbrook Golf Club, Wicklow on Monday August 24th. Best of luck to all the golf clubs and many thanks for your wonderful support to our charity.
NCBI HolmPatrick Cup13th to 15th OctoberThe HolmPatrick Cup has been running for almost as long as NCBI itself and offers a great opportunity for golfers all over Ireland to compete in a national competition for a small entry fee, all of which add up to a significant amount of funds to support our services. Provincial Finals are currently taking place and the final of the HolmPatrick Cup will be based at the home of golf, St. Andrews, from 13th to 15th October.
Majorca Cycle Challenge with Sean Kelly11th to 18th OctoberCycle for NCBI in Majorca this October and help raise vital funds for people with sight loss. The event will be a seven day trip with a variety of cycle rides to choose from to suit all levels. What’s more, everyone will get a chance to cycle with the legendary Sean Kelly. For
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more information, or if you would like to volunteer to pilot a vision impaired cyclist on a tandem bike, please contact JP on 01 8821970.
Airtricity Dublin City Marathon for NCBI26th OctoberSupport NCBI by taking part in what will be the 35th annual Dublin City Marathon. The ultimate endurance challenge, you will run through the historic Georgian streets of Ireland’s capital city alongside 14,000 other participants from Ireland and around the world. As always, all NCBI runners will receive a fundraising pack and support. For more information, please call us today on 01 8307033 or email [email protected].
Can You Help Us? Consider making a Regular Donation to NCBI
Making a regular donation of as little as €7 a month to NCBI could help make a profound difference to the lives of people experiencing sight loss.
We must raise €4 out of every €10 we spend on services so your support is vital in ensuring that we can continue to offer these essential services to people who are blind or vision impaired.
Please consider filling in the form enclosed in this edition of NCBI News or log onto www.ncbi.ie/make-regular-donation. We would really appreciate your support.
Above: Left to right – Chris White, CEO of NCBI with Marie Gilbride, Ladies Captain of Elm Park Golf Club and Noranne Callaghy and Miriam Malone, Winners from Edenderry Golf Club.
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NCBI Fundraising Events
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Upcoming Fundraising Events
Sky Dive – All YearFace your fears and do a 10,000 ft. parachute jump toraise funds for NCBI services. To participate you need to raise €480. The cost of your skydive is €240 and the other €240 (plus all additional funds) are given to NCBI.To get involved simply contact our fundraising team.If you would like to help to raise funds for NCBI inany way, please be sure to get in touch with us on 018307033, or you can e-mail us at [email protected]
Overseas EventsChallenge yourself to make a difference! NCBI offers a broad range of inspiring challenges in a host of destinations around the world. Whether it’s climbing Kilimanjaro, walking the Great Wall of China, or trekking to the Base Camp of Mount Everest, we have a challenge that suits you. As well as being a physical challenge, your trip will enable you to broaden your horizons by meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Signing up provides you with an opportunity to set a goal of getting fit and acquiring incredible motivation for achieving it.
Using the Earth’s Edge Charity Tour Operator, NCBI is offering our supporters a variety of expeditions both on foot and on the bike. To view these exciting challenges, please visit www.earths-edge.com, or for more information please email [email protected] or contact the fundraising team on 01 8307033.
Dublin Bus Ticket RefundsTravelling on Dublin Bus today? Please consider donating your bus refund ticket and see all donations go to NCBI – Working for People with Sight Loss. Please send your tickets to us at “Bus Ticket Appeal, NCBI Head Office, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.”
NCBI Collection DatesWe have significantly increased the number of collections taking place around the country for NCBI. For a full list of collection dates and locations please contact NCBI Head Office on 01 8307033.
Scented CandlesNCBI has a fabulous selection of scented candles for sale with profits going to develop our services for people with sight loss around the country. The candles are for sale in head office, on our website and through our network of 73 NCBI Retail Charity Shops. The price is €3 each or four for €10 with four different scents to choose from – Festive Nights, Relaxing Nights, Tropical Nights and Forest Nights. You will find a full list of our shop locations at www.ncbi.ie/ncbiretail.
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Sky Dive
Well done to four members of Clontarf Rugby Club who recently completed a 10,000ft Sky Dive raising a fantastic €1,335 for NCBI. Pictured here is Denis Daly (from NCBI) with David Slattery, Brian Hand, Eoin Maguire and John Alexander.
Charity Football match (See page 18.)
NCBI Retail news — Autumn 2015
We have a new NCBI shop in Galway city — situated on Eyre Square. There will be an official opening later in the year, when the NCBI services are installed on the premises. Getting the shop ready to open has been a huge job, justified by results. More about this in our next issue.
We have been doing up quite a few of our older shops, with expense justified every time by results. Cavan town has made steady progress after a lean time. Our busy shop in Athlone has a whole new look, with much more space at the back. Until now there has hardly been space for more than one member of staff and one customer if recycling bags were piling up for collection! Long term manager Mary Butler is delighted. Limerick city has also had an upturn, following major work in the shop. Mary Shanahan has left us, but Geraldine Quaid stays on as manager. We will shortly be opening a new branch in Lucan and one in Finglas. More about these in our next edition.
We now have separate areas for babies’ and children’s clothes, toys and games in Ringsend – Ringsend Kids and Roscommon - Kids Upstairs, where they share space with a book display.The NCBI Home shop in Francis Street, Dublin now has some new volunteers. — Marjorie Quarton.
The retail space at Eyre Square, Galway being transformed into the New NCBI Retail Shop.
The Republic of Ireland Masters Football Team.
Community Fundraising Events
Tadhg Ratcliffe and his dad Paul lead out Kentstown Rovers flying the NCBI Flag.
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The Age of Adventure
Arts View
Margaret Larminie is 83 and originally from Dublin but living in Oughterard, Co. Galway since 1997. Margaret, who has macular degeneration, has been losing her sight for the past four years. She still has some vision in her right eye but that is deteriorating and she needs to use a long cane to get around.
“I’ve been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. After I moved to Galway I joined a writing group and I’ve been going to that for over 11 years now. I love it. It’s great to be able to express various feelings and thoughts.
In May this year Margaret’s writing group was asked to put something together for Bealtaine Fest, and this is when she wrote “Age of Adventure”. When asked about her inspiration for the poem, Margaret says “I always try to look for the positive in something that may seem completely negative”.
Writing for Margaret is not so much a release, but just something she does. “An idea comes to my head, so I write about it in a poem, that’s just how my brain works”.
Margaret hopes that this poem will help others in a similar position find the positive no matter the situation.
Like it or lump it, As years go byOur bodies moveInto a different agenda.The system that in earlier timesHad been intent on Building and rebuildingPerpetually repairing, Replenishing, restoringAll those little cells inside us, Now sees that it is time To ease off on that perpetual rush. Why should we blame it, It’s only following its programme.
So it becomes a new world for us.Full of challengesTo find the adventure and the fun in it, To see the changes asObstacles to be got roundAnd hurdles to get over.Yes, Frustration does its seeming wicked bestTo make us f lip our lidOr just give up the chase.But strange as it may seem,Frustration can beThe very driving force we need To galvanise usOut of our mental armchairsTo find a way of beating it.
The other day,A suddenly wet and windy one,I struggled with a zip.My eyes no longer see
Poetry and creative —writing a great outlet for Margaret Larminie.
The way to join one side of itInto its anchorage.
The sheer frustration made meTry a different ploy,To try think outside That blinking box.I simply gave up trying to seeAnd let my fingers “do the walking”.Bingo! Success!And a huge smile of blissful happinessEnveloped both my face and me.A stranger hadn’t seen the struggleAnd stopped to askWhy the big smileOn such a miserable day!
Poor old Frustration!There you are, In the advancing changes of the years, Only waiting to give usThat kick up the proverbial, to findThose blissful moments of successOn the other side of it!Frustration, you’ve become My most unexpectedMost unlikelyFriendIn this, our all new, Age of Adventure— Margaret Larminie,Bealtaine 2015. n
