Tag Archives: Learning difficulties

Minister backs learning disability eye health campaign

Care services minister Paul Burstow has backed a charity’s campaign to improve eye health services for people with learning disabilities.

by on May 11, 2012 in News

 

The Liberal Democrat MP gave his support to SeeAbility’s ‘eye 2 eye’ campaign on a recent visit to the Morden Eye Centre, where he saw teenager Roshni Kothari receiving an enhanced sight test for people with learning disabilities. This was Kothari’s first sight test in the community, having previously been treated at Sutton Eye Hospital.

Recent research commissioned by SeeAbility and Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) highlighted that there are 1 million adults with a learning disability in the UK. People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have serious sight problems than other people, with 6 in 10 people needing glasses. People with severe or profound learning disabilities are most likely to have sight problems.

Disability does not mean inability

Forever Remembered
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‘Disability does not mean inability’ this was the mantra from disability rights campaigner and trustee of Cardiff People First, Peter Lewis. I first met Peter while working for TPAS Cymru some 10-12 years ago. He was a passionate campaigner for portraying people not as disabled, but enabled to live with a physical or mental challenge in their lives. Although Peter was born with a learning disability, he believed that individuals living with a medical condition should be empowered to get involved in choices about their care and support, rather than being isolated recipients of it.

His death last week was a tragedy for his family, friends and colleagues, but more so for the people he had yet to influence. Peter died after being stabbed in Roath, Cardiff on the 28th April. Police have arrested and charged a man in connection with his death.

http://tenantsunitedotorg.wordpress.com

 

Disability charity is awarded £20k grant

 

Somerset Standard

A Frome charity that supports people with learning and communication difficulties has been awarded a grant of £20,900.

Openstorytellers, based in Bridge Street, has been given the money over the next two years by Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales.

The grant will help fund an administrator so the charity can continue to help reduce social exclusion.

Openstorytellers was established in 2009 and operates across Somerset and Wiltshire. The administrator will provide support for its projects and services.