Equipment to help visually impaired

AWARENESS FOR BLIND: Independent Life and Skill specialist Paulette Adsett displayed some of her equipment at the new Tauranga Blind Foundation office. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

Simple yet necessary equipment to help visually impaired people went on display at the new Tauranga Blind Foundation office which opened this week.

A public open day showcased what the new Tauranga office had to offer including magnetic sand, tactile and Braille books, and objects of all shapes and sizes.

Independent life and skill specialist Paulette Adsett was in charge of the kids' section where she had some of her work equipment on display.

But the children's toys were not just for show. They also demonstrated the importance of touch and feel for visually impaired children.

Ms Adsett said the public day was an opportunity for foundation members to see what was now available.

"A lot of the stuff we have is actually online but to see it in person is great and people can have a play and try out the equipment here," she said.

Based at the Blind Foundation centre opposite the Historic Village in 17th Ave, she also travelled to schools in the wider region where she met visually impaired children. "Teaching them important life skills at an early age just prepares them for adulthood."

Foundation chief executive Sandra Budd said the organisation was excited to share its new space with the blindness community.

"These offices have been built with our unique needs in mind. It gives us an ideal venue to carry out the essential support services that are so vital to local people who are blind or have low vision."

Interior contrasting colours had been applied to different finishes to meet the needs of those with low vision.