Linda is from RNIB's Visual Impairment and Learning Disability service (VILD). It is a specific area that provides advice, information, training and consultancy services, as well as direct support to people with learning disabilities who have suspected or confirmed sight problems.
"Without legacy income there is no doubt that our direct services would be reduced or may even stop. This is a hard to reach group of people in the first place and we really need to ensure that we can reach as many people with a learning disability as possible.
Often the people we support may not have the communication skills to clearly explain how their sight loss is affecting them day to day and so fall through the healthcare net. Our role is to support this vulnerable group of people and provide practical solutions for daily living that can make a huge difference to their quality of life.
VILD direct services
Through our direct services, we see 200 people each week and a big part of that is working with healthcare professionals, and with parents and carers, so that they understand on a practical level how the sight loss is impacting on that person.
I'm passionate about my work and never cease to be amazed. I met a 54 year old gentleman with Down's Syndrome a couple of weeks ago who had never had his sight tested but who had advanced keratoconus. His carers said "Oh his eye doesn't look right" - but that was as far as it had got and no one had thought to investigate or look into it further. He was actually feeling his way around the walls because his vision was so poor. After diagnosis we were able to prescribe specific lenses to help him. With his new glasses his vision improved greatly and his condition was monitored regularly.
How the gift in your Will helps
Without legacy income we certainly wouldn't reach the number of people we currently do and that would have a catastrophic impact on people with learning disabilities."