NCBI and the Sensory Engagement Programme
SEP takes to the Skies
On 27 June 2012, a group of SEP participants headed off to the Ulster gliding Club outside Limavady.
14 blind or partially sighted people took the opportunity to take a flight in a two person glider with an instructor.
Each glider was towed up to 2000 feet by a tug plane and then released to sore over the Northwest country side.
The general feeling from all participants was one of having shared in a great experience and a feeling of freedom.
RNIB NI Communications/PR Officer, Thomas Quigley, also went along and recorded an audio feature which you can hear on the May/June 2012 addition of Sound vision Ulster, RNIB Northern Ireland's Bi-monthly audio magazine.
SEP Activity, in Fermanagh/Omagh
On Wednesday 6 June 2012, a number of blind and partially sighted people had a very enjoyable and informative visit to The Ulster Folk Park Library outside Omagh, Tyrone.
They were given a tour of the library and heard a very interesting talk about the Titanic.
Then on Thursday 28 June, another group visited Enniskillen library for an introduction to the staff, a tour of the facilities, including computer facilities now available.
Participants also had an opportunity to listen to some excellent story telling from the very popular Brian Gallagher.
Residential Training Courses
During the month of July 2011, two residential training weekends were held in Gartan Outdoor Education Centre on the weekends of
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1-3 July 2011
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22-24 July 2011.
A total of 37 participants have now enjoyed taking part in a wide range of activities offered at these residentials.
These activities include:
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Confidence building workshops
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IT training (using Apple Technology)
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Outdoor leisure activities including Canadian Canoeing on Lough Gartan.
There was an opportunity to see the films, 'The King Speech', or 'The Social Network' using audio description and finding the answers to the quiz questions using the Voice Over option or Magnification on the Apple Ipad or Apple Mac Book Pro.
Citizens Information (National Advocacy Service) spoke about the benefits available to people with sight loss.
We had a short presentation from the local Vocational Education Committee (VEC), the Information Officer and the Donegal VEC Adults Guidance Service. They provided information on educational training courses/leisure courses and hobby options to enable participants to improve social integration or to further their academic qualifications.
There were visits from NCBI and RNIB staff and participants were informed about a range of equipment and gadgets and enjoyed the demonstrations of mobile phones, pen friend, talking clocks, watches and kitchen and bathroom scales.
Reflections from participants
"I was a bit scared about the water sports but I am glad I did it. It turned out to be great fun."
"The Night Line was just fab, it was easy for me because I am blind. It was a really enjoyable time, and I met lots of new friends."
Another said, "I take away from the weekend lots of learning that I will now put into practice."
"I enjoyed it so much I just want to know can we do it all again, when is the date for the next residential?"
A few more added; "Marian it was a great weekend and thank you to the PA's Tara, Bronagh and Darren. They were fantastic.
Thank you."
"It was a brilliant weekend. I'm glad I came."
"There was a good variety of training and activities".
Other activities
April - June 2011:
Course: NOCN Level I Internet, Googling, Shopping, Digital & Facebook.
Tutor:Caroline Merrick -NWRC (North Western Regional College).
Nine participants successfully completed a 10 week IT course. The participants were comparing accessible technologies Jaws, Apple Ipads and Apple Mac Pros.
17 May 2011:
A group of participants interested in new accessible technologies visited the Apple Store, Belfast for a two hour workshop on accessible technologies.
May/June 2011:
Storytelling and Performance Course Playhouse, Derry/Lderry.
A group of 10 participated in an eight week NOCN level 1 in Storytelling & Performance. On the final day the participants delivered a wonderful, moving and emotional performance of their individual journey of sight loss.
October 2011
10 week IT training - Shopping on line.
Venue: SEP Office, Derry/Lderry
Tutor: Caroline Merrick NWRC (Derry)
10 week Storytelling & Performance Course Level 2
Start Date: Wed. 5 October - Wed. 7 December
Venue: Playhouse, Derry/Lderry.
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Tutor: Shauna Kelpie
Contact us
For more information on the Sensory Engagement Programme in the Derry/Lderry and Donegal area,
contact:
Marian Lewis
NCBI Project Coordinator
Tel: 028 7136 6060
(00353) 8604 34857
Email: marian.lewis@rnib.org.uk
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