24 February 2011 sees the official launch of RNIB NI's new premises and flagship project, the Sensory Engagement Programme [SEP].
Based out of RNIB NI's new Strand Road premises, SEP leads the Work RNIB NI carry out in the North West.
An innovative new cross-border project, which will improve the lives of hundreds of people with hearing and sight difficulties, received £1.86 million worth of support through the EU's INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The project brings together four of the largest organisations providing support services for deaf and blind people across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
RNIB NI, RNID NI, NCBI and Deaf hear.
The Sensory Engagement Programme is only one of the projects and services RNIB offer from the new premises. A new resource centre has opened to provide blind and partially sighted people of the North West with the most up to date daily living aids and equipment.
Employment and Technology including ICT training and confidence building are just some of the other services blind and partially sighted people can sign up for.
Charlie Mack, RNIB NI Director Said, "These new premises and projects give RNIB NI an excellent opportunity to further the work we already do in the North West. It's vital that all blind and partially sighted people across Northern Ireland can avail of RNIB NI's services."
Over the next two years the Sensory engagement Programme will deliver a specially designed 'active citizenship' programme that will help hundreds of deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted people on a cross-border basis. As part of this programme it will provide basic IT training and a confidence building course to over 300 people with sight and hearing difficulties.
Dr Janet Gray MBE Said, "The new RNIB Resource Centre in Derry/Londonderry will provide much needed IT training and project opportunities for blind and visually impaired people. Technology such as Screen Reading Software allows me to access my pc and the internet. It was also the vital tool which enabled me to write my autobiography, Blind Ambition".
Ends.
Media Contact:
Thomas Quigley
Tel: 028 9033 4121
E-mail: thomas.quigley@rnib.org.uk