Inverness Library hosted the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), along with specialist tech company Optelec and partner charities such as Sight Scotland Veterans, and Macular Action Group on Wednesday 16th August, at a drop-in event aimed at supporting those with sight impairments.
RNIB is the UK’s leading sight loss charity, offering practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families, and carers.
The event attracted around 80 people, some of whom had travelled significant distances across the Highland area just to be present on the day. The event itself focused on everyday and specialist products that could potentially have life-changing impacts on people with sight loss.
The aim was to allow people with low vision to gain hands-on experience with these products and technologies, to aid them in their daily activities and improve their overall quality of life.
Products on show ranged from liquid level indicators that hang onto mugs to indicate when there is enough water, to portable USB players for listening to audiobooks on.
According to research conducted by RNIB, more than 2.2 billion people have sight loss worldwide. Approximately half of this figure are living with preventable, or treatable, conditions because they cannot get the care and support they need.
RNIB aims to raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people, and campaign for change to make society more accessible for all.
Julie Corcoran, High Life Highland’s Head of Libraries, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Royal National Institute of Blind People to Inverness Library.
“There was a great turn out from the community, and the range of products available was phenomenal. So many people are not aware of the simple devices which could positively improve their day-to-day lives.
“The event was a great opportunity for the Library service to contribute to improving accessibility to these devices, and to knowledge of living with blindness or partial sightedness, within the community.”
Lara Marshall, Library Engagement Manager at RNIB, added: “This is a fantastic result for the local community, the Library, local charities, and the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
“Libraries are truly community hubs, safe havens, and providers of information, accessible to all. To be able to work in partnership with Libraries to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people is incredibly rewarding and long may it continue.”
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive, concluded: “High Life Highland’s main aim is to make lives better, through delivering services across the Highlands and welcoming important guests such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People to facilities like Inverness Library.
“High Life Highland is delighted to have welcomed in so many guests on the day of the event, many who had travelled far just to attend. It is heart-warming to know that the community supports and is supported by invaluable charities.”
Inverness Library hosts regular activities, events, exhibitions and special visits. To find out more, please either visit Inverness Library’s Facebook page or the dedicated Inverness Library page on High Life Highland’s website: https://www.highlifehighland.com/libraries/inverness-library/
