Chief Executives welcome

Welcome to the National Blind Children’s Society's website

2009 was a very exciting year for the charity.We succeeded in achieving the objectives set at the beginning of the year to support more children and young people with visual impairment along with their families and carers. In 2009 we reached more than 3000 families, most of them through our Family Support and Information service which offers holistic care, advice and up-to-date information on specific eye conditions and the numerous issues faced by children and young people with a visual impairment on a daily basis.

Especially exciting in 2009 was our vice-president Jenson Button's triumph in becoming Formula One's 2009 World Champion. Jenson has been a staunch supporter of NBCS for several years and his help has been invaluable. We are all behind him in his bid for the 2010 championship!

This year, 2010, has particular significance for us. It is the year we celebrate our 15th birthday since our foundation in 1995. Huge strides have been made since then in the ways we can help our children - all thanks to our many supporters. To mark this milestone we are planning lots of exciting events - watch this space for details.

Our key objectives in 2010 are to expand our services even more, within our overall aim of enabling children and young people to achieve their recreational and educational goals. These services are:

• Family Support – Immediate and ongoing 'one-stop' emotional and specialist practical support from first diagnosis.
  • A Day With Tom At The Eye Hospital is a colourful booklet explaining to children what to expect when visiting eye clinics. It has been extremely well received by parents and medical professionals and is available free of charge.

• Recreational Activities – A nationwide programme of day and weekend family events, socialising, holiday and adventure activites.

• CustomEyes Books – Large-print fact and popular fiction titles, annuals, school texts and revision guides tailoremade to the specific needs of individual children.

• Educational Advocacy – Expert advice and representation to ensure the child receives the most suitable education in the correct enviraonment.

• Specialist Equipment – Personalised ICT, sensory and other specialist equipment to help children participate fully in the modern world and achieve their potential at home and school. The Society will continue to provide:
  • Independent information of available equipment and software through prepared literature, online via our website and email and verbally via telephone support.
  • Full independent assessments carried out by a qualified ICT assessor, ensuring the recommended equipment and software meets individual needs.

The National Blind Children’s Society does not receive any statutory funding. It is reliant totally on voluntary donations from the general public, grant-making trusts and companies. To enable the society to continue to deliver the five key services, it needs to raise at least £1.6 million a year.

Carolyn Fullard
Chief Executive