Vision Australia is set to mark International Day of People with Disability (Tuesday, December 3) by reopening its refurbished Coffs Harbour office.
The leading blindness and low vision service provider will throw open the doors of its Coffs Harbour office and is encouraging the region’s blind and low vision community to drop in and learn about the wide range of specialist equipment and services available to them.
Cate McHugh, Vision Australia regional client services manager, said the not-for-profit organisation is hoping to further connect with the region’s blind and low vision community.
“Living with blindness or low vision doesn’t have to be a barrier to a full and active life. Whether it’s at home, school, work or in the wider community, we can support people of all ages live the life they choose,” Cate said.
“Blindness and low vision can be isolating and we know that people often don’t know what support is available or how to access it. We want to let people know about the huge range of different services and products they can access to support them in their day to day lives.”
The refurbishment has also increased the accessibility of the Coffs Harbour office, making it easier and more convenient for the region's blind and low vision community to visit and access Vision Australia services.
Information about a range of Vision Australia’s specialist services will be available, including orientation & mobility, occupational therapy, assistive technology training, orthoptist services, paediatric services and the Vision Australia Library.
People will also be able to get hands-on and take in demonstrations of some of the latest in blindness and low vision technology and living aids.
“Whatever it is somebody wants to achieve, we can help them with it. Whether it’s getting back in the kitchen, learning to navigate outside of the home or learning how they can continue to access their favourite books, our expert staff can help,” Cate said.
“We can also provide expert advice around the National Disability Insurance Scheme and My Aged Care to help people understand how they allow people to fund the services or products they need.”
Karen Knight, Vision Australia General Manager Client Services, will officially reopen the office. Karen has been blind since birth and is a registered psychologist with previous experience in mental health, youth suicide prevention and mental health promotion.
The Vision Australia Coffs Harbour reopening will take place from 9.30am – 11.30am on Tuesday, December 3 at 126 West High St, Coffs Harbour. For more information email david.breach@visionaustralia.org or call 02 6659 9200.