The National Council for the Blind or Ireland’s (NCBI) is the national charity working for the rising number of people affected by sight loss in Ireland. Every day they help people to change their lives by giving them the tools they need to either regain or maintain their independence. The majority of people using NCBI services have some remaining vision. There are currently 54,810 people with impaired vision in Ireland with 2,628 in Limerick.
NCBI’s services include emotional support and counselling for people struggling to come to terms with sight loss. Rehabilitation training, which includes independent living skills and mobility training (using a long cane). Advice and information services, employment advice and low vision solutions, such as magnifiers and other aids to help people to read standard print. Assistive technology advice and training to either magnify or read aloud what is on screen. NCBI also has a Library which produces large-print and audio books and Braille.
Noreen McDonagh is from Limerick and was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, she says “When I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration I really felt that I was in a black hole and that my life had ended. However when I made contact with the NCBI in Limerick all that changed.”
Noreen explains the benefits of the services she received from NCBI, she says “NCBI gave me confidence, hope, information and support and my attitude changed completely. I learned about all the gadgets the NCBI has to make life easier and I have never looked back. It is now fifteen years since my diagnosis and I have to say I have managed very well. The NCBI is a fantastic resource and I shudder when I think of what life would be without it.”
Noreen encourages people to support NCBI for this year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, “The NCBI needs funds to continue its wonderful work and so I would really encourage the women of Limerick to get involved in this year’s Women’s Mini Marathon and raise what they can for the organisation. You never know when you might need it yourself.”
As a charity, NCBI must raise €3 million annually to ensure that we can continue to offer essential services to people who are blind or vision impaired. We do this through our network of over 90 charity shops nationwide and our fundraising events such as the VHI Women’s Mini marathon.
Join Team NCBI at the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon 2018 on Sunday 3rd June (Bank Holiday weekend). The total distance is 10km with no time limit. All NCBI participants will receive, training guidelines for all walkers, joggers and runners, sponsorship cards and fundraising advice before the marathon. There will be an NCBI base to hold all your belongings, a pamper zone with hair styling, a make-up and nail service to relax after the marathon with yummy refreshments to refuel you! NCBI will also have a family area with fun activities, such as banner making, glasses decoration designing and learning about sight loss zone with games.
If you are interested in getting involved you can register online at www.ncbi.ie or contact NCBI on 01 882 1970 or email collette.mcentee@ncbi.ie
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