Blind and visually impaired people

Download this information for blind and visually impaired people

Chip and pin

If you are blind or partially sighted and have a problem with a chip and pin bank card, you can obtain a signature card from your bank.

Please note that you cannot use it in an ATM machine.

Contact your local bank branch for details.

KR Talking News (previously known as The Kirklees Recorder)

This is a fortnightly talking newspaper that is available on either CD or tape, for blind and partially sighted people and others who find it difficult to read print. It is a free publication which is posted directly to your home.

For more information or to be added to the mailing list please call 01484 221793.

Kirklees Transcription Service – KTS (previously known as VIPER)

This service is based in Huddersfield Library and provides information in alternative formats for people who are blind, visually impaired or who are unable to read standard print due to disability. The service provides Braille, all forms of audio, large print, tactile diagrams and electronic documents for use on PCs with speech software.

Support services

How can Kirklees care services help me?

For people living in South Kirklees

Gateway to Care and other Kirklees care services provide a range of services for people who are visually impaired and live in South Kirklees.

These services include:

• information - offering information and support in obtaining services or benefits
• assessment of needs - working with visually impaired people and their carers to identify needs and how best to meet them
• community support - providing on-going support with day to day living, such as help using the cooker, telephone and learning new skills like Braille
• mobility support - offering advice or help to enable you to move about safely and confidently in your home, the local area, the town centre or on public transport, with or without a companion.

For people living in North Kirklees

The Social Work Team complete an assessment of needs prior to and following registration. They offer rehabilitation through other services provided at their resource centre, the Whitfield Centre in Batley, for example, computers, dancing, pottery, bowls, swimming, crafts, tai chi and day care.

Is there a telephone support service for people with failing eyesight?

The Listening Eye

Listening Eye is a service that offers support by blind people with long experience of living with visual impairment. They are willing to listen or chat about particular problems or offer advice if asked.

Please call the free Helpline 0800 783 1979.

Lines are open 6pm - 10pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

On the days the Listening Eye is not available, Sightline Vision North West operates.

Please call: the free helpline 0800 587 2252.

Lines are open 6pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Macular Disease Society

Telephone: : 01484 852331 or 01484 530100

This self-help group meets at Huddersfield Town Hall on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 11.45 am. President: Mrs Ailsa Tate

Talking book machine

A reading machine is available for people with visual impairments to use in the transcription office in Huddersfield Library. This machine will read a printed document in an electronic voice. In addition to this, the document can be saved in a text format, which can then be transcribed into Braille, edited as large print or saved as a text file for use on a PC with speech software.

For more details, contact the Transcription Service on 01484 221955.

• Social Services Contact information
• Gateway to Care enquiry form
• gatewaytocare@kirklees.gov.uk