Blind Low Vision NZ (formerly Blind Foundation) provides people who are blind or have low vision with the practical and emotional support to do the things they need and want to do, with self-reliance and confidence.
All across New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Bluff, they meet with people in their homes or at their local Blind Low Vision NZ office to find solutions together. Maintaining independence is important – so they support people to get around safely using a white cane, public transport or a guide dog, prepare meals, use technology, stay in employment, or connect with others. No goal is too big or too small.
Services:
- Getting around
- Learn to use mobility aids
- Using Public Transport
- Learn to Guide Others
- Guide Dog Services
- Assistance throughout the process of getting a Guide Dog, and caring for him/her, that carries right throughout the Dog's years with you.
- Community and Support
- Telefriend
- Community Support Groups
- Hobbies/Special Interest Groups near you
- Support from Volunteers
- Accessible Library
- Collections in braille, audiobooks and a youth section
- ReVISION podcast, hosted by Sam Smith
- Daily Living Skills
- Tips, Techniques, Tricks and information to make your day to day life easier
- Adaptive Technology Guidance
- Help you select the right technology for you, then train you on how to use it
- Sport and Leisure
- Specialists support individuals and partner organisations to enable sustainable activity in the community
- Help to access mainstream sport and leisure activities
- Advocation on behalf of the blind, deafblind, and low vision community for more inclusive activities
- Community Events
- Emotional Support
- Counselling support
- Telefriend
- Employment and Youth Transition
- Blind Low Vision NZ Work Ready programme
- prepare for employment
- develop a career plan
- provide professional development, interview skills, mentoring and networking opportunities
- Youth Transition
- Students between 16-21 moving from BLENNZ into adult services
- Youth Clients 18-25 transitioning from mainstream high schools into either employment or study
- List of current Job Vacancies throughout NZ
- Support Grants
- Avenues for funding technology, education or recreation
- MSD Support Funds
- Funding available to support costs related to your employment
- Total Mobility 'TM' scheme
- Subsidised travel on public services and with taxis
- The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN)
- Includes a number of Supported Employment Providers
- ACHIEVE
- advocates and lobbies for people with a range of impairments who are transitioning into or studying post-secondary education or training.
- Deafblind Services
- support to access information, equipment, a full range of services, social networks and other community-based assistance
- Children
- Support for you and your child to develop vital short and long-term life skills, and build confidence and self-esteem
- Equipment Store
Support Grants Available:
- Kindred Sharp Children’s Trust, for children up to 12 years old who were blind before they turned 2
- Henderson Fund, for youth (up to 21) in the New Plymouth, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, and Wellington regions
- The Shirley Owen Trust, assists those learning a classical instrument
- Forsyth Fund, for individuals and groups/clubs in the Waikato District Council, or Health Board, region to enrich their potential and independence and/or promote life enrichment
- Oppenheim Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for students in or starting tertiary education
- Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund, provides equipment subsidies, rentals and other funding
For more information please visit Support Grants
