News release: Conference for Visually Impaired to Hit Target

Abstract

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has joined forces with the Guide Dogs for the
Blind Association, Action for Blind People and Galloway's Society for the Blind in
organising a special conference to help the visually impaired to enter the world of work and
higher education.
'On Line to a Life' takes places at the Harris Conference Centre on Wednesday, 41
h February
from midday. The event will include a series of presentations and demonstrations aimed at
providing information on the variety of support available to blind and partially sighted young
people as they journey through education and into employment.
Attendees at the conference will witness guide dog demonstrations and have access to the
latest software and technical aids for the visually impaired. Amongst the more unusual events
(weather permitting) will be a demonstration of visually impaired archery. Organiser, Pete
Ottewell, Outdoor and Recreation Coordinator for Galloways, has helped to coordinate the
archery classes for three years. "Visual impairment among the archery group is varied, some
have tunnel vision and bag a fair number of golds, occasionally on the other target! For those
that are totally blind we are able to use a tripod- it's something a little different and has
proved extremely popular."
Jack Ritson, Employment Awareness Coordinator, Action for Blind People, said: "The aim of
the conference is to show that, with a little help, the visually impaired can pm1icipatc in a
huge variety of activities, both social and work related, to build confidence and gain an
independent lifestyle."
Note to Editor
A photo opportunity of the guide dog demonstrations and visually impaired archery will take
place at the Harris Conference Centre between 12 noon and lpm.
3 February 2004
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