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The Brighton Society for the Blind
| 1860 - 1997 |
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The Society was founded by a remarkable Victorian gentleman Dr William
Moon who lost his sight after becoming a victim of scarlet fever at
the age of four. William Moon observed the desperate poverty and
isolation suffered by blind and partially sighted people at that time,
many of whom had to beg to survive. Dr Moon, over many years,
developed a system of reading and writing called "Moon", and this is
still in use today.
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Dr William Moon, the founder of what later became the Brighton Society for the Blind. |
In 1860 the Society, then called "The Moon Relief Fund" was founded.
It started with Sunday afternoon Bible classes for the blind, then
discussion groups were formed and other activities such as crafts were
established.
In 1862 home teachers were trained to teach reading and writing and
other skills to the blind. This method of teaching was so successful
that other organisations were formed across the country Dr William
Moon travelled throughout the world teaching Moon, its printing and
his method of working.
In 1864 Dr Moon's home in Queens Road, Brighton was turned into a
teaching centre and eye clinic. These services were to form the basis
of the services, including rehabilitation, that today are provided
internationally.
Today, the Brighton Society for the Blind is a large organisation,
well known and highly respected nationally, and recognised
internationally. The Society serves both blind and partially sighted
people.
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| Society Structure |
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The Brighton Society for the Blind conducts its business and controls
its finances and the work of four full time and nine part-time staff
through a small streamlined Executive Committee of 14 people including
four Honourary Officers. There are currently five subcommittees,
focusing on Employment, Welfare Services and Planning, Leisure
Activity, and Staff Liaison.
The Society has close working links with the Social Services, with two
representatives offering support; and has other professional advisors.
Visually impaired people play a strong lead role in the Society and
its committees. The professional work of the Society is led by an
Executive Director.
The conversion of the old people's home into a premier resource Centre
(the Sussex Vision Centre) has been a major act of faith,
requiring strong leadership, a high input of energy, and firm belief in
the value the Centre can bring to the lives of the people who will make
use of it.
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| Managing Change |
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Caring agencies are undergoing significant change in their roles and
responsibilities as a result of new legislation and increased pressure
on resources.The prime requirement for the Society is to manage change
successfully, enhancing support to clients in serving the community
into the next Century.
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| Sight Loss |
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Loss of sight, whether progressive or sudden, can create
psychological, emotional, social and practical problems. It can lead
to social isolation through loss of employment, income, long-
established pastimes, and severe diffculties in getting about. It
gives rise to problems that need special techniques and aids to help
overcome them.
People losing their sight do not need just practical help. A white
cane, or a guide dog, a liquid level indicator and a talking book
machine will help practical matters, but these do not address the
changed psychological, emotional and social circumstances of the blind
or partially sighted person. Services have too often focused largely
on practical matters. Tackling these can be important first steps in
rehabilitation, but much more is needed to restore "the whole person".
Relatives, friends and employers have a vital role to play in this
process.
The number of adults in Britain with serious sight problems has been
greatly underestimated in the past; there are an estimated 15,000
people in East Sussex alone who have not received a service.
- On average, 2 people are registered blind and two more are
registered partially sighted every day in Sussex.
- Only 25% of visually impaired people are offically registered.
- Three quarters of those people registered blind or partially
sighted are over 75 years of age.
- 65% have additional illness or disability - almost half suffer
from hearing loss, and 45% live alone.
- Only one in four of those of working age are in employment.
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| Key Facts |
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One in sixty people in a typical community has a serious problem with
their sight, more in retirement areas like Brighton. In the next
century the proportion will rise to one in fifty-five as the elderly
population continues to expand.
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| The Needs of Blind or Partially-Sighted People |
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The particular needs of blind and partially sighted people may be
identified as the following:
- Information tailored to their circumstances.
- Specific skills involving a considerable amount of relearning.
- Special equipment; some of it basic, some quite sophisticated.
- Skilled help from staff trained to recognise and assess the basic
needs, and who are available to advise, counsel, and plan a programme
of rehabilitation.
- Confidence in all matters affecting their lives as blind or
partially sighted people, through self help and mutual support, and
through the availability of specifically tailored services.
There is a greater chance of full rehabilitation if these needs are
tackled together in one place. This does not in any way imply that
blind people should segregate themselves. The goal is integration. The
resource centre provided at William Moon Lodge will address all five
needs shown below together, thereby enabling people to handle their
practical, psychological, emotional and social problems better.
| Five Particular Needs |
| Information | Specific
Skills | Special
Equipment | Skilled Help | Self Help |
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| R
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C
E | Special Aids | Staff Support | Information | C
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| Communications Technology |
| Meetings Space | Activities | Centre Outreach |
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| Daily Living in the Community |
More information on the Centre of Excellence
Back to About Brighton Society for the Blind