Visual impairment
Wolverhampton City Council has a centre where people who are blind or visually impaired can get help. The Neville Garratt Centre for Independent Living is run by Adult Social Care services.
The centre is in Bell Street opposite the Mander Shopping Centre entrance. If you are blind, or visually impaired, there are a number of ways we can help you, so you can stay independent and look after yourself at home.
All our services are provided after an assessment of your needs. This is where a social worker or rehabilitation officer will ask you questions to decide what help you need.
To get an assessment of your needs contact the Neville Garratt Centre for Independent Living via the contact details below:
Neville Garratt Centre
Wolverhampton City Council
Bell Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 3PR
Phone: 01902 553652/3
Textphone: 01902 553676
Fax: 01902 553643
Our page about the Neville Garratt Centre contains further information.
Documents in Braille
Details about Braille documents and information available in Wolverhampton can be obtained from the Physical and Sensory Disabilities Team at the Neville Garratt Centre. The team can also put people in touch with local Braille classes.
For more information on Braille see the Royal National Institute of the Blind website.
Talking books
Blind people can go direct to the library that is most convenient to them to access talking books.
We have a team of social workers based at the Neville Garratt Centre who refer to libraries on behalf of people who are blind or visually impaired. If you would like to contact the team telephone (01902) 553648 or (01902)553650.
Talking newspapers
For more information about talking newspapers, please click on the Beacon Centre for the Blind website.
Beacon Centre for the Blind offers support services which promote independence and choice to blind and partially sighted people across Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Staffordshire.
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines also provide national and local newspapers and magazines on audio tape, computer disk, email, internet download and CD-ROM for visually impaired and disabled people who find reading a strain.
Transcription services
Beacon Centre for the Blind is a local provider of transcription services. If you would like more information about the service, visit the Beacon Centre for the Blind website.
Sandwell Transcription Service can also transferring written information on to tape or in Braille. he service provides small scale production such as letter or bills up to bulk Braille information for copying facilities.
Support Dogs
For details about support dogs, contact the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association:
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Burghfield Common
Reading
RG7 3YG
Phone: (0118) 983 5555
E-mail: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
Website: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk
You can also contact the local branch:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Global House
Shrewsbury Business Park Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6LG
Phone: (01743) 270072
Fax: (01743) 260870
E-mail: nwmidlands@guidedogs.org.uk