Guide Dogs Cymru is running a free training session for friends and
family members at the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Park Crescent, Llanelli,
on Wednesday February 12.
The two-hour interactive session is designed to give people a better
awareness of sight loss, plus tips on the correct way to support a vision
impaired person. The training is tailored to each individual’s needs and
covers the basics of sighted guiding. Attendees are given time to
practise their new skills on each other and discover how it feels to have
sight loss.
Karen Nicholas attended a friends and family training session while her
husband Malcolm was waiting to be matched with a guide dog. She said:
“Attendees did exercises in pairs, with one person wearing a blindfold
and the other guiding them. I never realised before how scary it was to
be unable to see and having to depend on someone else.
“You get lots of useful advice, and you are shown techniques to help you
guide in a busy or narrow space. It was also nice to meet the partners of
other vision impaired people, and try on special spectacles that simulate
different eye conditions.”
Malcolm, who is now the proud owner of guide dog Marcus, said: “I
found that Karen’s guiding skills improved and she became much more
aware. Undergoing a blindfold walk really brought home to her how it
feels to lose your sight.
“As a blind person I get mobility training, but that’s not the case for
friends and family. They need to know what to do, because we could be
giving them the wrong advice. I would encourage people to sign up for
free training from Guide Dogs Cymru.”
To book a place, or find out more, ring Steve Kersley on 07785 907728
or email [email protected]
Add Comment