Birmingham
Birmingham Sight Loss Council was established in 2016 as the first Sight Loss Council in the UK. The council has influenced significant positive change to services in Birmingham and continues to strengthen relationships with local organisations to ensure ongoing accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
Join us
If you are interested in finding out more information about volunteering for the Sight Loss Councils, read the Volunteer Role Description below. If you would like to apply to become a Sight Loss Council member, apply online here.
Volunteer Role Description Sight Loss Council Member (DOCX, 60 KB)
Birmingham projects and successes
Resources
We have compiled a list of organisations delivering services and activities for sport, employment and social activities across Birmingham. This also includes contact information for the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO).
Tackling accessibility barriers to arts, culture and entertainment
West Midlands Sight Loss Council held a VI Forum on Friday, 24 November, to discuss the barriers they face at concerts, film screenings, the theatre and more in the West Midlands.
Birmingham Sight Loss Council have worked with Birmingham Hippodrome and Sightlines to improve and increase the frequency of Audio Description performances at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Purple Tuesday
West Midlands Sight Loss Councils invited the public, retailers and staff to experience a shopping trip as a blind or partially sighted person.
The event took place at Merry Hill Shopping Centre. Merry Hill Shopping Centre lit up the shopping centre purple to mark the event and Purple Tuesday!
Access to sports and leisure
West Midlands Sight Loss Council held a VI forum all about accessible sports and activities for blind and partially sighted people in the region.
Watch a recording of the seminar here
Tackling e-scooter safety
On 24 June, Birmingham Sight Loss Council teamed up with e-scooter operator Voi to invite Councillor Peter Fowler and representatives from Birmingham Council and Transport for West Midlands to experience the issues e-scooters pose blind and partially sighted pedestrians.
Accessible transport
Birmingham Sight Loss Council have worked with West Midlands Combined Authority to improve bus stop signage in the local area.
West Midlands Trains approached the Birmingham Sight Loss Council to support the design and development of their new transport initiative, Ask Annie.
Working Age Forum
The aims of the Working Age Forum are for it to be a place where people with a visual impairment can network and receive information and advice.