Cubs learn about life with sight loss

A group of Cubs from Shropshire held a sleepover and donated the £100 raised to our charity.

Blind veteran Clive, who is supported by our charity, was invited to the weekly meeting of the 2nd Market Drayton Cub Scouts on October 16, by their Akela. The cubs were learning about different disabilities to earn their Disability Awareness badge.

Clive, a former Soldier who was blinded 22 years ago while serving, spoke to the young people about blindness and how, with equipment and technology, a person with sight loss can live independently from day to day.

Clive continued:

“The Cubs tried on simulation spectacles; these glasses demonstrate what people would see if they had a range of eye conditions leading to sight loss, and had a go at using a long cane. I explained to the group the importance of tactile paving for those with sight loss. You may have noticed different pavement surfaces as you approach a pedestrian crossing but never considered why they are there.”

Clive demonstrated a range of equipment that supports those with sight loss to regain their independence such as talking weighing scales for the kitchen, liquid level indicators to make hot drinks safely, talking clocks and magnifiers to enlarge text.

Having recently won a silver medal in archery for Great Britain at the IBSA World Blind Games, Clive spoke to the Cubs about his love for the sport and gave a demonstration of how a blind person can shoot a bow and arrow safely. The Cubs enjoyed looking at Clive’s medal and other medals that he brought along.

The following evening Clive was presented with a donation of £100 by Cub leader, Dan.