President Graham Findlay Formally Scottish National Federation for the Welfare of the Blind Promoting equality and opportunity for people affected by sight loss across Scotland

Where Did We Come From? Where Are We Going?

Where Did We Come From? Our History Set up in June 1917 as: The Scottish National Federation of Institutes & Societies for the Blind. With the remit to: ‘Bring together the organisations for the ‘out door’ blind (local societies) and the ‘indoor blind (the workshops) 13 member organisations

Our History Original Objectives included: (i)The Promotion & Protection of the interests of ‘the blind’…..by co-operation & mutual assistance of the various members (ii) Act as a medium for expressing the views of member organisations…. Not interfere with the internal affairs of member organisations (iii)Hold an Annual Conference for the consideration & discussion of matters relating to ‘the blind’.

Our History Continued: Key Dates Implementation of the 1920 Blind Person’s Act which then introduced a pension for registered blind people aged 50 or over (later abolished!) 1933 Blind People allowed to vote with a companion 1955 Local Authorities were allowed to join, with 24 taking up the offer By 1994 Federation was providing activity holidays for Blind & PS children 1999 the Scotland Wide Concessionary Travel Scheme introduced

History (Key Dates) 2001 Launch of the Cross Party Group of Visual Impairment 2011 Federation re-branded as SCOVI with updated Constitution To date we have 35 Members (17 Local Authorities & 18 Organisations)

Where Are We Going? Challenges & Opportunities Changes to the Benefits System, (i)DLA to be replaced, (ii)Employment Benefits to change Implementation of the Scottish Vision Strategy Less money around with a growing number of potential service users Joint Sensory Agenda New Technologies and the opportunities these can bring Encourage more local authorities, organisations & individuals to join SCOVI

Programme for Today, Morning Workshop 1 (Guide Dogs for people with additional disabilities) Lee Stanway- Guide Dogs Workshop 2 (Emotional Support and Visual Impairment) Mhairi Thurston University of Abertay Coffee Presentation on joint provision of sensory services, Liz Scott Gibson, Deaf Action Lunch (also blindfold demonstrations with guide dog)

Afternoon Launch of SCOVI Robert Brown Chair of Cross Party Group on VI Workshop 3 (Audio-description, the Scottish perspective) – Bridget Stevens ADA Scotland Workshop 4 (More than meets the Eye – government proposals to change disability related benefits) Andrew Kaye - RNIB Coffee Keynote Speech – Inclusion and Access Richard Leaman – Guide Dogs Presidential summing up and Close

Promoting equality and opportunity for people affected by sight loss across Scotland