1 Read for RNIB Day

2 RNIB The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the leading UK charity offering information support advice to almost two million people with sight loss.

3 What does RNIB do for blind and partially sighted people? We stop people losing their sight unnecessarily We support blind and partially sighted people to live independently We create an inclusive society

4 True or false? 1.All blind people see nothing at all. 2.Blind people have special gifts with their other senses. 3.Eating carrots will improve your vision. 4.Sitting close to the TV will harm your eyes. 5.It is safe to look at the sun if you wear dark glasses. 6.You can wear your eyes out by using them too much. 7.All people with a visual impairment wear glasses. 8.All blind people can read braille. 9.Blind people can watch TV.

5 True or false? 1.All blind people see nothing at all. False 2.Blind people have special gifts with their other senses. False 3.Eating carrots will improve your vision. False 4.Sitting close to the TV will harm your eyes. False 5.It is safe to look at the sun if you wear dark glasses. False 6.You can wear your eyes out by using them too much. False 7.All people with a visual impairment wear glasses. False 8.All blind people can read braille. False 9.Blind people can watch TV. True

6 Definitions Can you match the correct definition to the term? When a person has moderate sight loss that cannot be corrected using glasses or contact lenses. Where the level of sight loss is so severe that activities that rely on eyesight become impossible. Blind Partially sighted

7 Definitions Can you match the correct definition to the term? When a person has moderate sight loss that cannot be corrected using glasses or contact lenses. Where the level of sight loss is so severe that activities that rely on eyesight become impossible. Blind Partially sighted

8 Read for RNIB Watch our film at readforrnib.org.uk/schools

9 The importance of reading What connects these pictures? (Below are photographs of the ingredients for a jar of sauce, instructions for how a bicycle works and a danger sign warning people to keep out of a construction site.)

10 The importance of reading What connects these pictures? You need to be able to read in all of these situations in order to avoid coming to harm or making a mistake that could harm others.

11 Louis Braille Do you know what he is famous for? His invention has benefited millions of people around the world.

12 Louis Braille Do you know what he is famous for? His invention has benefited millions of people around the world. Braille

13 Braille Braille is the alphabet and numbers, designed to be read by fingers rather than eyes. Braille is a system of raised dots that blind people can read. Braille is read by touch, using your fingers to feel the letters and symbols.

14 The braille alphabet

15 Reflection Do I know anyone with sight loss? What is their life like? What questions would you ask a person with sight loss? What about other disabilities, can you think of anyone you know who has one? What support do they need? Where have I seen support for people with disabilities in school or the local community? What else would you like to know about sight loss and RNIB?

16 Read for RNIB Help us change the story for blind and partially sighted people and open up a world of reading. Take part in Read for RNIB Day on Friday 11 October this year or on any day that suits you.

17 Registered charity number You can find more information about RNIB and sight loss on our website: readforrnib.org.uk Illustration from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland © 1999 Helen Oxenbury, courtesy of Walker Books Ltd