1. Paris 15 September 2012

2. NCBI Denis Daly Stuart Lawler

3. National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) Not for Profit part-funded State sponsored organisation Caters to over 14000 vision impaired individuals Services include: Community Resource Workers Rehabilitative Training Mobility Training Employment Advice Counselling Technology

4. The VIE project and NCBI Why? NCBI did not have dedicated business advisors in the area of self employment Limited experience in working with VI entrepreneurs Employment services recognised a need to cater for these individuals Found a relatively low number of VI entrepreneurs in Ireland

5. The VIE project and NCBI Why? NCBI embraced this project as it was a step by step toolkit in starting a business Initial interview and needs assessment Identifying training and specialist advice Business planning support Accessing grants, loans and awards Identifying financial support whilst in business

6. Benefits of VIE Project Toolkit invaluable in assisting new clients Support from European partners Engaging with service users at a very practical level Awareness of and inside practical knowledge of the workings of mainstream services

7. Types of businesses Christine Online teaching Gerry Mediation Pat Leather carving and wood turning Melanie Reikki and massage therapy Stevie Dance and drama Lorraine Executive Events Marian Disability Awareness Training Richard Web designer Roisin Celebrant RETENTION: Colm Car registration/ radiator repairs Hugh Software sales PaulIndependent Sound Engineer TomArchitect

8. Christine www.virtualenglish.eu.com Background: I have had a visual impairment since 2002 and live with permanent optic nerve damage. I have worked as an English Language teacher since 2003 and have been able to adapt my teaching and work with partial sight loss with NCBI’s assistance.

9. Why? -Difficulties in mainstream employment -Health and safety issues in the past -Accessibility issues -Make more money

10. What is Virtual English An online service provider for English Language Lessons by means of a virtual interactive classroom. Products such as General English, Business English, Exam Preparation Lessons are provided via the internet so that the client can receive instruction through distance learning.

13. VIE and NCBI Initial assessment met with Action for blind people. Made aware of different mainstream services Met with business advisors Have direction

14. Vision for the future Open learning platform for all including low income and people with disabilities European wide service Increase the profile of VI entrepreneurs Assist others set up Think tank

15. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FUNDED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION UNDER THE LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME. THIS COMMUNICATION REFLECTS THE VIEWS ONLY OF THE AUTHOR, AND THE COMMISSION CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY USE WHICH MAY BE MADE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN