Beyond Blindness in Adelaide, South Australia | Disability service

Beyond Blindness

Locality: Adelaide, South Australia

Phone: +61 8 8367 6088

Address: 1 Cameron avenue, Gilles Plains 5086 Adelaide, SA, Australia

Website: https://beyondblindness.org.au/

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• Medical and health
• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Disability service

25.01.2022 Have you ever wanted to play golf? If you have but have just never had the opportunity, well you are in luck. Introducing the Golf Club. Come and join some like minded members and learn some tips from the pro's and have some fun. The group goes to the Par 3 Golf Course at Valley View every second Wednesday afternoon. If you would like to register your interest or would like some further information give us a call.

25.01.2022 As we continue to move through this time, how are you travelling? The ongoing changes have made it necessary for us to deal with our daily lives in a totally different way. For some the changes have been more challenging than for others depending on your own situation. If you are dealing with challenges and need to chat remember our staff members Deb (north) and Tracy (south) are available. There is also the Mental Health Support Line on 1800632753... Mindfulness is another great way to still mental activity and come into the present moment which allow the nervous system to relax. Often our thoughts can linger on incidents that have happened in the past or get caught up in worry about the future. Spending time to let it all go for a time and re-center can be very powerful and helpful in shifting our state of being. We are then often able to look at things differently and make clearer choices. Below is a link to a short 10 minute Mindfulness practice. Enjoy https://youtu.be/ZToicYcHIOU

24.01.2022 2020 has certainly thrown a spanner in the works hasn’t it? We mourn for the things we haven’t been able to do, for the restrictions placed on us and for the people who have suffered more than us but we are definitely fortunate. All of us at Beyond Blindness love what we do and what we give, we get in return tenfold. Here’s to a a new year that brings health, happiness and everything else we deserve Cheers, love and blessings to you all for 2021 (Deidre)

23.01.2022 With all this time on our hands.....let's not forget to smell the roses..it's sometimes the little things that matter........ Picture of pink rose

23.01.2022 National Volunteer Week 2020-Beyond Blindness want to give a shout out and the #WaveForVolunteers is to say thank you all those who contribute their time to helping change communities and change lives.

22.01.2022 We're launching the #BeThatPerson campaign this week and are keen to get some messaging out far and wide to the general public about social distancing and the c...hallenges for our community. You can help us by copying the below text and then sharing with your friends and work networks. The image has been described in Alt Text. Guide dogs cant read signs So if you notice someone with a white cane or a guide dog looking a little confused, please dont just grab them on the arm. Say hi and ask if they need any help. Social distancing is difficult for everyone, so consider the challenges if you cant see the markings on the floor, the new signs on the wall or the screens that have been installed. #BeThatPerson that offers to help. Were #AllInThisTogether

22.01.2022 With restrictions easing for many of us, coming out of isolation is a moment weve been counting down to for months, but theres some who want nothing more than... to stay locked up inside alone because simply put, they cant see the rest of us, and social distancing isnt an option for them. Story: Patrick Abboud See more

20.01.2022 Mindful Body Scan Below is a link to an 8 minute body scan relaxation. Mindful body scan can be a positive and powerful way to bring your attention back into a calmer place. It provides time to check in with yourself and give your mind and emotions a rest. Try finding a quiet spot for this and why not treat yourself everyday! https://youtu.be/QS2yDmWk0vs

20.01.2022 NDIS Priority Home Delivery Services - As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting NDIS participants during this time, the NDIA has worked with supermarket retailers to make sure NDIS participants wanting support to grocery shop, have priority access to home delivery services. This means, as an NDIS participant, from Monday 6 April, you can purchase grocery items online to be delivered to your home. The NDIA will send all participants a unique home delivery access code by... SMS or email. To access priority home delivery services: Complete your shopping online for home delivery with participating supermarket retailers. When prompted enter your unique priority home delivery code. Submit your order. Further information is available via the following link: https://www.ndis.gov.au/cor/priority-home-delivery-services To ensure that grocery items are provided to the most vulnerable and those isolated during this time of unprecedented demand, Coles are giving customers who fall into the below categories priority access to the online home delivery service. You may be eligible to receive access if you have been issued a unique identification or access code by the organisations below: - National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS) - My Aged Care - Redkite

20.01.2022 By now everyone should be aware that a new Direction has been issued for the state of South Australia. The Stay at Home period began at 12.01am Thursday 19 November will end on 12:01am on Wednesday 25 November 2020. All people in South Australia will be required to Stay at Home for the entire period. The exceptions are for essential workers and one person can leave their home, per day, for the purposes of obtaining essential goods or service. People may also leave their home in an emergency situation. Further information is available from Department of Human Services https://dhs.sa.gov.au/ You can still call Beyond Blindness on 8367 6088

20.01.2022 For those who are enjoying the short mindfulness exercises...below is a link to another.... https://youtu.be/6kVVrE_sCNA

20.01.2022 Good to be out and about with the Southern Social Group. Picture taken on a walk along the River at Old Noarlunga on 15th September 2020.

19.01.2022 Here is the link to a new dashboard for South Australian COVID-19 with daily updates https://www.sa.gov.au/covid-19/dashboard

18.01.2022 Trevor Frost Award 2020 The purpose of this award it to recognise the potential of a current vision impaired student in the field of music or performing arts and to assist them to further achieve that potential through the provision of a grant of $2000 to be used for additional tutoring or the purchase of a musical instrument or equipment. To be eligible for this award applicants must be an Australian citizen currently studying at a South Australian primary or secondary scho...ol Must have a vision impairment Can demonstrate outstanding musical or performing arts skills Can demonstrate how they can use the Trevor Frost Award to help achieve their potential. Full details and application form are available on our website beyondblindness.org.au Applications must be received before 25/9/2020. For further information please contact Deidre Gavros on 8367 6088 or [email protected] See more

18.01.2022 Vision Australia now have included a series of webinars with some very useful information for Blind persons. These include topics such as Getting Yourself Heard, Exercise Videos and audio description and Managing anxiety in uncertain times The next one is tomorrow 28th April on Exploring the World through touch. You can access these via the Vision Australia website www.visionaustralia.org/checkinandchat

16.01.2022 This week (May 18th -24th) it is National Volunteers Week! At Beyond Blindness, were always celebrating the work of volunteers, but National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to reflect on the valuable contribution volunteers make to our community. We acknowledge the important contribution of all volunteers and particularly thank those who work with Beyond Blindness to help us support individuals and community organisations alike. Without you, none of the work we do would be possible! On behalf of our Board, our members, and our staff we say thank you for your unwavering support and generosity.

16.01.2022 Happy Australia Day everyone. Today is a day to remember, respect, learn and embrace living in this wonderful, culturally diverse country of ours. I hope today is celebrated with family and friends with BBQ’s, stories and maybe a beer or two.

16.01.2022 Our recently upgraded Technology Room now includes new Braille equipment with Members and Volunteers assisting each other to use the equipment through our Tech Corner program. Image description: Our Volunteer assisting a member at our Marney Pearce Technology Lounge.

16.01.2022 There's no sound more glorious than children singing. Listen or watch multi-platinum selling recording artist Andy Grammer singing "Don't Give Up On Me" with a school choir. This song is beautiful, touching and appropriate in the crazy world we are all currently living in. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face and touch your heart strings. Enjoy

15.01.2022 Getting ready for National Volunteers Week next week......

15.01.2022 Had a lovely day out at Myponga Reservoir on 18th February. Was good to note the water levels!

14.01.2022 Happy new year everyone and welcome to 2021. We are officially back from Christmas holidays with some staff back in the office today. We are trying to catch up and respond to all the emails and messages that we have received over the past couple of weeks and believe me, there are lots of them. Please be patient whilst we get back into the swing of things. FYI the Gilles Plains activity program for Term 1, commences next Monday 18th January and goes through to Friday 9th April. If you would like a copy please contact the office on 8367 6088. For information on activities and programs in the southern area, please contact Tracy Reed on 8556 6228.

14.01.2022 A song to brighten your day from True Colors - Camden Voices (self-isolation/virtual choir cover) From the group..... In a time of physical isolation, we believe more than ever in creating new ways to stay in touch and keep doing the things we love. So, with that in mind, here is our first ever virtual performance of the gorgeous True Colours, recorded straight from our own homes. We hope it brings some happiness and calm in these crazy times ... This video shows what can happen when we work together, and how we can overcome obstacles with technology and our imagination. It is 28 individual videos, submitted from all over the world, combined into one- a truly international collaboration that shows the power of music in our lives. Just click below https://youtu.be/lqWQCWc_zCc

13.01.2022 September 10th is R U OK? Day 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. R U OK? assists Australians to know what to say when someone says theyre not OK and guide them through how they can continue a conversation that could change a life. You dont have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says theyre ...not OK. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before theyre in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life. Learn what to say after R U OK? and download FREE resources for tips and ideas to help you share the message in your community. Learn more from the website https://www.ruok.org.au https://youtu.be/erHLP29tzPE

13.01.2022 There's no way our buses won't be noticed now when they are being driven around town by our wonderful volunteers. They have been wrapped with our new logo and they look amazing. Big shout out to Rod from Big Yellow Rocket for the fantastic work #BeyondBlindness #BigYellowRocket

12.01.2022 Today's forecast is a very hot and gusty 36 degrees with showers and storms developing later. It's a timely reminder to everyone that as per our Extreme Hot Weather Policy, programmed activities may be affected if the 6pm news forecasts the following day's temperature to be 38 degrees Celcius and over. If the forecast is 40 degrees Celcius and over, all member services will be cancelled.

11.01.2022 Getting back into the swing of it at the Golf Club

10.01.2022 Australian #actor, Hollywood director and filmmaker Joel Edgerton is one of The Foundations long time ambassadors who enjoys a close relationship with our frie...nd Dr Sanduk Ruit. And he'll be featured in a 2-part series on ABC Australian Story on Mondays 10 and 17 August. In January, Joel travelled to see our work at an eye camp in Manthali, #Nepal, and the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, which will feature in part 2 on Monday 17 August and be available after airing on ABC TV + iview and at https://www.abc.net.au/austory/

10.01.2022 Maintaining social distancing can be particularly difficult for people who are blind or vision impaired, including those who have a guide dog to help them navigate daily activities safely and independently. This is an important reminder for us all to be respectful and understanding, and to look after those in our community who may be more vulnerable during this challenging time. (Source Vision 2020 Australia)

08.01.2022 Following advice from SA Health in relation to COVID-19, Beyond Blindness will be ceasing all face to face contact and activities for the next 2 weeks. This means that the office and social centre will be closed and all staff will be working from home until 1st December 2020. Please note that during this time the phones will still be manned for any other business or queries. This will apply to Beyond Blindness services and activities the southern region also. Let's all do this together so we can enjoy Christmas with our family and friends. Stay safe everyone.

08.01.2022 Great day out was had at St Francis Winery yesterday to begin the Christmas Festivities. Lots of delicious food and friendship. A big thanks to the wonderful Beyond Blindness Choir and band who were truly a treat, making the day even more festive. Thanks to all staff/volunteers and support workers...

08.01.2022 Don't forget our Hot Weather Policy comes in to affect if the forecast temperature is going to be 36 degrees or above as forecast by the Adelaide Bureau of Meteorology and advised on the 6pm television news on the day prior to activities. We are unable to contact members and volunteers individually so please be aware of the weather forecast during the summer months.

07.01.2022 Please find below a link to a great interview with Member Services Officer Deb Beeby on RPH Radio last evening. https://varadio.podbean.com/e/focal-point-15-apr-2020/

07.01.2022 Bringing the Town Hall to you For those who enjoy music...... To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the installation of the Adelaide Town Halls grand J.W. Walker & Sons organ, a Virtual Organ Concert Series has been conducted, featuring a stellar line-up of South Australian organists including Gina Dutschke, Graham Bell, Josh van Konkelenberg, Claire Baker and many more.... From June 2020, we will release a new fortnightly virtual concert for you to enjoy in the comfort of home. Below is the link to the first concert. To access the content, please visit the Adelaide Town Hall website. https://youtu.be/vinI02-6VXU

07.01.2022 Hello Everyone Staying in touch with technology Please find below a link to a YouTube from Vision Australia It is very informative on different avenues for connecting via technology...most important in these current times......... https://youtu.be/KaHUL4eR2-Y

06.01.2022 Library Audio Books For anyone looking to access audio books from their local library, did you know about the Libby app for your phone or desktop? You will need your library card number and password to login. Once in you can go to explore/whats available/available audio books. You can then choose from an endless selection and listen on your device. There is the facility to pause and bookmark for next time. I hope this is useful. Your local library may be able to give you a hand also.

05.01.2022 RPH Radio recording 16th September. https://mcdn.podbean.com//16_Sep_2020_-FOCAL_POINT_45min_5

04.01.2022 .COVID-19 - Update on Beyond Blindness Services With the increase in number of local cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the safety and wellbeing of our members, their families, our staff and volunteers is our number one priority at Beyond Blindness. Beyond Blindness has activated early-stage pandemic response plans as a precautionary measure. This has led to the following decisions by the Beyond Blindness Board of Management: All group activities both internal and external,... will be suspended immediately until further notice (this applies to activities centred around the Gilles Plains site as well as groups organised and located in the southern area by Tracy Reed): Social Centre activities (craft, walking group, Tech Corner) South east Conversation Corner and social groups South east bus trips Wednesday night bowls Travel Club Country Music Pub lunches ILC Peer Group This will also include any external groups using the Beyond Blindness facility Staff will be contacting members who are directly receiving any social support services Other services such as SPWF benefits will go on as usual for example Adaptive Technology subsidies Interest Free Personal Loans Home Maintenance subsidies Oaks Liberty apartment bookings Power & Phone subsidy Small Job requests will be assessed on a case by case basis We are complying with all government advice to help reduce the spread of this virus. As part of our support to all our members and volunteers if you need assistance please contact us on 08 8367 6088. The Beyond Blindness office will be staffed and we are actively working towards offering alternatives using technology e.g telephone and social media. The Australian Government Department of Health www.health.gov.au provides general information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and you can also phone the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. This service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450. Some tips to prevent infection: -Wash hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 -seconds as often as you can! -Keep 1.5m away from others -Sanitise, if you have supplies -Stay away from gatherings if you can We will communicate with you regularly to keep you updated.

04.01.2022 It was a rainy, miserable day but that didn't stop members and volunteers having a great time at the West Beach Mini Golf course. Steve even managed to get a hole in one...awesome!

04.01.2022 Anzac Day Commemorations Adelaide's ANZAC Day traditions are adapting with a little help from community spirit and technology. Adelaide City Council have put together a whole range of relevant activities including: Light a candle - You're invited to stand in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room at 6am to remember all those who have served and sacrificed... For further information please follow the link below... https://explore.cityofadelaide.com.au//anzac-day-at-home-/

04.01.2022 SA Volunteer Awards Below is a video from the recent SA Volunteers Day awards featuring an uplifting vocal performance from two students from Brighton High at the end. https://youtu.be/C-OcZZiD6pE

04.01.2022 Don’t forget daylight savings starts this weekend so put your clocks forward 1 hour when you go to bed Saturday night. Have a great long weekend everyone

03.01.2022 Short Mindful Breathing relaxation Spending a short time in the day to stop and relax can make all the difference. Just 5 minutes can reset your day in a positive way. Feel more settled and calm by spending a few minutes focused on your breathing.... Below is a link to a short mindful breathing relaxation. Can be good with earphones. Enjoy and let us know what you thought...... https://youtu.be/nmFUDkj1Aq0

03.01.2022 A Little Ray of Sunshine. Local Boys Glenn Shorrock and Brian Cadd. https://youtu.be/PjRwzo5cn6w

02.01.2022 We might all have to spend our days at home but linking into nature can be so important for our well being. Below is little piece of nature for your lounge room Enjoy https://youtu.be/RjTPKlKPM3Y?t=193

02.01.2022 A big thank you to the Beyond Blindness team for the staff training day yesterday, learning new skills to keep in touch with our Members during the Coronavirus.

02.01.2022 To kick off World Sight Day 2020, we're excited to be able to share this special message of support from Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) congratulating Vi...sion 2020 Australia and our members on #20YearsOfVision! The Prime Minister acknowledges the incredible, life-changing work of the sector over last 20 years, and encourages all Australians to get regular eye checks. Thanks for your support ScoMo! #WorldSightDayAU Video description: Prime Minister Scott Morrison standing outside on a sunny day with trees and plants behind him, delivering a message directly to camera.

02.01.2022 In all this change we can look to music to calm the mind. Below is a link to some classical music to enjoy.....

01.01.2022 Merry Christmas to one and all. We hope your bellies and hearts are full of Christmas cheer