Sponsored by
Software rule keeps Peter out of voluntary work
A BLIND Seaford resident who is keen to take part in voluntary work has told of his frustration at not being provided with the appropriate computer software to support him.
Peter Norman, of St John's Road, has been out of work and in receipt of benefits since 1980, but is keen to help in the voluntary sector in an office role.
But the 56-year-old has hit a barrier after being told that any organisation that he joined would not receive funding for JAWS software which converts screen text into audio format.Mr Norman, who has written to Seaford MP Norman Baker and blind organisations about his plight, said, "I find the position I am in extremely stressful and most intolerable, because central government is continually pressing people like myself to get back into the work place and without this software it is near impossible to do so."
He has been told by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) that there is no current funding for this but he added, "It's wrong and it's been wrong for a long time.
"There are people that are supposed to help you and they can't."
A letter from the RNIB said, "At present, the government's Access to Work scheme meets the costs of any access technology or support required to assist a blind or partially sighted person in paid employment. Unfortunately, however, the scheme does not provide the same support for people in a voluntary role or on work placements."
It added that some local societies supporting the blind run loan schemes where people can borrow access technology but this was limited due to the significant costs.
It added, "For anyone seeking such support, it is recommended that they contact their local society to establish whether any such scheme is available locally. If no such scheme is available it is recommended that people approach local grant making charities to enquire whether a grant for access technology may be considered.
"In the longer term, RNIB is continuing to lobby the Department for Work and Pensions to extend the provision of Access to Work to cover voluntary workers."
Mr Baker wrote to MP Anne McGuire, minister for disabled people, on Mr Norman's behalf.
In her response she mirrored what the RNIB had said and added, "Jobcentre Plus recognises that volunteering can play a valuable role in helping some disabled people prepare for work.
"However, the Access to Work programme is designed to help and support disabled people in, or entering, paid employment. We would have to consider very carefully all the implications of extending the programme to support people who are in voluntary work, and at this stage, we have no plans to do so."
Mr Norman has also been dealt a fresh blow after learning that the charity Homecall, which offers a home visiting scheme to help the substantially visually impaired maintain their independence, is closing in September because of lack of funding.
Liz Wilkinson, director and coordinator of Homecall for the Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven area, confirmed the closure in September but said it would be continuing in the Bexhill area.
She said the organisation initially continued after funding was withdrawn but added, "We did reasonably OK for a couple of years and managed to carry on but recently after that it just got so difficult applying for grants and lottery funding.
"I do not blame anybody but it is a dreadful shame and utterly gutting that this had happened. We were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and we know how good our service is.
"As for Peter, he is capable of giving something back and it's a shame he can't get that."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: West
