SUSAN KRAMER PRAISES SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH SIGHT AND HEARING PROBLEMS

11.55.00am GMT Thu 14th Feb 2008

Susan Kramer MP recently visited the Richmond Resource Centre which is jointly run by the Richmond Association for the Blind along with Richmond Borough Council.

The centre provides information about the type of equipment that can help those with visual or hearing problems and the types of support available.

Susan Kramer MP commented:

"This resource room provides a valuable service in making people aware of the type of equipment that is available to help those with visual impairments or who have hearing problems cope with day to day activities."

"Nationally there has been a drop-off in the number of people being certified partially-sighted or blind, in part because consultants seem to be less aware of the advantages of certification."

"This means that there is undercounting of the amount of people with vision problems. Being properly certified means that people can receive the correct benefits for their disability."

"It is also important that people are aware that as they age they may fall into the category of the visually impaired."

"I welcome the work of the centre and the advice, information and support they give."