Vision Awareness Training at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Bobbie Lane
Communications Officer - RHDC
We were thrilled when East Sussex Vision Support offered to visit Rye Harbour Discovery Centre to provide vision awareness training for some staff and volunteers.
It was a really interesting day, which started with a seemingly simple exercise, getting into pairs and having a conversation with our eyes closed. It soon became apparent how many visual indicators are normally used. It was difficult to concentrate once these were removed. Being in a busy room, we also had no awareness when someone was standing next to us, unless they announced themselves. It highlighted the importance of making someone who is visually impaired aware when you arrive and leave.
We then learnt about aids that people may use and what they mean. Some canes are symbolic, to let others know that you are visually impaired. Did you know that a red and white cane means that someone has sight and hearing loss?
Steve explained how difficult it can be to navigate when there are items abandoned on paths, such as bikes, or other obstacles. It's really appreciated when visitors keep paths and doorways clear on the reserve.
We tried glasses that simulated different types of vision loss and were taught how to guide someone safely around the reserve.
The discussion turned to wildlife, and we realised that bird ID app Merlin isn’t helpful for those who are visually impaired. Volunteer Cliff emailed Merlin about it. They shared a great resource by Birdability, which offers information to birders with sight loss.
East Sussex Vision Support kindly donated a desk magnifier to the Discovery Centre, which we’re pleased has already been used by many people - such as Lauren, who gave some wonderful feedback:
"I visited Rye Harbour Nature Reserve to try out their new desk magnifier! Donated by East Sussex Vision Support, it’s an incredible piece of tech that can make birdwatching more accessible for people with a vision impairment.
From the comfort of the Discovery Centre, you can have a cuppa and see birds on the reserve using a large screen with over 20 times zoom. It didn’t just enhance my experience, it revolutionised it.
Usually, I struggle to see birds over a distance, even when they’re pointed out. This time, I was spotting birds even my sighted partner couldn’t find. I’ve never seen them in such clear detail before. I think some of the other visitors were peeking over my shoulder.
I’ve previously never been keen on magnification because my acuity (clarity of vision) isn’t affected by #CVI. However, this really changed my mind. It was so easy to use and produced clear images, even in torrential rain. We saw a Kingfisher, Little Grebe and several Sandpipers. Mallards, Cormorants and Coots were aplenty in the hides too. Thank you to the team for making Rye Harbour Nature Reserve more accessible for #Blind and #PartiallySighted people!"
The desk magnifier is available for anyone who needs it, free of charge. Email the office to book: [email protected] or call 01797 360 960.
Following the training, we now offer free places for carers and sighted guides at our events.