“Vision Impaired Persons” or “VIP Hospital Kit"

Information Kit Available for People who are Blind or

have Low Vision

A hospital information kit designed specifically for people who are blind or have low vision, was launched at The Canberra Hospital by The Chief Minister on 3 September 2012.The “Vision Impaired Persons” or “VIP Hospital Kit”, contains check lists to; Help prepare and manage while in hospital

§  Advice on sighted guide techniques for families

§  Carers and hospital staff

§  Alert signs for the bedside

§  Several vision impaired sticker alerts

§  A signature guide for signing documents

§  A large black felt tipped pen and

§  Information on ACT low vision services. It is designed specifically for people who are blind or have low vision when they are admitted to hospital as well as patients in hospital who may have lost their vision or become blind during the course of their admission.

ACT Chief Minister and ACT Minister FOR Health, Katie Gallagher said that “The Kit” is also a resource for hospital staff so they can provide appropriate care to patients with these conditions. The VIP Hospital Kit has been produced by the Canberra Blind Society with financial assistance from The Australian Government Department of Human Services and has been designed consultation with people who are blind or have low vision.

The “VIP” Hospital Kit is produced in large print and audio format and can be produced in Braille upon request. It will be available in Canberra’s public and private hospitals and also at; Canberra Blind Society Room GO6, Ground Floor, Griffin Centre 20 Genge St Canberra City ACT 2600 Ph: 62474580 Email canblind@tpg.com.au