New tactile signs will be helpful to the visually impaired

How would you cope with doing the day-to-day chores with little or no eyesight? For most of us who are fortunate to have normal eyesight, it is hard to imagine not being able to find something you’ve dropped on the floor. Or even see the features of a loved one.

Deniece Furber, president of Quesnel Visually Impaired Society, said the purpose of their support group is to help solve problems that arise. “It is much more difficult for someone who has suddenly lost their sight.” Furber has been legally blind since birth. With the help of her husband, Fred, she can do many things at a slower pace.

When it comes to such things as sweeping the floor, she takes off her shoes and goes barefoot so she can feel where she may have missed. QVIS has tactile washroom signs available for $64.12 per set. They have been installed at the Seniors’ Centre, the Wee Chippee Restaurant and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 94. Denny’s Restaurant had these signs installed when it was built and this gave the support group the idea.

Their regular meeting takes place the second Monday of every month at the Seniors’ Centre, 461 Carson Avenue, at 12:30 p.m. They also meet the fourth Monday of the month for a social get-together at 1:30 p.m. when they bowl with a special bowling table, do crafts, or just visit. Membership is $10 a year. Their annual fundraising drive is through craft and bake sales in November. Currently, they are down to 12 or 13 members.

Sighted people are needed to help them and to come up with fresh ideas. Each year, they donate $200 to our local public library toward talking books. Those who are legally blind benefit by registering with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for things such as a free special CD player to play talking books.

There is a discount on the city transit bus and Greyhound Canada allows two to travel for the price of one. Speaking of books on tapes, our local library has a large variety of tapes to choose from. If you can assist the local visually impaired support group in any way or for more information, call Furber at 992-5078.