Sandwell Visually Impaired

Together we can make a difference.

You are here:Home/Supporting each other/Accessibility

Accessibility

Welcome to the SVI Accessibility Page

If you’re a sighted artist, creative, or workshop leader looking to begin your accessibility journey, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find info-casts recorded in situ at our SVI offices, conversations with creatives who have partnered with us, and a wealth of tips, resources, and stories to help you build confidence in inclusivity.

As most of us are volunteers, we’ll be adding to this throughout the year—so be sure to check back and see what’s new!

Be a Visually Impaired Ally on Zoom downloadable word document.

A quick guide to making your Zoom meetings accessible for visually impaired participants. Be a Visually Impaired Ally on Zoom

Be a VIP Accessibility Champion downloadable word document.

This quick guide provides practical steps for creating a more inclusive environment for visually impaired people (VIPs). It covers respectful communication, sighted guiding, accessible spaces, guide dog etiquette, empowering independence, and key dos and don’ts. Be a VIP Accessibility Champion

Info-Cast: Visually Impaired Person Etiquette – Dos & Don’ts.

This is an in-situ recording, captured in real life at the SVI offices, where Rodrigo, workshop leader of SVI Rocks, is receiving training from SVI’s Kelly Owen, SVI Development Worker Sandra Troth, Chair Tony Averis and his guide dog Amber, with Sarah-Ann Cromwell, the project manager of SVI Rocks, recording the learning session.

17 minute listen.

Info-Cast: Guide Dog Etiquette – Dos & Don’ts.

SVI Info-Cast: Guide Dog Etiquette – Dos & Don’ts. This is an in-situ recording, captured in real life at the SVI offices, where Rodrigo, workshop leader of SVI Rocks, is receiving training from Kelly Owen, SVI Chair Tony Averis and his guide dog Amber, with Sarah-Ann Cromwell, the project manager of SVI Rocks, recording the learning session.

11 minute listen.

Making Site-Specific Theatre Accessible: A Conversation with Steve Johnston, Black Country Touring.

Sarah-Ann Cromwell chats with Steve Johnston from Black Country Touring (BCT) and asks how they’ve partnered with SVI to make their site-specific theatre accessible for the visually impaired. Steve discusses The Corner Shop Project, the rich terrain of creative accessibility, educating audiences, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and BCT’s new production, Wild.

23 minute listen.

 

Sight Loss training with SVI.

In the SVI office, Kelly, Sandra Troth, and Tony Averis sit with musician Rodrigo, who wears simulation glasses as Kelly explains different types of sight loss. Tony’s guide dog, Amber, lies on the floor.
SVI trainer Kelly explains different types of sight loss to musician Rodrigo, who wears simulation glasses to experience vision impairment. Sandra Troth and Tony Averis answer his questions and Tony’s guide dog, Amber, rests on the floor.

 

Coming Soon: Downloadable guides to help make your workshops more accessible!

We are developing:

  • A Printed Resources Accessibility Guide to help you adapt workshop materials for visually impaired participants.
  • A Visually Impaired Champion Sheet covering etiquette, guide dog awareness, and tips on creating a safe, welcoming environment.

 

 

 

This accessibility page was created by volunteers Sarah-Ann Cromwell, Pam Cross, Sandra Troth, Tony Averis, Kelly Owen, and Amber the Dog. SVI would like to thank all the creatives who have taken the time to learn about and share their experiences of visually impaired accessibility.