Vision support services for adults

Vision Support Services or VSS is a Department within Guide Dogs Operations Directorate and is responsible for managing service contracts with external agencies, primarily local authorities. These contracts cover services for both children and young people and adults who are blind or partially sighted.

Contracts for adult services

The contracts for adults cover a wider spectrum of services for those people over 18. These services are grouped under the headings of orientation and mobility skills, independent living skills and communication skills, along with information and advice on a wide range of topics and agencies - from financial and other benefits to education and training, and from the RNIB to local authority social care departments.

Orientation and mobility covers training to equip people to get about independently and safely, both inside and outside the home. This includes following a sighted guide, working out where the person is in relation to their surroundings, learning to make the best use of remaining sight and other senses, learning how to use a cane and / or electronic aid, learning routes and using public transport.

Independent living skills covers training to undertake a range of kitchen, household and other daily tasks, such as the effective use of lighting and colour contrast, marking and labelling, organising and storing, food preparation and cooking, washing and ironing, cleaning and vacuuming, and personal grooming.

Communication skills covers training in reading and writing skills, including using low vision aids, use of computers and CCTVs, continuing to write by hand, and learning Braille or Moon.

For further information on contracts covering adults, please contact

Tony Cook on 07748 703 319 or tony.cook@guidedogs.org.uk