Leisure

Arts and crafts

Summary: Ways of being creative, such as writing, photography or painting.

• Creative writing
• Painting
• Music
• Photography
• Drama and dance
• Pottery
• Crafts

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Creative writing

RNIB can offer many practical aids to help you write, such as writing frames, marker pens and so on. For more information visit the RNIB online shop or contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0845 702 3153 or 01733 375350.

Alternatively you could always record your thoughts on to tape rather than writing by hand.

There are many creative writing courses, groups and workshops, either aimed specifically at people with sight problems, or who are happy to help members with sight problems. For a list of creative writing contacts, please contact the RNIB Helpline by email on helpline@rnib.org.uk or 0845 766 9999 / 020 7388 2525 (some callers may find it cheaper to call a landline, so we have detailed both 08 prefixed numbers and landline equivalents where available).

Painting

Photograph by Nicola Marion

Although it can seem quite a daunting prospect, many people do carry on painting after their sight has deteriorated. Each painter tends to discover their own personal adaptations and style changes, but there are some techniques common to most people in this position.

Painting and sight loss looks at the work of Dawn Parkinson, Ian Reynolds, and Anne Roughton, and explores how people with sight problems 'see' and create their own paintings.

To order a copy of the publication, priced at £9, contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0845 702 3153 or 01733 375350.

Music

RNIB can give information and advice on ways in which you can continue to play a musical instrument, or start learning one from scratch, if you have a sight problem.

If you are unable to read print music, learning by ear is a good alternative, or you could also try using braille music.

Music for blind and partially sighted people - further information.

Photography

Many blind and partially sighted people enjoy photography as a pastime, often using specially adapted photographic equipment.

The Disabled Photographers' Society is an organisation that encourages disabled people to take up photography. They give support including technical advice on equipment, a quarterly newsletter and the chance for members to exhibit work at an annual exhibition. Telephone 01256 35 19 90 for more information.

Drama and dance

Drama or dance can be a great way of expressing yourself, meeting new friends and increasing your self-confidence.

Your local library should have details of drama and dance groups in your area.

SCENE (formerly known as The National Association of Drama for the Visually Handicapped) promote the recreational, educational and rehabilitative use of drama amongst people with sight problems.

They run a yearly summer school at Loughborough University and workshops throughout the year. Contact Diane Moss, telephone 01332 34 93 34 or email dp.moss@Btinternet.com for more information.

There are a few dance classes specifically for blind and partially sighted people, for example, Monday Moves at the Royal Opera House in London. Contact ROH Education department for more information. Email education@roh.org.uk. Most mainstream classes can also be made accessible.

Pottery

A number of local societies run pottery classes, often in conjunction with adult education.

Crafts

Photograph by Nicola Marion

The importance of group craft activity cannot be underestimated. It is the perfect way of stimulating the mind and the fingers and good groups can be both a source of creativity and a valuable chance for sociability.

Local societies do innovative craft work, from weaving and woodcarving, to glass painting and tactile ceramic tile making.

Our publication "Leisure in Focus" also gives lots of advice and suggestions on how to plan, run and partake in group craft activities.

For more information on anything listed here, or any other arts and crafts activities, please contact us:

RNIB Recreation and Lifestyles
105 Judd Street,
London WC1H 9NE
Telephone RNIB Helpline: 0845 766 9999 or 020 7388 2525
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk

Content author: helpline@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38