Images from Left: KAB Ten-Pin bowling members and volunteers, smiling with arms linked; Centre: Ina (Comms Officer) and our volunteer Josh, cycling on a tandem bike on a racing track; Right: A Social Eyes gathering at the Quaker Centre, a large group of our members are sitting around long tables enjoying a chat and a light lunch.

Living with Sight Loss Workshop

Wednesday 4th October, 10:00am - 12.00pm
For people who have low vision, visually impaired or blind and their families and carers who want to understand how better support a family members of patient with low or no vision.

In this workshop we will touch on:

Understanding the emotional impact of living with sight loss
Support services available
Benefits and concessions
Tips and tricks to adapt to everyday living
Getting out and about
Adapted technology
Hobbies and employment
Staying active

At the Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston KT1 2PT.
Free, but places are limited, advanced booking is essential. Email: Kab@kingstonassociationforblidn.org or phone: 0208 605 0060, Office mobile 07442 394472.

Social Eyes, with guest speakers from HealthWatch Kingston

Tuesday 17th October, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
We are looking forward to welcoming Healthwatch Kingston to our Social Eyes session on Tuesday 17th October, when they will be discussing the digitalisation of NHS health care and how it might impact those who do not use a computer or smart phone to access the internet or Apps.

They will also be speaking about the barriers that KAB members may face regarding health; including with GP Surgeries, dentists and hospitals. This relates to all aspects from booking an appointment, prescriptions to health records. And for those who do use Magnification, Voice Over or JAWS, improvements that could be made.

Social Eyes is fortnightly on Tuesdays, 1:00pm — 3:00pm, at the Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT. Enjoy a light lunch and socialise with other KAB members. Call the office to book your place at the Quaker Centre.

WAF, Croydon Vision

Tuesday 17th October, 6:00pm
The next WAF meeting will be all about independent living and cooking with Shalini. Don't forget to book your place. For more details and for registration, phone 0208 605 0060 or our office mobile 07442 394472. Or email kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org. Held at Croydon Vision, Bedford Hall, 72 – 74 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AR.

October Beginners Tech Session, Apple Store: Accessibility Features for Vision Loss

Thursday 19th October, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Our next Tech session will be held at the Apple Store in the Bentall Centre, and will be open to 6 participants. Discover how those with vision loss can learn different ways to interact with Mac and iOS. We'll explore assistive technologies like Zoom, Text to Speech and Magnifier, and practise using Dictation to turn spoken words into text. Bring your device or we'll provide one.

For sessions with amplified sound, hearing loop technology is available on request.

Note that places are limited so please book yours as soon as possible by calling KAB on 0208 605 0060 or our Mobile 07442 394472. Or email kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org. At the Apple Store, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Wood St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1TP.

Visit Sight Village 2023

Tuesday 7th November
An exciting time of the year has come; Sight Village is happening on Tuesday the 7th November 2023. And it promises to bring as many interesting novelties as ever!

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. The events offer everyone the opportunity to see leading providers of products and services under one roof.

With over 40 exhibitors it is a great day out for anyone who is living with sight loss, friends, colleagues and family members. You can discover audio and braille equipment and services, CCTVs/Magnification, Mobile Technology, New Wearables, Daily Living Equipment, Leisure Services and more...

KAB would like to invite its wonderful members, carers and volunteers to join us at this marvellous event. In order for that to happen we will arrange a mini bus to take us from the Kingston Quaker Centre to South Kensington Hall, where the event is taking place, and then returning to the Kingston Quaker Centre after, travel cost is £5. Help of volunteers is indispensable as we need to ensure member’s safety at all times.

Please note that places are limited so book yours as soon as possible. Travel £5. You can do so by calling KAB on 0208 605 0060 or our office mobile 07442 394472. Or email kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org.

Regular Activities Calender

Football Club

Autumn term: Saturdays September 30th, October 7th, 14th. 10:45am – 11:45am
Two football sessions run at the same time for Blind and Visually Impaired Juniors (5-16 years old) and Adults (16+). Both sessions are open to all levels, for male and females.

Sessions take place in a huge indoor bubble using audio balls and are supported by a team of coaches and volunteers.To book visit: tinyurl.com/Football-VI. If the website is inaccessible please call or email our office. Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, KT3 6PT.

Beginners and Improvers swimming lessons

Sessions bookable by arrangement
For beginners, or those who would like to improve. The swimming sessions are on a one to one basis with our instructor Emily, dates and times are by arrangement. If you are interested please contact the office on 07442 394472 to pre-book and discuss any needs you may have. New Malden Leisure Centre, Training Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA.

Tandem and Adapted Cycling

Mondays, except for Bank Holidays. Please note new time just announced - 1:00pm - 1:45pm
October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th
Sessions are weather dependent. Weir Archer Athletics Centre, Jack Goodchild Way, 422a Kingston Road, KT1 3PB.

Bowls

Thursdays fortnightly, October 5th and 19th. 10:00am - 12:00pm
£5 per session. Food and Drink is available to purchase at the Club after the session. Held at the King George Field Indoor Bowls Club, Jubilee Way, Chessington, KT9 1TR.

Swimming Session for Accomplished Swimmers

Thursdays, September 28th, October 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th. 7:00pm — 8:00pm
Sessions are in association with Spartans Swimming Club and need to be prebooked. All members new to the session need to fill out a form signed by their GP, please phone or email for further details. Sessions are £2. At New Malden Leisure Centre, Main Pool, New Malden, KT3 4TA.

Ten-pin Bowling

Mondays twice a month, 11:00am - 1:00pm
October 2nd and 16th
November 6th and 20th
December 4th and 18th
Hollywood Bowl, Charrington Bowl, Kingston Rd, Surbiton KT5 9PB.

Social Eyes

Tuesdays fortnightly, October 3rd, 17th, 31st. 1:00pm – 3:00pm
We offer lunch plus a chair-based exercise session for those who would like to participate.
Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT.

Lunch Club

Friday September 29th. 12:30am – 3:00pm
Enjoy a light lunch and take the opportunity to socialise with other members. Call the office to book your place.
Kingston Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, KT1 2PT.

KAB Concession Policy

In recognition of the high cost-of-living currently experienced by many members of the Kingston Association for the Blind, the Board of Trustees of KAB has instituted a concessions policy. Members of KAB who are in financial distress can apply for a concession which will exempt them from paying the £5 fee normally paid at all KAB activities.

For more details phone 0208 605 0060 or 07442 394 472. Or email kab@kingstonassociationforblind.org

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