2. Organisation Description
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The Foundation is New Zealand's primary service provider for blind and vision-impaired people.
It is constituted under the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002 and may later become an incorporated society. A constitution has already been drawn up to provide for that possibility. The Foundation offers a range of services to more than 11,500 members. Many of the Foundation's members have additional disabilities and around 468 are deafblind. References to "blind and vision-impaired" in this document include deafblind people and those with additional disabilities.
The Foundation is a member-driven and governed organisation. Our services assist blind and vision-impaired people of all ages to:
- minimise the effects of sight loss and retain independence;
- realise their highest level of participation in daily life consistent with their expectations, abilities and desires and bring about societal change which promotes that level of participation.
We provide our members with techniques and equipment to:
- manage everyday tasks at home;
- move confidently and safely around the community;
- continue to take part in sport and leisure activities;
- find and retain employment and achieve greater independence; and
- read via text-to-speech, magnified text and braille.
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Volunteers are the dedicated force behind the Foundation. Over 2,700 people are trained to offer extra support to members. At special times like an annual appeal, volunteer numbers can swell to over 15,000.
The Foundation also offers:
- counselling and family support;
- special training and support for deafblind members;
- books and magazines in audio, braille or large print;
- information about coming events, news and sports;
- printed materials in accessible formats;
- specific services for Māori and Pacific peoples;
- access to the total mobility scheme;
- training for staff and other service providers; and
- advocacy and blindness awareness programmes.
Foundation terms
Members - The Foundation is a membership-based organisation.
1. Full (governing) members - meet the eligibility criteria to receive services (based on loss of vision) or are the parents or guardians of an eligible child. Full members take part in governing the Foundation by attending general and annual meetings, electing eight members of the Board, and being consulted on important documents such as the strategic plan.
2. Associate members - support our objectives and play a vital part in the Foundation's activities. Associate members include Foundation volunteers, donors and other supporters. Associate members elect one Board member.
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Community committees - As the local face of the Foundation, community committees operate at area or regional levels. There are 40 community committees, each with between three and 12 volunteer members who are elected annually. Committees have a wide brief including:
- organising social and recreational activities;
- helping co-ordinate and deliver talking book machines;
- helping raise the Foundation's awareness of members' needs; and
- assisting with vital fundraising activities.
Consumer organisations - The Foundation supports and networks with nine consumer organisations whose focus is to empower the lives of blind and vision-impaired people. We work with these organisations in many different ways, including advocacy, lobbying the government on policies, sharing information, and moving forward with projects of mutual benefit and concern. A Consumer Consortium is held twice yearly as a forum for fruitful discussion.