About the Foundation
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) has given services to people who are blind, deafblind or vision-impaired for nearly 120 years. This means we have a wealth of experience and resources that are there for you to use. You can access as many or as few of our services as you need – it's your choice.
As well as Foundation staff and offices, there are a number of other support and information networks across the country, including volunteers and Community Committees.
The Foundation is governed by its own Act of Parliament: the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002. Bennetts Government Bookshops have print copies of the Act, and the Foundation's Library has cassette, braille and electronic text copies.
Becoming a Foundation member
You may already be a member of the Foundation. If so, you can skip to page 6 for information on the kind of services you might need from us.
The Foundation provides services to people who have a significant sight limitation. That might be total loss or partial loss of sight.
For your registration to be accepted, you will need to meet certain criteria relating to acuity and field of vision. You are eligible for Foundation
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services when your sight does not exceed 6/24 in the better eye with corrective lenses, or when there are serious limitations in the field of vision generally not greater than 20 degrees in the widest diameter.
If your sight means you're eligible to get our services, you need to register with us.
In the Application for Registration form, there is a section that an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) or optometrist will need to complete to confirm your vision loss.
Once you are a member, you will have access to Foundation services and will also be able to vote for the Board of Directors. We are the Foundation of the Blind, so you are also encouraged to get involved in helping us set our priorities, for example by commenting on our various discussion papers and plans.
These same opportunities are extended to the custodial guardians of members who are under the age of 16.
With the exception of some specialist equipment, services are provided at no charge to members.
Anyone can contact us to get a registration package, which includes an application form. Just phone 0800 24 33 33. When you call, choose option 1 for General Enquiries and we will send you the information you need. We can also handle any other questions you may have.
Working out the right services for you
When you have sent in the registration form, a Needs Assessor will check your eligibility for registration and contact you by letter or telephone. If you are registered, the Needs Assessor will come and visit you. The visit typically takes place at your home but it may be somewhere else like your workplace. During the visit, we will discuss the difficulties you are
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experiencing as a result of your sight loss. We will also discuss the choices you have and work out which services you want. All members are also encouraged to have their needs reassessed if their circumstances change.
Our instructors' role is to help you learn new ways of doing everyday activities. These trained professionals will work with you in your home to develop a programme that makes sure you can stay as independent as possible.