Volunteers
Page 6
Volunteer Training Day
Stepping into the world of volunteering for the first time can be a daunting process for those who are not familiar with it. But the RNZFB's orientation day gives new volunteers all the guidance, information and skills they need in order to interact with blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people with confidence.
"Once you go through the programme, there's no way you wouldn't know how to interact with a blind person," says Robert Codre, Tauranga Community Committee member and RNZFB member.
Being vision-impaired himself, Robert found the use of the special glasses (simulated spectacles) to simulate vision impairments a valuable exercise in the training day. He says new volunteers get an understanding of what different vision impairments are like and how they affect everyone differently. Participants use the special glasses while experiencing a range of everyday activities, such as getting in and out of cars or negotiating stairs, writing cheques and pouring drinks.
The sessions also cover information about the RNZFB, its history and philosophy, common myths about vision impairment, and information about other services provided by the RNZFB. Robert says, "With a vision impairment you can't drive, so you're reliant on family and friends. It's a relief not only to the blind person, but also to their family if they have a volunteer driver."
Driving is just one of a wide range of activities that Foundation volunteers are involved with. Co-ordinators work with volunteers to match their interest areas and availability with that of the member.
Shelagh Glynan says the training day was incredibly useful to her as a puppy walker and breeding-stock guardian.
"The exercises were amazing. My admiration for blind people has grown even more," she says.
The orientation day is available not only for new volunteers, but also Community Committee members, RNZFB staff and Guide Dog Services volunteers, like Shelagh. Experienced volunteers interested in doing a refresher course can also attend.
"It was hard to get an insight into how blind people felt," Shelagh says. "The training gave me a totally new feeling about it."
The RNZFB is always looking for more volunteers. Detailed information on aspects of volunteering, including how to go about becoming a volunteer can be found by visiting the RNZFB website www.rnzfb.org.nz or by contacting your local volunteer coordinator on 0800 24 33 33.