Volunteers
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Volunteer training
Karen Troy has been a volunteer driver for a vision-impaired RNZFB staff member in Nelson for the past year. Despite having a close relationship with Sue Thoms and her vision-impaired husband Dennis, Karen did not have a direct insight into Sue's everyday reality until she attended a vision impairment workshop at the Foundation of the Blind. The training day is compulsory for all volunteers and new staff members throughout New Zealand. A standardised training kit that includes equipment was put together in 2002, with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. It covers the history and philosophy of the Foundation, myths and facts about eye conditions, sighted guide training, equipment for hands-on experience of low vision, tips and techniques for daily living, and a review of the Foundation's services. The volunteer co-ordinators from around the country met to familiarise themselves in its use. Since then they have offered the training days to groups of up to 10 participants. The training is also part of the orientation for all new community committee members and has proved to be so popular that some existing committee members have requested a refresher day and have found it extremely useful.
"People enjoy it because it's intrinsically interesting, and it helps their understanding," says Christchurch-based volunteer co-ordinator Sue Knight.
"I would recommend anyone already volunteering who hasn't attended a day to book themselves in."
While the course is generally a one-day event, it can be tailored into modules, especially where a refresher course is being presented, for example, a review of Foundation services or sighted guide training.
"It's made me think a lot more about basic things," says Karen. "Like how I would cook or dish up dinner with a vision impairment, how I would get around safely and learning to put things back exactly where you found them!
"It was informative and there was a lot to take in. I wish I'd done it sooner and I think I'm already looking forward to a refresher."
If you are interested in attending a training day please phone toll free 0800 24 33 33 and ask to speak with your local volunteer co-ordinator.