Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan’s) is targeting existing supporters with an urgent appeal for more funds to help provide blind ex-servicemen and women with IT equipment and training.
The national has experienced a surge in demand for sophisticated technologies that enable blind ex-service personnel to regain control of their lives, such as software for dictating letters and emails. With the list currently hundreds-strong, people are waiting around six months to receive these vital tools.
A direct mail campaign, devised by agency TDA, highlights that many ex-Service personnel’s lives are ‘on hold’ due to the shortage of funds. A letter from Corporal Glen Edwards thanks donors for previous support and explains how IT has helped him personally keep in touch with comrades and seek employment since losing his sight, most of his hearing and his left hand.
Senior DM Officer at Blind Veterans UK Sally Sheehy said: “We have been able to help many blind ex-service people make a huge, positive difference to their day-to-day lives thanks to new technologies. But the equipment is expensive and most people need extensive one-to-one training – sometimes over a prolonged period – to ensure they get the most out of the investment.
“At the moment, we have hundreds of people waiting for these important lifelines that can enable veterans to regain their independence, dignity and employment.”
TDA account director Andrea Lee added: “This campaign shows how veterans’ lives can be improved immeasurably with technology that helps them complete daily tasks that we take for granted. But it also spotlights the agonising wait for those who have not yet received the tools and training that they need.”
