020 8789 9575 info@clearvisionproject.org
Teacher Tim takes on the London Marathon for ClearVision
Tim Richmond from South West London will take on the challenge of the most coveted event in any runner’s calendar: the Virgin Money London Marathon. On Sunday 28th April, Tim will not only run 26.2 gruelling miles, but will also raise much-needed funds for the ClearVision Project.
Tim has chosen to run for us because as a QTVI (a teacher working with children with vision impairment) he knows the difference that a dual print and braille children’s book can make.
“Think of all the times you’ve sat down with a child and shared a book together." He says. "This is an enriching experience, and we are very fortunate to be able to do this. But what if a child or parent isn’t able to see? That’s where ClearVision can help. They improve the lives of families with someone who is blind by making and lending children's books which have both print and braille in, for reading together. I’m lucky enough to be a trustee of this life-changing charity and want to raise awareness of all they do. So I am going to run the mighty London Marathon for this great cause.”
The Department for Education states that by the time a child is five they should be able to read and understand simple sentences. Yet at 5 years old only 17% of visually impaired children know the braille alphabet and some word signs. Support from family and friends is vital, but few books in print and braille exist for purchase, and they're expensive. Since 50% of families living with vision impairment exist on a low income of under £300 a week, the fact that the ClearVision library is free for families is vital. It gives children access to the books needed to build their literacy.
On any given year, around 40,000 people participate in the London Marathon and we are delighted to have our first ever runner in Tim. The London Marathon is the largest annual one-day fundraising event in the world, and since the first race in 1981, runners have raised more than £890 million for good causes.
If you would like to support Tim and raise funds for our library, you can do so at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TimRichmond3
We'd like to thank Tim for the enormous commitment in time and effort he has already made to support ClearVision, and wish him the very best of luck.
Typhlo and Tactus Competition 2019: Could You Design a Book?
Could you create a picture book for a child who can't see pictures?
most young children, an essential part of childhood. But what if you can't see? Tactile image books like those in ClearVision's collection are the solution for blind or partially sighted children, as every picture is designed to be explored by touch. Imagine putting out your hand to a page and actually feeling the rough bricks of a wall, the hairy nose of a camel, the slimy squish of a slug! These incredible books aren't commercially produced, but made by creative people from every walk of life.
Just as conventional picture books have their prestigious competitions, such as the UK's Kate Greenaway award, tactile illustration has the Typhlo and Tactus International Tactile Book Competition to encourage tactile book creation across the globe. This year is its 20th anniversary. Judging will take place in Brussels in October 2019, with a prize of 1000 Euros for the winning entry.
The fantastic news is that the competition is open to anyone. Previous entrants have included teachers, artists, crafters, grandparents and students. The judges will be looking for books which are interesting, robust and entertaining for children up to age 12 who have little or no sight.
Each participating country can submit up to five books to the international contest. The UK shortlisting round will take place in September 2019 and is being organised by the ClearVision Project. The UK judges will include children and adults who have a visual impairment, tactile image experts and illustrator Rod Campbell, author of immensely popular children's picture books including everyone’s favourite, Dear Zoo.
The winning book will need to be very appealing to blind children under the age of 12. It should be enjoyable, entertaining, have lots of tactile interest and be robust enough to withstand enthusiastic exploration. For more information on designing and making a tactile book, please visit our Making Tactile Books webpage. Videos on making tactile books will shortly be available on YouTube, and workshops will be held across the UK.
All entries will be returned to their owners after the competition unless they wish to donate them to the ClearVision library, to be enjoyed by children with vision impairment across the UK and Ireland.lots of tactile interest and be robust enough to withstand enthusiastic exploration. For more information on designing and making a tactile book, please visit our Making Tactile Books webpage. Videos on making tactile books will shortly be available on YouTube, and workshops will be held across the UK.
You can find the full rules here, the entry form here and the website of the Typhlo and Tactus competition, with information about previous winners, at www.tactus.org. If you have questions, please contact ClearVision on info@clearvisionproject.org or 020 8789 9575.
The closing date for UK entries is Friday 16th August
ClearVision Christmas cards on sale now!
ClearVision Christmas Cards on sale now!
Our Christmas cards are a lovely way to support the library's work, and to help spread awareness about us, so that more children can receive the books they need.
We have three designs available: Barn Owls, Penguins and Santa Claus all of which you can see below. Each pack of 10 cards costs just £3 plus postage and packing dependent on the number of packs. The message inside the card reads 'Season's Greetings', with plenty of space for your own message.
To order just call us on 020 8789 9575 or email us at info@clearvisionproject.org and we will be happy to send your cards out quickly, so you can wish your friends and family a happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, New Year or any other festive occasion!
Your data, your choices
How ClearVision looks after the information you give us.
We all know that it's important to keep track of who has your personal information and what they do with it. ClearVision takes its responsibilities to make proper use of the information it holds about our borrowers, supporters, staff and volunteers. What we do with it is explained in our Privacy Statement which you can download and read here. The GDPR regulations which came into place earlier this year give you more control over what's done with your personal data, so please do contact us if you have any questions.
2017 Christmas Cards On Sale Now
If you haven't bought your Christmas Cards yet and would like to support ClearVision as you wish your friends, family and loved ones a Merry Christmas then we have a brilliant range of cards for you! Each pack of 10 cards costs just £3 plus postage and packing dependent on the number of packs. We have there designs: Barn Owls, Penguins and Santa Claus all of which you can see below. To order just call us on 020 8789 9575 or email us at info@clearvisionproject.org and we will be happy to process your order and send your cards out straight away.