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External links to other relevant websites
The links on this page are divided into broad categories of those relevant to blind, deaf and deafblind people, plus a category for disability organisations. Within each category they are in alphabetical order.
Websites relevant to blind and visually impaired people
Action for Blind People
http://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/
Information on living with sight loss, and details of Action for Blind People’s services
Big Print Newspaper
National weekly newspaper in large print covering national and international news
Big TV Guide
British Computer Association of the Blind
Promoting the needs and interests of people with sight problems who either work in the computing field or have an active interest in computing
British Wireless for the Blind Fund
Since 1929 over half a million radios have been supplied to blind listeners.
Calibre
http://www.calibre.org.uk/index.php
Free cassette library for blind and print-disabled people
Cats Eyes
http://www.geocities.com/catseyeswebsite/
Providing support and information for families affected by childhood cataracts
College of Optometrists
http://www.college-optometrists.org/
The professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK, working exclusively for the public benefit.
COTIS
Self-help grouping of tape-recording services and cassette libraries
Doncaster and District Association for the Blind
Promoting the welfare of blind people living in Doncaster
European Association for the Study of Diabetic Eye Complications (EASDEC)
http://medweb.bham.ac.uk/easdec/index.html
Health professionals caring for patients with diabetic eye disease.
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Breeding and training guide dogs, training blind and partially sighted people to use guide dogs
Henshaws Society for Blind People
Leading-edge charity providing care and support for people of all ages who are blind and partially sighted across northern England and North Wales
International Glaucoma Association
http://www.iga.org.uk/servlet/dycon/iga/iga/live/en/uk/Home/
Offers patients and health-care professionals interested in preventing blindness from glaucoma, a forum for the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to campaign for greater Government recognition of the problem.
Joint Committee on Mobility of Blind and Partially Sighted People (JCMBPS)
http://www.rnib.org.uk/jmu/welcome.htm
Considers how best to improve the built environment to enable blind and deafblind people to move around independently, safely and without restriction as pedestrians outdoors and as users of public buildings, and all modes of transport
Keighley and District Association for the Blind
http://www.kab.legend.yorks.com/
Working on behalf of people in Keighley, Bingley, Skipton, Cross Hills, Silsden, Barnoldswick and the surrounding areas for over 90 years
Macs (Micro- and Anophthalmic Children's Society)
Offering professional support service for families with children born with one or more of the microphthalmia range of eye anomalies
Marfan Association UK
Information and support about Marfan syndrome
National Blind Children's Society
http://www.nbcs.org.uk/index.html
Information and support for parents of blind and partially sighted children and young people.
National Centre for Tactile Diagrams
Provides tactile materials for students in further and higher education for study, work or leisure purposes
National Library for the Blind
Free library service for blind and partially sighted readers who want books in accessible formats
Nystagmus Network
Self-help group for all those affected by the eye condition nystagmus
Opsis
Association of seven major independent national charities working together to provide services for people who are blind or partially sighted
Optometry Today
Professional journal, read by optometrists and dispensing opticians.
RNIB/GDBA JMU Access Partnership
Bringing about improvements in the built environment to enable blind, deafblind and partially sighted people to move around safely, independently and without undue restriction
Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Promoting education and training, and setting the standards for professional practice.
Royal National College for the Blind
For people who are blind or partially sighted, located on a large residential campus where students prepare for a wide range of nationally recognised academic and vocational qualifications
Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
A national charity offering information, support and advice to all people with sight problems. They fight for equal rights for people with sight problems and they fund research into preventing and treating eye disease.
Specs
http://www.eyeconditions.org.uk/
Not-for-profit organisation providing support to a wide range of organisations dedicated to helping people with eye conditions
Talking Newspaper Association of the UK
The Talking Newspaper Association UK is the leading provider of national newspapers and magazines in alternative formats for the blind and other print-disabled people. Through its National Talking Newspapers and Magazines service the Association provides a varied selection of over 230 titles on audio CD or tape, and approximately 80 in PC-compatible digital format.
Torch Trust for the Blind
http://members.aol.com/torchnch/index.htm
Publishes Christian material in braille, large print, on tape and in moon in many languages
UK Audio Network
Streamed audio, offering links to other audio content freely available on the web
Visound
National registered charity which provides public service information in audio to anyone who requests it
Visually Impaired Social Club (VISC)
A social group for anyone who is visually impaired or normally sighted and who lives in or around Leeds in West Yorkshire. The group normally meets at least twice per month and organises a wide range of activities and outings throughout the year.
The York Blind and Partially Sighted Society
http://www.doherty71.freeserve.co.uk/yorkblind.htm
Assisting blind and partially sighted people living in or visiting the city of York
Websites relevant to deaf and hard-of-hearing people
Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI)
The professional organisation of interpreters in England, Wales and N Ireland. Information for interpreters and those who use their services.
Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults
ATLA is the professional association for teachers of lipreading to adults who have become deaf or hard of hearing. Comprehensive website explaining what ATLA is. List of teacher training courses and teachers, publications and useful educational jargon, educational resources and links section.
Breakthrough Trust
http://www.breakthrough-dhi.org.uk/
Charity promoting deaf and hearing integration
British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (BATOD)
BATOD is the only association representing the interests of teachers of children and young people with a hearing loss in the United Kingdom. Mostly specific to teachers, the website contains good resources and advice, including worksheets and lesson plans. Plenty of research information on education issues.
British Deaf Association
http://www.britishdeafassociation.org.uk/
The British Deaf Association (BDA) promotes equal rights for Deaf people using sign language through fundraising and services. The website is split into information on the organisation and information on deafness. The organisation information has clearly defined aims and objectives, an overview of the BDA and a breakdown of how it works. The website also gives clear general information on deafness and sign language.
British Deaf KnowledgeBase
http://www.microboo.demon.co.uk/
A database-style website, covering most aspects of deafness. Comprehensive lists of links, education and employment opportunities, events, social and travel information and contact details for relevant organisations and individuals.
British Deaf Sports Council
http://www.britishdeafsportscouncil.org.uk/
Latest events in the Deaf sporting community in the UK.
British Sign Language.com
http://www.BritishSignLanguage.com/
Website with animated basic signs
Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP)
CACDP aims to promote communication between deaf, hard-of-hearing, deafblind and hearing people by offering high quality nationally recognised assessments and accreditation in British Sign Language (BSL)and other forms of communication used by deaf people. This website offers comprehensive information on BSL qualifications and courses. There is also a useful section detailing different communication methods with deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Deafax
Deaf people and ICT
Deaf Broadcasting Council
The DBC monitors access to TV and video for deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing people. The website outlines what the DBC has achieved, its aims and future projects.
Deaf Club UK
A deaf-related search engine, covering aspects and topics such as deaf jobs, chat rooms, equipment databases and access to the arts.
Deaf Education through Listening and Talking (DELTA)
http://www.deafeducation.org.uk/
DELTA is a voluntary association of young deaf adults, the families and teachers of deaf children. DELTA is a national charity which supports and develops the Natural Aural Approach to the education of deaf children.
Deaf Essential
http://www.deafessential.co.uk/
Deaf Essential helps to improve access for the Deaf community by providing CACDP- or ASLI-registered interpreters. They improve access to the Deaf community by training people in British Sign Language (BSL), Deaf awareness and their translation media service.
Deaf Ex-mainstreamers Group (DEX)
Group for deaf people who attended mainstream schools
The Deaf Internet Bookstore
Specialist bookshop with books, videos, CD-ROM, etc on sign language, deafness, novels
deaflink
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/deaflink.html
Deaflink is a discussion list for D/deaf students, researchers and people providing support services. Jiscmail also host many other groups which may be of interest.
Deafness Research UK
http://www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/
A national UK research charity dedicated to supporting medical research into deafness and other hearing problems. Varied news stories alongside informative resource and medical information. The website is easy to use and the medical information is more in-depth than that of some other websites. The different sections cover a wide range of relevant topics.
Deaf-NUS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/deaf_nus/
e-group for D/deaf students in the NUS
DeafPLUS
The aim of DeafPLUS is to provide deaf and hearing people with the means to achieve their potential through information services, training programmes, and one-to-one support. DeafPLUS believe it is the person, not the level of deafness, who is the first concern.
Deaf Resource Center
This is a deaf resource which features many website links related to deafness and hearing loss, sorted by category for easy searching.
Deafsign
http://www.deafsign.com/ds/index.cfm/
An independent website offering information, contact details and online discussion covering issues related to deafness and sign language. Elements include an interactive discussion forum, e-mail subscription list, BSL sample section, myth buster and resources for schools. Deafsign is a good introduction to deaf issues.
Deaf-UK
For news, mailing lists, campaigns, jobs .
Deafway
Preston-based charity working with the Deaf Community, policy makers, professionals and others in identifying, providing and reviewing the range of services needed to achieve equality of life for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The majority of the website is given over to outlining the views of the charity. There are on-line details of how to volunteer and donate.
The Department of Health Integrating Community Equipment Services
The Department of Health Integrating Community Equipment Services is an implementation team to help local service providers to improve their services and to facilitate the sharing of good practice.
DirectLearn
Consultancy and training organisation. Links to resources such as BSL signs for arts contexts, employment issues, advice for teaching D/deaf students.
The Ear Trust
http://www.eagle.co.uk/charity/ear-trust/
Charity concerned with coordinating the Cochlear Implant Programme to treat profoundly deafened children and adults. A concise website, containing online forms for an information pack and donation.
The Federation of Deaf People
The Federation of Deaf People (FDP) was launched in early 1998, due to demand from Deaf people who felt that they weren't getting the chance to decide their own futures. Frustrated by the lack of political movement in the Deaf community, they wanted to take action and influence change.
Forest Books
Specialist bookshop with books, videos, CD-ROM, etc on sign language, deafness, novels
Hearing Concern
http://www.hearingconcern.com/
The Hearing Concern website aims to provide information on hearing loss and ways to lessen the impact. Containing news, factsheets and information on The Hearing Council, the content is informative and diverse. The website itself contains full factsheets and substantial information on hearing aids. Various schemes and councils that the Hearing Council is involved with are also highlighted.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
http://www.hearing-dogs.co.uk/
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People train carefully selected dogs to alert severely, profoundly or totally deaf people to everyday sounds which hearing people may take for granted. A comprehensive site detailing everything you could wish to know about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Large news and information sections, with full details of press releases and events. Information about the dog training schools and how you can become involved.
Hear-it
Hear-it deals with almost any issue on hearing impairment such as good advice and practical information for hard-of-hearing people, prevention of hearing loss, factual information on hearing issues, figures on hearing loss and consequences of hearing impairment for the individual as well as for society.
HIYPE
For all hearing-impaired young people - news and discussion
Leeds Deaf Football Club
Football club based in Leeds for deaf and hearing men and women
Leeds Deaf Social Club
http://www.leedsdeafsocialclub.org.uk/
Social club run by Deaf people for Deaf people
LINK Centre for Deafened People
Advice, support, rehabilitation for adults who have become deaf
Music and the Deaf
Music and the Deaf helps deaf people of all ages and levels of hearing loss to access music and the performing arts through workshops, schools projects and signed theatre performances throughout the UK.
National Association for Deafened People
The National Association for Deafened People provides information and advice for deafened people, and promotes public awareness of the problems and needs of deafened people.
National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
NDCS is a UK charity exclusively dedicated to supporting all deaf children, young deaf people and their families in overcoming the challenges of childhood deafness. NDCS provides the knowledge, support and opportunities to empower all deaf children to enjoy a happy, fulfilled and rewarding life. Lots of information for parents on benefits, childhood deafness and how they can help the NDCS.
Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD)
RAD offers a wide selection of different clubs and groups where advice and information is available. They also offer a variety of training programmes, including British Sign Language classes and Deaf Awareness Training for individuals and groups. A comprehensive website, featuring news, research, competitions, kids pages, guides and a noticeboard and vacancy list.
Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID)
RNID is a national charity representing deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the UK. As a membership charity, they aim to achieve a radically better quality of life for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. They do this through campaigning, funding research, providing information, training and awareness-raising courses, communication services, care services, equipment for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, training of interpreters, lipspeakers and speech-to-text operators, and running RNID Typetalk, which is the national telephone relay service for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
The Scottish Council on Deafness
The Scottish Council on Deafness (SCoD) is the national co-ordinating body for voluntary and statutory organisations which cater for a wide range of needs of deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard-of-hearing people, their families and carers and professionals working with them.
See Hear!
On BBC2 on Saturdays at 12.00, programme for Deaf people and website. Information, news, message boards.
Signed Performances in Theatre (SPIT)
Leading national body for promoting BSL interpreting performances of mainstream theatre, arts and theatre news for D/deaf people.
TypeTalk
http://www.rnid-typetalk.org.uk/
Operator service allowing deaf and non-deaf people to telephone each other.
UK Council on Deafness (UKCOD)
http://www.deafcouncil.org.uk/
UKCOD's vision is of place where member organisations work together to achieve equality and rights for the diversity of deaf people.
Usher UK
Usher UK is a national independent voluntary group run by Usher people and is affiliated to Sense, National Deafblind and Rubella Association. Usher UK members embraces Usher people of all Usher types, their partners, families and friends.
Websites relevant to deafblind people
A–Z to Deafblindness
This website contains a huge amount of information on deafblindness. There are links to worldwide internet resources, newsgroups and archive material, as well as poetry, event calendars and holiday information. An in-depth description of the deafblind alphabet is also included.
Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK is a national charity that provides a range of support services to deafblind adults and their carers. Clear and concise website, detailing the causes and symptoms of deafblindness. There is information on services, counselling and how you can get involved. It also has a useful large text version.
Deafblindness Web Resource
Deafblindness Web Resource is a page of links to other deafblind information on the web. Although some of the links are medical research pages, the collection of information is useful to those wishing to get beyond the initial information. There are also categories on equipment available, courses, journals and periodicals and computer technology advancements relating to deafblindness.
Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association
Sense is the UK's leading organisation working with people who have sight and hearing difficulties. A concise, neat website with general information on deafblindness. There are useful sections on career opportunities and Sense International.
Websites of UK disabilities organisations
AbilityNet
Making mainstream computer technology accessible to people with disabilities
Ability Online
Disability information, news and views
Action for Leisure
http://www.actionforleisure.org.uk/
Small national charity working to promote play, leisure and recreation with and for disabled adults and children
Artsline
Providing information and advice to disabled people worldwide about access to the arts, entertainment and tourist attractions in London
DTI Terminal Approval Policy Committee
National resource for information on telecoms terminal equipment
Carers UK
Providing information to carers and raising awareness of their needs
Diabetes UK
Caring for people living with diabetes
Disability Living Centres Council
http://lut.ac.uk/info/usabilitynet/dlcc.html
Free and impartial information and advice about products which can increase disabled or older people's choices about how they live
Disabled Living Foundation
Working for freedom, empowerment and choice for disabled people and others who use equipment or technology to enhance their independence
DisabilityNet
http://www.disabilitynet.co.uk/
Services for all disabled people and people with an interest in disability issues
Disabledinfo
Providing information, help, advice, products and services for disabled people, their families, friends and carers
Disability Information Services
Voluntary organisation that forms one of the centres of the Queen Elizabeth's Foundation; its aims are to make high-quality, impartial and independent information available to enquirers across the UK.
Disability Rights Commission
Independent body set up by the Government to help secure civil rights for disabled people
Disability World
http://www.disabilityworld.com/
Directory of information and websites for disabled people
Disabled Parents Network
http://www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/
National organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters
Disabled Workers Co-operative
http://www.disabledworkers.org.uk/
Not-for-profit project whose aim is to create a national searchable database that will match the needs of individual customers wanting a product or service with a local disabled person who is able to provide that product or service
Employment Opportunities
http://www.opportunities.org.uk/
National charity helping people with disabilities find and retain work. They also provide a wide range of support and advice to employers on disability and employment issues.
Films involving disabilities
http://www.disabilityfilms.co.uk/
List of feature films which portray or include disability
Family Friendly Fun
http://www.family-friendly-fun.com/
Enables special-needs families to share their experiences and information via our newsletter and eGroup forum; offers information on a variety of family fun, family life and family health topics.
Greater London Action on Disability (GLAD)
Pan-London organisation which campaigns for the rights of disabled Londoners and provides advice, information and training
Hemihelp
For children with hemiplegia
Information from the BBC
Scroll down to the heading Disability and click to find out about various websites, including one for young disabled people called Ouch! which includes disability news and disability on TV and radio; also links to Disability on Video Nation, You and Yours, In Touch, Switch, See Hear, and the Watchdog consumer guide to disability.
Information Society disAbilities Challenge
Welcomes all visitors interested in promoting a fully accessible information society for people with disabilities.
i-say
i-say is the Leeds Social Services consultation website. People can find information about Leeds Social Services and give their opinions online. They can also find out about other ways in which they can be involved in decision-making, such as joining a group.
Leonard Cheshire
http://www.leonard-cheshire.org/
Leading provider of support for disabled people in the UK
Mariners of Bewl
Providing integrated sailing opportunities for all
People First
http://www.peoplefirst.org.uk/
Organisation of people with learning difficulties
Ricability
Independent research organisation that provides information for people with disabilities and older people
Self Direction
Research project looking into the accessible provision of disability awareness training
Sensory Disabilities Research Unit
http://www.psy.herts.ac.uk/sdru/
Research on the design and evaluation of new technologies and technical aids for disabled and elderly people
Shaw Trust
Enables people with disabilities and mental health problems to maximise their potential in work opportunities. Since 1981 it has helped over 10,000 people into work.
Shropshire Peer Counselling and Advocacy Service (PCAS)
http://www.pcas.shropshiredisability.org/
Enabling disabled people in Shropshire to maintain their personal independence by means of using volunteer Peer Counsellors/Advocates, who support and provide information
SPIREnet
http://www.herts.ac.uk/lis/services/spirenet/index.html
Multimedia information system which contains advice applicable to the integration of students with disabilities into higher education in the UK
TechDis
Service aimed at enhancing access for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Includes a database of technical aids for disabled people.
Tell us your story
http://www.tell-us-your-story.com/
Discussion forum for disabled people