Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue number eleven. This is a fortnightly publication for you to share experiences, engage with our extensive range of activities and learn more about Eye Matter’s objectives for its members. If you would like to contribute an article to a future edition, please contact: fiona@eyematter.org.uk
This edition includes:
Eye Matter Zoom events.
Eye Matter Outings
Special features:
- I Don’t Like the Olympics By Malcolm Day
- Returning to the empty well of anger.
- Exploring audio description with Eye Matter.
- Part 1: Introduction and the history of audio description.
- Exploring the meaning of a hole with Henry Moore.
- Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.
- How was your Election 2024 experience?
I Don’t Like the Olympics
By Malcolm Day
I don’t like watching the running
I’m told the sprinting is stunning
They speed twice round the track
Or run there and back
Once the starter pistol is gunning
I don’t like watching the skating
The dancing on ice I am hating
I give naught as my score
I can’t stand no more
For the end of it all I am waiting
I don’t like watching the jumping
Doesn’t send my blood a-pumping
Whether it’s long or it’s high
It just makes me sigh
Grumpy old man keeps on grumping
I don’t like watching the swimming
It makes me go channel skimming
Breast stroke, butterfly, crawl
I just hate them all
You can’t tell who’s losing or ‘wimming’!
Eye Matter Zoom events.
Keep up to date with our activities here.
No matter where you are located in the UK, come and join our growing on-line group of friends on Zoom.
Second Monday of the month 1:30pm to 3pm
New Surviving to Thriving facilitated by Joanna Williams, writer, workshop leader and therapist
Tuesdays
20th: Fun and friendly social followed by Neurobics with Steve Wax aerobics for your brain
27th: No meetings
Last Wednesday of every month 11am
Bookworms, our monthly book club, discussing The Mystery of the Parsee Lawyer by Shrabani Basu
Fridays 11am
23rd: Fun and friendly social followed by speech writing workshop
30th: Fun and friendly social followed by drama improv with Steve Reed
Eye Matter Outings
All our events are accessed here
These are the outings we still have space for, we hope you can join us.
Outdoor Performance – Five parkour performers take an unforgettable journey through Greenwich Peninsula’s stunning architectural landscapes. Featuring a jaw-dropping integration of movement and climbing skills, this breathtaking performance receives its UK premiere at GDIF. Live Audio Description available 1st September £5 voluntary contribution
Dancing City – London’s much-loved, annual, celebration of free outdoor dance showcases a host of exceptional homegrown and international talent in amazing outdoor spaces across Stratford – in the new East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Live Audio Description Assisted Route with Eye Matter – 7th September £5 voluntary contribution
Confidence Building Workshop with Vic Hogg and Steve Reed 21st September £5
Ruby Wax at The Ambassadors Theatre 26th September £20
Visually impaired group grief workshop session to be held in Kings Cross Sommers Town Hall 2pm to 5pm with refreshments 28th September £5
For more information or to book your place contact Suzie
Suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject [Name of event].
Returning to the empty well of anger.
By Fiona Musgrove.
A grief counselling workshop was delivered (through Zoom) to 12 Eye Matter members on the 12th August, at 1:30pm. These twice a month session have been kindly funded by the Marway family and Natasha Cazin to allow blind and partially sighted people a chance to explore a range of different topics related to sight-loss. Facilitated by therapist Joanna Williams, we were guided through the various manifestations and emotions around ‘anger’.
Astonishingly it was only in 1969, ‘that anger’ was first recognised within “The five stages of grief. Although anger is a natural emotion to any kind of loss it still remains an emotional many people find hard to accept or understand. We discussed the importance of recognising the source of the anger: Does it mask other concerns or emotions? to consider why that person is lashing out and in doing so identify the trigger points. It is agreed that it is important to face these emotions rather than allowing them to be suppressed.
Jo asked for examples of anger: One participant said they felt angry at the r children’s lack of understanding in keeping the home tidy, another example was the frustration of technology and, one person’s feeling of inadequacy within the home. The group expanded the importance of accepting anger as a natural reaction of an active emotion, often felt in times of high stress or, frustration.
“I got angry when I bumped into a lamp post”. this person realised that this reaction was a frustration caused by diminishing sight loss and not a physical aggression against the inanimate object on the street.
Jo explained that there are two main forms of anger:
Aggressive anger: A person may throw something or lash out.
Passive aggression: This is typically seen as sarcastic comments making the person feel frustrated indirectly.
Then she identified a third form:
Assertive anger: This is a realised emotion and can be controlled and used in a positive way. The aim of this “assertive anger” is to be able to “rephrase these thoughts of anger”.
we discussed the ownership of this anger and how having this control of our own emotions can determine its impact. Here are some of the coping methods discussed:
Grounding: Having a physical object to hold (when this emotion occurs) eg: A chair or table edge.
Deep breathing: Taking slow, regular breaths lowers the feeling of anger and despair.
Regular exercise: One member explained, how important it was for them to take a 45 minute walk each morning.
Walking away: “The ability not to return to the empty well” This relates to recognising a “flashpoint” and simply walking away for a period before returning.
Distraction: not returning to the same problem but using a distraction to comprehend the same problem. One member explained how using a cross-trainer, whilst listening to an audio book, distracted their frustrations.
Jo elaborates, “Every individual’s experience of grief is unique – as unique as their relationship with the person who has died or the thing that was lost. Therefore, the things that help also vary widely. However, from many years of working in bereavement care, I have noticed 3 simple things that seem to make the biggest difference:
Exercise/fresh air – if you are able to, get out and move your body and be in nature, regularly, even if only for a very short time. The change of environment, and connections with your physical self and the elements, causes shifts in emotions and can be calming.
Peer support – having someone to talk to or be with who “gets it” is one of the most powerful coping tools there is. The closer their experience to your specific loss, the better, which is why so many support groups exist. Grief is a lonely journey to take alone.
Self-compassion – ditch the ‘should’! There is no right or wrong way to ‘do’ grief and the truth is that coming to terms with a significant loss is actually a life’s work. Be kind to yourself. There will be good days and there will be days when the wave of grief and yes, despair, feels overwhelming. These days and these waves won’t come in any logical order. When a voice says you ‘should’ be feeling one way or another, ask yourself, who says? Do nice things for yourself. Get into the habit of talking to yourself and treating yourself the way you would treat a treasured friend.”
It is a two-tier process of relief and acceptance. The techniques are not the ‘magic cream’ but, a coping technique to give yourself this acceptance of loss. . In previous sessions members were encouraged to write their own stories to understand themselves and how this loss has impacted their lives along with people around them.. They discussed the importance of “being kind to themselves”. Often the frustrations have us criticising ourselves when in fact it may not be our fault at all.
One person explained how disappointed they had been that an outing had been cancelled which had left them feeling angry. They were able to accept this was not their fault, as it was out of their control.
Another participant admitted, to feeling angry after refusing an invitation to a family gathering. They explained “I was more angry that. My decision hadn’t been questioned and it was just accepted that I wouldn’t attend.” The fear of feeling awkward due to their sight loss and not being able to see the people in the room were causing a host of anxieties leading to the sense of anger. Jo discussed how family expectations and reactions to loss are often in contrast to the response from friends.
Eye Matter is arranging an in-person grief counselling session on Saturday 28th September, to be held at, Somerstown Living Centre, Kings Cross, London. For the first time Eye Matter is encouraging members to venture out from behind their screens, to meet as a group, to continue this discussion. This session will be again facilitated by our regular therapist Joanna Williams in a safe secure environment. Volunteers will be available to assist from Kings Cross Station and refreshments will be provided. If you would like to book your place or receive more information about this event, please email us with the subject “Kings Cross therapy”.
Our next Zoom Grief Counselling Workshop with Joanna, is on Monday 9th September, at 1:30pm. If you would like to find out more about these grief counselling workshops on Zoom, or, join us, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “thriving”.
Exploring audio description with Eye Matter.
Part 1: Introduction and the history of audio description.
By Fiona Musgrove.
Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing a series of articles based on the delivery and experience of audio description in theatres on television and in cinemas. Contributions from VocalEyes, Extant, audio describers (Ruth and Ellie) from the Barbican Theatre and Netflix, amongst others, will provide some unique insights into our enjoyment of this relatively new concept. According to Wikipedia (2024), “Audio description (also referred to as visual description) is the narration of information given to the surrounding key elements of media work for blind and partially sighted people”. By providing us with this information we can understand the non-verbal communications such as facial expressions, the landscapes relevance and movement of actors. As part of this series, we would like to hear your experiences of audio description, so if you would like to send us a contribution (good or bad) please email us. This week I want to take you back in time to when we didn’t have access to audio description on televisions, in cinemas, at the theatre or museums. Back to a when it all began with a publication of a report in the USA.
“The Social Life of Blind People” (a leisure activity study) was published in 1961 confirming what many already knew, that blind people were watching as much television as their sighted neighbours. The report conducted by Martin Burker concluded that despite some common frustrations blind people were equally enjoying television. During the 1960’s there were various attempts to address this problem, which included, issuing a cassette tape to accompany early episodes of “Star Trek”. A radio show host in Philadelphia 1970”s) came up with a novel idea to transcribe audio description for movies being broadcast on television at set times.
It was 30 years after this initial report when the idea of audio description was first devised for television and movies by WGBHT in 1991. This Boston (USA) based company created “Digital Video Service” (DVS). For the first time A clear narrative element was designed without interfering with the dialogue to improve the understanding of non-verbal activity. It was also, during this period, that the influence of one woman in Washington DC would change access in theatre and museums forever.
Despite being diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition, Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Magaret R. Franzine used her experience to form the Metropolitan Washington Ear in 1974 Additionally, in the late 1970s, she also became one of the founding members of the International association of Audio Services (IAAS), who were a radio transcription service. With all this experience and her rapidly deteriorating sight in the early 80s she was invited to work with Wayne Wright from Arena Stage to improve access for blind and partially sighted visitors to a Washington Theatre. With the support of her husband Cody, the key principles of audio description and training describers to identify pictorial references was developed, which is still used today all over the world. Consequently, In 1981, the first ever audio described performance of “Major Barbara’”, was delivered at the Arena Stage (Washington DC) lighting a beacon for the thousands of such productions all around the world to follow.
In our next edition we will examine how audio description continues to improve our access to live theatre performances in the UK. We will hear how VocalEyes was created and about its commitment to improving our access not only to theatres but museums galleries and much more. How Extant embeds creative audio description in their own productions, delivers a range of related training and access consultancy through their Enhance programme and reflections on their event at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with VICS and ZOO Venues.
In a future edition we will explore more into audio description from different people and organisations: We will hear how the Barbicans audio describers prepare for each performance and their delivery of live commentary.
If you would like to find out more about Eye Matter please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
Exploring the meaning of a hole with Henry Moore.
By Fiona Musgrove.
On a rather grey, cloudy day 19 members and volunteers set off to the depths of Hertfordshire to explore the work of the renowned sculpture Henry Moore (1898-1986) at the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens. Suzie (Eye Matter’s Founder) explained, “the Henry Moore Foundation did a super job. We were split into Two groups lead by guides Nicky and Sophie.”
Within these groups Eye Matter were lead around the extensive grounds (70 acres) just outside Ware, Hertfordshire. Members were encouraged to feel the large, stone monoliths whilst listening to the eclectic stories about their origins and designs. Eye Matter member Vicky said, “Fabulous audio described tour arranged by Eye Matter. We were divided into two groups, ours was led by the amazing Nikki who provided so much information about the wonderful sculptures in these beautiful gardens on a dull cloudy day. We were fortunate that the rain kept away!”
“They both provided great, beautiful descriptions about the exhibits.”, added Suzie referring to the two guides from the Henry Moore Foundation. Vicky agreed “It really brings everything to life for us”
Eye Matter would like to thank the staff at the Henry Moore Foundation for making us feel so welcome, “Everybody had a fabulous day”. One member appreciated that there was a space reserved inside, as an alternative to the outside picnic area, in case the weather changed.
Suzie has been working with the Henry Moore Foundation to improve Accessibility for blind and partially sighted visitors and was pleased with their accommodation of Eye Matter. “They all did a really good job.” Both guides were very passionate in showcasing and explaining, in great detail, the various pieces created by Henry Moore. “They had taken on board everything I had told them about accessibility for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy their visit. Consequently, I felt that it was an educational, informative and entertaining fun day for Eye Matter”.
A huge thanks to Vicky for providing the photography.
Please click here to our Facebook page: https://fb.watch/tXC0B0SweU/
If you would like to take part in a future event with Eye Matter, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.
Suzie Simons, Eye Matter Founder and Coordinator (RNIB See Differently Awards 2024 – Winner, “Volunteer of the Year”) said, “I wanted to give a massive thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for this incredible grant which will enable us to continue helping so many visually impaired people. We’re so proud to have received this grant for the second time and look forward to our ongoing work together in the future.”
Eye Matter has over 200 blind and partially sighted members who will benefit from this award. In 2023 Eye Matter delivered 36 in-person outings including theatre trips, visits to art galleries and even a comedy club night! In addition, the team also delivered over 200 Zoom events such as; concerts, comedy nights, drama sessions, cookery, book clubs, counselling and technology advice sessions. In 2023 Eye Matter ran their first sports day for over 60 blind and partially sighted people (in Islington) and celebrated their Winter Extravaganza along with 50 members.
National Lottery funding will enable access to various health and wellbeing projects including our, “Living Well with Sight-Loss” course (in partnership with the RNIB) which is now in its eleventh series. Additionally, this massive boost, from the National Lottery Community Fund, will enable Eye Matter to continue to deliver another sports day in 2025, a number of confidence boosting workshops, drama improvisation sessions, our Christmas concert and subsidy for our Winter Extravaganza in December.
We would like to thank Rachel Bowden-Waterson and Kinnari Patel for all their hard work and support, in assisting with this application.
If you would like to know more about our opportunities, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk
How was your Election 2024 experience?
By Fiona Musgrove.
In a previous Eye Matter Matters edition, we provided information on registering a postal vote along with, the legal requirements of voting stations, for blind and partially sighted people. It was therefore, encouraging to discover at a Greenwich polling station that there were large print examples of ballot slips, a number of magnifiers and assistance if required.
The RNIB was keen to promote the use of a McGonagle Reader which not only provided tactile guidance but, also, audio description of the text upon the ballot sheet using a headset. Here is an extract taken from an RNIB article (5th July 2024, Facebook). “Khadija was able to vote independently and in secret today using a McGonagle Reader…it was the first time I’ve ever voted by just listening to the ballot myself and marking the box for myself. I think the box cutouts are a lot more defined than with a traditional tactile voting device so that gave me a lot more confidence as well. So, the whole thing just felt really smooth, at least for me, and much better than I’ve ever voted before.”
However, this does not reflect everyone’s experience and reveals that not all polling stations have access to this type of equipment. One lady, on social media, was frustrated that she had gone to the wrong polling station whereas, another said he was concerned when using an external piece of equipment, “I wasn’t sure it had been lined up properly”. As all votes are anonymous if the X mark is outside the box this would be calculated as “spoilt”. Another example (taken from RNIB 5th July, Facebook) demonstrated one polling stations inability to provide adequate support, “I had a humiliating experience in my hometown. I am severely sight impaired and went along with my partner, so he could assist me.” To read the RNIB’s full article please click here: https://www.facebook.com/rnibuk/videos/346017585046302/
The RNIB is still interested in collecting your experiences of voting on 4 July (good or bad). These experiences will form the basis of their Turned Out reports, which will be shared with the government and the Electoral Commission. If you’re blind or partially sighted, take part now: rnib.in/TOGE24