About Us: Future - ShareVision
"They are no longer locked into a very enclosed world...it's a hugely exciting privilege to be part of that process."
Starting with just 50 blind and partially sighted people in 1989 Living Paintings has gradually grown and now benefits approx 7,000 people representing:
- 1.8% of the 380,000* registered blind and partially sighted people in this country.
- 14% of the 25,000* blind and partially sighted children in this country.
Research shows that we provide an invaluable service, significantly enriching the lives of our beneficiaries and there is an opportunity for many more of the Royal National Institute of the Blind’s estimated 2 million visually impaired people to benefit.
ShareVision is our 5 year strategy designed to double the number of blind and partially sighted people we reach and optimise the level of benefit they gain from our services. It encompasses an exciting, ambitious stepped programme of accelerated growth the outcome of which will be at least 12,000 people enjoying and appreciating visual images with Living Paintings. The four basic steps to be taken are:
- Strengthening the existing operation;
- Improvement of existing, and introduction of new resources;
- Library Service Development
- Developing and Implementing Regional Outreach.
The aim is to develop our work in the community. Starting in one Region, as a pilot we will employ a Community Development Officer, as an outreach worker. They will work on the ground in the community and their purpose will be to find new Library Members and enhance the level of service they receive from Living Paintings. They will:
- Develop relationships with appropriate organisations e.g. organisations for blind and partially sighted people, schools, galleries, museums etc.
- Establish support services for Living Paintings Library Members in the Region e.g. setting up a volunteer based "buddy system".