Society For Blind Rebranded To ‘Vision Bermuda’

‘The Bermuda Society for the Blind’ have rebranded and will now operate under the name ‘Vision Bermuda’. The shift comes to more accurately reflect the services now being offered to those whose vision loss impacts every aspect of their life, according to a spokesperson.

The spokesperson said, “The charity will continue to provide the same support and assistance to the island’s visually impaired community through emotional and social support, rehabilitation services and providing access to training workshops and assistive technology.

“The registered charity originally began as a social group in 1954 for the blind and visually impaired before being established as the Bermuda Society for the Blind in 1957, operating a sheltered workshop. After 50 years of operation, the charity has developed the infrastructure to provide public awareness and educational events, rehabilitation services and social activities.”

“There is a growing population of, not only people who are blind but also low or decreasing vision. Living with vision impairment can be isolating and complex.” Commented David Petty, President of Vision Bermuda.

“Our new name is a testament to the support that we pledge to help guide people who are experiencing vision impairment of all forms through their journey to regain independence and make social connections”

Tinee Furbert, Junior Minister of Disability Affairs, who attended the unveiling of the new logo at the Chamber of Commerce, commented “ It gave me great pleasure to be able to be a part of this recent change and bring forth the private members amendment bill in the House of Assembly.

“The amendment allowed for the charity name of the “Bermuda Society for the Blind” to be changed to”Vision Bermuda” which represents current and worldly recognized wording for the organization who serves persons with visual impairments. I would like to thank the newly renamed “Vision Bermuda” team, executive and service users for all of their vision, insight and assistance for the visually impaired community over the past years and the years to come.“

“I was pleased to be able to present and support the recent passage of the Bermuda Society for The Blind Amendment Act 2018 in the Senate.” Commented Senator James Jardin, who supported the renaming.

“It was an important Amendment as it sought to amend the 1957 Act to take account of recent changes to Bermuda’s laws, such as revisions to the Charities Act in 2014 which has an impact on the society. Perhaps the most important change was the amendment to recognize a wider more inclusive name to encompass not only those who are completely or partially blind but also others who have some form of vision impairment. Hence the new name ‘Vision Bermuda’.

“I am sure that with a recently developed Strategic Plan, Vision Bermuda is well placed to help those with a vision impairment, and I wish them every success in the future.”

Appleby provided their services on a complimentary basis to assist with the legal aspects. Laura Burns an associate at the firm commented that “It has been a pleasure for Appleby to provide legal pro bono services to the society and to work closely alongside its leadership over the last several years. We wish the society continued success as it now operates as Vision Bermuda.”

For more information on Vision Bermuda including its work to assist the visually impaired you can follow them on Facebook. The charity plans to launch the island’s first assessable website for the visually impaired utilizing the latest technology, which allows the visually impaired to read the website.

#CharityEvents

Category: All, News