I SAW the picture of Mary from Malton who, although having only partial sight, still gained enjoyment from reading the Evening Press.

Reading is something that may be increasingly difficult for some partially-sighted people, in particular reading small print such as a newspaper. Help is available for anyone experiencing a loss of vision enough to make reading difficult.

Across North Yorkshire, there are local societies for blind and partially-sighted people who are there to provide that help.

In York, the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society is here for anyone with impaired sight: you do not have to be registered blind or partially sighted to receive help. Some advice, such as making sure you have a good light shining on to what you are reading, using the right sort of magnifier and perhaps a book-stand or clipboard to hold the paper with, using a typoscope or ruler to help you keep on the right line, can make reading easier.

If reading print is too difficult or impossible, there are other things such a talking newspapers (highlights of newspapers read on to cassette tape), talking books, books on audio tape (which you can borrow from your local library) and much more.

Our society can also demonstrate equipment such as talking watches, a talking microwave oven and more than 100 other items, all designed specifically to enable people with impaired sight do ordinary everyday tasks independently.

We can be visited between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday or you can telephone us on 01904 636269.

Diane Roworth,

Chief officer,

York Blind and Partially Sighted Society,

61 Bootham, York.

Updated: 08:33 Saturday, December 22, 2001