A CHARITY in Berkshire welcomed guests to an event designed to help attendees get in touch with the past.
Berkshire Vision last week organised a specially designed tactile tour of Forbury Gardens and Reading Abbey Ruins, giving local people who are both visually impaired and deaf the opportunity to explore these historic sites in a fully accessible and engaging way.
The tour was carefully planned by Berkshire Vision to ensure participants could experience the area’s heritage through touch, descriptive guidance, and personalised 1-to-1 support.
Despite windy weather, the group enjoyed discovering the textures, structures and stories of the iconic landmarks before warming up together in a local café.
It’s part of a continued effort by the charity to emphasise the significant impact of accessible activities, offering individuals increased confidence, reduced isolation, and opportunities to take part in community life.
Berkshire Vision’s programme includes sensory walks, creative workshops, cultural visits and other activities adapted to meet the needs of people with both sight and hearing loss.
Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision said: “As part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusion, we work hard to create activities that open up local spaces and cultural experiences to everyone.
“For people who have a dual sensory loss, tailored 1:1 support is essential. It not only makes experiences like this possible, but also helps people connect with others who understand the challenges of living with both sensory losses.”
More information about Berkshire Vision is available via: berkshirevision.org.uk
