We’ar Vision, We’ar Hear
Sensory Exhibition (Thursday 12th November 2009).
Stadium of Light hosted the first sensory exhibition in Sunderland. The Sensory Support Team of the City Council’s Health, Housing and Adult Services, in partnership with the Sunderland and North Durham Royal Society for the Blind organised the exhibition entitled We’ar Vision We’ar Hear. The event was attended by local, regional and National organisations who provide support to people with visual or hearing impairment. Combining both sensory services has been a first for the North East and now sets new horizons for future events.
In order to facilitate the exhibition sponsors were required to ensure the event set a prestigious standard and promote Sunderland as a City of Excellence to its national exhibitors. Financial assistance for the event was provided by Health, Housing and Adult Services, Disability Division, and the Cooperative Society with Gentoo contributing towards the costs of advertising the event. Of significance to the success of the event was the sighted guide support which was provided by pupils of Redhouse Academy. The Sensory Support Team trained the twelve pupils and on the day those pupils excelled expectation ensuring people with visual impairment were supported throughout the exhibition. Comments from exhibitors and visitors confirmed the children were a credit to their school with the exhibitors making positive comments about the pupil’s presentation, attitude and interest shown when attending their stands with visitors.
Being a first exhibition in Sunderland it was uncertain if people in the City or regions would support the event. The Stadium was alive with the hustle and bustle of people planning their stalls and all calm was gained when Councillor Tom Martin, Deputy Mayor of Sunderland gave an opening address to those dignitaries, exhibitors and visually impaired people present. Upon “doors opening” apprehension left, on the day there was 389 visually impaired people and their carers registered with additional visitors supported by transport as provided by Compass Travel operating a shuttle service between Park Lane and the Stadium pushing the total of visitors towards a total reaching 900 throughout the day. A special mention should also go to the staff and management of the Stadium of Light who were most supportive and helpful throughout the event.
The event was a clear demonstration of how partnership working can achieve positive results to the benefit of people who have an interest in services available to support their sensory need. All the stands were popular with local agencies receiving a high level of attention. The Gentoo stand “Gentoo Living” was very popular and attracted a constant flow of visitors addressing their enquiries or needs. Adult Services were represented by the Self Directed Care Team-(Direct Payments Team) and Telecare (Community Care Alarm Service).The Disability Alliance provided advice and information on aspects of Disability and service opportunities, again all proving very popular with attendees. The Department of Works and Pensions travelled to Sunderland from Blackpool and in addition to pro
