Meet the crew

01 05
June, crew swap spokesperson

June

Crew Swap Campaign Spokesperson

At 74, June began losing her eyesight to Macular Degeneration. While she relied on her husband at first, when he passed she felt lost. Then she found the Blind Foundation, who in her own words, helped bring her back to life. June’s energy and go-getter attitude have made her an enthusiastic advocate for the Blind Foundation and its services.

02 05
Fatima, crew swap spokesperson

Fatima

Crew Swap Campaign Spokesperson

Fatima has had limited eyesight since birth, but it wasn’t until she turned 50 that she lost nearly all her vision to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Native to Tonga, where vision impairment is often seen as shameful, Fatima is used to overcoming obstacles. She is both a client of the Blind Foundation and a passionate Pacific Services Coordinator and Vision Rehabilitation Needs Assessor, running blindness awareness and prevention programs in her community and providing essential public education.

03 05
Dan, Graphic Designer

Dan

Crew Swap Graphic Designer

Since birth, Dan has had around 10% vision, coupled with photophobia. A Digital Advisor, Dan has always had a passion for technology, design and photography, which lent well to his training as a Graphic Designer as part of the Crew Swap. The services that Dan has accessed over the years, such as Technology and Employment, gave Dan the skills he needed to become part of the Newshub Graphics Team, creating essential graphics for the news.

04 05
Aine, Digital News Producer

Aine

Crew swap Digital News Producer

Aine has been blind since birth. A musician, campaigner, 2012 London Paralympic Games participant and Auckland University graduate, Aine has achieved a lot so far. As a passionate writer, Aine was the perfect candidate for the Digital News Producer role, writing and preparing stories for the news and Newshub's digital platforms.

05 05
Trevor, Assignment Desk Assistant

Trevor

Crew swap Assignment Desk Assistant

A former antique dealer and auctioneer, radio talkback presenter and producer, and presenter of the TV series ‘Antiques for Love or Money’, Trevor lost his sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa 20 years ago. The diagnosis meant a change of focus for Trevor, but when he had the opportunity to get involved in producing the news, he jumped at the chance. Sighted guiding training and adaptive technology services enabled Trevor to join the Assignment Desk team.

Item 1 of 5

Our services

If you or someone you know has low or no vision or is experiencing sight loss that cannot be corrected by lenses, we’re here to help. Our range of services provides the support to live life with confidence and independence.

Hands holding showing support

Services carousel

Counselling and support

Discovering your vision is failing can be challenging, and naturally, you’ll feel a range of emotions. Family and friends can struggle too. Our caring and qualified team can make things easier by providing emotional support, practical help and information about the best services.

Learn more
01 05
Learn more about the counselling and support we provide

Day to day living

We can help you or a loved one adjust to sight loss and stay independent in and out of the home, learning new ways to manage day-to-day tasks such as cooking, gardening and cleaning. Through new techniques and equipment, you can manage everyday tasks at home effectively and safely, and get around confidently in your community and further afield.

Learn more
02 05
Learn more about how we can help with everyday life skills when adjusting to sight loss

Accessing information and technology

The right technology can make life with limited or no vision easier. Access and manage personal affairs, stay connected to friends and family, learn Braille and continue to read, study and work with our support. Find out more about our audio library service and our new Smart Speaker skill, that gives you access to 17,000+ books and magazines.

Learn more
03 05
Learn more about accessing information and technology

Staying social and connected

Our range of recreational programs have something for everyone, and they’re a great way to stay social and connect with others who are on a similar journey to you. We offer a variety of services including peer-to-peer support and connection to a network of volunteers.

Learn more
04 05
Learn more about our services to help you stay social and connected

Employment & study readiness

Our employment services provide support at any stage of your career. If you’re looking for work, we offer pre-employment skills like writing a CV, applying for jobs and preparing for interviews. If you’re currently employed and experiencing sight loss, we can help with tools and techniques to continue working. If you want to study and need support, we can also help.

Learn more
05 05
Learn more about our employment services and support for study
Item 1 of 5

Blind Foundation launches new Amazon Alexa skill

Featured on The Project, as part of the Crew Swap story, our latest innovative service is the Blind Foundation skill for Amazon Alexa. The skill gives those who have trouble reading print the ability to access over 17,000 magazines and books through voice-first, hands-free commands. The Blind Foundation Skill is a world first in the accessibility space; a great Kiwi innovation.

Find out more
Image of an Amazon Echo, a voice activated smart speaker.