Vista launches World War One heritage project

The First World War has left a lasting legacy on the UK’s history and culture. However, for people with sight loss, discovering information about it can be difficult. For those whose vision has deteriorated to the point where they can no longer read or watch videos, learning about people who served and life at the time can be almost impossible without support from friends and family. Those who live alone and also have limited mobility face being excluded from exploring the history of the First World War entirely.

Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Vista’s Sound Services and a team of dedicated volunteers have produced a 4-disc audio CD pack about the First World War, to ensure that people with sight loss can access information about this highly significant and influential event in history. The disc's contain the following:

• Disc 1: Narrated recordings of memoirs and diaries written by local soldiers who fought during World War One
• Disc 2: Poetry written by soldiers and those who lived through the War
• Disc 3: Conversations and interviews with local experts, such as professors at Leicester University and curators in museums, regarding the history and legacy of the War on our region
• Disc 4: Audio tours and descriptions of First World War exhibitions on display in local museums 

Providing this information in an audio format will ensure that people with sight loss in our local area don’t miss out on discovering the legacy of the First World War, and can enjoy learning about it independently from the comfort of their own home. 

The CDs will also help to contribute towards increased awareness of the heritage and legacy of the First World War amongst the general population.

The CD packs are available free of charge for people with sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. A number of copies will be available for loan to local organisations and other individuals without sight loss, also free of charge.

To launch the project, we will be holding a local awareness event on Thursday 19th October. Keep an eye on our events page for details.

If you’d like to request a CD disk pack for yourself or on behalf of an organisation, please contact our Sound Services team on 0116 249 8810 or david.willcocks@vistablind.org.uk