Cubs Explore Disability Awareness with Sight Support Ryedale

During the Spring Term, 1st Helmsley Cubs, part of the Helmsley and Ryedale District, have been working towards their Disability Awareness badge, developing a deeper understanding of different forms of disability and the importance of inclusivity within Scouts and the wider community.

As part of this work, the group reached out to Sight Support Ryedale, a local charity supporting people experiencing sight loss. The Cubs were delighted to welcome Ann Ruddick, who visited the group alongside her retired guide dog, Millie.

Ann delivered an engaging and insightful session, sharing her lived experience of sight loss. She explained that only around 3% of people with sight loss are completely unable to see, challenging common misconceptions. The Cubs also learned that there are approximately 3,100 working guide dogs in the UK, with most retiring between the ages of 10 and 11.

To help bring her experiences to life, Ann introduced the Cubs to a range of assistive tools she uses in everyday life, including talking clocks, smart tags used to label items such as food, and a Braille machine. The session highlighted the importance of memory and adaptability for those who are blind or partially sighted.

A particularly impactful part of the evening saw the Cubs try on specially designed spectacles that simulate different types of visual impairment. These included tunnel vision, sight loss commonly experienced following a stroke, severe cataracts and macular degeneration. This hands-on activity helped the young people better understand the challenges faced by those living with sight loss.

The visit left a lasting impression on the group. One Cub shared, “I absolutely loved meeting Millie, and it’s so cool how they can find out the colour of clothing.”

1st Helmsley Cubs expressed their thanks to Ann, Millie and Sight Support Ryedale for delivering such an informative and memorable session, supporting the Cubs on their journey to becoming more aware, understanding and inclusive members of their community.