The Association of Blind Asians is a city wide charitable organisation for people with visual impairments. ABA is a culturally diverse group which has been running since 1989. At ABA we provide people with visually impairment the support they need to manage their condition so they can live independent and fulfilling lives.
We give our service users Information on benefits and housing they are entitled to. Liaising with adult social care to get the help they need to live independently. Any educational opportunities available to them such as Basic English and I.T skills that will not only help with everyday life but also for those looking for employment. We also have special social events for example out of city trips. We also provide health and wellbeing advice, we have regular exercise activities which include Men`s walking group and chair based exercise.
Debbani has been ABA’s Manager since 2008, reporting to the Management Committee of ABA. She is responsible for providing a comprehensive management service for people with visual impairments from South Asian backgrounds in Leeds (UK) including managing contracts, fundraising, finance, governance. Debbani joined the organisation as a volunteer in 1998 and was employed as a project Co-ordinator (funded by Big Lottery) in 2006 providing comprehensive assessment, advocacy and one-to-one support, sighted guiding etc to ensure service users can lead independent lives.
.Divya provides support, advocacy and advice on welfare benefits and
signposting the service users who are registered blind, partially sighted or facing
sight issues due to Glaucoma, Cataract, Diabetes or any other problems. I am
facilitating 3 groups every week across Leeds.
Azra provides information and guidance on a range of issues including
benefits and the importance of eye health care. Azra also runs group activities
such as, luncheon groups and activities which promote increased physical and
mental health.
Fareen has joined ABA’s team recently and is working as an Enablement
worker with Project Sahara. As part of her responsibilities she provides
advocacy, support and information/ advice on welfare benefits for service users
who are registered blind or partially sighted or who face any sight loss issues
due to Glaucoma, Cataract,
Diabetes or any other problems. Fareen is running two groups every week.
For further contacts please use her email address: fareenh@abaleeds.org.uk.
Jaya provides support to Enablement Worker by updating the database, collating and producing reports, and occasionally leading the groups for our service users. Jaya also organises, participates and assists the Enablement Worker/Manager in organising promotional and other events to promote the service.
