Nowadays Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind (BRIB) provides most of it's services through other charities that it supports by providing a site for their services and through the provision of grants which are awarded according to the grants policy.
The main charities supported are QAC and Focus.
Queen Alexandra College (QAC)
Queen Alexandra College (QAC) is a national, residential College that supports a diverse range of abilities and needs based in Birmingham. We offer education for young people aged 16-25 years as well as employment-focused and supported living programmes.
The College welcomes students from all over the country – as well as many who are local to us and has been at its current location since 1903. Our original purpose was to provide education for people who were blind or visually impaired.
Today, in addition to supporting people who have a visual impairment, we offer support and guidance for students on the autistic spectrum (including individuals with Asperger’s syndrome), those with moderate to severe learning difficulties, students with physical disabilities and those with other needs.
Ultimately, we have a great mix of students which adds to the wonderful atmosphere here in College. Class sizes are small and support levels high.
At QAC learning is planned around individual needs, interests and ambitions. Our curriculum covers a wide range of programmes including entry level courses (Preparation for Life) and a range of vocational qualifications. A supported internship study programme could also be followed, which involves spending the majority of time with an employer in a real job role. We have a dedicated Employment Pathways curriculum.
The College has a team of specialists on site who are able to support students, including a Visual Impairment Training Officer, Occupational Therapy and Sensory Support, Speech and Language Therapists, a Dyslexia Tutor, Healthcare Professionals, Counsellors, Mentors, a Braille Tutor, Rehabilitation and Travel Training Officers and a Personal and Sexual Health Education (PSHE) Lead.
Enrichment programmes enhance the curriculum and help to develop self-esteem, confidence and independence. Our residential provision develops essential skills for personal development such as independent living and social skills.
Facilities include new buildings with the latest technology, a fitness centre, state-of-the-art sports hall, sports field, sensory room, onsite travel training area, library and student centre.
QAC Enterprises consists of a wide range of businesses that raise money for the College and provide excellent work opportunities for students. All Formats transcription services provide a specialist service transcribing documents into a number of alternative formats suitable for people with a visual impairment. QAC is also the UK distributor of Revolution Advantage Carbon Fibre canes, used and acclaimed worldwide. These canes are lighter in weight and more durable than traditional aluminium canes.
The College is the organiser of Sight Village – the premier event for blind and partially sighted people, bringing together leading providers of products and services all under one roof. It allows visitors the opportunity to compare products side by side.
Visit the QAS website: www.qac.ac.uk
Focus Birmingham (Sight Loss Support Services)
Focus Birmingham is a local charity providing support, care, advice and guidance to all those affected by sight loss across the whole of Birmingham.
To start the process of supporting you we carry out our Sight Loss MOT. This is a short conversation over the phone to identify your needs to find out how we can help you. We are then able to build a tailored package of support for you, which might include services they offer, or putting you in touch with other partner organisations.
Here are the different ways Focus Birmingham can support you:
- Sight Loss MOT – Identifying your needs to find out how we can help you best
- Low Vision Clinic
- One to One Counselling Service
- Information, Advice and Guidance
- Free Living with Sight Loss Course
- Enablement Service
- Befriending
- Health and Well-being Activities and Social Groups
- Aids and Adaptations Shop
The Sight loss support number is 0121 478 5252
Services offered:
- Eye Care Services
- Product Suppliers
- Support and Wellbeing
- Training and Education
Contact Details:
Address: 48-62 Woodville Road, Harborne, Birmingham, West Midlands, B17 9AT
Opening times: Monday – Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Phone: 0121 393 4849
Email: info@focusbirmingham.org.uk
Facebook: @focusbirmingham
Visit the Focus Birmingham website: www.focusbirmingham.org.uk
Supported Living
Both QAC and Focus provide supported living services. 
Each aims to provide care and support to allow residents to live as independently as possible and where possible to build on these independence skills.
Focus Birmingham currently provides a supported living scheme consisting of 14 one-bedroom apartments with Bromford Housing (Milward Place) in Kings Norton, Birmingham.
The supported living scheme provides 24-hour care and support to adults who have visual impairment.
QAC provides supported living in a number of shared house around the Harborne area for those with visual impairment and other disabilities. Primarly used by ex-students, this scheme is also available to others. Care is taken to ensure that there is a good match with the individuals living together and support workers provide care as required.