Project Title: Let’s Get Digital
Our funding supported training in the use of technology for people with a visual impairment. The service offers people the chance to try out equipment and learn more about how it can support them to live more independent lives.
Sheila: Visibility service user
It may seem like a small thing, but some people have been able to download a book for the first time, or take control of what they’ll watch on TV. Sighted people take things like that for granted, but if you have a visual impairment, that’s a really empowering thing to be able to do.
We’ve got other people who are now able to travel independently using GPS apps. People are just being able to live more independent and free lives and control what they do. It’s so important to be able to offer people equal access to opportunities that everyone else has.
The funding allowed us to buy equipment and to provide six-week courses across the geographical areas that we cover. I was supported by a group of visually impaired people who are all quite technically savvy and that made a big difference.
Lots of people have come along by themselves, but other have opted to bring a family member along. It’s made a big difference to have different generations around the table learning together. It’s been a way to bring those people together and help them to understand each other’s worlds better.”
