Other useful software
Simplified computer interfaces
A number of organisations have developed simplified interfaces aimed at the over 60s or who are new to computing. These present large, clear controls to allow writing of documents and email, sharing pictures and surfing the web (but your Internet connection is separate from this software). They may therefore be of use to a partially sighted person.
One example of such software is Eldy, which is available for Windows, Mac and Linux computers. It is free and contains simple instructions and video tutorials to help you get started.
A second example is from SimplicITy computers, who sell a range of Linux Mint desktop and laptop computers with their SimplicITy Envelope software from £399, with £25 delivery. You can also buy just the software on a USB drive called the SimplicITy Homekey for £90 plus £5 p&p.
A third option, which launched in the UK in September 2012 is Ordissimo, who sell laptops starting at £499. These have their own software and include a non-standard keyboard with keys for functions like Copy, Paste and Zoom, so that you don't have to remember how to do these with a keyboard shortcut or find them on a menu or toolbar. A touch screen tablet computer will be launched in the UK in 2013.
Project metalmouth
Project metalmouth aims to develop a fully functioned open source voice browser extension for the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. It is looking for potential users to install the extension and feedback their experiences. Further information can be found on the Project metalbouth blog, which is intended as the easiest entry for anyone wishing to take part in the project.
Training and support
There's no point in getting any technology if you can't use it. Apart from experimenting on your own, what options are there? Most trainers are commercial - they make a living from it and have to charge accordingly. While there is no list of trainers knowledgeable about any of the free software mentioned in this document, places you could try include:
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British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) - provides courses hosted by local societies for blind and partially sighted people. These concentrate on ease of use and affordability. Contact by email info@bcab.org.uk or phone 0845 643 9811.
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UCanDoIT - offer a course of 11 two-hour sessions that covers basic computer and internet use. There is also an initial assessment and a refresher nine months after the course. Costs are means-tested but never more than a total of £160. They can fundraise for equipment for their learners. Contact by email enquiries@ucandoit.org.uk or phone 020 7730 7760
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Screenreader.net - has, in the past, received funding that enables them to offer free internet awareness group training sessions. Contact by email at ask@screenreader.net or phone 01733 234441
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UK online centres provide support for people to start using computers, learn what the Internet can do, and start using email and the Internet. They do this through a network of nearly 4,000 centres nationwide. To find out where you nearest centre is, phone 0800 77 1234, text "online" and your post code to 80809 (texts cost 25p plus your standard network charge) or visit the UK online centre search page.
Although not a real substitute for training, there are mailing lists aimed at people using specific assistive technologies, and these can be very useful for asking questions, or just reading about other people's experiences and ideas. Examples include:
Two other mailing lists that you might find useful for general technology information and enquiries are:
The following two organisations offer volunteer help towards solving problems, but please note this does not include training:
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RNIB's Technology Support Squad aims to provide basic troubleshooting, support and demonstrations of all home-based technology for blind or partially sighted people, including computers, phones and audio equipment. Contact them via the RNIB Helpline email or on 0303 123 9999
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IT Can Help is a network of volunteers who are able to offer free local computer assistance to disabled people. They can diagnose and fix problems, or install and set up hardware, software, internet, email and accessibility settings. Contact them via email on enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or by phone on 0800 269545. Alternatively, you can use their Find a Volunteer page to contact a volunteer directly
A lot of information is made available through websites, although of course you need to be able to access the web to get to these, or know someone who can do so on your behalf! Examples include:
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AbiltyNet have a number of factsheets available as Word or PDF downloads, including one called "Technical Support and Training Resources". Their online information about configuring a computer - My Computer My Way - may also be very useful. Contact them by email at enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or by phone on 0800 26 95 45 (from home) or 01926 31 28 47 (from work).
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The BBC's My web my way provides advice and help on how to get the most of the accessibility features and assistive technologies available for your computer, so that you can view BBC Online and the rest of the web in a more accessible way.
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RNIB's Digital Accessibility have created a number of Beginner's guides aimed at people new to technology.
Two other potentially useful sources of infomrmation and support are the Whitestick website and the Blind Geek zone.