The benefits of IT for blind and partially sighted people are vast says Steve Griffiths, Digital Accessibility Development Officer, RNIB.
The range of information and services available online is endless, from keeping in contact with friends, shopping to making the most of your leisure time.
In 2011, RNIB produced the report,
Tackling digital inclusion, which highlighted some of the barriers that older people, in particular, face in getting online. This year, the charity has launched a
series of videos and resources to showcase the benefits of technology as part of its Getting interested in technology project. Six short videos show blind and partially sighted people talking about the technology they use and why they like it. The videos, discussed below, highlight common questions people with sight loss raise about technology and getting online.
1. Screen reader and screen magnification
Computers have built in features which are designed for people with little or no vision. Additionally, there are free and paid-for products which can also help. This video discusses two important types of product for people with sight loss and mentions some of the most popular features.
2. Smartphones and tablets
Getting online is increasingly done on the move by using a smartphone or tablet computer. The accessibility of these devices has improved hugely over the past couple of years. The video explains some of the basic concepts you need to know about this type of technology.
3. Getting connected and staying safe online
There are a number of ways you can get online. How you access it depends on the how often you want to go online, your location and what you want to do when you are online. Once you are online, not every website works the same. Staying safe is always important. The video explores common fears and how to deal with them.
4. Power of social media
Social media helps you keep in contact with other people around the world. Facebook and Skype are open to everyone who wants to chat to family and friends across the world. Professionals use LinkedIn and similar apps to build their business and contact network. All of these are examples of what you can do once you are online and at no extra cost.
5. Online shopping and banking
Many blind and partially sighted people find shops and banks difficult to find and use. An increasing number of goods and services can now be bought online and delivered to your home. Buying online is often cheaper than visiting a shop, plus you can bank or shop whenever you like. You can always find a review of a product and receipts are emailed to you for safe keeping
6. Independent travel
While traditional mobility skills are always important, technology can add to and enhance independent travel. It's possible to plan journeys and buy tickets with your phone, as well as get live information about your surroundings. Specialist devices exist which allow you to record routes for future reference.
New to IT and want a low cost computer?
Computers can be expensive and a bar to getting online. In a campaign to get more people to try out new technology, the RNIB is helping to equip a low-cost PC for blind people. The computer will be a reconditioned laptop and includes
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Windows 7 - a popular and accessible computer system.
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Microsoft Office 2007 - including Word for writing letters, Outlook for email, address book and calendar and Excel for accounts
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NVDA - a free screen reader that lets a blind person use a computer
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IVONA - good-quality UK English male and female voices.
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Audio and text materials to help you get started.
RNIB's Technology Support Squad can also set up the computer. The computer will not include internet connection and will be available from Computer Recyclers UK. Prices start from £159 and various configurations will be available.
More information
Article published in NB magazine in March 2013.