Since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020 many people have adopted new technology as a way of keeping in contact with others and doing basic tasks like shopping online. However imagine what life would have been like if you could not see your computer or smart device during the past two years. For many people experiencing sight loss in the UK, specialist IT training with accessible technology has been very difficult to get during the pandemic.
During both lockdowns and beyond, Vision North Somerset was able to provide IT support to people who have experienced sight loss using a virtual platform. Digital coordinator Jo Healy, who is herself visually impaired, was able to give IT support to people using screenreader software over the phone. In a time when it was impossible for people to meet physically, Jo’s experience as a screenreader user made it possible to continue tuition for some by simply listening to the client’s screen reader down the phone. Alternatively, Jo was able to take over a client’s PC using Quick Assist and help them remotely. This type of support was invaluable for many people who would have been otherwise isolated during this time.
At a time when the whole world was keeping in touch via zoom and similar platforms, Vision North Somerset found that many of their service users had initial barriers to using this software. For this reason, during both lockdowns and beyond, Vision North Somerset has been able to support social interaction via an accessible conference calling package. This conference calling package rings group participants at the start of the meeting, which means they do not have to struggle with putting in telephone and pin numbers into the phone. Vision North Somerset were pleased to be able to support some of their physical groups who met in person to continue meeting on the phone, as well as creating new groups such as an audio book group, general conversation groups and a group for people interested in the arts.
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- This article was written by the Vision North Somerset Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Spring 2022 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Centre News