Press Release

RNIB Lead on Innovative Access Technology Training for Sight Loss

Friday, December 01, 2006

RNIB Northern Ireland Connect IT Days, supported by Derry City Council, will give hands-on training to blind and partially sighted people on the latest and most high-tech access technology at the Derry City Council Offices on December 8th 2006.

Technology has had a revolutionary impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people. As technology advances the options for the 29,000 blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland continue to increase. RNIB NI have organised this unique training event to offer people the opportunity to become trained on the very latest computer technology and high tech products. With an estimated 60 people taking part in the Derry session this is one of the largest initiatives of its kind to be undertaken in Northern Ireland.

The two training sessions on the day will include a variation of presentations, demonstrations and breakout sessions. Each session includes a presentation on mobile phone technology and Audio Descriptive television with reference to digital switchover. There will then be a breakout session onto the workstations for hands-on training on the latest magnification systems; scanners; OCR software; MP3 players; PDAs; Notetakers; JAWS; Supernova; ZoomText; DAISY systems; the Internet; and much, much more. There is even an opportunity to try out the latest GPS navigation system, the Trekker.

This innovative event will be fully comprehensive, with the support of a number of key suppliers of access technology and software from throughout the UK. There will be training available on everything from the most popular to the latest available products.

Another three sessions will also be held in RNIB offices in Belfast on December 4th & 6th and in Canal Court Hotel in Newry on December 12th. For further information and booking for all events contact Fionnuala Dempsey at the RNIB on 028 9032 9373 or on Fionnuala.Dempsey@rnib.org.uk.

Comprehensive training on the latest high-tech access technology

Shane Logan Director RNIB NI explained the significance of the training:

“Connect IT Training Days presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone with sight problems in the Derry area to have hands on training in the use of the very latest computer technology and hi tech products. RNIB NI in conjunction with Derry City Council will demonstrate to blind and partially sighted people that with the aid of the latest access technology, people with sight loss can remain independent. With appropriate training, the right equipment, magnification and speech programmes blind and partially sighted people can communicate through e-mail or use the Internet for business and pleasure enabling them to engage fully in the community despite the challenges of transport and mobility. It is a must attend event for blind and partially sighted people their family, friends, carers and professionals.”

The Mayor, Cllr Helen Quigley said she was delighted that Derry City Council was hosting an event to offer hands-on training to blind and partially sighted people.

“It is vitally important that the needs of blind partially sighted people are identified and addressed. The Council is committed to addressing the needs of people with various disabilities in an effort to assist them to remain independent and to have access to services and information. I am delighted that the Council is being proactive in helping to increase awareness and understanding of the technologies that can assist people in their everyday lives and hope that the RNIB event will benefit blind and partially sighted people from across the community,” she said.

Media Contacts:

Every day another 100 people like you will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. There are 5,540 people registered as blind or partially sighted in Northern Ireland. RNIB NI estimates that there are a further 29,000 people who are eligible to register but have not yet done so. RNIB is dependent upon voluntary donations and is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, have a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call RNIB helpline on 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk

Ends

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