How technology can help with everyday life
Technology can feel confusing or overwhelming, especially if your sight has changed or you have never felt confident using digital devices. Some people worry that technology is complicated, expensive, or only for those who are already “good with tech”.
In reality, technology is already part of everyday life for many of us. Phones, tablets, TVs and other devices often include built-in features that can make daily tasks easier, more manageable, and more flexible for blind and partially sighted people. You do not need to be an expert, and you do not need to use everything available.
This page gives an overview of how technology can support everyday life, in simple and practical ways. It is not a training guide, and it is not about learning lots of new skills at once. Instead, it is about understanding what technology can do and deciding whether any of it might be useful for you.
Technology is already around you
When people talk about technology, they often imagine specialist equipment or complicated software. In practice, many helpful tools are already built into everyday devices such as smartphones, tablets, televisions and computers.
These devices can be adjusted to suit different levels of vision. Text can be made larger, colours can be changed for better contrast, and information can be read aloud. Many people start by using just one or two features that help with a specific task, rather than changing everything at once.
Keeping in touch and staying connected
Technology can help people stay in touch with friends, family and services in ways that suit them. This might include making phone calls, sending messages, joining video calls, or listening to voice messages.
For some people, this can help reduce isolation or make it easier to keep in contact when travelling is difficult. For others, it simply offers another option alongside face-to-face or telephone contact.
Reading and accessing information
One of the most common challenges after sight loss is accessing written information. Technology can support this in different ways.
Many people use their phone or tablet to adjust text size or contrast, listen to text being read aloud, or use the camera to read letters, menus or packaging. Others use technology to access books, newspapers, audio content or online information in a format that works for them.
You do not need to choose one method. Some people use magnification, some use speech, and many use a combination depending on the task.
Getting out and about
Technology can also support everyday travel and getting out of the house. This might include checking public transport times, planning journeys, using spoken directions, or accessing information while out and about.
Used in small, practical ways, this can help people feel more confident and informed, even if they still prefer to ask for help or travel with others.
Managing everyday tasks
Many people use technology to help with routine tasks such as setting reminders, managing appointments, checking the weather, shopping online, or organising paperwork.
These tools can be especially helpful when memory, fatigue or confidence are affected, and they can be adapted to suit your own routines and preferences.
Using technology in a way that suits you
There is no “right” way to use technology. Some people use it every day, others only occasionally. Some people use lots of features, while others focus on one or two things that make a real difference.
Technology is there to support you, not to replace people or remove choice. You are always in control of what you use and how you use it.
Support and next steps
You do not have to explore technology on your own. Our Digital Skills Advisors can help you understand what is available, talk through your options, and support you to try things at your own pace.
You may find it helpful to explore some of the other technology pages in the Knowledge Hub, which look in more detail at specific topics such as choosing a device, reading, travel, or staying safe online.
If you would like to talk about how technology might support your everyday life, or if you have questions about something you already use, please contact us to find out what support is available.