How digital technology can help

Digital technology can help remove barriers and make everyday tasks easier, offering more choice, confidence and independence in how you stay connected, access information and manage daily life.

Whether you are completely new to technology or already use a smartphone, tablet or computer, our Digital Skills Support Service can offer friendly, tailored support to help you use technology in a way that works for you.

A whole world of possibilities

Many everyday devices already include built-in accessibility features such as screen readers, magnification and voice control, but these are not always easy to discover or set up. With the right support, technology can help with things like staying in touch with friends and family, reading mail, managing appointments, travelling more confidently and accessing information.

New and emerging technology is also creating more options for blind and partially sighted people. This includes apps and devices that use Artificial Intelligence to support everyday tasks. Some tools can act a bit like a personal assistant, helping with things like reading printed text, identifying and locating items, making calls, sending messages or finding your way around unfamiliar places. Our team can help you explore what might be useful for you, at your own pace, without pressure to buy or commit to anything.

Support that works for you

You do not need any previous experience to access our digital support. We work with people who have never used a computer or smartphone before, as well as those who already use technology but want to learn more or try something new.

Our Digital Skills Support Service offers practical, one-to-one support and training tailored to your needs, interests and level of confidence. This might include learning the basics, making the most of accessibility settings, or exploring specialist software and apps.

Our digital technology support includes:

• Support to help you get online and access new technology
• Training in how to use smartphones and tablets with screen reading or magnification
• Introduction to apps that can help with everyday tasks such as reading labels, navigation and public transport
• One-to-one support with phones, tablets and laptops, tailored to your individual needs
• Guidance on specialist software and assistive technology, where appropriate

Keeping up to date

Our team keeps up to date with developments in accessible technology and regularly explores new apps and tools that may be useful for blind and partially sighted people. On our Facebook pages, our trained Techbuster volunteers, our volunteer tech team working alongside our Digital Skills Advisors, also share their favourite apps and simple tech tips, helping to make technology feel more approachable and relevant to everyday life.

If you have any questions about digital technology or would simply like to talk through what might help you, please contact us.

For details of our latest training courses and sessions to help you get online and make the most of your gadgets, visit our

Digital Skills Training listings page.

 

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