Blind and partially sighted people with no internet access are being given the opportunity to try new assistive technology through Galloway’s.
The sight loss charity is working with new digital partner Aspire Assistive CIC Ltd to deliver a pilot project called Tech Ability.
Galloway’s will loan out Wi-Fi-enabled tablets and provide one-to-one online remote support to 15 blind and partially sighted people who are not currently using or are infrequent users of technology or equipment.
The project has been made possible thanks to a grant of £17,787 from Catalyst and The National Lottery Community Fund COVID-19 Digital Response. Galloway’s is also being supported by digital charity CAST and Graham Longly from Aspire Assistive CIC Ltd to deliver the scheme.
Andrew Coleman, Assistive Technology Co-ordinator at Galloway’s, said: “We are really excited about the work we are doing and we hope we can roll this out to even more blind and partially sighted people in the future.
“Some blind and partially sighted people struggle to know where to start with technology and are nervous about using it. We know it is a huge investment in terms of money and time so we are allowing people to try before they buy as we give them remote support on how to use the equipment. They don’t even need internet access as our tablets are built in with Wi-Fi.
“We want people to hopefully realise how assistive technology can help them lead more independent lives and reduce isolation.
“It has been really great working with Graham at Aspire Assistive CIC, who is blind himself and knows the challenges visually impaired people may have with technology.
“We want to say a huge thank you to National Lottery players and our digital partners for making this possible.”
Galloway’s supports bind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton.