One of Scotland’s oldest charities hopes to help visually impaired people embrace the latest accessible technology available to them at a series of events across Dumfries & Galloway this month (September).
Visibility Scotland, which has been helping people living with sight loss since 1859, have upcoming exhibitions planned in Moffat and Annan and there are further events planned for other towns and villages in the region.
With an estimated 5,000 people living in Dumfries & Galloway with a visual impairment, Community Worker Erin Leslie of Visibility Scotland hopes the events will attract interest locally.
Erin said: “Although new technology can seem daunting, it has made such significant strides in the past few years that we’d encourage people to come along for a chat and demonstration. Whether it’s for you, a friend, neighbour or family member, the accessible equipment we will have on the day enables people with varying levels of experience to do everyday things very easily.
“Whether you’re a complete beginner who’s looking for a simplified way to use a computer, or an expert that needs magnification with optional speech, there will be kit there on the day that could make a real difference to your life.”
Craig MacLagan, Digital Advisor with Visibility Scotland, added: “We work with hundreds of people living with sight loss across the region, and assistive technology can make such a positive impact on their lives. It’s about finding the right device for you, and having the right follow up support to get the most out of it, and days like this provide a great opportunity to do just that.
“New technologies like this can be life changing for people living with a visual impairment, enabling them to take on new tasks they were unable to perform alone before and rebuilding confidence and independence.”
The event is free to enter and will run from 12 noon to 3pm in Moffat Town Hall on Tuesday, 12th September.
Later in the month, on Monday, 25th September the team will be back in Annan delivering an exhibition from 12 noon to 2pm in Kate’s Kitchen on the High Street.
For further information about this event call Visibility Scotland on 01387 267 131 and ask to speak with Erin.
