For most people, living without a smart phone would be the end of the world. The same could be said for Ron, who says he would be lost without his.
“I use my phone to scan food tins at the supermarket, so I know exactly what I’m buying. I also use the voice recognition to call people – it’s so easy. More people who are visually impaired should take advantage of technology, as it can transform someone’s life.
“The Assistive Technology team in Canterbury has taught me so much and given me heaps of confidence. I’m so thankful.
“When I was first diagnosed as severely sight impaired, which happened over night, I was so worried as to how I was going to manage. But with the help and concern I received from Steve and Peter from the Sight Centre in Canterbury, I am able to live a normal life.”
The help and concern I received from Steve and Peter from the Sight Centre in Canterbury, means I am able to live a normal life.
Ron
Helping you feel more confident
We have a team of staff and volunteers who can help you to feel at ease around new technology. “People are quite anxious when it comes to getting others to read their personal email or correspondence,” says Steve – Assistive Technology Worker based at the Canterbury Sight Centre. “They want to be able to do all this themselves, and rightly too. However, I often hear people say ‘I can’t do this’ which is when I show them that they can. And that’s a great feeling.” Steve is sight impaired, which can give people greater determination to succeed. “My job is to help someone feel confident using new technology and to prove that, if I can use it, so can they.”
Technology is having a huge impact on how we live our lives, whether it’s to stay in contact with friends or to book a holiday. That said, technology needs to be accessible to everyone. Our Assistive Technology team help you to carry on using your computer and phone, or learn how to use them for the first time.
“I love seeing the difference technology can make to someone’s life,” says Peter, Assistive Technology Worker at the Canterbury Sight Centre. “There’s never a one-size-fits-all approach either. I will always suggest software or equipment that meets the individual’s needs. I was working with one individual that found it really hard to remember how to use a programme that magnifies the screen and provides voice-over. I suggested we try something different and now she’s emailing her relatives all the time. She’s now really confident, which is great to hear. This is the best part of my job.”