Information Tech Support
We offer Information Technology (IT) support for people with a sensory impairment at our Resource Centre.
Our FREE 1:1 IT sessions are tailored to meet your needs. We can help you:
- Discover how to access and use inbuilt accessibility options on your computer.
- Trial high contrast keyboards and large computer screens.
- Learn how to use your iPad or tablet computer.
- Find out about the benefits of the Kindle and E-readers.
- Access the BBC iPlayer to listen to radio and/or watch television programmes you’ve missed or would like to hear/see again.
- Develop confidence in the use of email and the internet.
- Use Skype and/or FaceTime to communicate with friends and family.
- Download and use apps designed to facilitate day to day living.
- Increase confidence in choosing and using a mobile phone.
Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer tutors offer computer ‘taster’ sessions and personalised courses of up to 10 lessons.
Resource Centre
We offer a well-stocked Resource Centre showcasing some of the most useful assistive technology available to help those living with sight and/or hearing loss.
Our knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers provide confidential and impartial help tailored to individual need. The service includes:
- Equipment demonstrations by trained people, some of whom use this technology as a result of their own sensory impairment.
- FREE home trials – most items on display are available for short-term, no-deposit home trial.
- Information technology coaching and training – including Kindle and E-readers, iPad, tablets, Skype and/or FaceTime, and internet and email.
- Hearing aid support – cleaning, re-tubing, and battery replacement for Derriford-supplied hearing aids.
- Braille tuition and ‘Skills for Seeing’ (Eccentric Viewing) training.
- Information on local support groups and national charities.
- Advice for professionals supporting those with sensory impairment.
We can also advise on how to adapt existing equipment to make it easier to use for those with sensory impairment. A small range of products can be bought at the Centre, and we can help you source other items by mail order from specialist companies and charities.
We operate as both a drop-in and appointment-based service, though we would highly recommend making an appointment in advance so we can guarantee to help you promptly.
For Visually Impaired
- Talking watches and clocks
- Lighting to help with reading
- Kitchen equipment, including talking scales and microwaves
- Writing aids, large print stationary and talking calculators
- A range of magnifiers
- Electronic reading aids for magnifying documents
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Amplified telephones and both corded and cordless phones
- Advice on mobile phones
- TV listening devices
- Loop systems for groups and the home
- Vibrating / flashing alarm clocks
- Alerting systems and doorbell alternatives
- Sound therapy products for people with Tinnitus
