A global leader in designing specialist products and technologies for blind and partially sighted people will be in Dumfries next month Thursday, 1st February to showcase the latest gadgets that can offer solutions for people living with sight loss.
Dolphin, which has been a leader in its field for more than three decades, teamed up with local charity Visibility to bring the latest technology and a host of exhibitors to the town.
It is estimated there are 5,000 people living in Dumfries & Galloway with a visual impairment. Although new technology can seem daunting, local people are being urged to visit the Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club, English Street, Dumfries, on Thursday, 1st February to find out more.
James Nicholls, Software Coordinator at Dolphin, explained: “Our accessible computer and software range enables people with varying levels of technology experience to do everyday things easily. We have fully integrated and portable software solutions to give you total freedom to have an accessible experience whatever you’re doing.
“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 or braille support, there will be kit there on the day that could make a real difference to your life.”
Visibility has offered a number of courses and tuition in tech across the region in recent years, providing training and support for people at their own pace and in their own community. This project is part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Union – LEADER 2014-2020 programme.
Lindsay McDowall, service manager at Visibility, added: “It’s a real coup for the town to have this taking place here in Dumfries. Only last month, the Dolphin team were in Orlando at a huge exhibition and next month they’re in San Diego. It’s all too common for exhibitions of this kind to take place in London, Birmingham, or Edinburgh, so the fact that we’ve been able to work with Dolphin to bring their expertise to Dumfries is fantastic.
“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.”
Other exhibitors on the day include Macular Society, Deafblind Scotland, Action on Hearing Loss, Scottish War Blinded, Concept and Lead Scotland.
The event is free to enter and will run from 10am to 2:30pm. For further information about this event call Visibility on 01387 267 131 or Dolphin Computer Access on 01905 754 577.
