New technology means a brighter future
Sightsavers partner the Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Heath, has opened a special education computer laboratory in Kingston, Jamaica. The computers have special software to allow adults and children with a visual impairment the same access to information technology as sighted users, and therefore the opportunity to develop their skills and further their education.
A week long assistive technology workshop was carried out at the new laboratory in August, attended by assistive technology trainers and teachers with specific responsibility for visually impaired learners.
Those who attended were trained to use screen magnifier and screen reader packages, which convert the text on a computer screen into either magnified text or synthetic speech using a voice synthesiser. Most delegates were particularly impressed by portable USB based applications such as the Sightsavers Dolphin Pen and System Access Mobile, enabling the user to carry their access software with them on a pen drive. This will give far greater flexibility to computer users with a visual impairment.
Robin Spinks, assistive technology and disability adviser for Sightsavers, who conducted much of the training, said "access to appropriate technology and training will make an immeasurable difference to the visually impaired community in Jamaica, allowing them the same rights and opportunities as sighted people."
Sightsavers has just celebrated 40 years of working in partnership with the CCB.
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