The ability to use the internet opens up a world of independence for everyone, but even more so for people with vision impairments. It enables people to do their shopping from home, pay their bills online, access their banking online, keep in touch with friends and family, and access information and entertainment.
NCBI has recently begun a nationwide initiative to offer basic digital skills to people who are blind or have low vision and are new to the internet and interested in exploring its potential. The digital skills training has been funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
The training course consists of five two-hour sessions and covers topics such as internet safety, searching the web, emailing, shopping online, social media, communicating via online video calls and messaging and accessing TV and radio online. It is aimed at complete beginners so is ideal for anyone who has never used a computer or tablet previously. We are encouraging people to bring along a friend or a family member to do the training course also, so that you have a “buddy” to support you at home between lessons. All training is free of charge and iPads or laptops are provided so you don’t need to bring anything, nor do you need to have access to IT at home.
Currently we have training courses running, or planned, in 17 different locations throughout Ireland. If you are interested in taking part in this Digital Skills Course contact your local NCBI office for more information.