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Assistive Technology

Home » Get Help » Deaf » Technology and Equipment » Assistive Technology

Welcome to the Assistive Technology section of our website. Here you will find information about software and hardware which can assist you in the use of a Computer, Smart Phone, Tablet, Smart Speaker and more.

We employ an Assistive Technology Specialist, Gary Eady, who provides information, guidance, support and training in all aspects of ICT (Information and Communication Technology), in conjunction with specialist screen reading and/or screen magnification software. Gary has over 25 years’ experience of working with blind and vision impaired people and being blind himself, can fully understand the frustrations of trying to use technology with reduced vision.

Gary is able to support you with a wide range of specialist software and hardware solutions, including:

Screen Reading:

  • JAWS for Windows
  • SuperNova Screen Reader
  • NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access)

Screen Magnification:

  • Windows Magnifier
  • SuperNova Magnifier with Speech
  • ZoomText with Speech
  • Dolphin Guide and Guide Connect

Smart Phones and Tablets:

  • Apple iPhone and iPad with VoiceOver (screen reader) and Siri
  • Android Smart Phone and Tablet with TalkBack (screen reader)
  • Specialist Apps for the Blind
  • Synapptic software
  • Blind Shell Classic Smart Phone

Smart Speakers:

  • Amazon Echo with Alexa
  • Google Home with Google Assistant

Employment Support:

Gary can also provide specialist support for those who are in employment and who may be struggling with their Assistive Technology. In addition, he can support by providing information on the government scheme Access To Work, which supports people with disabilities in the workplace.

ICT Volunteers:

Gary is also responsible for all ICT Volunteers who work for Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey. He provides each volunteer with a hands-on introduction to Assistive Technology, as well as providing handouts on the subject of specialist technology. Our ICT Volunteers can offer support in the setup of a computer, Smart Phone or Tablet and Smart Speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home. In addition, our ICT Volunteers can support in the areas of diagnosing and fixing problems with printers, broadband rooters and email accounts.

For further information, please email technology@sightforsurrey.org.uk or by telephone on 01372 377701.

Let’s Talk Tech

What is Let’s Talk Tech?

Let’s Talk Tech is a webinar, hosted by Gary Eady, Access Technology Trainer at Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey, using the Zoom Cloud Meetings platform. It runs on the last Wednesday of each month, with the exception of August and December. The webinar usually runs between 11:00am and 12:30pm (except April and June) and concentrates on a range of topics to do with technology.

To book a free place on any of these webinars, please call our Helpdesk on 01372 377701 and state which webinar that you would like to join.

The confirmed webinars for 2024 are available to download here Lets Talk Tech 2024 or as a list below:

Let’s Talk Tech 2024

31 January 
Synapptic, the app that makes a Smartphone or Tablet easy to use
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the Android app called Synapptic. This app presents all of the features in large print, with a high-contrast colour scheme. It also speaks out the menus and other screens as you navigate. It’s the ideal app for a person who is either new to using a Smartphone, or can no longer use their device due to sight loss.

28 February 
A Delve into Android Accessibility Features
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate some of the Accessibility features built-in to Android devices (Smartphones and Tablets). These include large print options, invert colours, Zooming in and out and the built-in screen reader called TalkBack. In addition, some specialist apps will be discussed and demonstrated.

27 March 
Talking books, what’s available and how to listen!
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the various methods of listening to talking books. Topics will include Reading Services by the RNIB, Amazon’s Audible service, the In Your Pocket device by RealSam and a range of devices for playing talking books on.

24 April 
Windows 10/11 Accessibility features for people with vision impairments
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the range of features built-in to Windows 10 and 11 designed to help people with vision impairments. These include the Magnifier, high contrast colour schemes, large mouse pointers, using dictation and the built-in screen reader called Narrator.

29 May 
Using Seeing AI, the Multipurpose App
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the popular app called Seeing AI. This app has many features, including the ability to read text from wall posters and doors, scan and read documents, identify food products, read hand-written text and describe the world around you.

26 June
What can I do with an Amazon Echo and Alexa
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the range of Amazon Echo Smart speakers and the requirements for getting one to work. He will also go through many of the things that can be achieved using Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant.

24 July 
A Delve into iPad and iPhone Accessibility Features
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the features built-in to an iPad or iPhone, designed to help people with vision impairments. These include zooming in and out, inverting screen colours, large text options, dictation and the built-in screen reader called VoiceOver. In addition, Gary will discuss and demonstrate some of the best apps for people with vision impairments.

2 October 
Getting the Most out of Siri and the Google Assistant
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate Siri (Apple devices) and Google Assistant (Android devices). These are both voice assistant apps and can help you to become more productive and achieve common tasks, using just your voice.

30 October 
Using the VoiceOver screen reader on your Apple iPhone or iPad
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the VoiceOver screen reader, which is built-in to all Apple iOS devices (iPhone and iPad). This gives a blind person access to all of the features available on the device, as well as access to hundreds of specialist apps that make the lives of people with vision impairments much easier.

27 November 
Synapptic, the app that makes a Smartphone or Tablet easy to use
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the Android app called Synapptic. This app presents all of the features in large print with a high-contrast colour scheme. It also speaks out the menus and other screens as you navigate. It’s the ideal app for a person who is either new to using a Smartphone, or can no longer use their device due to sight loss.

To book a free place on any of these webinars, please call our Helpdesk on 01372 377701 and state which webinar that you would like to join.