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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

‘Let’s Talk Tech’ is a quarterly webinar via the Zoom online meetings platform. Sessions are delivered by Gary Eady, Access Technology Trainer and Keith Dear, AI Trialblazer from Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey.

It typically takes place on a Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:30pm covering a variety of technology topics. Occasionally the webinar maybe be scheduled on a Monday from 2.00pm – 3.00pm.

A list of confirmed webinars for 2025 are below:

Wednesday 26th March, Synapptic, the app that gives you a clear and logical system for finding your way around a Smartphone or Tablet easily

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.

Wednesday 25th June, Artificial Intelligence, what is it and how it can help you?

In this session Gary and Keith, will discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can help people who are vision impaired. Apps to be demonstrated include Seeing AI, Be My Eyes and PI. In addition, Keith will demonstrate and discuss the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses.

Wednesday 24th September, BlindShell Classic 2 and RealSam Pocket Devices

In this session Gary will discuss and demonstrate two alternatives to the traditional Smartphone. The BlindShell Classic 2 is a device which has physical buttons, much like the Nokia devices of the 1990’s. The RealSam Pocket is a device which is controlled 100% by voice commands.

Wednesday 10th December, Smartphone Accessibility for Apple and Android

In this session, Gary and Keith, will discuss and demonstrate the range of accessibility features built-in to both Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. These include screen reading and magnification options, Siri (Apple) and Gemini (Android) personal assistants. Additionally, Gary will demonstrate some specialist apps which can be used to read text from printed documents.

To book a place on any of the above sessions please contact us via email technology@sightforsurrey.org.uk or call our Helpdesk on 01372 377701 stating which sessions you are interested in. Please check your registered email for changes and updates.