Assistive Technology
Welcome to the Assistive Technology section of the Sight for Surrey 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.
Sight for Surrey employs an Assistive Technology Specialist, Gary Eady, who is responsible for providing guidance, information, support and training to people between the ages of 16 and 100, who have a vision impairment, in the subject of assistive technology software and hardware. He is also responsible for the content on the Assistive Technology section of the Sight for Surrey website, as well as coordinating a small team of ICT volunteers and being blind himself, can fully understand the frustrations of trying to use technology with reduced vision.
A little bit about Gary….
I am now in my eighth year working for Sight for Surrey. Prior to this, I worked as a freelance ICT trainer and consultant, and prior to this, for the RNIB as a Technical Communications Trainer. In total, I have been working with people with vision impairments, for 25 years.
One of the things I enjoy the most in my role is seeing people learn to use technology to help fulfil day-to-day tasks. With the advent of Smartphones and Smart Speakers, this is beginning to happen more and more. What is even more satisfying though, is seeing people in their 80’s and 90’s use technology with a degree of confidence and success!
During the current Coronavirus pandemic I am still able to offer support over-the-phone, through Remote Access software and via email. I can even carry out certain training activities remotely, such as using an iPhone or computer. A little ingenuity is required, but it is most definitely possible.
Prior to the pandemic, people could book to see me at our offices in Fetcham for demonstrations and to try out technology for themselves. Additionally, I visited people at their homes if this was more appropriate. I am sure we will return to this way of working in the near future, but I think that online sessions via platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams will become more and more popular, as they can reach a wider audience.
Gary is able to support you with a wide range of specialist software and hardware solutions, including:
Screen Reading:
- Windows Narrator
- 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.
Let’s Talk Tech
Gary also runs a series of tech webinars, designed to show anyone with a vision impairment how to use all the accessibility features on their tech equipment, so they can continue to use their iPhone, iPad, laptop, or computer with ease. A full list of theses webinars can be found here.
ICT Volunteers:
Gary is also responsible for all ICT Volunteers who work for 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 contact Gary Eady, email: geady@sightforsurrey.org.uk or by telephone on 01372 377701.
Let’s Talk Tech!
Let’s Talk Tech is a webinar, delivered by Gary Eady, Access Technology Trainer at 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 June) and concentrates on a range of topics to do with technology.
Webinars for 2023
The confirmed webinars for 2023 are as follows:
Wedmesday 25 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.
Wednesday 22 February: An introduction to the VoiceOver screen reader on an 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, iPad and iPod). 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 a vision impairment much easier.
Wednesday 29 March: Windows 10/11 Accessibility features for people with a vision impairment
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the range of features built-in to Windows 10/11 designed to help people with a vision impairment. These include the magnifier, high contrast colour schemes, large mouse pointers, using dictation and the built-in screen reader called Narrator.
Wednesday 26 April: 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, In Your Pocket device by RealSam and a range of other devices for playing talking books on.
Wednesday 31 May: Accessibility features on Android devices
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the 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 Gary will demonstrate and discuss some specialist apps for reading text from printed documents.
Wednesday 28 June: What can I do with an Amazon Echo and Alexa
2.00pm – 3.30pm
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.
Wednesday 26 July: Using an iPhone or iPad with low vision
In this webinar, Gary discusses and demonstrates the features built-in to an iPhone or iPad designed to help people with a vision impairment. These include zooming in and out, inverting screen colours, large text options, dictation and the built-in screen reader called VoiceOver.
Wednesday 27 September: 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.
Wednesday 25 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 a vision impairment much easier.
Wednesday 29 November: Windows 10/11 Accessibility features for people with a vision impairment
In this webinar, Gary will discuss and demonstrate the range of features built-in to Windows 10/11 designed to help people with a vision impairment. These include the magnifier, high contrast colour schemes, large mouse pointers, using dictation and the built-in screen reader called Narrator.
If you are interested in joining any of these Webinars, please contact the Helpdesk at Sight for Surrey on 01372 377701 and request to be booked onto the session.