COULD you help a visually impaired person with IT skills? 


Imagine not being able to use your computer, tablet or smartphone. 


Think how much harder it would be to get information, keep in touch with friends and family, book tickets, shop, or access music. 


This is the situation many people face when they start losing their sight – and the point at which Oxfordshire Association for the Blind (OAB) comes in. 


They offer one-to-one IT sessions with a volunteer, focusing on people’s individual needs. 
OAB have helped people with very different levels of experience and expectation. 
For instance: 

 

  • Some have never used a computer before. After sessions with an OAB volunteer, one lady is now emailing her family overseas, while another person uses Skype to speak to his son every weekend. 
  • Others want help with a tablet, either for the first time or to extend their skills. One lady is now more confident accessing audio books, taking and sharing photos. 
  • Someone with no sight at all has learned how to use her smartphone to send and receive emails, compose text messages and access sites such as YouTube. 
  • Volunteers may also be able to help with more specialist requests. 

For example, several people have become proficient with specialist software that magnifies and/or speaks, or been assisted with devices such as braille notes. 


With more and more of us relying on information technology in our daily lives, OAB is now looking for new volunteers to enable us to extend this service. Could you help? 


You don’t need to be an expert or have any specialist knowledge. 
Many people with visual impairments use the same programs as you, perhaps with additional magnification, and volunteers mainly need to be competent and confident users – though people with specific expertise are very welcome indeed. 


You will need to be patient, understanding and able to communicate clearly in non-technical language. 
All volunteers at OAB receive training and expenses. 


There is an exceptionally friendly and supportive atmosphere at the offices in Abingdon Road, Oxford, and this is where people come for IT sessions.
IT volunteers need to be available on a weekday, for at least a couple of hours. 


Please think about helping. You could make a huge difference to someone’s ability to stay connected and independent. 


For further information, email development@oxeyes.org.uk or you can phone 01865 725595 and speak to Ana or Mark. 
You can find out more about the charity by visiting www.oxeyes.org.uk