Vision Australia Geelong to highlight importance of technology

VISION Australia Geelong will be showcasing the many ways technology can support people who are blind or have low vision at two free information sessions next month.

The March 19 and 26 sessions will cover both specialist and mainstream technologies, highlighting the life changing impacts it can have at home, school, work or in the community.

Demonstrations and hands-on workshops will be tailored to both beginners and more advanced users.

Vision Australia access technology specialist Tim Higgins said the sessions living with blindness or low vision can present some challenges, but for many, it was technology that would really help them in everyday life.

“A lot of modern mainstream technologies like smartphones have a number of built in accessibility features for navigation, communication or accessing information in the community.

“A device like a Google Home or Amazon Alexa might be what helps someone access a recipe and set timers while they’re in the kitchen, while knowing how to the voice command functions of their smart phone can be what allows them to call or text friends and family.

“We can also introduce people to the huge range of specialist equipment available to them, from something like a magnifier that helps people with low vision read written information, or it might be something more advanced like screen-reading software that supports someone who is blind to find and maintain employment.”

The free sessions will be held at Vision Australia Geelong on High Street in Belmont.

The March 19 sessions will run from 11am-12 noon, while the March 26 session is scheduled for 5.30-6.30pm.

Registrations are essential and can be made by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 5249 2700.