Setting up an 18 - 30 group for Visually Impaired people

Hi all

I am currently working with a student Rehabilitation Officer to set up a group for people with a visual impairment in the age range 18 - 30. The reason for picking this age range is that there are very few social opportunities for this age group and the majority of people stay within their family circle or become very lonely and isolated.

The problem with this is it can become self perpetuating as people's confidence reduces so does there desire and ability to access any new groups and it becomes a vicious circle.

We decided to hold a technology and information evening as a sort of carrott to encourage people to come to the group but I have to say that to date I have been very disappointed with the response from organisations and companies we have approached to demonstrate some of thier products; most have declined and without naming names they were not exactly small independents.

I wondered if anybody on the network could give me some advice or contacts for companies that may be interested in helping out a small but disadvantaged group to develop an interest outside of their own insular world. The things we were looking to demonstrate were the accessibility functions on the following items: a desktop or laptop computer (Windows 7), An I pad or I phone (or similar), Kindle, X box, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and any other gadgets that have an accessibility function for visual impairment would be great.

I hope somebody can help us out!!! Please!!

Thanks

Tony

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tony Walsh on May 18, 2011 at 11:05

Guys I really would appreciate some input on this as the clock is ticking and I would like to get things finalised!!

Any advice, positive or not, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tony

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Gee (Moderator) on May 18, 2011 at 12:28

All I can say is I am afraid I wouldn't have the first clue where to start, but I think it is an excellent idea and I wish you great luck with it.

Lisa

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Yates (OBN Co-Founder) on May 18, 2011 at 19:30

Tony I will feature this blog for you and hope you get some more feedback

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Permalink Reply by Vickie Varley on May 19, 2011 at 9:02

Hi Tony,

Is this something libraries could help with? We have e-books, Supernova installed on all of our PCs at Oldham Library and other stuff listed here; http://www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries/your_library/talking-books.htm I'm pretty sure we have access to a Wii too. If you think we can help, let me know and I'll pass it on to the relevant team.

Thanks,

Vickie