To help people with sight loss stay connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, RNIB secured a number of Fire Tablet devices from internet giant Amazon. To support this, Forth Valley Sensory Centre provided free training to help people get to grips with free training sessions on how to set up the device and use virtual assistant 'Alexa' to help with various tasks.
In total, ten people took part through the Centre with each person given a free Fire Tablet. The cost of postage was covered by A Tesco Bags of Help Grant which was designed to help vulnerable people at this difficult time. Those chosen to take part were identified as people who did not have access to technology and had struggled to stay in touch with friends or family during lockdown.
IT Tutor Tom, donated his time and provided a free class to help people make the most of their new Fire Tablet.
Centre Manager, Jacquie Winning said:
"Sight or hearing loss can be isolating at the best of times so this is a vulnerable community hit especially hard by the Coronavirus restrictions. Many people who come to the Centre for support have age related sensory loss and other health challenges and have had to shield for long periods. Further reducing their social interaction and limiting their independence. These Fire Tablets, courtesy of RNIB and Amazon will help make a big difference."
You can see a short video of one of the training sessions, featuring Tom and Leila, here:
Jacquie added: "We have always run IT classes at the Centre as technology has become a big enabler for people with sensory loss, from on demand sign language interpreters to apps that can read the news it all helps people live more comfortably in their own homes.
"Our new Technology Hub is due to open soon as well and continues in this theme of support, confidence and independent living. Thanks to all those who took part in this training and to Tom for donating his time to help our Centre Users."
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