Equipment and Technology
Our Equipment Team provides specialist support with a wide range of equipment and technology designed to help you increase or maintain your independence both at home and when out and about.
We offer a personalised, one‑to‑one assessment lasting up to 90 minutes, tailored to your specific visual needs. During this session, we explore the tools and solutions that can help you make the most of your remaining vision and support your daily life.
What the Assessment Includes
During your session, we will explore a wide range of tools and solutions, including:
- Optical and electronic magnification
- Specialist lighting
- Text-to-speech devices
- Landline phones, Smartphones and tablets
- Accessible apps and online services
- Kitchen equipment to support daily living tasks
We will also discuss your online accessibility requirements, from improving screen readability to accessing talking books and other digital services.
How the Assessment Works
Assessments can take place:
- At our office, for those who can attend independently
- In your home, if visiting us at our office is difficult
You will have the opportunity to try products from various suppliers so we can identify what works best for you and fits your budget.
Where appropriate, we can also make referrals to other organisations such as the Low Vision Clinic or the RNIB to ensure you receive comprehensive support.
After the Assessment
You will receive a written summary of everything discussed, including:
- Links to the equipment demonstrated
- Recommendations tailored to your needs
- Any follow‑up information from organisations contacted on your behalf
- Confirmation if you have been added to the Tech Buddy waiting list
What Are Tech Buddies?
Tech Buddies are trained volunteers who provide one‑to‑one support for specific pieces of equipment or technology. Their support might include:
- Support for your Smart devices including smartphones, tablets, TV’s, smart speakers etc
- Enabling voice recognition and assisting with voice enabled features
- Changing text size or enabling accessibility features
- Setting up apps on smart devices such as talking book services text-to-speech, navigation and proximity apps
- Problem solving on computers, tablets, smartphones or with apps
Once your needs have been identified, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. A Tech Buddy with the right skills will contact you when available.
(Please note: each new request requires a separate referral to the Tech Buddy service.)
Your Sight Loss Support Officer can also help with simple equipment, such as choosing basic magnification, improving lighting, or using tools like liquid level indicators.
