I provide remote support and advice on various aspects of assistive technology which can be used by those who are visually impaired. As a visually impaired individual myself, I understand the challenges and benefits of technology and have a wealth of experience and competency in this field.
Areas of Support
Topics that I am able to give advice on include:
- Screen readers for windows such as Jaws and Nonvisual Desktop access (NVDA);
- How smart phones can be adapted for those with a sight impairment;
- Various Braille products such as note takers, translation software and other Braille related hardware;
- How to adapt documents and sites to enable accessibility via a screen reader;
- Other types of mainstream technology such as the Amazon / Google Smart speakers and how they can enrich the lives of people with sight problems;
I am often called upon to assist both mainstream and specialist companies who manufacture products for the blind / low vision users, to evaluate software and provide feedback on how their ICT products could be made fully inclusive.
Clients who have used this service
Companies I have helped in the past include:
- Exam boards I was tasked with testing the electronic exam papers for any screen reader problems and provide a detailed report of my findings;
- HumanWare – I was asked to trial the release of a new software version for their Braille note taker and pass on my thoughts and general feedback prior to its launch.
- Cheshire East sensory impairment team where I worked alongside a former teacher of the visual impaired to enhance their knowledge on various aspects of assistive technology, for instance the Non-visual Desktop Access screen reader. NVDA is a free and open source screen reader for windows.
- Norwex, an independent sales business for which I undertook extensive research on the accessibility of social media and survey sites for screen readers and provided detailed feedback on their use.
I am currently assisting Cheshire East Eye Society to run a remote technology group via MS Teams. I am told that I am a valuable asset to this group as I will always answer any queries to the best of my ability. Moreover, I will undertake extra research to enhance both my own knowledge and gain new skills to pass onto other client’s / students.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.