RNIB’s Technology for Life Fair brings together suppliers of technology related products
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) recently showcased assistive technology products for blind and partially sighted people at its Technology for Life Fair in Northern Ireland.
Hosted by the Europa Hotel in Belfast, the event brought together the industry’s leading suppliers of technology related products and services all under one roof on 28 February 2024.
Over 400 visitors affected by sight loss took the opportunity to browse over 20 exhibitors and speak directly to representatives from leading suppliers of assistive technology.
Alongside the exhibition, a series of tech talks throughout the day informed visitors of the advantages of specially designed apps on smartphones and tablets and demos of the latest magnification and screen reading applications.
The event also featured presentations from Encompass, the Health and Social Care digital records project. Another highlight was a representative from the Education Authority NI sharing details of the technology support provided to students with a vision impairment.
Staff from RNIB, were delighted to welcome Councillor Ryan Murphy Lord Mayor of Belfast to the event. The Lord Mayor was taken on a tour of the exhibition by Director of RNIB in Northern Ireland, Robert Shilliday. He spent time speaking with visitors to get an understanding of the difference assistive technology makes to the lives of those affected by sight loss.
Councillor Ryan Murphy, Lord Mayor of Belfast, said: “We’re working hard in council to make Belfast a more inclusive city which works for everyone. Today’s event is a superb showcase of how technology can be used to unlock challenges faced by people with sight loss and ensure everyone is able to access vital services.
“From smartphone apps addressing everyday needs to cutting-edge software, it’s been inspiring to find out more today about the various products and technologies available to remove barriers and make sure no-one feels left behind.”
RNIB’S Technology for Life Fair event boasted the biggest names in assistive technology including Optelec, OrCam, Dolphin, Sight and Sound, Human Ware and, of course, RNIB.
Many people experience a loss of digital skills after acquiring sight loss due to a lack of confidence and basic awareness or knowledge of accessibility features like text to speech or magnification.
According to research, people with sight loss are twice as likely to be digitally excluded, 28 per cent of people with sight loss say they never use the internet or don’t have access to it. This is much higher than the proportion of people with other disabilities at 13 per cent with the figure for non-disabled people standing at just four per cent, says RNIB.
People with sight loss are also less likely to own a smart phone, with only 54 per cent owning a smartphone, 28 per cent owning a regular mobile phone and 18 per cent not owning a mobile phone at all.
There are multiple barriers to the digital world for people with sight loss that include cost, capability, and confidence, access to training opportunities, as well as accessibility and safety concerns.
However, people with sight loss say that the benefits of tech are many, including: communicating with others and accessing information more easily; the ability to better manage health and wellbeing; increased independence and confidence and reduced reliance on others; access to leisure and entertainment, offering new opportunities for enjoying free time and the ability to pursue new hobbies, and managing money and accessing money-saving deals.
RNIB’s Technology for Life Coordinator Jackie Brown, said: “The RNIB Technology for Life Fair was the highlight of my year. It was just wonderful to see so many people coming together to find out the latest developments in the assistive technology that is such an integral part of the lives of blind and partially sighted people. In my role with the RNIB’s Technology for Life service, I see the real practical difference technology can make to a person’s life.
“It doesn’t have to mean flashy expensive tech. A liquid level indicator can be life changing if you’re struggling to make a cup of tea following sight loss. Advances in technology continue to open up the world around us, enabling people with sight loss to live independently, access information, grasp opportunities and be creative.
“We wanted to organise an event that brought together the industry leaders in assistive technology here in Northern Ireland. It’s one thing to read about some of this technology but it’s quite another thing to get your hands on the latest products and try them for yourself.”
Loopwheels will launch its new lightweight version of its wheelchair wheel at this year’s Naidex event, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 20-21 March 2024.
