Helen Mullan and Robin DecadtA national technology awards scheme (IT4C) recently shortlisted the Coventry Society for the Blind (CSB) for an award in the category of `Best Accessible IT Volunteer Project’. The IT4C awards recognise and celebrate the best and most innovative examples of IT volunteering and CSB was selected as one of just three finalists in their category. Helen Mullan and Robin Decadt from the charity attended an awards ceremony in London on 29th November 2007 where results were announced. Coventry Society for the Blind came second overall and received two framed certificates, recognising the value of the supported IT sessions available at the centre for people with a visual impairment.
Volunteer, Robin Decadt who spent time volunteering with CSB during the summer was jointly nominated with the CSB. Providing invaluable support so the centre could continue to deliver IT sessions, his work was so useful that he has now achieved a paid position with the Society. CSB is the only organisation in Coventry that provides supported ICT sessions specifically tailored for visually impaired people. 23 users attend its sessions every week learning how to use specialist equipment so they can access technology such as the internet, that many take for granted. programmes
Helen Mullan of CSB said “We are delighted to be finalists in this national awards scheme and the awards ceremony in London was a great chance to network and learn of the other great projects taking place throughout the country. We are grateful to IT4C for providing this opportunity to raise awareness of Coventry Society for the Blind and the types of IT provision that may be useful to many people with a sensory impairment.”
When asked whether the Coventry Society for the Blind IT sessions were useful, one centre user stated “Before I came to the centre I had no knowledge of computers. Thanks to the support and access to equipment I have received I am now confident and capable of using computers to word process, browse the internet and email, which I would not have been able to do otherwise” and another stated 'The support we receive from Robin is excellent'.
Further information about the awards, as well as photographs from the evening can be viewed on the IT4C website
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Notes for Editors
CSB has been supporting people with a visual impairment in the Coventry area for over 100 years. Based on our experiences we are aware that many find it difficult or daunting to use computers and access or produce information electronically. For those who acquire visual impairment with age there can be additional concerns regarding the types of modern technology available and how it is used. The IT Sessions at Coventry Society for the Blind enable visually impaired people, some of whom have additional sensory, physical or learning disabilities, to develop their computer skills to in order to access information, services and resources electronically and produce publications and documents in a supported environment that provides access to adaptive technologies and specialist software packages.
