About us

A visually impaired person buying train tickets in a station
We are dedicated to opening up the world of information technology to Visually Impaired people.
The Technology Association of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP) is a lively community of visually impaired people committed to improving access to both mainstream technology and assistive technology. We offer training, discussion, networking and assistance to anyone with a visual impairment.
Established in 1969 as the British Computer Association of the Blind, we’re the oldest computer association for visually impaired people in the world and in recent times we have transitioned and re-branded to TAVIP, The Technology Association of Visually Impaired People.
Working in Partnership
We are committed to working in partnership with other organisations in the sight loss sector. We are a partner of Visionary who represent the many local sight loss charities, and we are part of the Access to Technology Working Group within the VI Charity Sector Partnership.
What do we do?
- We actively promote the use of computers and technology by visually impaired people.
- We encourage visually impaired people to explore the benefits of computers at home, at work and for leisure.
- We share advances in technology, identifying relevant resources and information for visually impaired people.
- We encourage and facilitate peer support amongst our members and amongst visually impaired people more widely.
- We campaign for equal access to computers, technology and the internet by visually impaired people.
- We provide tutorials and training for visually impaired people of all skill levels and interests.
- We create networking opportunities for visually impaired people working in a range of sectors, and hold events for our members.
Who are our members?
We have members of all skill levels, interests and abilities. Our members include everyone from visually impaired people taking their first steps with technology, through to people working professionally in the IT industry. For example:
- People using computers, mobile phones and other technologies for leisure or enjoyment.
- Students at school or university, including people studying computing or technology at any level.
- People in diverse jobs using computers, mobile phones and other technologies in the workplace.
- People working in all areas of the IT industry, including developers, database administrators, network architects and security specialists.
- Researchers and academics studying access technologies and other fields relevant to visually impaired people.
- Companies, organisations and societies representing visually impaired people, or developing solutions for visually impaired technology users.
Our members use a wide range of computers, laptops, netbooks and mobile phones. In addition they use screen readers, screen magnifiers, braille displays, reading systems and other access technologies.
Our greatest asset is our members. With such a range of knowledge, experience and skills, there is always someone who can help answer your questions!
Become a member
Becoming a Member is now free, so there has never been a better time to join.