History

The British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) was formed in 1969 by a group of professional computer programmers in order to assist current and prospective programmers in their work.

Subsequently the association was registered as a charity with the aim of fostering and educating those outside of the profession.

As time went by and as technology broadened its appeal, the association has followed suit by developing tutorials and an education programme for those wishing to learn computing.

By 2017 when technology had become a way of life for most visually impaired people, a new strategy was developed and it was decided to change the name of BCAB to TAVIP (Technology Association of Visually Impaired People). There had for some time been the feeling that partially sighted people had chosen not to join the association because of the focus on blindness. In 2018 the name was officially changed and registered.

A membership scheme has been started and has led to an enthusiastic following.

Members of the charity have also been involved in fundraising, with the Guide Cats scheme being of particular note.

The following recording is based on an interview given by Norman Verrill requested by Kevin Russell (a current member in 2021) to celebrate the first 25 years of TAVIP’s predecessor BCAB (British Computer Association of the Blind).