Trustees

Jeff Bashton: Chair

Jeff pictured with his tandem.

I have used assistive technology since the 1980’s from specialist devices to screen readers. I use the twin modalities of speech and Braille. Without the efficient use of AT I would not have stayed in the labour market for 40+ years. As chair of TAVIP I see my main role as the modernisation of the organisation, devise plans for its sustainability and to increase the number and diversity of its membership (learn more about TAVIP’s strategy).

David Boden: Treasurer

David Boden pictured with his guide dog

I completed a specialist assessment for computer aptitude in 1979. This enabled me to gain employment, as a computer programmer with Nottinghamshire County Council where I worked for 38 years. I studied with the Open University for 8 years during the 1980’s and gained a BA in maths, science and Technology.

I have been treasurer of the Association continuously since 1986. As well as maintaining and reporting on the accounts, I respond to messages left on our telephone enquiry line which are concerned with membership or payments.

Peter Bosher

Photo of Peter Bosher

My work has always been linked with adaptive technology.

For a few years I worked as RNIB’s Project Manager for digital media, and edited the Access IT magazine (An RNIB publication for those interested in IT) before becoming a trainer in adaptive technology for access to the internet. I am a sound engineer and musician and am keen to promote the accessibility of audio and music technology.

Dr. Mike Townsend

Photo of Mike Townsend

I am keen that technology enriches people’s lives. I have been in the IT industry all my working life with mainstream companies, universities and charities.

I am a strong advocate for access to technology for blind and partially sighted people working with Adobe, Apple, and Microsoft.

Mark Owen

Photo of Mark Owen

I joined the TAVIP board in March 2020. I started my working life in finance, working for a firm of Financial Advisors. I’ve spent over 20 years working in education, teaching, staff development and recently as a Head of Department. I now work part-time in the sight loss sector, supporting others in their use of technology. I use Fusion (a package that employs both speech and magnification) and have a working knowledge of a range of screen reader solutions. I’m keen to explore and share the benefits that technology can bring to our everyday lives.

Karina Gregory

Photo of Karina Gregory in an office

I became a member of TAVIP 15 years ago whilst studying for my degree in Business Information Technology. I became a Trustee in 2018 enabling me to contribute at an exciting and busy period of its development. I have assisted with the monitoring of the Enquiry Line and supported the monthly Technology Helpline. I am working on developing a database of organisations and groups through whom the work of TAVIP can be promoted.

David Quarmby

Photo of David Quarmby sitting by his computer

I have been a member of the organisation approximately 25 years after I started using technology for work. I have been employed as a social worker for 14 years and then worked in middle-management within the Probation Service for 22 years.

For 7 years, I was seconded to the National Offender Management Service in the capacity of Assistive Technology coordinator, providing national technological support for Probation staff to enable them to do their work. I was also Co-Chair of the National Disabled Staff Network.

For the last 13 years, I have been a founder member and Chair of a user led organisation that provides peer technological support for visually impaired people in West Yorkshire, allowing people to continue doing whatever they want to do despite their sight loss.

My motivation for becoming a trustee of TAVIP is to assist in the process of skilling up visually impaired people in the use of technology as they can benefit disproportionately from its use on a daily basis. I also firmly believe in the principles of inclusive design from inception in the development of products, services and environments so that they can be used at the same time and without any additional cost whatever a person’s requirements. The focus of digitally skilling up visually impaired people alongside ensuring that products, services and environments are inclusively designed, will be essential for maximising our independence.

Sheila Armstrong

Photo of Sheila Armstrong

I came to computers kicking and screaming, as it were, in the 1980s, but I quickly realised just what a powerful tool they could be for blind and partially sighted people. As someone in the older age bracket, I’m keen to help others to enjoy the benefits technology can bring, particularly if they’re as apprehensive as I once was. Younger people generally have their tech taped, but they still need all the encouragement we can give them to be successful in the workplace and in life. I’ve done a variety of jobs for the charity Torch Trust, including braille transcription, running the helpdesk and producing a weekly radio programme. Now that I have a bit more time, I’m pleased to give it to TAVIP.

Paul Porter

A photo of Paul Porter using a braille display

Technology has always played a major role in my life. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, there was little technology to help blind and partially sighted people. I remember buying my first book at RNIB in London and my family were amazed at the number of volumes. I used the Perkins Brailler, Talking Book player and cassette players extensively for school and university work.

I was amazed to see the first talking calculator in the late 70s. I became an Optacon user (a device that converts print letters into vibrating shapes) which helped me read for many years.

Technology helps me in every part of my life from looking up information, choosing what to listen to, shopping and getting around.

I have worked in the access technology sector for over 30 years. My first job was running a reading service in a library using the original Kurzweil Reading machine. This was the size of a washing machine and then cost around £30.000. Now you can do the same with a smartphone.

I worked for 25 years in RNIB’s technical team providing information and support for individuals and organisations looking for advice on what products were available. In 2019 I got my dream job working in RNIB’s library team. In the last three years we have launched the Reading Services online site and the Alexa RNIB Talking Books skill. I am an avid reader and also use other services to obtain books. I’ve gone from just about being able to carry one book around London to having thousands of audio and electronic Braille books on my smart device. Where will tech take us next?

I also enjoy travelling and in my younger days active sports including Sailing And Skiing. I don’t let my blindness stop me and enjoy new challenges.

I am looking forward to working with TAVIP colleagues to promote the organisation in the coming years.