Supporting You

TAVIP CEO and Trustees at Sight Village 2022

TAVIP members have a wealth of experience in using all sorts of technology. Many work in IT, with in-depth knowledge of how to access systems used in business and industry. Equally though, many members simply use technology as a tool in daily living, employment or education.

Whether you wish to acquire keyboard skills, learn how to use a windows-based or Apple Mac computer, smartphone, (Apple or Android) tablet or smart speaker (Alexa or Google Home), there are a number of ways in which we provide support:

Members Newsletter

Our Members Newsletter is emailed to members every other month and provides updates on the latest technology products, apps, services and sector events. Past editions can be viewed on the News Page.

Email Discussion List

As a member, you can raise a technical query with the TAVIP Email Discussion List where your question is usually answered within minutes or hours.

Monthly Tech Chat

Members can also join our friendly Tech Chat which takes place on zoom on the first Thursday of every month between 7:30-9:00pm. We share updates on new technology and apps, and we can also answer any specific questions you may have. The session is hosted by one of our board members.

TAVIP Masterclass webinars

We run Masterclass webinars every other month, looking in detail at accessibility issues associated with specific products or software. In the first few webinars we have reviewed some of the latest braille displays, looked in detail at audio editing techniques, and explored the features of the BlindShell Classic 2 mobile phone. Details of upcoming Masterclasses are emailed to members, and you can access recordings in our Knowledge Base.

TechABreak Weekend

We have been running TechaBreak weekends for a number of years and these are very popular with members as a way to catchup on latest technology, try products and also meet up with other TAVIP members for a sociable weekend. The date for the 2025 event is Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September and it will be at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate. Here is a link with further information and booking details for TechABreak 2025.

Technology for Work Training

Our Technology for Work Training Course offers members up to 5 hours of free one-to-one training to help them gain the IT skills needed in the work place so that, with other pre-employment support, they are ready to make the step into paid work.

Depending on your learning goals, the course could cover topics including an overview of assistive technology and access features built into Windows and Microsoft Office, use of screen readers such as JAWS, using Microsoft Office applications, using Zoom and Microsoft Teams, web browsing, using Apple and Android phones and apps.

You can find out more on our Technology for Work page, or for an application form please contact us on info@tavip.org.uk.

Technology for Learning Training

We have a number of places available on our new Technology for Learning training course. The course provides up to 5 hours of free one-to-one training for visually impaired students who are 16+ to help them develop the skills they need for education and to prepare for the world of work.

Training can cover the use of screen reading software or magnification tools with Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint, Zoom and Teams, web browsers and smart phone apps.

We adopt a very customised approach so we will adapt the training to match the skills you are likely to need in education or work, and we can provide you with resources so you can continue learning after the course. We can also provide advice on suitable equipment and software, and we can access your PC remotely to help configure it for your needs.

To find out more about the training and to apply for a place, please contact the TAVIP team on info@tavip.org.uk.

TAVIP Coding and Computing Group

TAVIP has set up a new special interest group to promote accessibility within the coding and computing sectors. The aims of the group are:

• Encouraging and supporting young visually impaired people to study coding and computer science.
• Encouraging and supporting visually impaired people to explore careers in coding and computing.
• Promoting accessibility in coding tools and development environments.

If you are interested in being part of the group get in touch with us at info@tavip.org.uk.

Sound Without Sight Project

TAVIP is delighted to be hosting the Sound Without Sight Project, which provides information and support to visually impaired people wanting to progress in the audio and music industry.

Led by Jay Pocknell, ‘Sound Without Sight’ is a network and knowledge hub for blind and partially sighted musicians and audio engineers, and a platform to showcase this community to the sighted world. To find out more about Jay’s personal journey, the project, and how you can support, go to this page about the Sound Without Sight Project.  For TechABreak 2024 Jay produced a video update on Sound Without Sight Project.

TAVIP Directory

The TAVIP Directory lists a wide range of organisations and resources which support visually impaired to get the most out of technology. It includes online resources, podcasts, national events, research reports, equipment suppliers, grants and local services. Here is a link to the TAVIP Directory.

Tech Selector Tool

TAVIP has played a key role in the design and development of the new Tech Selector Tool, a website platform which showcases the best and latest assistive technology and mainstream products for visually impaired people. It is a project which comes under the leadership of the Vision Partnership Technology Group with content contributions from an Expert Panel of visually impaired people. It is being hosted by Guide Dogs on behalf of the sector.

Shaping Technology Support across the sector

The Vision Partnership provides a strategic overview of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people, as well as those at risk of sight loss across the UK and the founding members are Blind Veterans UK, Glaucoma UK, Guide Dogs, Macular Society, Retina UK, RNIB, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Visionary.

Under the Vision Partnership are a number of working groups which progress specific priorities, one of which is the Technology Group. The aim of the Technology Group is to enable visually impaired people across the UK to use assistive, accessible and inclusive technologies to maximise opportunities in education, employment and daily life, and to ensure that they are not excluded through the increasing use of technology in society.

TAVIP is delighted to be supporting the work of the Technology Group by providing a Strategy Lead role to help set out the overall priorities of the group, to support collaboration and to initiate specific projects. This is part of a three-year partnership project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and being led by Guide Dogs.