Since autumn 2016 OpenUp Digital has been working with New Outlook housing association in Birmingham to help blind and partially sighted residents get the most out of digital communications.

Helping residents get online

A partially sighted older woman and resident of New Outlook learning to use the built-in accessibility features on her Android tablet
A partially sighted New Outlook resident learning to use the built-in accessibility features on her Android tablet

Initially, the project focused on ensuring all residents in Harborne could access the shared desktop Windows PC the residents’ committee had previously invested in. This involved:

  • Updating software and removing malware
  • Creating secure logins for residents and managing permissions
  • Carrying out monthly maintenance checks

Practical help and support

A partially sighted user using a high contrast PC keyboard
A partially sighted user using a high contrast PC keyboard. By Francisclarke (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
OpenUp Digital has also provided group and one-to-one support to help blind and partially sighted residents become more confident using digital technology. Sessions have covered:

  • Enabling built-in accessibility features on Windows, iOS and Android devices such as screen magnification and ‘talk back’ features.
  • Using voice control technologies such as Siri and Google Now to make  phone calls, browse the web and send text messages.
  • Downloading mobile apps such as BBC iPlayer Radio to access online news and entertainment.

Can we help?

Is your organisation doing enough to make sure disabled people can access your digital services? OpenUp Digital is ideally placed to help with everything from practical advice to skills and confidence training for staff and customers.

Get in touch

More information

You can read more about our work with New Outlook residents on our blog:

Helping blind and partially sighted users get the most out of digital communications