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

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
- 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 makeĀ 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.
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