I.T. Development Fund

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We need your support to supply essential ICT, ILT and Braille Technology equipment to enable people who are blind or partially sighted to become more independent in their day-to-day lives at work or in higher education.

Why we need your support

A recent publication "Work Matters" (RNIB) reports that there are 115,000 blind or partially sighted people of working age in the UK.

  • Three out of four are not in paid employment
  • One thousand young people with sight difficulties enter the labour market each year, and
  • At least 25% of unemployed people who are blind or partially sighted would like to work if the opportunities arose and support systems were in place.

One of the key reasons for an unemployment figure like this is that it is often difficult for many people who are blind or partially sighted to study, keep appointments, and work effectively by taking notes. The net effect being:

  • They have to live with others, dependent for basic needs such as time keeping.
  • They have difficulty studying, and can end up with gaps in their education.
  • They have difficulty finding or maintaining employment, which in turn can lead to low self-esteem.

There is some equipment available but it is bulky, heavy and quite noisy. Added to this, people need to carry several pieces at once. As you can imagine this can be a mobility problem. Of those who come to RNC at least 40 are guide dog owners and the majority are long cane users. This in itself means that when getting to lectures or work one hand is already being used. Therefore any realistic and suitable equipment must be portable, multifunctional and easy to use. The College already offers a small number of braille technology tools and laptops, but we do not have enough to meet demand.

Responding to the need - The RNC Communication Technology for Life project

A key objective of the RNC Strategic Plan is "to ensure that all students are prepared for effective participation in the work place". The focus on the development of skills for employment/self employment is central to the work of the college as is the need to work with employers to break down barriers arising from prejudice and discrimination.

The RNC needs to maintain a pool of equipment including, Laptops, Desktop Computers, Braille Notes, Braille Displays, CCTV's, Tape recorders, document scanners printers and software; to enable practice and familiarisation. As part of RNC's individual learning programme people will be encouraged to select from a variety of models, to find out which one works best for them personally.

Specialist equipment such as the Braille Note are capable of taking notes, reading them back for reference and connecting to a desk top PC, (to create a document or to act as a voice output for that device), combined with laptop and desktop computers enable access to the internet and e-mail for communication purposes.

Most importantly the equipment we are supplying enables people to live their day-to-day lives like their peers and enjoy and learn from independent study and work.

Sight loss is one of the biggest causes of disability in the UK, affecting 1.7 million people in this country; RNC helps around 200 people each year. This equipment will give immeasurable benefit to our students and we would be extremely grateful if you felt able to support us.

Costs

Lap Top Computers - £1,500
Desk Top Computers - £600
Printers - £100
Hand Held Tape recorders - £25
Desk Top Tape Recorders - £50
Document Scanners - £130
Mono CCTV's - £1,000
Colour CCTV's - £1,900
Braille Notes - £4,000
Braille Displays - £4,500

The need for this equipment is both urgent and ongoing; we are constantly trying to keep up with demand as our student numbers increase.

How you can help

If you would like to support this project please click on the link in the left hand menu to visit our donation page.

Thank you.

Salman Khokhar - London

Salman Khokhar - London
RNC has been a real stepping stone for me since leaving school. My life appeared to be going nowhere after school, but RNC has really broadened my horizons. I hope to go on to University after here to pursue a career in Sound Recording, but I know I will keep in touch with some great friends I have met since I've been here.
Salmon is 22 and registered partially sighted.