Youngsters with Visual Impairments Try Out Life-changing Technology


Hammersmith exhibition offers hands-on experience of latest devices

 

 

Young people with visual impairments have been introduced to a wide range of technology designed to improve their lives at a borough-wide exhibition.

Children aged three to 18, along with their teachers, parents and carers, were able to get hands-on experience of software and devices which can be life-changing. The What’s APPning exhibition was the first of its kind held in the borough.

Cllr Sue Fennimore, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, said: " Technology can make a massive difference and enable many young people with visual impairments to attend mainstream schools.

" This exhibition provided the perfect opportunity for residents to get expert advice from charities, suppliers and people who currently use the equipment, without them having to travel beyond the borough."

About 70 people attended The What’s APPning exhibition held at the Novotel in Hammersmith, organised by the Hammersmith & Fulham Sensory and Language Impairment Team.

They were able to talk to specialist designers and suppliers as well as charities, which can help with applications for funding.

Students with visual impairments who attend mainstream schools in the borough were also on hand to demonstrate how the equipment helps them in their learning and daily lives.

The technology on display included magnifiers which can enlarge text and pictures on electronic tablets and a camera able to focus on writing or images in the distance and transfer them to a handheld device.

For more information about the H&F Sensory and Language Impairment Team, call Andrea Ferris or Gabrielle Nyman on 020 8811 8190 or email slit@wendellpark.lbhf.sch.uk.

July 24, 2015