Galloway’s has been recognised for its work in using assistive technology to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton.
The sight loss charity was a finalist in the Community Impact category of the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards.
The nomination was for the Galloway’s Tech Ability project, where 13 visually impaired people with no internet access or confidence in using digital software, were given the opportunity to try accessibility programme Synapptic.
Two trainers, who were also visually impaired, loaned out data-enabled tablets to the group and provided one-to-one online remote support.
Feedback from some of the participants has included: ‘Now I have independence and it has given me my life back. It is like having another person in the house with me,’ and ‘I couldn’t wait for Graham to get in touch to deliver my sessions. It has been something I have looked forward to.’
The project has been made possible thanks to an award of £17,787 and then a £5,000 continuation grant from Catalyst and The National Lottery Community Fund COVID-19 Digital Response Fund. Galloway’s is also being supported by digital charity CAST and Graham Longly from Aspire Assistive CIC Ltd to deliver the scheme.
Other finalists in the Community Impact category were: Talk Kit, N-compass, vHelp and Girls into Coding.
The AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards recognise organisations and individuals who use digital technology to improve the lives of others and make the world a better place.
The awards were announced during a virtual ceremony on July 14th, with Preston carers charity n-Compass taking home the title.
Andrew Coleman, Assistive Technology Co-ordinator at Galloway, said: "We were thrilled to make it as a finalist and happy that a charity local to us has been recognised in such a way.
Everyone has worked really hard in making Tech Ability a success and we should be proud of our achievements!"
Watch this video to hear what the Tech Ability project means to June:
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