Technology Support
Making technology work for you
Technology can open up a world of opportunities, helping you stay connected with family and friends, access information and services, manage everyday tasks and enjoy greater independence. Vision Northumberland’s Technology Enablement Service supports people who are blind or partially sighted, living with hearing loss or have a dual sensory loss, to make the most of technology in a way that suits their individual needs and lifestyle.
Whether you are new to technology, looking to develop your digital skills or need help getting more from a device you already own, our friendly team provides practical, personalised support at your own pace.
You don’t need to be confident with technology or know exactly what you need before getting in touch. We can explore the options together and help you discover solutions that make everyday life easier, from keeping in touch with loved ones to enjoying books and entertainment, accessing online services and doing more of the things that matter to you.
How we can help
Our Technology Enablement Coordinator practical support, advice and demonstrations to help you use technology with greater confidence.
Support can include:
- Smartphones, tablets and computers – help with setting up devices, understanding their features and making them easier to use.
- Accessibility features – guidance on magnification, larger text, high-contrast displays, screen readers, voice control and text-to-speech.
- Apple and Android devices – support with accessibility tools such as VoiceOver and TalkBack.
- Apps and online services – help with email, messaging, video calls, social media and accessing useful websites and online services.
- Hearing technology – assistance with connecting and using hearing aids with smartphones and other compatible devices.
- Smart technology – demonstrations and advice on smart speakers, including Amazon Alexa, and other technology that can support everyday independence.
- Audiobooks and accessible reading – help to explore audiobooks and other accessible ways to enjoy books and written information.
- Assistive technology – demonstrations of accessible devices, apps and equipment, with advice on what might be suitable for you.
- Hardware – demonstrations of hardware like the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, Blindshell devices and Synapptic phones and tablets.
- Troubleshooting – practical help to resolve accessibility issues and find solutions when technology is difficult to use.
We can also help you discover features you may not know are available, from using your phone through voice commands to adjusting settings that make text easier to see or information easier to hear.
Support that suits you
Everyone’s needs and experience of technology are different. We tailor our support to you, focusing on what you want to achieve and giving you time to practise and build confidence, including:
- Support at Vision Northumberland’s sensory hub in Morpeth.
- Home visits where appropriate.
- Outreach support and opportunities to learn across Northumberland.
- Tech & Talk sessions, offering opportunities to explore technology, share experiences and learn alongside others.
- One-to-one appointments.
- Group sessions.
Our aim is to help you find practical ways to use technology at home, at work, in education and in your everyday life.
Get In Touch
If you are experiencing sight loss, hearing loss, or are supporting someone who is, get in touch with Vision Northumberland to find out how our Technology Enablement Service could help.
Family members, carers and professionals are also welcome to contact us on behalf of someone who may benefit from support.
To speak to our Technology Enablement Coordinator or find out more about the support available, contact:
Nathan Miller
Telephone: 01670 514316
Email: nathan.miller@vision-northumberland.org
We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and help you explore the technology and support options available through Vision Northumberland.