Opening up public services to visually impaired

There is still one session of free training remaining to enable visually impaired people to access public services and more via computer in Bromsgrove district.

Free days to learn how to use screen magnification and talking software to access local Council services such as Council Tax, bus passes and housing have been made available with funding from Bromsgrove District Council.

Visually impaired residents may also want to take the opportunity to learn how to use social sites Twitter, Face Book and YouTube, as well as audio description for television.

So far this month two-hour sessions have been held at Cornerstone in Cofton Hackett and Bromsgrove library, with another session coming up at the library on Thursday 26th August from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. Help is available by phone.

Trainer Stephanie Sergeant is a qualified I.T. trainer, with 20 years experience in computer programming. Visually impaired herself, she has first hand experience of the challenges and rewards of computing, and delivers the courses with humour and empathy.

Stephanie, who is delivering the training in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council, said "Just because you have a visual disability doesn't stop you making use of the incredibly useful tool that is the internet. A range of handy devices have been designed to improve access to websites and other services, and this training is designed with you in mind, especially to access essential local public services."

Transport to and from the venue at Cornerstone may be available via Bromsgrove districts' community transport service, BURT. Please contact BURT on 0800 917 9144 for more information on what support is available.

To book a slot on the training, or for more information, please contact Stephanie on 0121 445 2161.

Bromsgrove District Council's portfolio holder for older people, the young and vulnerable people Cllr Margaret Sherrey said: "It is absolutely essential for everyone in the community to be able to access public services, and we are committed to making this access as easy as possible. The benefits delivered to residents of Bromsgrove district have already seen the Council officially recognised as the best authority in Worcestershire for equalities, and I hope that this latest initiative will continue in that mould by making life that little bit easier."