National Council of the Blind of Ireland and Fujitsu Ireland presents Labs Technology Hub

Dublin, December 03, 2021

Today, on International Day of Those with Disabilities, the National Council of the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) in partnership with Fujitsu Ireland, are proud to present the NCBI Labs Technology Hub, a dedicated Rehabilitation Training Centre in Tallaght for its service users nationally.

The Hub is available to the almost 55,000 blind and visually impaired users nationally. Visitors can avail of training and support in the use of technology both for employment purposes and personal use. At the Hub they can develop their IT skills while being supported by NCBI training staff in a number of ways:

• Computer Training – Users can take courses on how to navigate the various operating systems, set up accessibility settings as well as learning applications like Excel and Word.
• Virtual - NCBI run numerous peer group meetings alongside Technology Clubs which enables service users to connect and participate in these directly from the Hub.
• Technical Assessments - service users can use this hub to assess themselves to establish where they can upskill.
• Events - Open Days are being held monthly, where Service Users pop into NCBI Labs technology Hub.

The Hub is expertly equipped including High-Performance PCs which were specially designed with the end-user in mind. The computers have curved ultra-wide high definition 34-inch screens which have a uniform focal view which aids the user. The HD visuals allow for normal viewing or can be used in conjunction with Screen Magnification software which makes ICT more accessible for the user.

The Hub is the culmination of a three-year partnership between the NCBI and Fujitsu Ireland, which focused on the four key areas of advocacy, fundraising, volunteering and digital inclusion.

Speaking about the partnership Kyran O’Mahoney, NCBI Chief Technology Officer said: "Technology is the single biggest enabler for those with sight loss and this facility allows NCBI to showcase the best technology available to our Service Users in a comfortable modern space. It’s a place where they can socially connect, both in-person and virtually, with other service users. They are empowered to develop their technology skills through training and hands on use of computers, all the while being supported by two full time NCBI training staff and, of course, Fujitsu volunteers. Technology provides the same level of independence to someone with sight loss and our mission is to ensure that children and adults with a significant sight loss have the same opportunities, rights, and choices as anyone else in society. I would like thank Fujitsu and their team for their continued support and donation of this state-of-the-art technology to make this technology hub a reality."

Fujitsu Ireland CEO Tony O’Malley continued: "We are immensely proud of our work with the National Council of the Blind of Ireland, supporting their efforts to enable their service users to live independent and fulfilling lives. Technology is a great enabler, and the suite of technology provided helps to give practical and emotional support to those who are blind or vision impaired access opportunities in education, employment, and full participation in community and public life."

About NCBI

NCBI is Irelands leading sight loss charity, celebrating 90 years of serving approximately 55,000 people who are blind or vision impaired to live confidently and independently.

Our suite of programmes provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation and opening pathways to education, employment, and full participation in community and public life. It means raising awareness to ensure children and adults with a significant sight loss have the same opportunities, rights, and choices as anyone else in society.

NCBI works every day across the country with people of all ages, from young babies through to older members of our community. We provide services to approximately 7,000 people each year.

Often when a person learns that they or a loved one – a parent, child or partner – is losing their sight, they have a lot of questions and fears. They are faced with a new version of their life – one that initially seems limited and scary. NCBI empowers those living with sight loss in several meaningful ways to enable them to continue living independent and fulfilling lives. NCBI has a crucial role to play in creating a world without barriers for people with sight loss. We want to support, educate and change how people see sight loss in this country.

Date: December 03, 2021
City: Dublin