The Guide Dogs organisation has partnered with Centre For Eye Health and Good Things Foundation to develop a digital skills pilot program for people living with low vision.
This new initiative called Get Online-Get Connected is fully funded by Guide Dogs.
People aged 55 or more living with a deterioration in vision can sign up, free, to learn new skills to navigate the digital world confidently, independently and safely.
Digital technology has become front and centre in our lives, whether technology is used for a simple phone call, or to connect with friends on social media, or manage our finances.
Technology can be convenient and efficient but also frustrating and mysterious, especially for those experiencing vision problems.
With banking as an example, new digital services are changing the way to make payments, shifting from in-person to online, a trend that has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guide Dogs has made it a priority to support people experiencing vision loss make the most of digital technology and remove the frustrations often associated with learning new skills.
Collaborating with Good Things Foundation, Guide Dogs has launched its free digital literacy pilot, Get Online-Get Connected, to help people make the most of remaining vision, stay in touch with friends, learn how to safely do online banking and use apps to make everyday tasks easier.
“Technology is always challenging. It is like getting a new pair of glasses,” Alan Edwards, who has vision loss, said.
“Sometimes you try them on, they just feel so uncomfortable.
“But once you persevere with it, suddenly it just becomes better.
“The key to success is reaching out, get that support, get that guidance, and challenge yourself.”
General Manager Low Vision at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Mirne le Roux said there were many registrations for Get Online-Get Connected and great feedback for future programs.
“Seeing the impact this pilot project is having on individuals once they become more confident with the digital skills they need to stay independent online and reconnect with their community is heartwarming,” she said.
“The feedback we have received is invaluable – it will help us to further co-design training modules and delivery of the program. and we are already looking at extending the program.”
During the pilot, participants can attend free unlimited digital skills training sessions until they are confident using their digital devices.
Some of the modules on offer include: making your devices easier to use; staying safe online; connecting with others through technology; accessing resources to enhance your everyday life; safer management of passwords and logins.
Training sessions are designed to offer choice, making digital learning enjoyable and accessible, with participants joining like-minded peers to discover how to do more with their devices.