Our Technology Support Squad volunteers help blind and partially sighted people remain independent by setting up, fixing problems and helping them to use technology in their own homes.
If you have queries about any of the guidelines or would like more information, please contact Helen Johnston, the Technology Support Service manager on 0303 123 9999 or volunteering@rnib.org.uk
How the service works
All requests for help are sent to the RNIB Group Volunteering Team via the RNIB Helpline, whether you contacted them yourself, or someone does this on your behalf. The Team will then send your request to a volunteer Technology Support Coordinator in your area, who will find a local volunteer who is best able to help you. The Volunteering Team will be told about the outcome of all requests for help.
What you can expect from us
You will be contacted by the volunteer who has been allocated your request within 7 days of your initial query. They can:
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Give you advice and support over the telephone
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Arrange to visit you in your home to resolve your problem
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With your agreement, and only after an initial home visit, use software to access your computer remotely to solve problems.
Our volunteers are specialists in IT and technology and go through our recruitment process, including reference and safeguarding checks, before they make a home visit.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will have a volunteer in your local area who is able to resolve your problem. If we are not able to help you, with your permission, we can pass your details to other RNIB Group services or other charities who might be able to help.
We cannot provide an emergency service, although most customers are contacted by a volunteer within 48 hours of contacting us.
Our volunteers can:
No problem is too small for our volunteers, they are able to help with a wide range of issues you might have with technology in your home, including:
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Setting up and installing any technology item, wherever you bought it
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Getting the most out of your television including setting up your Freeview, satellite or cable equipment, installing a DVD player and setting up audio description
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Tuning in your digital radio
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Setting up your landline or mobile phone
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Setting up a new computer or laptop and setting up hardware such as printers and monitors
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Installing software you have purchased such as Microsoft Office and JAWS
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Investigating, and fixing problems with an existing computer
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Setting up your internet, including broadband and Wi-Fi connections
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Setting up a new tablet or eBook reader
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Showing you how to use your DAISY Talking Book player and how to order books from our National Library Service
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Helping with other assistive technology, such as PenFriends or attaching Bumpons
Tasks our volunteers cannot help with:
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Training on how to use technology and computers
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Providing advice on the correct product to buy
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Demonstrations of different products
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Purchasing products and services
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Problems with equipment in work places and educational establishments.
The RNIB website has a range of information to help you get started with technology, such as our beginner's guides where we'll talk you through what's available, and what it all means. There are also a range of Getting Interested in Technology videos to show you what's available and how to get started.