RNIB's Technology Support Squad is a free national service that can set up and help you use your technology: from TVs, phones and audio labellers to Talking Book players and beyond.
There are thousands of gadgets designed to make living with sight loss easier, but it's hard to know where to start once you get them home. If you're blind or partially sighted and having trouble setting up or getting the most out of your technology, RNIB's Technology Support Squad is here to help.
How we can help
We have over 800 volunteers right across the UK who can give you advice over the phone or visit you at home. Get in touch for help with:
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tuning in your digital radio
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learning to use your landline or mobile phone
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getting the most out of your Freeview, satellite and cable TV and set up your DVD player and audio description
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getting started with a new computer or laptop, install a printer and set up your internet and software
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investigating - and fixing - problems with an existing computer
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using your eBook reader or DAISY Talking Book.
This is only a handful of the many ways that our Technology Support Squad volunteers can help you. So if you have a new technology product or gadget and you don't know how to set it up or access the basic features, get in touch.
Miriam's story
Technology has helped Miriam, who is blind, keep in touch with friends on email, socialise online and catch up with her favourite TV programmes. Thanks to one of our Technology Support Squad volunteers, Miriam has been able to get the most out of technology
"I was having problems with my internet, so I called the Technology Support Squad. They sent Philip and he fixed it for me, even though the internet provider said they couldn't help me
Using the internet is really important to me, so it was wonderful that they got the problem fixed so quickly. I would definitely recommend the Technology Support Squad to other blind and partially sighted people. It is a wonderful service and helps me get the most out of technology."
Get in touch
If you're having trouble setting up or using your technology, contact RNIB's Technology Support Squad today. Call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
To find out more about the service download our Technology Support Leaflet
Additional technology help
RNIB and other charities associated with sight loss offer opportunities for you to learn more about the technology that is available to you. Visit the RNIB Techknowmore blog, which features our technology events pages, to find out more about events that you may be interested in.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust run an Assistive Technology Champions Project. This project encourages blind and partially sighted service users to offer support to other people with sight loss, through technology demonstrations, to help them make the most out of technology. To find out more about the service, and other technology help that the charity can offer, visit their Assistive Technology webpages.