Silver Surfers' Day 2011 is a national campaign that promotes the use of digital technologies among older people taking place on Friday 20 May. Here are some of the things that RNIB can do to help you get online:
Social Networking for all
Check out these two invaluable books, published by National Braille Press, USA, that show you everything you need to know about the joys of social networking or starting up and getting the most out of your iPhone:
Right now, there seems to be an 'app' for almost everything! The iPhone has revolutionised what we can do with a few clicks of a button on what is so much more than just a mobile phone.
If you need a bit of help realising its potential then Getting started with the iPhone: An Introduction for Blind Users by Anna Dresner and Dean Martineau, could get you off to a flying start. This book shows you how to use the on-screen keyboard, a Bluetooth keyboard and a braille display keyboard. It also shows you how the iPhone can help you find and download your favourite music, scan barcodes when out and about, check your emails and a great deal more.
If you are already a convert to the products from Apple, much of the advice in this book also applies to the iPod Touch and the iPad. Available in braille (TC21345B) and on DAISY audio (TC21345DCD) priced £12.99.
Strangely, the days of having face-to-face conversations seem to be a tad outdated. If you aren't poking someone on Facebook, Tweeting about what you are having for dinner or planning your next business venture on LinkedIn, you can feel out of the loop. What doesn't help matters is that none of these sites were designed with blind or partially sighted users in mind.
Social Networking and You: Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for Blind Users, also by Anna Dresner, is a new book designed to help you learn about these three social networking sites so that you can decide which, if any, you wish to join. Available in braille (TC21342) and on DAISY audio (TC21342DCD), priced £8.99.
Also, if you've just bought a new PC the Windows 7 and Vista Explained books give you all the basics.
Technology team
If you want to know about how you can use technology in education, work, leisure and lifelong learning, then please contact our Technology Team who can provide information, send out information sheets or refer you to other sources of support. Telephone 0845 900 0015 or email ict@rnib.org.uk
You can also go to the RNIB technology pages for information about the types of technology available for blind or partially sighted people and for frequently asked questions about technology.
Technology volunteers
If you have technology problems and need some help in your home, our volunteers can help! RNIB has a nationwide network of volunteers who assist blind and partially sighted people in their homes.
If you require assistance, please call us on 0303 123 9999 and we'll find out if there is a volunteer available in your area.
Whether you are an expert or only have a little knowledge about IT and computers, our volunteers can help with:
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Setting up a brand new computer or laptop
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Installing and troubleshooting computer hardware, such as printers or monitors
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Installing and troubleshooting computer software, such as new programs or operating systems such as Windows 7
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Setting up internet connections including broadband and wireless networking.