The Power of a day: How Corporate and One-Off volunteering roles enhance our RNIB events
Two RNIB events held in Belfast and Glasgow earlier this year showcased not only the latest in assistive technology but also the power of occasional volunteering, thanks to the contributions of the event volunteers who joined us through our corporate, student and one-off volunteering opportunities.
The RNIB Technology Fair, held at Lagan Valley Island in February, has become Northern Ireland’s flagship event for accessible tech. It brought together leading names like Dolphin Computer Access, HumanWare, and VisionAid Technologies, offering hands-on experiences with innovative tools designed for blind and partially sighted individuals. For us, what really made the event shine was the volunteers who provided support as sighted guides and information assistants.
Volunteer Raena, a medical student, reflected: “As a sighted guide, I had the privilege of assisting attendees with visual impairments, helping them navigate the exhibition and engage with cutting-edge assistive technology. The experience deepened my appreciation for the daily challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments.” For Raena and many others, the event not only showcased advances in technology; it was an example of inclusion and empowerment.
RNIB’s Northern Ireland Country Director, Robert Shilliday, praised the volunteers and visitors alike, saying: “Technology is not just a convenience, it’s a means of empowerment. The Tech Fair is becoming a great occasion for people to learn, connect, and support one another.”
A month later, over in Glasgow, the RNIB’s Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference brought together a dynamic mix of experienced and first-time volunteers. From seasoned guides like Joyce, Hazel, Bee, and Derek, to newcomers from local RNIB volunteer groups and corporate volunteers from People’s Postcode Lottery, Edrington and Irwin Mitchell, each volunteer played a crucial role in creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
Volunteers supported with sighted guiding, helped manage busy conference areas, exercised guide dogs, and ensured the smooth operation of the registration process. The diversity of the team enriched the experience with Joyce offering support in French, Corry able to switch between German and Dutch, and others sharing personal stories about sight loss or newfound insights into the world of accessible technology. For those who had their first experience of sight guiding- they left with a new skill. Corporate volunteer, Donna, reflected: “I genuinely feel like I learnt so much and feel more confident in approaching someone who may look like they need support in future – thank you!”
These events are an example of how you can make a difference through just one day’s volunteering. While the technology was what drew so many to attend these events, it’s the people, such as our incredible volunteers, who made these days inclusive. Giving RNIB their time to guide, learn, and connect helped make these events informative for our attendees, and gave our volunteers new skills and confidence in supporting people with sight loss. Raena summed it up well: “One of the biggest takeaways for me was seeing the progress being made toward a more inclusive world. I was inspired by the supportive community working to promote accessibility and inclusion, and it was rewarding to witness these efforts in action.”
Thank you to all the volunteers who support RNIB at our events.
If you’re interested in finding out about our corporate and student volunteering opportunities, please email: [email protected].
