Dudley deputy Mayor visits tech week

The Deputy Mayor of Dudley paid a visit to the Beacon Centre to find out more about how technology can transform the lives of those living with sight loss.
Councillor Dave Tyler and his wife, Deputy Mayoress Barbara Tyler, visited the Sedgley charity, which supports people from across the area who are living with sight loss, during its tech week.
The aim of the week was to showcase some of the latest technology innovations which can make life a little easier and more interesting.
The charity is also hoping to take away some of the fear factor some people have about using some of the latest gadgets and equipment and show how they can benefit people on a daily basis.
During his visit the Deputy Mayor sat in on an “appy” hour session which was aimed at showing people how smartphones can assist people with sight loss via specific audio enabled “apps” it also looked at the range of other apps which can assist living such as those providing toute planning and public transport information which can help people get around.
The week, which has run from February 20th until February 24th and has been free for people to attend, also showcased the Beacon Centre’s research into virtual reality with the University of Wolverhampton.
Initial findings have discovered that for some people with certain eye conditions their vision is improved when watching a video through a virtual reality headset rather than on flat screen such as a television.
During the tech week there were also sessions which were open to all on how to get the best out of a tablet computer and the charity also showcased its 3D printing programme which aims to produce items such as 3D maps which can help those with sight loss.
Visitors also had the chance to learn more about connected autonomous vehicles which could transport us around the region in the future and a demonstration of a home automation system to control heating and lighting.
Participants in the GetActive fitness tracking pilot programme currently being run by the Beacon Centre demonstrated their work to date, whilst the Mark Butler Golf Academy took along its SkyTrak golf simulator to encourage people to see the accessibility of golf for visually impaired people and what they could achieve on the golf course.
Beacon Centre chief executive Arwyn Jones said: “We are delighted that the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress were able to visit and showed such a keen interest in our work with technology.
“Although it can be quite frightening when you are not used to it we want to show people that technology can make a big difference to their life and that it can be accessible and enjoyable to use.”
Throughout the year the Beacon Centre runs a number of tech courses to help older people who want to learn how to use and get the best out of a smartphone or tablet computer in both group and one on one sessions.
To find out more contact Kerry Dalgliesh on 01902 880 111 or email kdalgliesh@beaconvision.org