We have been been awarded a council grant to buy computer equipment. The £1,000 town grant from Sandwell will increase our capacity for volunteer workers to work alongside paid staff.
“The grant will enable us to purchase up-to-date equipment and we will install accessibility software so that the new computer is equally accessible to sighted and visually impaired people alike,” said SVI Development Officer Sandra.
“The large monitor will make it easier for partially sighted helpers to use and the audio equipment will make audio typing easier for writing up minutes and letters.”
“We will now seek volunteers and work with local colleges and specialist providers to offer short work-placement opportunities for visually impaired students.”
Our new reliable computer will also enable members to produce newsletters, leaflets and flyers and mean more people can get involved in these tasks.
Councillor Ann Shackleton, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for social care, said: “This organisation does such a great job for visually impaired people and I am very pleased that the council has been able to support them with a grant.
“I would also like to thank Councillor Shirley Hosell for her continued support for this group.”
Deputy council leader Councillor Syeda Khatun said: “I was very pleased to hear that the grant from the council will lead to an improvement to services at SVI to support the excellent work they do.”
