National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) has launched its Eyes Online initiative. This programme calls for donations of old or disused laptops that can be repurposed to ensure all children and adults who are blind or visually impaired has access to the technology they need to help them live more independently and stay connected with family and friends.
Chris White, NCBI CEO said “We know technology is an enabler yet the costs associated can be prohibitive for many of our service users. To help offset this, we are calling on individuals and companies to donate old or excess laptops to us which our IT team will then wipe clean and reconfigure for our service users. We urge individuals and companies to connect with us if they’ve recently upgraded their equipment or have excess equipment and we can arrange collection or delivery of it.
“These laptops would then be bought by our service users for of a nominal fee of €50 as well as guaranteed ongoing technical support to them from NCBI Labs if they wish to install specific software or need advice on latest apps. It is another way NCBI is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure those living with sight loss get access to our services and the wealth of online resources that are there to help and support them.”
The reconditioned laptops will have a working camera and all key accessibility features on mainstream software activated for ease of use. Anyone wishing to donate a laptop can simply send an email to info@ncbi.ie or call their helpline 1850 33 43 53.
In general, NCBI would accept most laptops, monitors, webcams and tablet devices that are younger than seven years including the following:
— A Laptop PC that is running Windows 7 or newer
— A Mac Laptop that was released in 2012 or later
— iPad and tablets that were released in 2012 or later
— Webcams
— Keyboards and Mice
— Monitors larger than 17 inches
— An iPhone 6 or later
— An Android phone running Android 5 or later
Things to consider when donating equipment:
— The device must power on and have the accessories included such as chargers, software keys etc
— Company devices or a device with encryption must be disabled
— The device should have a working webcam & microphone
— The screen should not be damaged and be working
What we will do:
— All devices that we receive will be inspected for damage and suitability for people with sight loss
— If the equipment is not usable for someone with sight loss we will recycle or donate to another charity
— All data will be wiped from the devices and software upgraded to the latest possible version supported by that device
— Note we will not accept any responsibility for data stored on this device
— We will also configure the new devices for people with sight loss using in built-in and assistive software
— The individual that receives the device will also be given additional 1 to 1 training by a member of the NCBI Labs Technology team to ensure they are fully capable of using your donation
— We will support the hardware and software until the device is end of life once given to someone with sight loss, but no official warranty will be available
— NCBI is the national sight loss organisation, working for people with sight loss.
We provide practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services and other training designed to help people with sight loss to live independently and confidently.
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