Access to the latest in technology and advice around the support it offers has been made easier for the blind and low vision community thanks to Vision Australia's new flagship Vision Store and Tech Hub in Western Sydney.
Located in Vision Australia’s new Parramatta centre, the new Vision Store and Tech Hub will showcase the latest in specialist adaptive technology as well as how mainstream devices can be optimised and utilised to support people who are blind or have low vision.
Ron Hooton, Vision Australia Chief Executive Officer, said Vision Australia is pleased to be able to provide a one-stop location for the technological needs of people who are blind or have low vision.
"Whether it's living independently, being active in their community, finding employment or staying connected with family and friends, technology is often the key to unlocking opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision," Mr Hooton said.
"Individuals have different circumstances and goals and what we have at Parramatta is a location where anybody who is blind or have low vision can come and be exposed to a huge range of technology that can support them and get expert advice about what is likely to best suit their needs," he said.
Technology advice will come from Vision Australia's own expert staff as well as representatives from tech organisations the not-for-profit has partnered with.
"Our retail team are across all of our products and our frontline service staff such as our orthoptists, occupational therapists and adaptive technology specialists also have a strong understanding of what products will support their clients," Mr Hooton said.
"We've partnered with a number of companies including Samsung and Apple and we'll be working with them to bring their representatives here to provide onsite training and advice to both our staff and clients."
Vision Australia has also partnered with other mainstream tech companies including Google as well as specialist adaptive technology providers such as IrisVision and OrCam.
IrisVision and OrCam are both at the forefront of wearable accessible devices and both were a popular display at the Vision Store and Tech Hub’s official launch earlier this month.
Other highlights of the new space include:
- Demonstration home environments including:
- Accessible kitchen and cooking aids (low and high tech solutions)
- Accessible living room including TV/Voice Integration using Google, Apple TV/Hub & Samsung home devices
- Accessible workplace/home study tools including Dolphin products
- Using Google Home to control lighting and provide audio cooking instructions
- Samsung devices providing voice controlled screen magnification
The new space also allows for product demonstration and purchase via video-link.
"Accessibility is a key consideration for people who are blind or have low vision and we've taken that into account with the design, layout and other features we've included in the space," Mr Hooton said.
"Using the Zoom video system is one of those features. Travelling to a new location can present some challenges for people who are blind or have low vision and this means they can consult with our staff and purchase items from their own home."
For more information on the Vision Store and Tech Hub, head to the Vision Store website. You can also email visionstore@visionaustralia.org or call 1300 84 74 66.
For adaptive technology advice and support, contact our Adaptive Technology Team today.