Community Learning and Development Device Fund 2023 (360G-SCVO-a13N2000002hUTFIA2)

The DigiAble project aims to increase the social connectivity and improve the wellbeing of people at risk of acquiring a second sensory loss/deafblind people via assistive technology.Excitingly last year, we launched our new 5-year strategy, the Right to Dream. This strategy, developed and led by deafblind people, centres on deafblind people’s ‘dreams’ for the future where their ‘rights’ to a more equal and meaningful life are realised. Our Strategy has 7 priorities with the cross-cutting theme of Growing Peer Leadership. One of the strongest themes is supporting people early in their transition to a second sensory loss. Our members have recounted harrowing stories of finding their way through transitions on their own. Having modified Deafblind Scotland’s (DbS) Governing documents to include people with a single sensory loss at risk of a second sensory loss, DbS proactively reached out to people at risk of a second sensory loss. The central aim of DbS transitional work is to support people emotionally through what can be a distressing experience whilst providing practical assistance to find new coping strategies and adjusted living skills; making it possible to continue to experience a vibrant life of choice.Our SensAble Project - Improving Transitions for people acquiring a second sensory loss provides an early intervention focus helping people to retain as much of their existing coping strategies, skills, and support networks as possible but also to adapt and learn new ways of navigating the world. Part of this project includes digital cafes – many deafblind people lack the skills/confidence to use assistive technology to support them in their everyday information needs. Over the past 2 -3 years, we have supported almost 90 deafblind people to get online. The skills development digital cafes enable peer to peer support and specialist support so deafblind people can maximise the benefits of assistive technology. Participants have access to our technology lending library to try out different assistive technology devices. The DigiAble project will complement our SensAble project and have 2 aspects, firstly a long-term lending library for high tech equipment, and secondly to update/increase equipment within our lending library to allow more members to try out new devices/technology. Long term loans of equipment will be available to members as required.Please note, the devices will be available to all DbS members including SensAble participants.This technology will be available on-site from our Learning and Development Centre, Kirkintilloch; however, we can arrange for devices to be couriered/delivered to members throughout Scotland. Loaning equipment/devices will give members the opportunity to try online courses and classes and broaden their horizons, and also try out equipment to make sure it fits their needs before making a purchase. The various magnifiers allow members to receive printed material/paperwork. These devices allow members to maintain independence and follow any coursework or written material. The iPads/iPhones have accessible settings including voice over, typing feedback, audio descriptions and magnifier making this technology life-changing for our members.We will actively advertise/promote the lending library to DbS members through our newsletters/website.