Vision Norfolk Receives Nearly £100,000 to Launch Digital Support Initiative for the Visually Impaired

Vision Norfolk, a dedicated sight loss charity, has been awarded almost £100,000 to implement a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering visually impaired individuals through digital technology. This significant funding, provided by the Department of Science Innovation and Technology’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, will support a comprehensive program running from January to March. The “Digital Technology for People with Vision Impairment in Norfolk” project represents a vital step toward breaking down technological barriers that often isolate those with sight loss from the increasingly digital world around them. With technology becoming essential for everything from banking to socializing, this initiative addresses a critical need within the vision-impaired community.

The project’s approach is multi-faceted and community-centered, designed to meet people where they are—both literally and in terms of their comfort with technology. Vision Norfolk plans to host six technology demonstration events throughout the county, providing hands-on opportunities for participants to explore accessible devices and software. Beyond these larger gatherings, the charity will establish regular drop-in sessions and weekly coffee mornings across Norfolk, creating informal spaces where individuals can seek advice, practice their skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges. These community-based gatherings aim to reduce the isolation many visually impaired people experience while building confidence in a supportive environment.

Understanding that everyone’s journey with technology is unique, the program places special emphasis on personalized support. Vision Norfolk will offer one-to-one mentoring sessions tailored to each person’s specific needs and interests, whether that’s learning to use screen readers, navigating smartphones with accessibility features, or mastering assistive technology tools. For those unable to attend community events, home-based support will be available, ensuring no one is left behind due to mobility or transportation challenges. With a target of helping at least 220 visually impaired people achieve greater digital independence, the project aims to create lasting change in participants’ daily lives, from simple tasks like online shopping to more complex activities like connecting with family through video calls.

At the heart of this initiative is a volunteer recruitment drive, with Vision Norfolk seeking 18 dedicated digital skills volunteers to help deliver the program across the county. What makes this opportunity particularly accessible is that volunteers don’t need specialized technical knowledge—just confidence in using everyday digital technology, patience, and enthusiasm for making a difference. The charity will provide comprehensive training to all volunteers, equipping them with the skills needed to support visually impaired individuals effectively. This approach not only expands the project’s reach but also creates meaningful volunteer roles that connect community members with diverse abilities and experiences. As Emily Orford, Vision Norfolk’s volunteer coordinator, works alongside volunteers like David Page to prepare for the January launch, the excitement within the organization is palpable.

Andrew Morter, Chief Executive of Vision Norfolk, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This project gives us the opportunity to break down digital barriers for hundreds of people with sight loss across Norfolk. With the right support, technology can be life-changing – improving confidence, connection, and independence. We’re thrilled to be taking this work to the next level.” His words highlight how technology, when made accessible, can transform lives—not merely by providing practical tools but by fostering independence and social connection. For many visually impaired people, mastering digital skills means regaining autonomy over everyday tasks that sighted people might take for granted, from reading correspondence privately to managing one’s own calendar and appointments.

With preparations underway for the January start, Vision Norfolk is actively reaching out both to potential volunteers and to visually impaired individuals who could benefit from the program. Those interested in volunteering can contact the charity at [email protected], while people with vision impairment—or their friends and family—can register their interest by emailing [email protected] or calling 01603 573000. The initiative represents a timely response to our increasingly digital society, where access to technology can determine access to services, information, and community. By bringing together volunteers, technology, and visually impaired participants in supportive environments, Vision Norfolk aims to create lasting change that extends far beyond the project’s three-month timeframe—building skills, confidence, and connections that will benefit participants for years to come.