Online Today training session - Portadown

Online Today is a new Big Lottery funded project led by RNIB, delivered in partnership, to help people with sensory loss across the UK get online. Through a series of free training sessions, our team will help people realise the benefits of being online and give advice on how to use smartphones, tablets and computers.

The workshops will cover practical topics to make sure that people with sight loss can enjoy the same benefits of being online that many people take for granted; from ‘Skyping’ with friends and family on the other side of the world to streaming films and paying bills online.

Joanne Wilson, Online Today Project Coordinator NI, said:

“We know that technology can make everyone’s lives easier, but knowing where to start isn't always easy if you've got sight loss.  We give people the information and knowledge to increase their skills, make them feel confident using technology and stay safe online.  We will explore people's needs and provide the right support through two-hour workshops with demonstrations of products such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and eReaders. We are also very grateful to Libraries NI for providing us with the space in local libraries to deliver this training and for their volunteers’ support.”

Leo Murphy who has gone through progressive training with the Online Today project said, “"When I heard about RNIB NI's digital skills training I said this is for me! I didn't even have an iPhone at the time but you don't even need one to begin with. When I went in I met a lady called Anne, one of the volunteer trainers, I asked her could I learn a bit about playing music so she showed me how to do that on an iPhone, I buy a lot of music now.

Anne also showed me how  to make or cancel calls.  Since getting my own iPhone I've been learning about different types of apps.  One I really find useful is Translink's app, it helps me get travel information.  I love using Siri, you can ask it what is my location and he'll tell you.  I have a friend, he's blind too, who was also trained by Joanne's team.  We now swap tips and learn a lot from each other."

These free sessions will be delivered across Northern Ireland. Booking is essential. Dates and venues are as follows:

Belfast Central Library

Monday 21 September 2015, 11am to 1pm

Portadown Library

Tuesday 29 September 2015, 11am to 1pm

Derry Central Library

Tuesday 20 October 2015, 11am to 1pm

Coleraine, RNIB office, 37 Abbey Street

Tuesday 3 November 2015, 11am to 1pm

Enniskillen Library

Monday 9 November 2015, 11am to 1pm