It is important that the equipment and software are installed to meet each individual's requirements. The system will need to be customised to suit the individual's needs regarding colour schemes, scale of text magnification, speech synthesis parameters and so on. In order that the visually impaired user can successfully utilise the system it is most likely that training will be required. The trainer would need to be competent in communicating with visually impaired people. It is rarely sufficient to give general training in the use of applications when the client is visually impaired.
Training can be expensive, even when accompanied by a purchase.
However, it is an important element to consider and should be costed into the purchase of the system. When purchasing assistive technology with no individual user in mind it is important that advice is sought in order to support the widest possible range of eye conditions. For advice and information relating to any topics discussed within this report please contact Owen James Williams at Wales Council for the Blind on 01222 473954. Surveys WCB will be carrying out the following surveys over the next few years. To carry out a survey of availability of tuition in computer skills for visually impaired people.