A TRAINING session, to help people with sight loss master the benefits of state-of-the-art gadgets is being hosted by Action for Blind People at Somerset Sight’s offices in Taunton.

The training on Tuesday, January 27, has been arranged in response to a range of new smart phones and computers - many feature accessories to help people with sight loss to navigate and communicate, but unfortunately, these aren’t always obvious to users without some basic training.

Action for Blind People’s assistive technology coordinator Darren Walker said: "Sometimes the word technology frightens people, but devices are becoming much simpler to use, many designed especially for blind and visually impaired people.

“As we enter the New Year, an array of clever gadgets and gizmos are being launched.

"Many people with sight loss are aware these new technologies are accessible but don’t know how to use them.

"Those who are fully sighted are unaware of the special features so are unable to assist. That’s where Action for Blind People’s training comes in.”

The charity’s free training will reveal some of the hidden features, such as how to make computers, tablets and mobile phones accessible - this includes activating screens enlargers, or software that allows the devices to read out messages; making all the difference to those with limited or no vision.

To register for a one-to-one tech training session, phone 01823-333818.

Run by Action for Blind People, training will take place at Somerset Sight, Northfield House, 51 Staplegrove Road, Taunton TA1 1DG, on Tuesday, January 27.

Similar training will also be available on the last Tuesday of the month throughout 2015.