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I was presented with my British Empire Medal today by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire. It was awarded in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's final Birthday Honours for my voluntary work helping other blind and visually impaired people to live their lives more fully and independently by helping them select the right technology and then training them to use it. It has been very rewarding, especially over lockdown and the BEM was a huge, delightful surprise.
This is Jackie and me in the gardens of Beaumanor Hall after the presentation. Photo by our daughter, Michelle.
If you are interested in the work I do with iPhones and iPads please take a look at
and here's a Gallery of photos taken by the official photographer
In Dzaleka, Malawi, JRS and Konexio distributed laptops and data bundles to the students of the Digital Inclusion Programme (DIP). Now, students can study from home to improve their digital skills.
While in South Africa, Beyond Access visited the Masiphumelele library, which serves a population of more than 38,000 people — many of whom are young and unemployed.
Beyond providing internet access, the Masiphumelele library provides a range of services, including digital literacy and computer training, job readiness courses, tutoring and mentoring for youth, girl groups, and art programs.
Photo: Beyond Access
While in South Africa, Beyond Access visited the Masiphumelele library, which serves a population of more than 38,000 people — many of whom are young and unemployed.
Beyond providing internet access, the Masiphumelele library provides a range of services, including digital literacy and computer training, job readiness courses, tutoring and mentoring for youth, girl groups, and art programs.
Photo: Beyond Access
Throughout Africa, public libraries are promoting social and economic development in their communities through financial literacy workshops, ICT training for women, health classes, programs for children, and more.
Representatives from some of those libraries — from nine countries throughout Africa and Europe — came to the Beyond Access event in Cape Town, South Africa to build partnerships and exchange ideas on how libraries can drive development.
Building new relationships with the underserved community, University City Regional Library reached out to seniors at Prosperity Creek to strengthen digital literacy, access Library resources, and remove barriers to access.
A book club will additionally be commenced at this location in the coming year.
Prosperity Creek Senior Apartments, Oct 16 - Nov 27
Photo courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Hi, in case you're in a hurry and already know about this the voting link is:
If you're not already registered and signed in with Digital Heroes (and you probably aren't) this link will take you to a sign in or register page. You need to sign in either via Facebook or to register via your email address. TalkTalk state that this information will be used only for Digital Heroes voting. I'm in the Skills category, which is reached by clicking on the four hands in a red circle icon at left of screen. Sorry, they've not made it terribly easy for people with sight loss :(
If you have time, please read on.
TalkTalk is a major UK telecoms company and offers these awards annually.
You may know that I'm registered blind and a passionate proponent of the life-changing benefits of smartphone and tablet technology for blind and partially sighted people. Vista, the wonderful Leicestershire and Rutland sight loss charity which I used to chair, has nominated me for a TalkTalk Digital Heroes Award. We've been shortlisted and public voting is now open. I'd be very grateful if you can help Vista and me to win this award so we can do much more work to transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people through technology. Please vote for me if you like our project and please consider spreading the message to your friends.
I'm providing training and, where necessary, Vista is providing equipment to blind and partially sighted people to help improve their lives through smartphone and tablet technology. The excellent accessibility of iPhones and iPad to people with poor or no sight is amazing and you may be astonished at just how many useful day to day tasks can be accomplished with these devices.
It's not just being able to send and receive emails and participate fully in social networks like Facebook and Twitter. These devices can speak printed letters and magazines, recognise items by barcodes, act as magnifiers, work like Satnavs for walkers, speak the colour of clothing - the list is endless. But most people with sight loss need substantial one-to-one training before they're ready to reap the benefits of the equipment and that's just what I'm doing. I'm building a website of training materials at bit.ly/blindios, and in the medium term, I'm planning to build a team of trainers and maybe some of the people I've trained will be able to join that team. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
Here are quotes that we've prepared for the media.
“Through Vista’s bursary scheme we meet visually impaired people from all walks of life looking for assistive technology to improve their circumstances. I’m able to talk through the equipment and ensure it gets maximum use. As a visually impaired person I understand how important it is to have the skills and confidence to use it properly.
“When people lose their sight they can often feel isolated and cut off from the world. If I was fortunate enough to win, the prize money would be used to help as many visually impaired people as possible through Vista, to feel digitally included, across Leicestershire and Rutland.”
If you have read this far and want to vote, here's the link again! I'll be posting on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Instagram too, so please retweet my tweets and share on other social networks with your followers if you like this project.
(voting closes 8 September 2015)
Thanks so much for your interest.
This project supports development providing Digital Inclusion Spaces, ICT and innovative library services trainings for 10 public libraries.
Students who face challenges accessing essential digital devices at home are at a disadvantage for academic achievement compared to peers with access. Students who attended the Academy received a newly refurbished laptop computer, a mobile hotspot, and participated in digital literacy training alongside a parent/guardian. Sessions included Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Learning and Family Engagement Resources, Online Financial Empowerment, and Navigating University City Community Resources. Presenting partners included VHS faculty, Woodforest Bank, and University City Connect.
University City Regional Library attended to share essential community resources with Vance High School students and their families to build a brighter future and demonstrate the power of community.
E2D, Inc. (Eliminate the Digital Divide) obtains laptop donations from generous corporations and refurbishes them to distribute to students, helps source low-cost access to broadband solutions, and provides digital literacy training to families. E2D is also committed to exposing workforce development opportunities and IT skill training to CMS youth.
University City Partners invests resources in shaping public spaces and planning for a better-built environment that influences the way our community lives, works, plays, and learns. University City Partners also invites others to invest in the University City community to build relationships and build a better community.
Photo courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Throughout Africa, public libraries are promoting social and economic development in their communities through financial literacy workshops, ICT training for women, health classes, programs for children, and more.
Representatives from some of those libraries — from nine countries throughout Africa and Europe — came to the Beyond Access event in Cape Town, South Africa to build partnerships and exchange ideas on how libraries can drive development.
Throughout Africa, public libraries are promoting social and economic development in their communities through financial literacy workshops, ICT training for women, health classes, programs for children, and more.
Representatives from some of those libraries — from nine countries throughout Africa and Europe — came to the Beyond Access event in Cape Town, South Africa to build partnerships and exchange ideas on how libraries can drive development.
Building new relationships with the underserved community, University City Regional Library reached out to seniors at Prosperity Creek to strengthen digital literacy, access Library resources, and remove barriers to access.
A book club will additionally be commenced at this location in the coming year.
Prosperity Creek Senior Apartments, Oct 16 - Nov 27
Photo courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
Throughout Africa, public libraries are promoting social and economic development in their communities through financial literacy workshops, ICT training for women, health classes, programs for children, and more.
Representatives from some of those libraries — from nine countries throughout Africa and Europe — came to the Beyond Access event in Cape Town, South Africa to build partnerships and exchange ideas on how libraries can drive development.
WAL (working at library) day at the Hennepin County Public Library Washburn branch. www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/do-you-do-digital-inclu...
Seniors learn the skills they need to succeed in a digital world at Mallard Creek Recreation Center as University City Regional Library continues to reach out to their local community.
Seniors who completed 4 out of the 5 classes offered were given certificates of completion and celebrated in the dining hall with meals provided by the Senior Nutrition Program.
Photo courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Seniors at Prosperity Creek apartments received free hands-on learning opportunities and digital proficiency skills in accessing Library resources with their personal devices as University City Regional Library makes a return to serving the public through community outreach. Library educators and a volunteer provided seniors with relevant information on making the most of today’s technologies. The Library also provided ample time to answer questions and offer personalized assistance in a friendly and non-judgemental setting.
January 26th and February 2nd, 2023
Photo courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Uploaded by: Cody Fink
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
The Job Help Center hosted a reunion for the Digital Literacy group from 2016. In this class participants learned about internet security, online shopping, and how to use Paypal.
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
At Com Con we provide our new learners with intensive support from individual digi buddies, who help them take their first steps
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
Thanks to continuing technology support from Digital Charlotte, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library returned to the Rockwell community to share essential resources needed to participate in today's digital world. Upon completing the DigiLit program, seniors were given their own Chromebooks provided by a grant from AARP North Carolina. Graduates were given hands-on instruction and additional follow-up time to answer residual questions with drop-in tech tutors.
Photos courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Early childhood education activities in the Manuel Rosé Municipal Public library in Las Piedras, Canelones.
Seattle City Council member Bruce Harrell celebrates with the 2011 Technology Matching Fund grantees in the lobby of City Hall following the Energy, Technology and Civil Rights Committee meeting where the committee voted. See the List of 2011 Grants or a video of the meeting www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=2081165.
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
Early childhood education activities in the Manuel Rosé Municipal Public library in Las Piedras, Canelones.
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
Pre-schoolers ready for story-time in the Manuel Rosé Municipal Public Library in Las Piedras, Canelones.
Upon completing the six week course, DigiLit learners received a certificate of completion during graduation.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Oct 24th, 2018.
Photo courtesy: Everett Blackmon
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.
In April 2015, the Beyond Access team headed to Nigeria to meet with partners on the Beyond Access project there. Learn more about the project — and the five fantastic implementing partner NGOs — on our website: beyondaccess.net/projects/nigeria/
Jessica Partnow presents the "Digital Literacy Initiative" to Mayor McGinn. Delia Burke and Leah Altaras help hand out the certificates.
Hosted in partnership with iceaddis and Save the Children, the Beyond Access literacy app hackathon in October 2015 brought together nine teams of coders to develop apps that will promote basic reading skills in Amharic and Oromifa. Three teams will be selected to finalize their app design and will have the opportunity to introduce their apps to Beyond Access partner libraries as they work to build community-based reading programs.