(320733, 2813, 1409094997, '26.08 (en) Press release', 'PRESS RELEASE, 25 August 2014 12:48\r\n\r\n*HEADLINE: Revolutionary Website Designed for the Blind\r\n\r\n/SUBHEAD: A website designed in Dorset specifically for blind and partially sighted people is a National step forward in accessibility consideration\r\n\r\nCONTENT:\r\nDorset Blind Association aim to make life better for blind and partially sighted people. They care about visually impaired people, so made a website reflecting that philosophy.\r\n\r\n“We really hope that our efforts to put our beneficiaries first in this way will allow us to stand out from other charities” says Jaya Da Costa, the charity’s Fundraising Manager.\r\n\r\nDuring the development we continually searched for a website that was as accessible for all levels of sight, and we believe ours is the forefront of accessibility technology, particularly among UK sight-loss charities.\r\n\r\nThe charity’s President Wilfrid Weld, the owner of the Lulworth Estate remarks “Dorset Blind Association always ensure that visually impaired people’s needs and wishes are at the centre of any decision on the services and support they offer”\r\n\r\nThe website features very large font, simple and brief text, clear and minimal design, simple navigation. It is easy to adjust the font size, and has a number of colour options because different sight conditions find different colour combinations easier to see. For those with little or no sight, the website reads the text aloud.\r\n\r\nThe website was designed specifically from the perspective of visually impaired people “We call them our VIPs!” says Jaya. People with various sight-conditions were involved in the project from the outset, and it was launched to the visually impaired community before the actual launch date, to gain feedback from the people who matter most to the charity.\r\n\r\n“I love the format, font increase and colour change…excellent!” says Mark Noble, who is visually impaired and advises Barclays on accessibility.\r\n\r\nTechnology is becoming increasingly important and is opening up many opportunities for people with sight-loss. One of Dorset Blind Association’s services is to advise people on available equipment and software and to provide training from their office in Parkstone and with their two mobile sight equipment vehicles, which were until recently funded by the National Lottery. The charity is currently looking for a new sponsor for the vehicles.\r\n\r\nThe RNIB point out that being able to use computers, mobile phones and other gadgets for work, leisure and keeping in contact are key tools for blind and partially sighted people.\r\n\r\nNicolas-Pierre, the volunteer who worked full-time on the website for 3-months says “It is hard to say if the design and accessibility functions we developed will be considered by the visitors and the webmaster community as ‘a bit of fun’ or a real step forward in considering the accessibility of today''s and future websites.”\r\n\r\n“The site is easy to navigate, and really accessible with great use of font and colour adaptation. The content is straightforward and to the point.” Jeff Webb, Web Designer\r\n\r\n“It’s clean, fresh and fit for purpose” Sam Pople, web professional\r\n\r\nDorset Blind Association recently ran a campaign asking people “what would you miss if you lost your sight”, and is determined that sight-loss should not mean ‘missing-out’. This new website project is one way in which they hope to fulfil that goal. The website is a way to communicate what our charity does to help people, and how people can help us continue to do so.\r\n\r\n“We are very excited to be launching the new website on Wednesday 27th August, and hope that the public will visit the site, whatever their level of sight, and find out more about the work of our charity and how we do everything we can to make life better for blind and partially sighted people in Dorset”\r\n\r\n:: Dorset Blind Association helps over 1,000 blind or partially sighted people each month, but receives no regular government funding and relies on kindness from the local community. To help visit www.dorsetblind.org.uk or send a donation to 17 Bournemouth Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole, BH14 0EF.'),

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