Visually Impaired Computer Society
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What is VICS
The Visually Impaired Computer Society (VICS) is a self-help technology group. It supports people with a visual disability who use information and communication technologies in their daily lives. The society was founded in 1986 by a number of blind and visually impaired computer programmers. Membership has now grown to over one hundred people of all ages and technical abilities. VICS is a special interest group and an affiliate of The Irish Computer Society.
Aims and Objectives
- To meet the needs of visually impaired people in the area of general computer access
- To provide support to those visually impaired people who are new to computers
- To encourage employers to hire visually impaired employees enabled by new and developing technology
- To promote and, where possible, assist in the development of adaptive technology, and to encourage developers of new software and hardware to ensure accessibility
- To advise and promote the development of fully accessible websites which are aesthetically pleasing
- To lobby Government, industry and employers to seek a more inclusive Information Society
Email List
VICS runs an email discussion group hosted by Freelists, where all computer related questions from first-time users to the more experienced members are dealt with.
Infovics
This is a quarterly audio magazine comprising articles of interest to computer users with a visual disability. It is available on CD through the post, on line or as a podcast from the vics website.
Other VICS activities
Training Days
Vics regularly holds training days throughout the country. These events are aimed at less advanced computer users. They aim to introduce members to the basics of word processing, sending email, browsing the Internet, using accessible mobile technology etc.
Open Days
these are held on a regular basis and at venues throughout the country. They include demonstrations of specialised equipment and software, such as screen enlarging devices, synthetic speech and Braille displays. In addition to VICS delegates, open days have been attended by employers, teachers, parents and members of the public.
Who Can Join
Membership is open to all visually impaired people. The current membership fee is 10 euro for people in employment and 5 euros for non-waged and students. Associate membership is also available to sighted people with an interest in the use of computer Technology for visually impaired people.
Additional Information
Further information about the Visually Impaired Computer Society can be found at the society's website: http://www.vicsireland.org
