September - Rosie and John from the Royal National Institute of Blind People

This Wednesday we have something extra special. Rosie and John from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (http://www.rnib.org.uk/) (RNIB) are our guest speakers.

John is registered blind, this is your opportunity to see first-hand how people with sight loss browse the web. Demonstrating accessibility features built into a number of devices. He'll share his expertise so we can make websites more accessible.

There will be a Q&A session after their talk and demonstration to ask any questions you may have. We also have Trevor leading an open discussion at the end of the evening.

We'll be at the Bean enCounter on Wednesday 21st September. As always we have free food and a drink waiting! We'll be there from 6pm with talks starting at 7pm.

There is still plenty of free parking available around Stafford. We recommend Broad Street (http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/carpark/broad_street/st16/stafford/), next to Wilkos, which is operated by the Council and is free after 6pm. Alternatively, there is lots of street parking on Eastgate Street (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Eastgate+St,+Stafford+ST16+2LZ,+UK/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x487a717c007d3f0d:0x6885a951f24bf04a?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDltfl-5rMAhVsDcAKHa9sAncQ8gEIIzAB) and the surrounding areas which is also free after 6pm.

Thanks to our sponsors for this event – iWeb (https://www.iweb.co.uk/) and TopCashback (https://www.topcashback.co.uk/).

Guest speaker
Royal National Institute of Blind People (http://www.rnib.org.uk/)

Technology developed for people with sight loss is cutting edge, often pushing at the boundaries of convention. Screen reading software enables blind and partially sighted people to access and navigate information on computers and the web. Today's digital devices - smartphones and tablets - have incorporated revolutionary features into their design that remove limitations and allow people to interact with them in innovative ways.

Join RNIBs Technology Coordinator John Hughes for a mind expanding evening learning about how people with sight loss use technology and the internet. John will demonstrate built in accessibility features on iPads and iPhones and discuss third party access software for Microsoft computer operation systems. Throughout the evening you'll gain a new perspective on accessing information online and a deep understanding of why accessibility is a vital part of web design.

Discussion Session (Lean Coffee)

Trevor Adams (https://twitter.com/trevorjadams)

Our interpretation of Lean Coffee (http://leancoffee.org/), a fast paced open discussion. Using sticky notes, during the break people will post up questions or talk topics. You will have the opportunity to vote for the sticky notes that you find the most interesting. We'll then open the floor for a short discussion on each topic.

Food/dietary requirements

The Bean enCounter lay out a nice buffet-style spread for us. There's probably enough to make this your evening meal. There is a good selection of food including plenty of vegetarian options. If you’re vegan or have any questions or concerns, just ask the staff at Bean enCounter on the night. They’ll be more than happy to advise on what’s suitable or put something together for you.