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Reading is an integral part of our daily lives. Experiencing vision loss or a print disability doesn’t need to close that chapter forever. Whether you struggle to read a best-selling novel, your favourite recipe, instruction manuals or the dreaded bills in your letter box…..the team at Vision Australia can help you find the right tools to enable you to continue reading for years to come.

On November 6th 2024, Vision Australia Library, in conjunction with Accessible Technology and Vision Store, hosted a webinar exploring the wide range of reading devices on offer. Our team of experts showcased a range of adaptive tools and technology designed to assist you in continuing to read.

Watch the webinar

Recorded 6 November 2024.

What did our Library members like most about the webinar?

“I did not have any knowledge about any of these products previously and it was really great to see a variety of technologies (older technologies as well as the AI ones!)”

“Particularly helpful having someone present who actually uses these devices and can advocate for their usefulness”

“Having been diagnosed with macular degeneration some years ago, and now struggling with my vision, finding out there are many devices to meet my needs going forward.”

“The presenters were very informative and had extensive knowledge and familiarity with the products. Helpful to have demonstrations of how to use the equipment.”

“Being made aware of all the advances in help available as eyesight continues to deteriorate” 

Presenters

Kent Walsdorf and Greg Madson from the Vision Australia Access Technology team were guest speakers in our Reading Tools and Technology webinar. Kent and Greg shared their expertise in Accessible Technology, underpinned by Greg’s lived experience as a vision impaired user of many of the adaptive tools and technology discussed in the presentation.  

Kent Walsdorf

Kent has devoted most of his career to the non-profit sector and has always been involved in technology. He has been with Vision Australia for eight years, initially working as an access technology specialist for three years before stepping into a broader role over the last five years. In his current position, he trains and supports other access technology specialists while consulting with businesses on how to make their systems more accessible. Every term, Kent travels to Tasmania to work with students who have a vision impairment and their teachers, helping them develop an inclusive curriculum and recommending the best tech solutions for their needs.

Greg Madson

Greg lives in Perth and has been blind for over 40 years. He has been involved in the Access Technology industry for many years assisting people who are blind or have low vision with their technology. Greg uses several devices to read his books, newspapers, magazines, and podcasts. He uses his iPhone with the Voiceover screen reader to access the Vision Australia library for books, newspapers, and magazines. He also uses an Envoy Connect and Victor Reader Stream to access podcasts and other information. Using an Alexa Echo smart speaker, he enjoys listening to Audible and Kindle books.