A centre has been launched that gives visually impaired people in north-east Fife access to learning technology.
The Karten Centre in Elmwood College, Cupar, was officially opened by college principal Jim Crooks.
It is funded by the Ian Karten Charitable Trustwith a grant following the application made by the college and Fife Society for the Blind (FSB).
Since 1996 a network of Karten Centres has sprung up around the UK, Republic of Ireland and Israel aimed at improving the quality of life and independence of adults with physical, cognitive, sensory or learning disabilities.
The latest developments in adaptive or assisting computer technology are offered, including special input and output devices and software.
There are already Karten Centres in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Inverness.SupportLocated in the college study, the Elmwood centre allows specialist staff to work with students and members of the public to get the most out of the assisting technology and support on offer.
Guidance and learning support manager Karen Thirkell said, “We are delighted to be able to host this facility in the college, and our partnership with FSB and the Karten Trust has given us access to top of the range technology which will benefit a wide range of people.
“Hazel White from FSB has worked closely with the college in identifying suitable technology, and she will become a familiar face in the college as she develops the service to meet the needs of the local community.”
Mr Crooks added, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for Elmwood to contribute to the community of north-east Fife.
“We can offer a central point for people to try technology, which will help them to access many things which sighted people take for granted.
“We are very grateful to the Fife Society for the Blind for their faith in Elmwood and for being such enthusiastic partners, and also to the Karten Trust for agreeing to pay for items which have the potential to transform lives.”
Fife Society for the Blind chief executive Alan Suttie said, “This is part of a broader development between the society and Elmwood which will not only give the society a base in north-east Fife but will further contribute to a partnership designed to open up life-long learning opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.”