Strabane's Talking Newspaper represented at RNIB Tech Fair

THE Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) hosted a successful Tech Fair at the Foyle Arena on Wednesday, January 11, bringing together a wide range of organisations dedicated to improving the lives of people living with sight impairment.

The event featured numerous stalls showcasing specialist services, adaptive technology, and practical equipment designed to support independence and accessibility.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the latest innovations and speak directly with representatives from organisations working across Northern Ireland.

Among the exhibitors was the Association of Talking Newspapers in Northern Ireland (ATNNI).

The ATNNI stand was staffed by volunteers from the Strabane, Fermanagh and Causeway talking newspapers, who were on hand to explain how local talking newspaper services help people with visual impairments stay connected to their communities.

A spokesperson said: "A recurring question throughout the day was why there is currently no talking newspaper service available in.

"Attendees were informed that the Derry Talking Newspaper ceased operating during the Covid lockdown and has not yet resumed."

Representing Strabane Talking Newspaper were secretary, Stephen Birkett and treasurer, Janet Pollock.

Strabane’s talking newspaper, 'The Mourne Echo', has been in continuous operation since 1985.

For over four decades, dedicated volunteers have recorded locally relevant news items each week from the Strabane Weekly News and the Strabane Chronicle, ensuring that those with sight loss can remain informed about issues and events in their area.

Once recorded, the programme is copied onto CDs and USB flash drives and posted to recipients in distinctive yellow pouches.

The service is designed to be simple and accessible: recipients simply reverse the address label and place the pouch back into a post box.

Royal Mail delivers the items free of charge under its Articles for the Blind scheme.

To ensure resources are used efficiently, recordings continue to be sent only when pouches are returned.

Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from receiving the Strabane Talking Newspaper is encouraged to get in touch.

Secretary Stephen can be contacted by email at stephen.birkett@btinternet.com or by telephone on 07985033545.

The RNIB Tech Fair demonstrated not only the power of technology, but also the ongoing importance of community-based volunteer services in tackling isolation and promoting inclusion for people living with sight loss.