IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment
Introduction
People with visual impairment (PVI) require computer aids, such as screen readers and Braille displays, to access via personal computers (PC) a wide variety of information. The distribution of such computer aids to communal access points and assisting PVI to acquire such high-performance facilities can increase their opportunities to get in touch with the digital world, and to meet their studies or employment needs respectively. To these ends, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) has established the Information Technology Scheme for People with Visual Impairment (IT Scheme), as a continuation of The Jockey Club IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment which ended in end-2020, to support PVI in the acquisition of equipment/devices.
Eligibility
Apart from not possessing the aids supported by the IT Scheme, individual applicants must also meet the following conditions
(a) Nominated by subvented non-governmental rehabilitation organisations, students affairs offices of local tertiary institutes, principals of local secondary and primary schools, or the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department (applications must be submitted through one of these nominating organisations);
(b) Possessing basic competency in using IT and demonstrating the needs for such aids for studies or employment; and
(c) Not having received subsidies from other charitable funds such as the Support Programme for Employees with Disabilities in the past three years for acquiring high-performance Chinese screen readers, Braille displays, accessories and/or portable devices in the reference list at Appendix .
In addition to meeting the conditions above, individual applicants must satisfy the financial criteria that their family asset should be below the asset limit for medical waiving at public hospitals and clinics. Moreover, their family income should be below 150% of Median Monthly Domestic Household Index (MMDHI).
Details
Item to be supported:
(a) High-performance Chinese screen reader, which demonstrates stable and satisfactory performance in PC of specifications prevalent in recent years;
(b) Braille output display of 40 cells; and
(c) Accessories/portable devices.
Enquiry
SEN Support Service
Office: SEN Student Service Centre, R6159, Student Development Services
Tel: 3442 5726
Email: ivywong@cityu.edu.hk