See and Hear Exhibition 2014 coming to Shropshire

An event to share information about new technology that can improve the quality of life for people with sensory impairment is being held in Shropshire on 14 May 2014.

The See and Hear Exhibition has grown into the biggest event of its type in the country, and educates visitors about how sensory impairment affects people, as well as offering support for those who currently live with a condition such as hearing or sight loss.

A wealth of information and interactive equipment will be at the event, which is free to enter and will take place at Shrewsbury Sports Village from 10am to 4pm.

One of the organisers, Pauline Rose, explains what the event is all about in a film which can be viewed by clicking here.

Among the exhibits will be the Eye Pod, provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), which simulates different eye conditions to give people the experience of what it’s like to live with one of the four main causes of sight loss.

There will be a sensory tunnel to simulate what it is like to have limited or no eyesight, and people will be able to take part in eye and hearing screening provided by the Local Optical Committee and Shrewsbury and Telford Audiology.

People will also have the opportunity to have a carers’ assessment by Shropshire Council, and there will be sporting taster sessions, including the chance to use a climbing wall and try different types of bicycles.

A variety of new technology and gadgets will be available for people to try, including a new touchscreen tablet called ‘Respexi’ that provides a “window to the world” by way of a simple interface for instant messaging, reminders, face-to-face video calls, photographs and radio.

Councillor Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for adult services, said:

“The See and Hear Exhibition is an absolutely fantastic event and I would like to thank everyone who works so hard to pull it all together.

“There will be a huge range of information and support on offer and I would heartily recommend anyone with an interest in sensory impairment to come along.

“Even if you don’t have direct contact with someone with a sight or hearing condition, it is a very interesting event which contains so many great opportunities that everyone should consider attending if they can.”

A free shuttle bus will be operating from Shrewsbury railway station every half hour from 9.30am.

For more information about the event, visit the Shropshire Council website by clicking here.

The exhibition is organised by The See and Hear Shropshire Partnership which includes Shropshire Council’s Vision Technology and Training and the Sensory Impairment Team, Sight Loss Shropshire, the Guide Dogs Association and the Rural Community Council.