For many people, reading a book or checking the time might seem like a simple act to be taken for granted.
For those affected by blindness or low vision, however, even everyday tasks like these can be challenging.
From touch-screen smartphones to supermarket self-checkouts, the world we live in is increasingly designed to be navigated by sight - something that can pose a challenge for people affected by blindness or low vision.
"Unfortunately we live in a world where barriers, especially in accessibility, can be numerous, and many of which are unnecessary because of the way our society operates," says John Mulka.
As chief executive of Blind & Low Vision NZ (formerly known as the Blind Foundation), it is Mulka's mission to break down those barriers and help people facing the challenge of blindness or low vision to prosper.
"It can and should change," says Mulka. "That's a big goal we are focused on."
Now, a helping hand from Chorus has made achieving that goal just a little bit easier.
The telecommunications infrastructure company has gifted the organisation's Napier branch a number of Amazon Echo Dots, which will be used to assist clients in the area with a variety of daily tasks.
Chorus spokesperson Steve Pettigrew says the organisation plays a huge role in the local community and is certain the gifts will be put to good use.
"Every day, an average of six New Zealanders turn to Blind & Low Vision NZ for support with sight loss," says Pettigrew.
Helping maintain independence for those affected by sight loss is hugely important.
"Retaining or attaining independent living is at the heart of what motivates people who are blind or have low vision to seek support," says Mulka. "We use the saying 'beyond vision loss' to articulate the goal of overcoming barriers that are present for people who are blind or have low vision, so they can get on with living life how they want to."
And that's where the Echo Dots come in.
By using Amazon's Alexa platform, clients can gain access to the organisation's full talking-book library, containing more than 30,000 titles.
They can also use the devices to find out the time, get the weather forecast or find radio stations - acts that many full-sighted people take for granted.
"Voice-assisted technology is incredibly exciting because it's so easy even people who don't think of themselves as tech users can master it," says Mulka.
The devices were gifted to the branch by Chorus to celebrate the completion of the first phase of its ultra-fast broadband roll out (UFB1).
The initiative – one of the largest infrastructure projects ever seen in the country – has already given 75 percent of Kiwis access to fibre.
By 2022, the number of New Zealanders with fibre in their home or business will reach 87 percent.
The Napier branch of Blind & Low Vision NZ was one of 11 worthy businesses, charities or organisations given a helping hand by Chorus.
The gifts are aimed at helping recipients make the most of their fibre connection and reach their full potential.
Mulka says he feels "honoured and humbled" with the gifts.
"There are many deserving causes and we greatly appreciate the support from Chorus in helping people who are blind or have low vision gain access to technology like Amazon Echo Dots."
Mulka says the organisation is in the phase of setting up the devices in clients' homes and teaching them how to use them, and so far they have been hugely popular.
The organisation's Napier branch helps around 550 people across the region.
This article is created for Chorus.
