Project iCare



My name is Mark Skelton and I am the ambassador for Talk Directs project iCare which was founded in April 2014. The aim of the project is to help the visually impaired community improve their daily lives with the help of digital technology, i.e. smartphone or tablet devices. I am very passionate about my role as I am registered blind myself and know only to well what a difference digital technology can make. If I didn't use a smart phone or tablet myself I would struggle to read a simple message or even write a short note. We have worked hard to make sure we can hopefully find a solution to help anyone with any level of visual impairment and have had some great success stories along the way.
In our stores we have an O2 Guru who has the technical knowledge on how to get the best out of a device so that people suffering from low vision can still communicate with family and friends. Simple options such as voice over functions and magnification settings can make a world of difference. They will also happily show people how to use apps that can increase the benefits of a device. For example, I use an app where I can download a talking book which is narrated by the author. On a standard phone I would not be able to do any of the above so making a simple phone call would be a huge struggle.
Since we started the project it has really helped people stay in contact and some of our clients have had secondary disabilities but we have always managed to find a solution for their needs. During the early period we have built up a great working relationship with Royal Society for the Blind, Yorkshire Guide Dogs and Action for the Blind. Our work with Action for the Blind saw Talk Direct be the first Yorkshire company ever win the 'see the capability not the disability award'. We currently visit all local visually impaired charities and support groups to show their service users just what we and technology can do to help them. These visits have proved tremendously popular and if you feel you may benefit from this service please get in touch.
Our main aim for the future is to continue working with these great companies and to provide support in our stores so the visually impaired can embrace technology so that it can help people in day to day life.

iCare Introduction for new Guru James Blackwell
I understand that Talk Direct is currently the only O2 franchise to continuously provide advice and guidance to visually impaired people and also to train their Gurus specifically in accessibility.
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iCare Update for Headingley Guru Rebekah Brett
Our stores regularly do events for the visually impaired ranging from Worksop to Scarborough. The event that I attended was at Swatch Moore College in Leeds City Centre.
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Recommended Android app - QR & Barcode Scanner
Liam our O2 Guru at the Merrion Centre store demonstrates how to use the QR & Barcode Scanner.
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Recommended Android app - Large Launcher
Our O2 Guru at Crossgates Jordon demonstrates how to use the Android app Large Launcher
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Recommended Android app - Lazarillo
Our O2 Guru Brendan demonstrates how to use the Lazarillo app
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Recommended IOS app - Dragon Dictator
Rebecca from our O2 store in Headingley demonstrates how to use the IOS app Dragon Dictator.
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Recommended Android app - Text Fairy
Callum our O2 Guru at the Bridlington store demonstrates how to use Text Fairy.
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How To Use Siri With Your Music Library
Our O2 Guru James demonstrates how to use Siri with your music library.
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Recommended Android app - Blind Communicator
Joe our O2 Guru at the Rotherham s store demonstrates how to use the Blind Communicator app for Android devices.

O2 Guru - Brenden's Story
Our O2 Guru at the Dewsbury store Brenden Hoad shares his iCare experiences.
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BBC Radio Sheffield interview Talk Direct's Mark Skelton
Mark Skelton talks openly about losing his eye sight on the Rony Robinson show.
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Recommended Android app - Magnify
Jordon our O2 Guru at the Crossgates store demonstrates how to use the Magnify app for Android devices.
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