The ITSVIP charity has become part of TAVIP
TAVIP logo – Technology Association of Visually Impaired People
The charity Individual Technology Solutions for Vision Impaired People (ITSVIP) became part of the Technology Association of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP) on 1st November 2026.
For fifty years, beginning its life as Telephones for the Blind, ITSVIP tackled loneliness and isolation by putting adapted devices such as landline telephones, smartphones, and tablet computers in the hands of thousands of blind and partially sighted people so that they could stay connected with family, friends and the wider digital world. But its trustees concluded that device provision alone was no longer sufficient to achieve their founding mission. Evidence from across the sector is clear: access to a piece of technology is only the first step – without the skills and confidence to use it effectively, equipment sits unused and the isolation it was meant to address persists.
By merging into TAVIP, ITSVIP’s trustees were confident that the charitable objectives they have pursued for half a century would be delivered more effectively and reach more people than would be possible through continued standalone operation.
Tony Stockman, TAVIP Chair of Trustees“TAVIP is a member-led organisation committed to improving people’s skills and confidence with technology, and individuals, professionals or family members can become members for free. We have ambitious plans for the future including building and supporting our community of members, delivering more specialist training and driving wider policy and best practice in terms of digital inclusion for blind and partially sighted people. The resources which are coming from ITSVIP will enable us to kick-start a number of new developments and we are delighted to be able to build on ITSVIP’s legacy.”
Bob Hughes, Chair of ITSVIP“Merging with TAVIP is a sensible move to best support the communication needs of people with a vision impairment and we are delighted that TAVIP agreed to the merger. We have every confidence in their ability to expand their services to support even more people."
ITSVIP’s device scheme has now closed, but TAVIP will develop services that address both the technology access and the skills support that blind and partially sighted people need to live full and independent lives. TAVIP will also provide advice on grants, and details of organisations that provide free or low-cost technology.
For further information about free membership, and the services which TAVIP provides, contact info@tavip.org.uk, visit www.tavip.org.uk, or leave a voicemail on 02036 376070.
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