Whitenoise were delighted to kick off our support for the agency’s nominated charity of the year RNIB on Wednesday 26th February, delivering hands-on support for their second annual NI Technology Fair.
RNIB’s NI Technology Fair is one of the top assistive technology showcases for blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland, taking place in the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn this year. The free event hosts exhibitor stands for businesses that have developed the latest assistive technology on the market, alongside a range of Tech Talks from leading experts in their fields from around the world.
As our chosen charity of the year, Whitenoise was delighted to throw our full support behind this event. Acting as the key sponsor we worked ahead of time to create the event identity, a range of event materials including social graphics, flags, leaflets and pull-ups and also lending our support on the day, with several of our team joining RNIB as volunteers at the groundbreaking charity event.
The NI Technology Fair 2025 showcased assistive technology for people with sight loss, featuring talks from industry leaders such as NaviLens, HumanWare, Sight and Sound Technology, Dolphin Computer Access, Empatheyes, and Pakflatt.
Exhibitors for this year's Fair were highly diverse, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about Navilens, Humanware and of course celebrate 200 years of Braille. All of these products assist in allowing the visually impaired to read signage, use braille-assisted keyboards and gain knowledge on the history of braille.
The NI Technology Fair has never been more necessary, given our ever-changing modern world. A study conducted by Samsung UK and OnePoll found that over 2/3 thirds of adults feel excluded from products due to accessibility issues. For those living with sight impairment, this concerning statistic can only be assumed to be even higher.
The Whitenoise volunteers were able to see first-hand how businesses and groups are working to combat this feeling of alienation: visitors to the Fair didn’t just get the opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge assistive technology to boost their independence and improve their lifestyles; it was also a chance to connect and share experiences with others in the blind community.
The Whitenoise team were proud to be part of supporting the human connection on the day, assisting visitors with sighted guides to navigate the fair, and helping with their journeys to and from the event. From the moment attendees arrived, we guaranteed that they were greeted warmly, presented with a goody bag, and helped (where needed) to make their way around the talks and exhibitions - not to mention taking some time out with guests to have a cup of tea and a chat when they needed a break!
What our team had to say...
“We were delighted to attend RNIB’s NI Technology Fair, as the first opportunity to offer hands-on support to our nominated Charity of the Year. It was a hugely rewarding experience, and a real chance to understand the first-hand experiences of those living with sight impairment. I I was overwhelmed and inspired by the positivity and passion of those we supported during the day, and look forward to supporting RNIB throughout 2025”
- Kat Robinson, Creative Strategist, Whitenoise
"Accessibility drives innovation, and community makes it stronger! I was honored to represent Whitenoise at the NI Technology Fair 2025. Not only a highly successful turnout, but a highly informative group of organisations sharing all the ways they help improve the everyday lives of some of the amazing individuals I met affected by sight loss”
- Jodie McCullough, Placement Student, Whitenoise
“Volunteering at the RNIB NI Technology Fair was an incredible experience. Understanding how assistive technology can allow people with sight loss to complete everyday tasks was eye opening and inspiring.”
- Ciaran McCormick, Placement Student, Whitenoise
“We as individuals and a company go out of our comfort zone and do things to help those around us. The Whitenoise team were amazing and everyone complimented us on our incredible volunteers. Thank you so much for giving up your time to support this event."
- Laura Cummings, PR and Communications Manager, RNIB Northern Ireland
