Beacon has opened its brand-new Beacon Fab Lab with a launch event today (13 July). The new facility will aim to help those living with sight loss to learn state of the art digital and design skills which may even help some find employment as well as generating income from sales of products manufactured to support the charity.
The Fab Lab was opened by Cyril Bennett from the 5/344 Transport and General Workers’ Benevolent Fund of Goodyear Wolverhampton who cut the ribbon and announced the new facility officially open. Guests had the chance to see all the new technology in action which included a large screen design software, laser cutter and engraver and 3D printers that can print everyday objects and visually impaired adapted items such as a keyboard key guard to help guide those with low vision.
Cyril Bennett said: “From when we initially started talking with Beacon last year I have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the Fab Lab and getting the chance to see all the modern technology in action. I was particularly inspired by the laser cutter and its ability to create imagery and writing on a whole host of surfaces such as braille embossed key rings and ceramic tiles.”
Beacon supports people living with sight loss around the Black Country and Staffordshire. The charity already works with local and national organisations with employment programmes. The Fab Lab is aiming to offer visually impaired people, looking to get into employment, customised training with the new technology.
Matt Harrison, Technology Innovations Manager at Beacon, added: “I would like to thank everyone for attending and helping make this day happen. The Fab Lab is more than just a state of the art facility. The lab is designed to cater to the needs of people living with sight loss, from the specially adapted computer key boards to the flooring, we have ensured the Fab Lab is designed around the very people who will use it.”
Beacon also thanked all the key partners who helped build and create the Fab Lab which included the 5/344 Transport and General Workers’ Benevolent Fund of Goodyear Wolverhampton who provided essential funding equipment for the building work, William Gough who helped with the construction of the interior building and donated units and all the volunteers whose hard work ensured the Fab Lab was fully operational and open in good time.
Guests also had a chance to see the new sublimation presses in action which can transfer images onto ceramic, slate and other materials. Beacon hopes the technology will also inspire people to get their creative juices flowing and help build confidence.
Arwyn Jones, CEO at Beacon Centre, added: “We want to help upskill as many people as possible, but the Fab Lab also offers social and wellbeing advantages. Often many of the people we support at Beacon do not have the confidence to learn new skills and can become socially isolated. The Fab Lab will empower individuals and give them a boost to get out and take on new challenges. Integration and confidence building is a big part of what we do at Beacon, the Fab Lab is a huge step in the right direction for us and will help many people.”
If you or someone you know is living with a visual impairment and is interested in learning new skills or would like to learn how Beacon can help, then please contact Matt Harrison, Technology Innovations Manager on 01902 880111 or mharrison@beaconvision.org