John had been Partially Sighted since birth, and after going blind at the age of 12 in 1976, left school with few qualifications, and took up one of the traditional Blind person's trades of being a Piano Tuner in 1985.
Enjoying the people he met more than the pianos, John studied with the Open University in 1988, which led to a full time degree at the University of Surrey in 1990, where John qualified in 1994 with a BSC Honours in Psychology.
John used computers and Assistive Technology to study, and before long he was advising and supporting other students, the University and other Visually Impaired people in the use of computers and Assistive Technology. After leaving University, John developed his skills in word processing, e-mail, the Internet, and audio editing on a computer as a direct result of working as a Freelance Contributor for BBC Radio. At the same time, he assisted and subsequently setup and ran, SVAB, now known as Surrey Association for Visual Impairment's Access Technology Centre from 1997.
The Access Technology Centre provided a comprehensive one stop service, which not only trained Visually Impaired people in the use of computers and the associated technologies to make them accessible, but also provided advice and support in a wide range of technology suitable for people with sight loss.
At the same time, John presented a monthly programme about Visual Impairment on County Sound Radio in Surrey, as well as supporting and training other Visually Impaired Broadcasters, and the Education sector in the use of computers as an audio editing tool.
During this period of time, John developed his professional skills in Visual Awareness and Disability Equality training and support to compliment his own personal experience of life without sight. He has found this to be important in developing a holistic approach to supporting Blind and Partially Sighted people. Not only in their understanding and use of technology, but also in the way that they perceive the World and the World perceives them.
In 2001, John worked in the Press Office for the Royal National Institute of the Blind, where he had specific responsibility for Technical and Consumer Services. Then, later in 2001, an opportunity came up to work in The Force Ten Company Ltd. One of the Country's leading suppliers of communication technology for Visually Impaired people. His previous skills fitted well in providing technical support for computer related products and gave John an invaluable insight into the retail side of Assistive Technology.
In 2004, John decided to become self-employed. John felt he would be in a good position to sell his own services with his background in support and training of computers and Assistive Technology, Visual Impairment Awareness and Disability Equality, plus his experience in freelance radio journalism.
To find out more about John Welsman and the services he offers, use the following link
Areas of Consultancy