A legenDerry turnout at Foyle Arena for RNIB NI Technology Fair

The Foyle Arena in Derry was transformed into a hub of innovation as it hosted the RNIB NI Technology Fair 2026, the first of its kind event in the area.

The flagship RNIB NI event provided a vital platform for over 350 attendees to discover digital tools that help bridge the gap for a population twice as likely to face digital exclusion.

The unique exhibition, organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland, (RNIB NI), was officially opened by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairí McHugh.

According to research, people with sight loss are twice as likely to be digitally excluded than the general population but ask a blind or partially sighted person what they consider to be the key to independence and chances are you will hear the word ‘technology’.

RNIB Tech Fair volunteers group including students from NWRC

For one day only, over 350 people from the NI sight loss community enjoyed the biggest showcase of assistive technology products for blind and partially sighted people on the island of Ireland, an occasion that has become a flagship event for the charity.

Now in its third year, This time the Foyle Arena played host to industry leading names including Vision Aid, Sight and Sound Technology, NaviLens, and Pakflatt, along with a fascinating programme of ‘Tech Talks’ delivered by technology experts from around the world covering topics such as smart glasses, technology in education, Navilens digital signage, and tech to make voting more accessible.

Jackie getting a demo of the WeWalk Smart Cane

Visitors got the chance to explore the RNIB product range available from the charity’s Products and Advice Centre and learn about RNIB’s Digital Skills and other practical and emotional support RNIB provide.

The exhibition also welcomed a host of local charities that offer essential support within the sight loss community such as Guide Dogs NI, Angel Eyes NI, Blind Veterans, and Deafblind NI, and provided the perfect opportunity to ask any technical questions at the volunteer-led Tech Surgery’.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said: “I was delighted to be invited along to open the Fair, and to host the event right here in the North West, making it accessible to local people and raising awareness about the innovation and technology that is transforming everyday life for blind and partially sighted people.

“As a Council, we are committed to promoting inclusion and accessibility for all. Events like this not only showcase cutting-edge assistive technology, but also highlight the importance of digital inclusion, independence and equal opportunity.

“I want to thank RNIB NI for bringing this flagship event to our city and for their continued dedication to supporting local people with sight loss.”

RNIB NI volunteer Melanie Stewart demonstrating talking hob to very smiley customers

Derry based CEO of the charity Children in Crossfire, Richard Moore, 64, who was registered blind as a child, was there to officially open the event alongside Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairí McHugh.

Richard said: “For me, modern technology unlocks the world around me and provides a massive level of independence. Technology reduces the sense of isolation that a blind person can feel and opens up the world in a completely different way. It’s removed a lot of barriers already, and there’s still so much in development.

“From tech that can describe the room around you, to tech that can read you a page of text, to tech that just identifies a tin of beans in your kitchen cupboard - the challenges around sight loss are being reduced all the time by way of technology.

“I just love finding out about new tech, so to be in the same room as some of the world leaders and suppliers of the tech that helps me each and every day was fantastic.”

RNIB Country Director in Northern Ireland, Robert Shilliday, said: “I’m so delighted that the RNIB NI Technology Fair took place in Derry this year following two amazing events in Belfast and Lisburn.

RNIB's Dan Fischer and Chair Anna Tylor with Ellen Kavanagh DSDC

“For me, these events are a genuine pleasure to attend. For people living with sight loss, technology is not just a convenience, it’s a means of empowerment and independence. When a person loses sight and then faces barriers in doing the things they did before, quite often it’s technology that can provide the means to regain that independence and confidence again.

“As well as creating an opportunity to learn more about assistive technology, the ‘RNIB NI Tech Fair’ is becoming a great occasion to meet up with friends again and spend some time together.

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“I want to thank the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Ruairí McHugh and our friend Richard Moore for joining us to formally open the event and support us in our plans to make Derry a great place to live, work and visit if you’re blind or partially sighted.”

To find out more about RNIB support services, and how technology can enable people with sight loss to do the things they want to do, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit the RNIB website at www.rnib.org.uk.