Running Events champions technology upgrade for the blind

Running Events Limited will be going all out for the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) through the Everyone's A Winner/Running Events 5K & 10K, slated for April 29 at Hope Gardens, as it seeks to give the non-profit organisation a technology boost.

Running Events Limited, through its foundation, is aiming to provide the JSB with overdue upgrades and assistance and has targeted the donation of a minimum of 25 computers for the JSB lab.

"We strongly believe every citizen should have access to the basic resources they need to function within a society. For the blind community in 2018, it's access to technology that not only eases communication, but enhances one's livelihood," said Diane Ellis, director of Running Events Limited.

The computer lab at JSB is equipped with the software JAWS (Job Access With Speech). It is a popular screen reader developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse.

JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications and allows members of the blind community to type, read, access web pages, pay bills, send and receive emails, and do other things.

ANTIQUATED COMPUTERS

"The problem is that the computers we have are antiquated. We currently have five functional computers to serve thousands of visually impaired persons. So, we are seeking funding to upgrade the lab [and] the software and to acquire new computers," said Daemion McLean, chairman of the JSB.

Running Events Limited, which started the Everyone's A Winner series eight years ago, will be targeting 2,000 registrants, with the first 1,500 finishers across all events to receive a medal.

Registration for the Everyone's A Winner/Running Events 5K & 10K is now open online for individuals and teams. Individual registration is $1,500 for 5K and 10K run and walk and stroller events.

Additional information is available at www.runningeventsja.com

The Everyone's A Winner/Running Events 5K & 10K will deliver a premium boutique race experience with post-race favourites, such as tastings and refreshments, massages, a misting station and health checks by the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, an awards presentation and live entertainment.