AVIATORS Project
What is it?
The AVIATORS Project is a project designed to give those living with sight loss the opportunity to try out specially adapted software installed on mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
The AVIATORS Project allows you to have free loan of a mobile device whilst receiving weekly support form one of our specially trained volunteers. The support can take place in your home, remotely or in our office and will last no longer than an hour per week.
The loan period can last anything between 3 and 6 months. You can make a decision about the software at any point during the loan period which can result in you either handing the device back at no cost to yourself or you can choose to buy the device at a subsidised rate.
Who can be referred?
Any adult living with sight loss in Calderdale can be referred to the service.
Does it cost anything?
No, as mentioned above, there is no cost to the service unless you wish to purchase the device. You will receive a subsidy of 33% should you choose to buy.
We have created our very own step-by-step guides in order to help members of the AVIATORS Project have access to information that may help when having difficulties on Synapptic.
Pressing the button below, will initiate downloading a folder containing all of the Synapptic guides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Question: How do I contact Synapptic support?
Answer: You can either call their number on 0191 909 7 909 or email at help@synapptic.com
Question: How do I know what changes are in a particular update?
Answer: Synapptic includes a specific Synapptic News menu option on the main menu. This lists all the latest details about enhancements and additions made to Synapptic
Question: Will I need an internet connection to use some features in Synapptic?
Answer: Yes, this is required to use several Synapptic features, such as Digital TV, Web Browser, Emails, RSS News Feeds, RNIB Audio Books, etc. We recommend you setup the device to use a wireless wifi Internet connection whenever possible.
Question: Do I need to use TalkBack to access apps via Synapptic?
Answer: No. Synapptic version 7 and above includes its own screen reader, called Synapptic Reader, which automatically turns on and off as needed, so TalkBack isn't needed.
Synapptic Reader will read out text on any App or Android screen and includes easy ways of moving about the screen, reading out each paragraph, button, etc. These features allow full access to the device with any level of sight loss.
Question: How do I use the Help Page feature within Synapptic?
Answer: Each screen within Synapptic has a Help icon in the top right-hand corner. Pressing this will take you to a page listing several topics from the user manual that are relevant to what you are trying to do. For example, accessing Help from the Voice Control page will only show you topics relevant to using voice control. When you select a topic, the Synapptic voice will read the text out to you. If you aren't sure where to go, then the Main Menu has a Help option with topics on how to navigate Synapptic and a Search feature, to help you find topics that include what you are looking for.
Question: How often do I need to charge my phone or tablet?
Answer: The Synapptic voice will let you know when you are low on power. With regular usage, you should charge your device every night.
Question: How do I find the IMEI number on my phone?
Answer: Each phone has a unique IMEI identification number. The number is both printed on the outside of the box that the phone came in, and also located inside the device. A spoken and large print version is also available by selecting the About Phone or About Tablet option from the Phone or Tablet Information menu in Synapptic.
Question: I am struggling to see the text on Facebook and the internet. How can I make it any bigger?
Answer: The text size used on Facebook depends on the text settings being used in the Android settings. To change your text size settings settings > accessibility