A COURSE at a County Durham library is opening up a new world for people whose sight is impaired.

Durham County Council's Clayport Library, in Durham City, runs an array of information technology (IT) courses with the support of New College, Durham.

But a requirement for those taking the latest course starting on September 23 is that they must be registered as blind.

The library has special accessibility software called Supernova on seven of its computers which, with adapted keyboards and microphone headsets, enable blind or partially-sighted users to control the computer.

Students can learn how to touch-type, write letters and send e-mails, search the worldwide web and do online banking and shopping.

Clayport Library's cyberskills and Open Learning officer, Geoff Pratt, who set up the course, said: "We have expanded the courses and now do beginners' and advanced courses.

"Those who have progressed through the course and are being integrated into our beginners' IT class, working with people who don't have a visual impairment.

New College community education head David Blazey said: "We are achieving inclusion in an ideal way, by giving support to visually impaired users which allows them to participate equally in a whole range of IT courses offered at Clayport Library."

Josh Curry, 24, who has taken the course, said: "This has dramatically improved my self-confidence and the chance to get back into employment."

Ian Spoor, 31, said: "I didn't believe that someone with a visual problem like mine could ever use computers. It has changed my life."

Library staff are also being trained in the use of the software. It is hoped that by the end of the year every library in the county will have at least one staff member trained in its use and able to support visually impaired users.

Anyone interested in taking part in the course is invited to contact Geoff at Clayport Library on 0191-386 4003 for further details.