An aspiring author who suffers from multiple sclerosis and visual impairment has been given an iPad to help achieve her dream of becoming an author.

Elaine Greenhill, from Ebbw Vale, received £500 in donations from volunteers at Melin Homes Residents' panel, and the iPad will help deal with sight loss in her day-to-day life, as well as other aspects of her condition.

'I feel very, very emotional'

Elaine has worked closely with Louise Kingdon and Darren Williams, from the Royal National Institute for Blind People, and said: "I feel very, very emotional.

"I would like to thank Louise, the Residents' Panel and Darren for this iPad which will make my life so much better. I really hope I can now fulfil my ambition to write a book."

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The iPad has various functions that help people with sensory loss, such as a voiceover that describes whatever the focus of the camera is on, and magnification tools to blow up text or images.

These and other applications mean people with a visual impairment are not at a disadvantage.

'Elaine is a great example'

Darren Williams, from RNIB Cymru, said: "Elaine is a great example of how someone living with sensory loss can get online and access digital services.

"With the support of Melin Homes and the training from RNIB Cymru's Online Today project, Elaine has done extremely well and should be very proud of herself.

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"Knowing where to start isn't always easy, but the Online Today team can provide information and knowledge to realise and enjoy the benefits of being online."

If you have sight or hearing loss RNIB's Online Today project can help. To get involved, call 029 2082 8518 or email: onlinetodaycymru@rnib.org.uk.