WEST Somerset Disability Association has launched a new user-friendly computer system based at the Seahorse Centre, in Minehead.
The system will be accessible to people of all abilities and disabilities thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and support from West Somerset District Council.
The facility was officially opened on Monday by Somerset County Council deputy leader Cllr Claire Gordon, and West Somerset District Council chairman Cllr Stan Taylor.
Cllr Gordon said: "The development of the project offers a great opportunity for people with disabilities to attain computer skills and access information."
She also praised the district council for writing to the Lottery on behalf of the association.
The district council's community officer, Martin Greenwood, said the authority had been happy to help.
"With our limited financial resources, we can't always fund worthwhile projects directly, but where we can use our influence and help with funding applications we will," he said.
The Lottery cash enabled the association to buy a large-screen computer, two printers and a variety of specialised software and equipment.
Users will also be given training to ensure they make the most of the system.
Andy Machin, association president, said: "The project will enable us to open up a computerised talking newspaper for blind and partially sighted people, which will be copied to disc and sent to those who have computers at home.
"This will be far more efficient than the cassette based system we currently operate."
He said the need for the project had come from feedback from members of the association, the Talking Newspapers Association and from the Somerset Association for the Blind.
Pictured at the official unveiling of the system at the Seahorse centre are, from the left, centre user Mary Court, Cllr Gordon and centre user Marlene Saunders.
Photo: Steve Guscott.