Slimming World unveils accessible book reader app
The UK and Ireland’s leading weight management provider, Slimming World, has recently unveiled a brand-new app to help members with visual impairments use its recipe books via the accessibility tools on their devices such as a phone or tablet.
The book reader app can be downloaded by a member for free from their usual app-store. They can then request and pay for their chosen recipe book in their Slimming World group, for the same price as the physical version. They’ll receive a code which is entered into the app and the book will appear.
The app works with the text-to-speech function on the member's device, so it “reads out” recipes, and includes other handy functions including a scrapbook where members can save a collection of their favourite recipes from each book they buy. It currently features all of Slimming World’s recipe books, and any new publications will be uploaded on release.
We want all Slimming World members – both online and in our community groups – to feel welcome and experience a sense of belonging, which is why we are constantly trying to improve access to our resources, and remove any barriers that may prevent people from joining.
Slimming World has previously worked in conjunction with the RNIB to create a selection of audio and braille recipe books. These resources will continue to be available for members who request them from their Slimming World group Consultant or via the Contact Us form for online members.
As well as these resources, Slimming World is continually working to improve the accessibility and usability of its websites, such as members being able to view it with a screen reader, screen magnifier or other access technology. It can also be viewed on different screen sizes and the size of the text can be changed too.
Carolyn continues: “Our groups are inclusive and accessible to all those looking to lose weight, eat healthily and develop long-lasting healthy habits. In developing the book reader app we’re now able to better support those members with visual impairments to follow our Food Optimising eating plan and make delicious, healthy meals at home.”
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in Derbyshire in 1969 and has become the UK and Ireland’s leading weight loss organisation with more people choosing to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss programme. We support hundreds of thousands of people, both in our groups and online, to lose weight and to adopt new habits to stay slim for life.
Over the years our founding principles haven’t changed:
· Our unique programme is based on a powerfully motivating support system called IMAGE (Individual Motivation and Group Experience) Therapy. Underpinned by a deep understanding of the psychology of overweight people, and incorporating the most effective sustainable behaviour change techniques, IMAGE Therapy is designed to inspire and motivate slimmers to make positive changes and to develop new, healthier habits around food and activity.
· Food Optimising is our healthy eating plan, based on the liberating concept of Free Food. We encourage our members to fill up on those foods that are naturally lower in energy density (calories per gram) and also highly satisfying while limiting foods that are highest in fat and sugar and are less satisfying, so they lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived and without having to weigh, measure or count everything they eat.
· Our activity programme, Body Magic helps members to overcome any barriers around activity. Members choose when to start and they set the pace, finding activities they genuinely enjoy, until regular physical activity becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine.
At the heart of everything we do lies our passion for treating every member with genuine care, empathy and respect.
We’re proud to work with the NHS, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), The Royal College of Midwives and others to help shape the future of weight management in the UK and Ireland.
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie
Follow Slimming World on Twitter at twitter.com/slimmingworld or become a Slimming World fan on Facebook at facebook.com/slimmingworld
For the Press Office visit our newsroom or email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk