The Bulletin
Statewide Vision Resource Centre
Number 2 Friday 15th February 2002

The following issue of The Bulletin was prepared by Deb Lewis (Statewide Vision Resource Centre).

Inside This Issue

· PD Program 2002
· Camps Program
· VCE EXPO
· Arts Access (EASE)
· Newsline
· VT Teaching Resources including Internet Training Materials for Free
· Braille Teaching Strategies
· Student Results and VT News

Professional Development Program 2002

Term	PD Event	Date
1	Mountbatten Morning	Wednesday 6 February
1	Visiting Teacher PD Day	Friday 22 February
1	Braille Day	Monday 4 March
1	Low Vision Day	Friday 15 March
1	O&M Morning	Thursday 21 March
2	JAWS for Beginners	Wednesday 17 March
2	VI Students with Additional Impairments Day	Friday 3 May
2	Mountbatten Morning	Tuesday 14 May
2	Visiting Teacher Conference	Mon-Tue 27-28 May
2	Visiting Teacher PD Day	Friday 7 June
3	Mountbatten Morning	Thursday 25 July
3	Visiitng Teacher PD Day	Monday 12 August
3	Integration Aide Day	Monday 26 August
3	O&M Monrning	Tuesday 10 September
4	SPEVI Combined Agencies Day	Monday 7 October
4	Mountbatten Morning	Tuesday 26 November
4	SVRC Mini EXPO	Friday 6 December

Students in Newspapers

The SVRC is gathering newspaper articles featuring VT students - please make sure that we get a copy to add to our collection. We'd even love old ones from our long ago students or when the students were little! Offerings accepted from VTs, parents etc.

Thanks for Your Help!

Our 'Large Print Lady' was off sick for the first week or so this year which meant a fair bit of scurrying around by lots of other people. I'd like to send special thanks to the braille staff and all the lovely Visiting Teachers who came in to lend a hand: Helen Caldow, Jeni Blake, Lee Clarke, Robert Aaltonen, Di Bennett (hope I haven't left anyone out!); and to everyone else for being patient. Thanks a million! Di is back now - so everything is back to normal!

Mountbatten for Beginners - Report

We had a small and select group of beginners to our very first PD activity for the year. Trevor Boyd from Quantum Technology was able to explain the mysteries of the Mountbatten Brailler to the group that included Integration Aides, Class Teacher, Visiting Teachers and staff from the SVRC. We are hoping that Trevor will be happy to run several more sessions this year for beginners and more advanced users. There is also a chance that Lee Kumutat will also come down from Quantum's Sydney office to run a session later in the year.

Visiting Teacher PD Day - Friday 22nd February

Please register for the VT PD day on Friday 22nd February. Registration forms were included with Bulletin 1. The cost for the day, which includes lunch, is $17.50; or $3.00 for one session.

GDAV VCE Weekend - 22-24 March (Information in Bulletin 1)

The VCE weekend is filling fast - please call Deb Lewis on 9841 0242 if your student is interested in attending.

Braille Day - Monday 4th March

Included for Visiting Teachers are fliers for the Braille Day. You'll notice that the program has changed slightly - please call if you would like further copies.
Who: VTs, teachers, integration staff, parents supporting brailling students
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
When: Monday 4th March from 8.30am to 3.30pm
Please wear: Clothes suitable for a walk outdoors
Cost: $27.50 including GST
Please call: 9841 0242 if you require further details

Low Vision Day - Friday 15th March

Who: VTs, teachers, integration staff, parents supporting students with low vision
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
When: Friday 15th March from 8.30am to 3.30pm
Please wear: Clothes suitable for a walk outdoors
Cost: $27.50 including GST
Please call: 9841 0242 if you require further details

O&M Morning - Thursday 21st March

Who: VTs, teachers, integration staff, parents supporting students with low vision
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
When: Thursday 21st March from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Please wear: Clothes suitable for a walk outdoors
Cost: Free
Please call: 9841 0242 to register or if you require further details

JAWS for Beginners Morning - Wednesday 17th April

Who: VTs, students, integration staff and parents supporting students with low vision
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
When: Wednesday 17th April from 9.30am to 1.00pm
Cost: Free
Please call: 9841 0242 to register or if you require further details
BYO: laptop with JAWS (if available)

Camps and Other Activities

Here is the program of camps available for students with vision impairments this year:

Term	Camp or Activity	Date
1	GDAV & DEET 'VCE Weekend'	22-24 March
1	In the Drivers' Seat - Sandown	24 March
1	Braille Games Day for Years 3-7	26 March
Holidays	New Vision Camp	2-5 April
Holidays	GDAV Primary Camp	8-11 April
Holidays	RVIB Senior Camp	8-11 April
2	RVIB Junior Camp	14-17 May
2	GDAV & DEET 'Challenge Camp'	21-25 May
2	Driving Camp	20-21 June
Holidays	GDAV Camp	TBA
3	RVIB Junior Camp	13-16 August
3	Space Camp	September/October
Holidays	GDAV Camp	TBA
Holidays	RVIB Senior Camp	30 September-3 October
4	Great Victorian Bike Ride	November
4	SVRC Mini Expo	6 December

New Vision Camp - 2-5 April

Conducted annually by Christian Services for the Blind, this camp offers students from 9 years of age the opportunity to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities such as horse riding, go-carting and water skiing. A youth counsellor is assigned to each camper. Further details will appear in The Bulletin as they come to hand - or check their website at http://www.vicyouth.com and go to the events section.

VCE and Careers Expo 2002

Where: The Camberwell Centre, 340 Camberwell Rd Camberwell
When: Friday 1st March 2pm-7pm; Saturday 2nd March 10am-5pm; Sunday 3rd March 10am-5pm
Features: 75+ organizations including Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and many universities; VCE information and resources; seminars for many subjects; career information and advice
Cost: $5
For further information: see the special supplement in the Education Age on 27th February or call 1902 243490 (77 cents per minute)

Arts Access (EASE) - Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities

The Statewide Vision Resource Centre is a member of EASE (Entertainment Access Service) and as such, students on Visiting Teacher Service have access to their services, which include:
· reduced price tickets for many live performances throughout Melbourne
· $6.50 tickets to Hoyts Cinemas
· specialised seating service
· a script lending service for many productions
· seating plans, maps and access information
· audio description for many productions
· occasionally, even free tickets for events
Check their website for further information - http://www.artsaccess.com.au or speak to Deb Lewis (9841 0242) about using the SVRC membership.

Newsline - Listen to the News on your Telephone!

Kerry Reiter-Lynch, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Newsline, contacted me regarding this service offered by Vision Australia Foundation. It is a service that would be of great benefit to many students, especially those in secondary schools - and she is keen to promote its use.
Newsline is a telephone information service designed for people who are unable to read the printed word. Listeners are able to access the Herald Sun and other content whenever they choose to.
The service is available in Metropolitan Melbourne for the cost of a local call and has no joining or subscriber fees. It is accessible 24 hours and the content is updated daily by 10am. The paper is recorded daily into 42 categories to enable easy access for our listeners.
The service is accessed by phoning the Newsline number, and then responding to a series of prompts. A computerised voice system guides the listener to their selection of content. This service gives those unable to read print the freedom to access newspaper as they choose. Listeners can 'browse' through the newspaper articles, change categories and listen to all or part of a story.
Students need an ID number to use Newsline - phone Kerry Reiter-Lynch on 9864 9335 or email Kerry.Reiter-Lynch@visionaustralia.org.au for the ID number and instructions in their preferred format.

Internet Training Materials for People with a Literacy or Communication Disability

The following information regarding free internet training materials was supplied by Jennifer Egan & Linda Worrall (http://www.shrs.uq.edu.au/cdaru/):
Our Internet training materials have been developed and trialed under the AccessAbility Grants Program (http://www.dca.gov.au/text_welcome.html) with funding from the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (http://www.dcita.gov.au/). Funding for this project covers the free distribution of the training materials to 100 key disability organizations throughout Australia.
The aim of this project was to develop Internet training materials to enable people with a communication or literacy disability to access and use online services. The research team had the opportunity to work collaboratively with people from the Queensland University Aphasia Groups in the development of these materials. Aphasia is a communication disability, which can result from a stroke. More information about aphasia can be found on our 'aphasia-friendly" website, which was also developed as part of this research project. (http://www.shrs.uq.edu.au/cdaru/aphasiagroups/)
The materials have also been successfully piloted with people with traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's disease. The Internet training materials consist of two manuals. One manual is for a tutor and the other is for the Internet student. The manuals are written in very simple language with supporting graphics. The Internet tutor is required to teach the student with step-by-step instructions from the tutor's manual over 6 sessions. Each session takes approximately 1 - 1 ½ hours. The student is able to use their manual for revision at home after the sessions.
The Internet Materials, which we are distributing, are based on the browser Internet Explorer 5.5 and email instructions are based on Microsoft Outlook Express.
These materials will also be available as a free download from: (http://www.shrs.uq.edu.au/cdaru/aphasiagroups/).

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities - Conference

This year the Round Table Conference will be held in Adelaide from Saturday 13th to Tuesday 16th April. For further information, program and registration form, please contact Deb Lewis on deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au or 9841 0242.

Braille Teaching Strategies

Below is a list of loads of ideas for teaching braille to students who are making the transition from print to braille. Thanks to Meredith Walsh for this contribution!

"Tried and True" Braille Teaching Strategies

What are some strategies for teaching braille to children, including mainstreamed students and older students, who are making the transition from print to braille? Following are some of the ideas these experienced teachers have shared:
· Build tactual sensitivity before formal instruction.
· Build finger strength and flexibility. Squeeze and pound clay, crack peanuts with fingers, do "finger plays," and "scribble" with a Perkins brailler.
· For kids who are tactually defensive: put a sheet protector (such as a thin piece of plastic) over the braille to cut its "sharpness."
· Important to bring creativity and excitement to the process. Show your enthusiasm.
· Work with parents: literacy starts early.
· Build from experiences of the child. If the child knows it, she can read and write it.
· Teach the "What do I know? What did I learn? What do I need to know?" system of reading self-monitoring.
· Make sure your lessons are pertinent and interesting. Identify interests and needs of the student and start from there.
· Use curriculum materials designed for the pupil's age. Older students with lower reading levels still want to read materials appropriate to their interests.
· Have the student write personal experiences.
· Student can read and write Grade 2 (contracted braille) simple sentences to "show off" to peers.
· Students can teach their peers to read and write braille.
· Students can write about an interesting news item they heard about on the radio or TV (e.g., sports event, current events, television show review, etc.).
· Students can keep a personal journal or write down a secret wish.
· Use braille to write the instructions of a favourite game or to put together a toy.
· Use braille to write directions to a place of interest (incorporate mobility skills).
· Put the menu from a favourite restaurant in braille.
· Have the students write a letter or note to a friend or a celebrity.
· The student can write a short script and read it into a tape recorder or act it out (alone or with friends).
· Practice by generating lists of things that are categorized.
· Write Christmas or birthday "wish list" in braille to share with friends.
· Techniques to facilitate reading: make story boxes, writing own books, sports cards, Language Master machine, tape braille of same text, use of familiar texts.
· Make instruction helpful for independent needs, especially economic: students can learn how being braille literate can help with future employment options.
· Introduce rewards into learning: pen pals, games with rewards, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit.
· Help readers learn how to choose a book for themselves.
· Address literacy issues: comprehension, decoding skills, ESL, etc.
· Address special needs as well. A student's reading problems may not be because of the braille per se, but have other underlying causes. Careful assessment is important.
· Some students with low vision who are learning braille may benefit from learning the braille letters and symbols visually (enlarged) while they learn them tactually.
· Use of whole language materials:
1. have blind students participate in these activities;
2. utilize older students and peers;
3. students can write their own books and reading material.
· Give plenty of time to practice specific skills, such as assignments expanded over frequent intervals.
· Delivery of services:
1. inservice with regular classroom teacher on how to incorporate and promote braille;
2. flexible scheduling so student does not always miss the same period every day, or;
3. use of Study Hall or other "off" period-and make sure the student gets school credit for language arts or related class for taking braille.
· Keeping up with classroom rate: develop cooperative learning groups.
· Have your students read books to younger children. Can use print/braille books, or regular braille books. Have your student practice putting lots of expression into reading aloud.
· Play games, and do braille word puzzles.
· Read magazine articles of high interest.
· Download public domain material from the Internet and run through braille embosser to get a wider variety of reading materials for your students.
· Put popular song lyrics in braille (watch content!).
· Do braille scavenger hunts.
· Put recipes, menus, and grocery lists in braille.
· Look for creative opportunities to match vocabulary level (e.g. signs in the hall, on streets, put braille on posters in your room, etc.).
· Use books of high-interest/low-vocabulary when necessary.
· Help students identify ways that braille can make their lives easier.
· For the reluctant learner, identify the student's first priority and see how braille can be part of that. For example, if your student is immediately concerned with finding his locker or with organizing his materials, show how braille labels can help.
· Have a library of interesting braille books available that student can choose from.

VT Teaching Resources

Please request copies of the following (or look for them in the revamped and updated Journal Article Collection):
· Teacher's Manual for Adapting Science Experiments for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
· How Braille Began (the history of braille)
· Making it Easier to Work with Windows with Low or No Vision
· JAWS Laptop Keystrokes
· JAWS Specific Keystrokes for Excel, PowerPoint and Word
· First Steps and Finer Points - Using JAWS with Windows and Word, WordPad or HJPad
Note: the final four most excellent articles by Tom McMahon (Adaptive Technology Services, Queensland) are also available on disk.

Texts for Nix!

A small family publisher, Insight Publications, suppliers of texts, study guides etc recently donated several textbooks to the SVRC for production in alternative format. We are grateful for their support.

Student Results

We love news - so keep it coming:
· Robert's student Gerard (who spoke at a PD day last year) will be studying an Applied Diploma in Human Resources at Holmesglen Tafe this year.
· Marlene's student Louise received a TER of 64.
· Catholic Ed student Anita will be studying Computer Sciences at Melbourne University after earning a TER of 97.55 last year.
· Jeni's student Cathy passed all her VCE subjects last year. A great effort!
· Janie's student Hanna will study Health Sciences at Deakin University this year.

News and Accolades!

· Parent, Joanne McKay and Integration Aide, Julie Bulley recently completed the 18 lessons of the Correspondence Course in Braille offered by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre - congratulations Joanne and Julie!
· Janie McLeod broke her arm during the holidays and will miss the first five weeks of work. Her students are being covered by Liz Chapman (great to have her back, even briefly) and Meredith Walsh.
· Trish Potter and Janie McLeod will be on leave towards the end of term one.
· Rita Farrelly spent her holidays in Cambodia and Thailand - can't wait to see the photos!

Old News

I found this delightful quote in an old Bulletin:
According to Fiji's Daily Post on 3rd December 1997, 'Ignorance is the major cause of blindness. The Society's work is not just confined to individuals who have a visibility problem…'

Integration Aide Looking for Work

Denise Probert knows of an Integration Aide (TAFE course accredited) who is looking for work in the Ferntree Gully area. Contact Denise on 9458 3857.

Overheard Saying…

· One VT, returning after a few years out of the service, commented: "Three of my schools aren't even in my Melway!!!"
· Another VT pronounced that she'd had a great holiday, though her car caught fire. She had so many messages in her mobile phone that it wouldn't receive any more! Luckily one of her students was able to clear the backlog and she is now back on the air!

Information for Your Teachers

For those who are preparing information packages for class and subject teachers using Meredith Walsh's information package, this handy hint may be of use.
If your budget allows you only to use the plain white folders from Office Works, as mine does due to the large quantity I have needed to produce, try printing the cover page on bright paper. Orange or lime green works well. The result is very professional and effective.
Copies of this package - Adaptive Technology & Equipment for Students with Vision Impairment: Visiting Teacher Information Package - are available at the SVRC for $30. What a time saver right now!

If you have something you would like included in The Bulletin, contact:

Deb Lewis (who can be emailed at deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au).

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