The Bulletin
Statewide Vision Resource Centre
Number 7 Friday 3rd May 2002

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

Inside This Issue

Professional Development
What is Braille?
Technology Solutions for People with Low Vision - Report
Brailling Students: Ideas for Improving Tactual Efficiency
How to Renew your Blind Travel Pass
Article Review: What Print Size is Best?

SVRC Professional Development 2002

New PD activities are indicated with a * star:

Term	PD Event	Date
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
2	*ZoomText Morning*	Tuesday 25 June
3	Mountbatten Morning	Thursday 25 July
2	*JAWS for Beginners Morning*	Monday 29 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

The complete list of 'SVRC PD' and 'SVRC Camps and Activities' can be found at: http://www.svrc.vic.edu.au/PDCamps2002.html/.

What is Braille?

While 'slurching' the net, Lea Nagel (VT, EMR) discovered quite a nice explanation of the braille code which would be suitable for both students and adults. It describes the braille cell, the alphabet, and numbers, and introduces contractions. It includes uses of braille and even answers the question: "Wouldn't it be easier to use raised print alphabet letters, rather than dots?" You'll find this useful resource at http://www.afb.org/braillebug/braille_deciphering.asp/.

But wait, there's more for your resource kit: You'll also find biographical information about Louis Braille, designer of the braille code (at 15 years of age) which is currently in use in almost every country in the world, at http://www.afb.org/braillebug/louis_braille_bio.asp/. There is even some interesting braille trivia at http://www.afb.org/braillebug/braille_trivia.asp/.

Professional Development Reports

Centre for Eye Research Australia: Lions Low Vision Initiative - "Technology Solutions for People with Low Vision"

Report by Lyn Robinson

On Thursday 18th April Rita Farrelly and I attended the Lions Low Vision Initiative "Technology Solutions for People with Low Vision" at the Eye and Ear Hospital. The day was organised by Jill Keeffe and John Simpson as a way of hearing from representative groups about the needs and issues relating to technology solutions for people with low vision - thus the name of the forum!

After an interesting opening by Professor Hugh Taylor we learnt that only about 10 percent of people with low vision access vision impairment related services. The day proceeded with various speakers including Dr Sharon Haymes who talked about optical devices, Christine Simpson who talked about equipment for everyday living and Chris Edward who talked about the services offered by VisTech and issues related to technology such as the need for adequate training.

Tim Connell from Quantum Technology gave a fascinating summary of some of the highlights of the CSUN conference he had recently attended in California where smaller, lighter and more portable devices are setting the trends in access technology for the future.

Common concerns included: the cost of technology, difficulties in obtaining funding for technology, lack of awareness amongst the general community, (including health professionals and people with a vision impairment themselves), of the technological solutions available.

Some groups reported people living in country areas with low vision experienced additional difficulties accessing services and technology eg problems association with distance, such as isolation, lack of awareness of solutions and difficulties getting to centres where services are available.

The day concluded with Professor Jill Keeffe and Tamara Pollard, Project Co-ordinator for the Lions Low Vision Initiative, talking about strategies to improve access to technology solutions for people with low vision.

Jill said that the project was already looking at how to improve general awareness in the community. Other issues for consideration included:

The affordability and sustainability of various pieces of equipment both in terms of maintenance and long-term viability. Other suggestions included working with organisations such as Vision 20/20 to improve advocacy and the possibility of getting vision impairment on the National Health Agenda.

It was agreed that the day was valuable and that the project had gained lots of ideas for consideration. We look forward to hearing from the members of the Lion's Initiative in the future… perhaps we might see a Lion's Vision Impairment Awareness Bus in a shopping centre near you or some other equally creative way of approaching this subject!

Thanks to Jill, John and Tamara for a great day with plenty of wonderful sandwiches and lots of food for thought!

JAWS (Job Access with Speech) for Beginners Morning Report

The following report was prepared by participant, Kay McQualter (Visiting Teacher, Eastern Region):

This stimulating session on JAWS - a screen reading software package - was run by Michael Williams from Quantum Technology. Once all the laptops (which didn't already have JAWS) were loaded with demo versions, we barely had time to scratch ourselves.

Michael began by teaching us some of the keystrokes necessary to "navigate around the windows interface". These keystroke hotkeys enable you to use Windows without a mouse. He described the applications (or is it programs? - I still have a lot to learn about the correct terminology - I quickly learnt that this can make a BIG difference to one's understanding) are in "layers" - Windows, Microsoft Word, JAWS. Hotkeys for each subsequent layer will take over, eg if JAWS and Word use the same hotkeys for something, the function of the JAWS keys will be the function which is activated.

The first keystrokes we learnt were ones that would function regardless of JAWS being loaded. I must admit I was expecting to be mainly "playing"; with JAWS - learning how to make it read the next word, go back to the start, read the last paragraph etc. On reflection, to be an efficient user you must have a way of being able to get to the appropriate window and after that the appropriate section of the window that you need. Even if our vision impaired students can see the arrow but have some difficulty with this and need to spend time and effort finding, moving and placing it, knowing the keystrokes makes it all that much easier and more efficient. If using JAWS, it will read where you are, but you still need to know how to move around from one part to another.

The following lists Function and Keystroke

Start Button - Windows Key or Ctrl+Esc
Moves back through controls on the page - Shift +Tab
Moves forward through controls on the page - Tab
Select/unselect current option box - Spacebar
Moves forward through Multi Tab Windows - Ctrl+Tab
Moves back through Multi Tab Windows - Shift+Ctrl+Tab
Move through multi pane window - F6
Select command button/Left Mouse Button - Enter
Right Mouse Button/Open the Shortcut Menu - Shift+F10 or Applications key
Expand Tree View List - Ctrl+num plus
Go back to the Desktop - Windows+D
Go to Windows Explore - Windows+E
Move between applications you have open - Alt+Tab

I could try to explain this in words but my suggestion would be to go into Control Panels (without using the Mouse to get there - arrow keys help you move up, down or across to the section you want), press Enter to select Control Panels. Try using the Shift+Tab, the Tab, and F6 to see where they send you. Once you have the Accessibility icon highlighted press Enter and you will now be confronted with a "Multi Tab Window". Work your way through that using the hotkeys in the above list, including selecting an option you are on simply by using the Spacebar.

Of course JAWS was speaking all these options, or telling us where we were, so we should have been able to do it with our eyes closed!!!

JAWS itself has three different layouts which can be used (one of these is only if you have version 4 & above). These are simply associated with choosing which keys you prefer to use for commands. For example, the Laptop layout (version 4 and above) mostly uses the Caps lock key as a command key (eg CAPS LOCK + A will make JAWS say all text, whereas if you have chosen the Desktop layout the keys for this same command are INSERT + DOWN ARROW - INSERT being the key on the top right, next to delete, on your laptop - at least that's where it is on mine). Also, as I understand it, you don't have to use the laptop layout just because you are using a laptop, however by using the layout which uses the CAPS LOCK key you don't have to move your hands off the typing keys to instigate commands.

I believe it is important that, even if our students don't have JAWS, they become very familiar with using Hotkeys as it will increase their efficiency with computer usage. Hence it is also important that VT's become very familiar with these keys in order to be able to confidently pass on this knowledge.

A big thank you to Michael for running this session and coping with people on many different levels of computer literacy. Let's hope he'll be prepared to do a follow up session with us in the not too distant future.

If anyone would like a print or braille copy of 'Screen Reading: JAWS for Windows' which is a summary of the features of JAWS including a list of the Hotkeys and a description of the cursor modes with which JAWS will navigate the Windows environment, call senior braille transcriber, Jenny Pearse on (03) 9841 0242. You can also find this information at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/services/assistive/jaws.html/.

Upcoming Professional Development

SVRC: Mountbatten Morning - Experienced Users - Tuesday 14 May

When: Tuesday 14 May from 9.00am to 1.00pm
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 370 Springvale Rd Donvale
Who: VTs, school community members (eg teachers, aides, therapists), parents, and staff from other agencies who support students using Mountbatten Braillers
Presenter: Trevor Boyd and definitely Lee Kumutat, Quantum Technology
Parking: Next door - at the Donvale Sports Complex - 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
BYO: Mountbatten Brailler
Cost: Free (no lunch)
See flier in Bulletin 6 or call Deb Lewis for details.
RSVP: tel (03) 9841 0242 or fax (03) 9841 0878 or email deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au to register.

SVRC: Visiting Teacher Day - Friday 7th June

When: Friday 7th June from 9.00am to 3.30pm
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 370 Springvale Rd Donvale
Who: DE&T VTs and others
Parking: Next door - at the Donvale Sports Complex - 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
Cost: $17.50 includes lunch and GST
Call Deb Lewis for further details.
RSVP: tel (03) 9841 0242 or fax (03) 9841 0878 or email deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au to register.

SVRC: ZoomText for Beginners - Tuesday 25th June

When: Tuesday 25th June from 9.00am to 12.30pm (install your demo software at 9am)
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 370 Springvale Rd Donvale
Who: VTs, school community members (eg teachers, aides, therapists), parents, and staff from other agencies who support students with Vision Impairments
Presenter: Trevor Boyd, Quantum Technology
Parking: Next door - at the Donvale Sports Complex - 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
Cost: Free (no lunch)
Call Deb Lewis for further details.
RSVP: tel (03) 9841 0242 or fax (03) 9841 0878 or email deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au to register.

SVRC: JAWS Refresher for Beginners - Monday 29th July

When: Monday 29th July from 9.00am to 12.30pm (install your demo software at 9am)
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 370 Springvale Rd Donvale
Who: VTs, school community members (eg teachers, aides, therapists), parents, and staff from other agencies who support students with Vision Impairments
Presenter: Michael Williams, Quantum Technology
Parking: Next door - at the Donvale Sports Complex - 360 Springvale Rd Donvale
Cost: Free (no lunch)
Call Deb Lewis for details - further details will be available closer to the date.
RSVP: tel (03) 9841 0242 or fax (03) 9841 0878 or email deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au to register.

GDAV : Living with Acquired Brain Injury - 11 June or 9 December

This program will run twice this year and is intended for service providers. For further information (for VTs, see the enclosed booklet of 'Information Seminars and Educational Programs 2002' or contact Nicola Guthrie on 9854 4493 or nicola.g@guidedogs.asn.au/.

Camps and Activities - Reports

GDAV Primary School Camp - Report

Twelve enthusiastic, energetic and sometimes excitable Primary School children attended the Guide Dog Association of Victoria's Primary School camp in the first term holiday break. The camp had the theme 'Living in the Community'. We had a great time taking part in a variety of activities including participating in a Blind Cricket Association organised cricket clinic, visiting Kew Police Station and finding out about how a police station operates, what equipment they use, and who works in a suburban police station. There were a number of activities during the week which had Stranger Danger as their focus. We also visited the beach at Beaumaris, took part in an art activity and spent one day in the Dandenongs.

While all activities during the camp have a recreational focus, the development of the children's Orientation and Mobility skills is always a priority and the activities undertaken throughout the course of the camp have built into them a series of structured O and M learning goals.

Staff on the camp included Orientation and Mobility Instructors, a Registered Nurse and Kim the Occupational Therapist who was able to provide some valuable OT input especially with personal grooming and food preparation tasks.

Our next Primary School camp will be in the third term school holidays. More information to follow in the coming months.

GDAV/SVRC VCE Weekend Report

The Guide Dog Association of Victoria in conjunction with The Statewide Vision Resource Centre hosted a VCE Weekend program in March this year. The 3 day, 2 night residential program provided an opportunity for students in years 10, 11 and 12 to meet together and to raise and discuss issues that relate to the successful completion of their VCE studies. Participants attended a range of education, information and discussion sessions at The Guide Dog Association of Victoria centre in Kew. The students also had the opportunity to attend several social activities.

All students were asked to complete an Orientation and Mobility questionnaire. The questionnaire asked questions relating to independent and safe travel skills. Eg "Are you able to confidently request assistance from other members of the community?"

In addition there was a section in the questionnaire aimed at Daily Living skills eg. food preparation and household management skills.

The results from the questionnaire formed the basis of a lively, thought provoking and valuable group discussion. Many students became aware of the need for them to be more closely involved in and take an active interest in the development of their life skills, including Orientation and Mobility and Daily Living skills.

The program also included a number of guest speakers who spoke with the students and provided them with some valuable and informative information.

Two ex VCE students with a vision impairment, who have successfully completed their VCE studies in recent years, each presented a session. The speakers discussed their experiences in the education system and the challenges they had to meet and overcome in order to complete their studies.

Deb Lewis, Co-ordinator Statewide Vision Resource Centre, Jeni Blake, DE&T Visiting Teacher Southern Region and Sherry Cunningham Senior Visiting Teacher from The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind each presented a session that examined the educational issues associated with completing the VCE.

Issues discussed included -
- Special considerations for exams
- Alternate formats for written materials
- Self advocacy skills
- Professionals who can provide support and assistance to students completing VCE studies
- Social and recreational outlets to balance study demands

Maria Romano, Psychologist facilitated a discussion session where students had the opportunity to discuss a range of issues which impact upon them at this stage of their lives.

The VCE program proved to be very popular so we plan to run another VCE Program later in 2002.

The Guide Dog Association of Victoria's Children's Mobility Service is designed to meet the Orientation and Mobility needs of Primary and Secondary school students and the service can be provided in the home and school settings.

Students are also able to access the Children's Mobility Service by contacting Dean Johnson on 9854 4506 or dean.j@guidedogs.asn.au/.

Please do not hesitate to contact Dean Johnson if you would like to discuss the VCE program, this report or any other aspect of the Guide Dog Association of Victoria's Children's Mobility Service.

Following on the success of this weekend, several more are planned for this and the coming year:
For those who missed out on our first exciting weekend, a second will be held from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July.

For year students who will be studying VCE subject(s) in 2003, there will be a weekend from Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December.

For exit students, there may even be a four or five day program in Jan/Feb next year - before students head off to TAFE, University or employment. As details come to hand, we'll let you know!

Upcoming Camps and Activities for Kids

SVRC Braille Games Day - Wednesday 8th May

Braille Games Day is just around the corner. Please call Lyn if you need details, forms etc.
Who: Brailling students from Grade 3 to Year 8
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre 370 Springvale Rd Donvale
When: Wednesday 8th May 2002 - 10.30am to 2.30pm
Cost: Free
BYO: Lunch
RSVP: tel (03) 9841 0242 or fax (03) 9841 0878
Further details: Contact Lyn Robinson (03) 9841 0242 or Odette Budge (03) 9399 1704

GDAV/SVRC Challenge Camp - Monday to Friday 20-24 May

This year, Guide Dogs Association of Victoria have kindly provided funding and staff for the very popular Challenge Camp, near Moe. There will be NO CHARGE to parents for the camp itself. The only cost will be for train travel and lunch on the final day.

There are a maximum of 15 places, which will go, in order of receipt, to the students who get their completed forms to the GDAV - Private Bag 13 Kew 3101.

Deb Lewis will be attending the camp for the whole 5 days and DE&T Visiting Teachers Leanne Nagel and Jeni Blake will be attending for 2 and 3 days respectively.

A copy of the letter and forms has been posted to VT offices for them to make copies and distribute to families. Please call if you would like me to fax or post copies to families or schools. Your paper work will need to be back in to GDAV ASAP!

Who: DE&T students (maximum number of places is 15)
Where: Delhuntie Park near Moe (by train from Spencer Street Station)
When: Monday 20 to Friday 24 May
Cost: Free except for train travel and lunch on the last day
BYO: See forms for details
Further details: Contact Deb Lewis (03) 9841 0242 or Dean Johnson on (03) 9854 4444.

Driving Camp - Thursday and Friday 20-21

The ever-popular Driving Camp will be going ahead as usual. This year, the Charlton Driving Complex has four cars - three manuals and one automatic. So there will be a maximum of 16 places - I already have quite a few names of interested participants - so if you plan to join us, get in quick!

Who: DE&T students (minimum age is 14 years)
Where: Charlton Driving Complex and Charlton Hotel/Motel
When: Thursday and Friday 20-21 June
Cost: See forms for details
BYO: See forms for details
Transport: a small bus will be departing from the SVRC at 8.45am - make sure you book your place if you plan to travel in the bus
Further details: Contact Deb Lewis (03) 9841 0242 if you would like a copy of the forms.

Circus Morning for Kids - Monday 5th August

Who: DE&T students (maximum number of places is 15)
Where: Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland St Footscray
When: Monday 5th August 10am-1.30pm
Cost: $22
BYO: Lunch
RSVP: Forms and money must be received by a minimum of 11 participants by Friday 19th July or this activity will not go ahead

Further details: Contact Deb Lewis for a copy of the forms or more information (03) 9841 0242.

World acclaimed Women's Circus Trainer, Andrea Ousley will run a session of circus activities for students with vision impairments with assistance from Westside Circus member, Bianca Sciarretta. Activities will include double balances, ropes and aerials, and stilts.

National Braille Music Camp - Saturday 6 to Saturday 13 July

This is a fully residential Camp for proficient braillers who love music and who wish to learn, or improve their braille music skills.
Who: Braille users with an interest in music
Where: Frensham School Mittagong, NSW
When: Saturday 6 to Saturday 13 July
Transport: Dorothy Hamilton organises the train booking for Victorian people - contact Dorothy on 9522 5222 or 9885 3836
Cost: $160 (assistance may be available)
Further details: Contact Roma Dix on (02) 4871 1086 or roma@hinet.net.au

APPLICATION FORM for National Braille Music Camp 2002

Name:
Age:
Address:
Email:
Telephone:

I understand that there is adequate supervision, and further I agree that in case of any accident or illness, where it is not possible to obtain my consent, that any medical assistance, nursing or surgery required can be administered, and I accept the responsibility of any expenses thus incurred.
SIGNATURE of Parent:

Return to Roma Dix
11 Bourne Close
Mittagong 2575
with a crossed cheque or postal order, made payable to 'National Braille Music Camp' in the amount of $160.

GDAV Educational Programs

The latest booklet of 'Information Seminars and Educational Programs 2002' from Guide Dogs Association of Victoria lists some very interesting sounding activities including:
- kitchen skills for children - 10 July or 12 July
- activities of daily living skills for young adults - 29 July to 1 August
- tips and safety techniques to encourage daily living independence in children with a vision impairment - 4 October

For further details and registration forms contact Nicola Guthrie on 9854 4493 or nicola.g@guidedogs.asn.au/.

Brailling Students: Ideas for Improving Tactual Efficiency

Source: SVRC Website - http://www.svrc.vic.edu.au/emergentbrl.html

Gathering data is an essential first step to determining whether or not a student has a preference for a tactual learning style. The following is a summary of some of the characteristics exhibited by a tactual learner. If you would like to go into this area in more detail two excellent references are:

Koenig, A. & Holbrook, M. C., (1995). Learning Media Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments. A Resource Guide for Teachers. Texas: Texas School for the Blind.
Wormsley, D. & Frances, M. D., (1996). Instructional Strategies for Braille Literacy New York: American Foundation for the Blind.

The student:
- shows a preference for using his/her tactual sense to explore the environment
- demonstrates tactual searching ability by locating objects tactually and using tactual sense to identify objects. Some students may use residual vision to locate objects initially and then explore the objects tactually. It is important to note how effective the student's strategies are for locating and identifying objects.
- tactually identifies common objects of different sizes in the environment. e.g. chair, table, toys
- responds positively to tasks or teaching situations involving fine motor skills e.g. cutting, tracing, picking up small objects
- tactually identifies differences or similarities in geometric shapes
- tracks along a variety of lines, locating beginning and end points e.g. spur wheel lines, sterocopied lines, lines made up of braille cells
- tactually explores, without necessarily reading: own name, braille labels around classroom and home, braille numbers
- produces: own "scribble" using the brailler, lines of braille cells, patterns using braille cells.
- shows interest in braille in books when being read to by parent or teacher

Blind Pass Renewal

The following information was provided by Samantha Kidston, Orientation and Mobility Instructor (RVIB, Southern Region).

Most students who hold a Vision Impaired Travel Pass enabling them free public transport use will find that their pass expires on the 30th June 2002. They will not be notified of this by the Central Pass Office but they will need to renew their passes.

Here are the guidelines to help you and your students renew their passes.

There are two ways which you can renew the pass. Either mail your application or alternately go in to the Central Pass office in person.
If you would like to mail your pass for renewal, here are the 5 requirements.
1. Send in your pass dated 30th June 2002 or alternately photocopy your pass. If you photocopy your pass you will be obliged to return to the Central Pass Office after you receive your new pass.
2. Fill out personal details sheet below (stating your name, address, suburb, postcode, phone number and vision impaired pass number).
3. Include a recent coloured passport sized photo of yourself.
4. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your application.
5. Send the following to: Central Pass Office, Spencer Street Station Concourse, 151 Spencer Street, Melbourne 3000.
Alternately, you can go in to the Central Pass Office and receive your renewal on the spot (allow 10 mins). The office is open between 8.30 am to 5.00pm Monday and Friday. Passport photographs are available for the cost of $6.60.

VISION IMPAIRED PASS RENEWALS
PERSONAL DETAILS (Please print)
Surname:
First given name:
Address:
Suburb:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Vision impaired pass number:

South Pacific Educators In Vision Impairment (SPEVI)

Journal: Call for Papers (2002 Issue)

Original manuscripts and news items are sought for the third issue of the Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment. The journal presents essays, quantitative and qualitative research articles and analyses, conceptual papers, comprehensive reviews, case studies, policy analyses and innovative practice descriptions and evaluations on a wide variety of issues and topics related to the education of children, youth and adults in the South Pacific region who are blind or have vision impairments. It is intended that the journal will be useful to a much wider audience than researchers. The focus of all articles appearing in the journal will be upon their implications for practice. It is intended that the journal will be a vehicle for informing other researchers, educational administrators, Commonwealth and State personnel and service providers, as well as specialist and generic teachers, parents and others in our communities about research, issues, policies and their implications for practice in the South Pacific Region (Australia, New Zealand, parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands).

Journal Editors are Ms Fran Telec, Senior Education Officer, NSW Department of Education and Training, Dr Gillian Gale, Education Officer, Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Dr Paul Pagliano, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, James Cook University and Dr Mike Steer, Renwick College, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. All submissions will undergo blind peer review.

Having a third issue will depend on high calibre submissions. To enable timely review and manuscript revision, it would be appreciated if authors could submit manuscripts in print and on disk for review no later than 31 August 2002. Manuscripts should be sent to:
Dr Mike Steer
Renwick College, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Private Bag 29, Parramatta NSW 2124
Email: rcms@cc.newcastle.edu.au
Authors may obtain a copy of JSPEVI's Notes for Contributors from the above address.

SPEVI Conference

South Pacific Educators In Vision Impairment will hold their next biennial conference from 12-17 January, 2003 at the Radisson Palm Meadows Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland. The theme of the conference is 'An Eye to the Future' and the strands of education of those who are blind, those who have low vision and those who have multiple disabilities will run through the conference. The keynote speakers are Diane Wormsley, Anne Corn and Lilli Nielsen.

The deadline for abstracts is Monday 29th April and we wish to encourage contributions from the field. If you need an extension of this time line, please contact the conference organisers via email on spevi2003@icms.com.au/. Abstracts can be lodged electronically via the conference website at www.icms.com.au/spevi2003/. We look forward to your contributions to help make this a practical and worthwhile conference. Further details can be provided if necessary - contact:
Leanne Smith
SPEVI President
Head of Special Education Services
Aspley East State School
31 Helena Street
Aspley, Queensland 4034
Tel: 3263 2912; Fax. 3263 7527
Email: leanne.smith@aspleastss.qld.edu.au

Article Summary: What Size Print is Best?

Keeffe, J. (2001). What Size Print is Best? Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment, 2, 17-20.

Keeffe compared the reading speed and efficiency for 74 low vision and 7 normally sighted children from 7 to 17 years of age in order to discover a relationship between measures of near visual acuity (NVA) and the print size for sustained reading (SVA) for students with vision impairments including albinism, macular dystrophy, rod monochromatism, Stargardt's Disease, cataract and nystagmus. The variation in reading speed and efficiency at different print sizes for children with normal vision or with nystagmus were found to be minimal. Children with albinism, Stargardt's Disease, and cataract were noted to have optimal print sizes of N10-24, N18-24, and N8-12 respectively. Further, Keeffe notes that some generalizations regarding the child's SVA can be made from NVA. When children are able to identify single letters (ie before text-reading is possible), some predictions can be made as to whether the child might read regular print, large print, or braille.

Keeffe noted that one legally blind 12 year old with rod monochromatism achieved a reading rate of 260 words per minute indicating that with appropriate instruction in the use of efficient reading strategies, low vision students can achieve competency in reading.

If you would like a copy of the article, please contact the SVRC.

JVIB on the Net for Free

The following information was provided by Renwick College Librarian, Leonie Cheetham:
You may access fulltext articles in issues of the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness from 2000 onwards from: http://www.afb.org/JVIB/jvib_main.asp

No User IDs or Passwords are currently required. Make the most of this access whilst it lasts as American Foundation for the Blind is notorious for changing their mind about accessing this journal.

The only disadvantage that I can ascertain is that it is in large print, so if you print an article that is for example, 6 pages long in normal font, it will print out to approximately 30+ pages in large print ... so beware.

DE&T Newsletter: Parent Link

The following information appeared in Circular 110/2002 from Michael White, Director, Office of School Education (though there seemed to be some problems with the link when I checked today): Parent Link is a magazine to help parents understand more about what is happening in schools and education generally. The second issue for 2002 will be in schools during the week of 22 April 2002. The April issue includes information about:
- Changes to EMA payments
- Voluntary fees explained
- How parents can support their child's friendships
- Changes to requirements for head lice treatment
- Tips for boosting children's self esteem
- Advice for parents on how to get the most out of parent-teacher interviews
- Explanation of Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs)
- Profile of a student enrolled in the new Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
- Sources of advice on apprenticeships and traineeships.

Translations of the newsletter in eight languages (Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Macedonian, Serbian, Somali, Turkish and Vietnamese) will be available in mid May on the Department's website at http://www.det.vic.gov.au/det/parents/parentlink.htm/.

New Email Lists for Students

The following information was posted on the OzBraille listserve by Sherry Cunningham:

blind-students is a list for Australian and New Zealand Students who are blind and vision impaired: to exchange information; asking and advising, i.e. each other on books already in alternative format; what techniques used to overcome certain visual issues crossed by many; to mobility issues around your campus. To subscribe send a message to blind-students-subscribe@yahoogroups.com leave the subject line and the body of the message blank.

world-blindstudents: This groups serves the same objectives as blind-students, but to share how students around the world tackle every day study. To subscribe send a message to world-blindstudents-subscribe@yahoogroups.com/. Leave the subject line and the body of the message blank.

These groups are for current and recently graduated blind and vision impaired students. After such time that these groups are up and running, other members of the student world may be able to join, i.e. DLO's and other governing bodies. However if people feel that they have a need to join these lists before such a time, please subscribe and the moderator will contact you.

Overheard Saying…

Brailling student Jane (not her real name) and some of her fellow students were in the withdrawal room for a reading session. Jane's friend was wearing a very short summer dress, on one of the very cold days last week, and she sat shivering throughout the reading activity. At one stage, she commented:

"I am so cold, that Jane would be able to read the goose bumps on my legs!"

Staff News

- We now have a new Educational Psychologist (0.4) who may even be known to some of you - Sandra Groves began working with us this term. Make sure that you introduce yourself to her when you cross paths. She plans to work for the SVRC on Thursdays and Fridays, but will have some flexibility with PD days.
- SVRC braille transcriber Maria Elford recently passed her ABA Braille Proficiency Test, which is a great credit to her and a bonus for the SVRC. Congratulations to Maria!

Change of Address for the SVRC

No, we are not moving (as far as we know). It is just that instead of being 360, we will now be known as 370 Springvale Rd, Donvale. The postal details, however remain the same - ie
PO Box 201
Nunawading 3131.
Here's hoping that this doesn't 'throw' anyone…
[360 Springvale Rd is actually the Sports Complex next door]

Inclusions with the Print Edition of The Bulletin

Please call or email if you would like a print of electronic version of these documents
- Dates of PD Programs and Camps/Activities for Students with Vision Impairments
- Letter to Potential Space Campers
- Circus Day forms
- Driving Camp forms
- VT PD Day Program - 7th June 2002
- ZoomText Program
- Mountbatten Program

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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