The Bulletin
Statewide Vision Resource Centre
Number 8, 16th May 2003

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

Inside This Issue

- SVRC Professional Development and Camps
- Discussion Lists for Students
- New Camps & Activities Webpage
- Braille Music - Translation Software Development
- Round Table
- Useful Links - Contacting Schools
- BCA Youth Forum Report
- From the Keyboard Tutorials
- Laminated Magnetic Pictures
- E-Text - Access for People with Print Disabilities
- East Timor Project
- JSPEVI Call for Papers
- Companion Card
- Perspectives on Visual Impairment - Article Summary
- "Pet as Therapy" Dog
- Design a Coin Competition
- Parent Support Group
- Mini Clip-On Flashlight
- Green Lined Paper
- CEO VT Vacancy
- The Book Bag

Professional Development

Visiting Teacher - PD Day - Friday 13th June 2003

Topics will include Classroom Application: The Mystery and Magic of Mimio!, VCE and Changes to Special Provision, Access to the Secondary Mathematics Curriculum for Students who Rely on Braille, The 6-Step Method of Teaching Orientation and Mobility, PM and Spinout: Literacy Software and much, much more!

Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre, 370-380 Springvale Rd Donvale
Cost: $20 which includes morning and afternoon teas and lunch. Individual sessions can be attended by arrangement.
Please: make cheques payable to "Heatherwood School"
RSVP: Lunch will available for those who fax their registration form by Tuesday 10th June.
Please call for more information on 9841 0242.

Two SVRC Camps and Activities Planned

The Statewide Vision Resource Centre is planning a couple of activities for the next few months. The first is Driving Camp at the Driver Education Centre in sunny Charlton, and the second is a week in the snow at Mt Baw Baw! Further details are attached or call Deb Lewis.

Driving Camp

When: Wednesday 25 to Thursday 26 June (last week of second term)
Who: Students on DE&T Visiting Teacher Service aged 14 years +
Please call for copies of the forms!

Snow Camp

When: Coming Soon!!! Call for information!!!
Who: Students on DE&T Visiting Teacher Service - maximum 8 places

Educational Support for Vision Impaired Students with Additional Impairments PD Day - Report

Over 60 participants feasted on another banquet of information and the general feeling was that the day was up to our usual high standard. We like to start with a series of activities simulating vision impairments, just to get our participants thinking specifically about the needs of their students. One participant commented, "Activities were light-hearted, but certainly thought-provoking".

As Professor Hector Maclean has recently retired from the Eye and Ear Hospital, he was able to kick off the more formal part of the day. The program included programs and strategies to support students in the classroom, the role of the Visiting Teacher and behaviour management.

RVIB Resource Base Teacher Mary Baron and Werribee Primary School Integration Co-ordinator Michelle Grace described their fantastic Sensory Room which has been developed over the past few years with the support of the school community, the local community, local business and even inmates of the local prison! The Sensory Room is not just available for the six students with vision impairments attending the school - it is an integral part of the school facilities and curriculum. If you would like to know more about this sensory room, see the Werribee Primary School website: www.weribeeps.vic.edu.au/SensoryRoom.htm

Comments included:

- Sessions were short and the information presented to the point and practical
- Content of the day was excellent. I'll take home lots of new skills and games to try with my students.
- Best inservice I have been to in a long time - great speakers, very informative and relevant to my work setting
- Excellent from the information about parking on your flier, right to the end of the day which finished on time! Great food too!

Below is one of Helen Caldow's handouts: The Book Bag

The Book Bag

We all know how crucial the development of language is for efficient communication and for reading. Good literature is a wonderful way to help the development of language in all children. One way to add extra benefits to the experience of reading and sharing a good book is the Bookbag.

Add to a drawstring bag the following possibilities:

- Actual items discussed in the book eg toothbrush
- Toys representing items discussed in the book eg a fluffy mouse
- Part of an item representing an item eg a small branch for a tree
- Something with a similar quality to one mentioned in the story eg sheep skin which feels like a lamb
- Braille on cards if applicable. Cards may need to have a corner clipped or the top cut with pinking shears to indicate the correct way to hold them.
- Compics or Writing with Symbols sentences/pictures if applicable
- Key words and/or pictures on cards
- Pictures/descriptions of Auslan or signed English signs for hearing impaired students
- List of suggested follow up activities, which may help the parents to consolidated language eg a book about a puppy may have ideas such as a visit to a pet shop, list all the pets owned by family and friends etc

Helen Caldow
Visiting Teacher (Vision)
Base School: Auburn PS
Tel: 9882 5848
Fax: 9882 9676
Mob: 0409 381723

Discussion Lists for Students

Source: RVIB Client Newsletter, February 2003

Two new lists for current and recently graduated students.

Blind-students

Blind-students is a list for Australian and New Zealand students who are blind or vision impaired to exchange information, and advice.
To subscribe send a message to: blind-students-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Leave the subject line and the body of the message blank.

World-blindstudents

World-blindstudents is an international list for students with vision impairments.
To subscribe send a message to: world-blindstudents-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Leave the subject line and the body of the message blank.

New SVRC Camps and Activities Webpage

Where: www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/camps.htm

The Statewide Vision Resource Centre conducts an exciting range of activities designed to provide opportunities for students to rise to challenges and to develop peer networks. The aims of the camps program are as follows:

- to provide the opportunity for students to develop effective peer group networks with other students with vision impairments
- to promote within the students a better understanding of their vision impairment
- to develop, within a supportive environment, social and communication skills that will assist in the students' management of the varying demands of their educational environments
- to offer additional recreational and educational experiences that may not be available within the school curriculum
- to have fun!

The new Camps and Activities webpage has links to some examples of activities organised by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre with information and pics including:

- Braille Games Day www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/braillegames.htm
- Challenge Camp www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/challenge.htm
- Circus Day www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/circus2002.htm
- Driving Camp www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/driving.htm
- Space Camp www.svrc.vic.edu.au/spacecamp2002report.htm

Two of the recent activities that you may not have had a chance to catch up on are the Great Victorian Bike Ride in November/December 2002, and our morning earlier this year on The Young Endeavour. You'll find them here:

- Great Victorian Bike Ride www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/gvbr.htm
- Young Endeavour www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/endeavour.htm

For more information see the SVRC Camps and Activities Webpage: www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/camps.htm or contact Deb Lewis on (03) 9841 0242.

Braille Music - Translation Software Development

Source: ABA Newsletter, April 2003 by Nigel Herring

During the mid to late nineties I worked in conjunction with Optek Systems to provide a method of computerised Braille music transcription. This led to the release of the Toccata Braille music transcription program by Optek in 2000.

Toccata provides an excellent method of conversion of printed score to braille, however, it is primarily designed for a sighted user. The highly graphical nature of Toccata's notation editor precludes it from current adaptive technologies. Although Toccata's menus can be accessed by screen readers, the on-screen braille music can only be read using a braille display.

In 2002 I joined with the University of Newcastle, through Renwick College, in a research project aimed at developing a braille and speech based system of reading and writing music. I am currently working on Windows based software that provides spoken feedback of braille music characters entered in '6 key' mode on a PC's keyboard. It is intended that this will be coupled with audible playback of the entered music and on-screen notation. The initial purpose of this will be to provide a more interactive method of learning and teaching the braille music code.

To assist with this, I am hoping to discuss this concept with individuals currently involved in teaching braille music, those who may have an interest in learning the braille music code and anyone else who may be able to contribute some thoughts.

Nigel can be contacted on (02) 4736 2114 or at nigel@pentronics.com.au

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.

Source: www.e-bility.com/roundtable

Who is Round Table?

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc (Round Table) has a broad membership of education, government, business, community and disability organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand with the following mission:
"To work collaboratively in providing leadership for the creation of an information environment in which people with a print disability enjoy full citizenship".

What is a Print Disability?

People with a print disability are those who cannot obtain access to information in a print format because they:

- are blind or vision impaired;
- have physical disabilities which limit their ability to hold or manipulate information in a printed form;
- have perceptual or other disabilities which limit their ability to follow a line of print or which affect their concentration;
- cannot comprehend information in a print format due to insufficient literacy or language skills.

Why is information access so important?

Access to information, be it in traditional formats such as print, braille and audio or in newer and emerging electronic technologies such as the world wide web, CD-ROM indexes, e-commerce and interactive voice response, ensures that all people have access to the thoughts and ideas which make a society.

This means people with a print disability have access to the same educational, recreational, social and business opportunities as the rest of the community. Without accessible information active and full participation in society is denied those with a print disability.

Useful Links - Contacting Schools

The following sites may be useful - and are available to DE&T and non-DE&T internet users!

Find details for government, catholic and independent schools: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/
Contact details for government schools :www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/SOLSearch.asp
A-Z Listing of all government schools: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/searchresults.asp?txtSearchType=alpha
Contact details for catholic schools: www.cecv.melb.catholic.edu.au/schools/default.asp
Contact details for independent schools: www.ais.vic.edu.au/schoolsearch.html
Regional websites: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/Regions.asp

Blind Citizens Australia Youth Forum

Report from 2002 VCE graduate and Space Camper 2002, Kat, who recently left Melbourne for her new home in Port Macquarie:

Getting There…

My adventure started as I stepped onto the plane at Port Macquarie airport. We'd checked my ticket and it had BLND MAAS (blind meet and assist) printed clearly on it. I didn't have my cane out and the flight attendant pointed me to my seat, at which point I mentioned that I couldn't see my seat. After she showed me, everything went smoothly til we landed in Sydney. I was met and taken over to the next gate where I had to wait, and wait, and wait, as my flight had been delayed. Finally we were off and headed to Melbourne. When we arrived someone took me to find my luggage at which point I met my old visiting teacher (where would we be without them!)
We got to Quest Windsor Apartments in Prahran and went around the local area.

The Forum…

We started the forum by introducing ourselves and explaining why we came. Darren Fittler ran the forum and led the discussions. There were a few games, including using a rope to make a square, and the X Y game, which encouraged team collaboration and strategical thinking. Both these games showed that teamwork was needed to succeed and that leadership was needed to make the team work well. We discussed the qualities of good and bad leaders, and what makes leaders successful/unsuccessful.

Executive Officer of Blind Citizens Australia, Maryanne Diamond, spoke of what Blind Citizens Australia is and does, followed by David Blyth, Founding President of BCA and Past President of the WBU.

We also discussed values and how society could not function on just one main value, and Time Management, how to categorize things as important, urgent, important and urgent, and neither, during time management. The focus of the forum shifted from leadership to advocacy and issues facing blind and visually impaired youth in Australia. Many issues and problems were brought up but the forum decided that the two most important were access to information and adaptive technology, and secondly, public transport, traffic lights and such. We finished the forum discussing what could further be done for the blind and vision-impaired youth community in Australia. After the forum ended on Friday we met up on Chapel Street for Chinese, where we talked over dinner for a few hours before drifting off in separate directions.

Getting Lost In Prahran…

After living in Melbourne for 18 years I hadn't thought I'd have any trouble with the trams. However coming back to the room after a day in the city I was proven wrong. The driver didn't announce my stop and it wasn't until he announced Chapel Street that I knew I had a problem. Never having been in this situation before, I got off the tram and asked someone which way to go. Unfortunately they told me the wrong direction. So there I was, stuck in an unfamiliar area, no idea which way to go, and in heels. I had my mobile phone with me, so I called everyone I knew until I found someone that could help. An hour later after many "keep going at the next street" and "turn right, … no you're other right!" I made it back to my room.

Getting Home…

My wonderful VT, Marlene, picked me up and took me to the airport, helped get my ticket and waited with me til I was on the plane. This time I did have my cane (after getting lost in Prahran I was taking no chances) and again, the attendant looked at my ticket, said they would call ahead and make sure someone would meet me, then pointed me to my seat, again I pointed out I couldn't see where she pointed. After getting to Sydney everything went smoothly, someone met me, someone else took me to the plane, and for the first time I was also shown my seat without having to ask!

A Few Basic Things to Remember

When travelling, always have a cane.
Even with this people still won't realize you can't see, so tell them.
When travelling in a new area, either have someone that knows where you're going, or let the driver know, especially on trams.

'From the Keyboard' Tutorials for People with Vision Impairments

Source: http://web.onetel.net.uk/~fromthekeyboard/

UK based John Wilson has produced a series of tutorials - on tape or as written plain text files - which take the learner, step by step, through how to install, set up and operate the various programs covered. They use general Windows keyboard shortcuts as well as some screenreader specific commands for JAWS, Window-Eyes and HAL. Instruction is done from the point of view of using a screenreader with speech or braille display system and the keyboard, with no use of a monitor or traditional mouse being necessary, although users of screen magnification software who also rely on the keyboard rather than a mouse should also find these tutorials to be instructional. These tutorials will enable the visually impaired home computer user to gain independence through computers and the employed or self-employed user will be able to acquire the skills needed to be productive and competitive in business or in the workplace.

The cost of these comprehensive, value-for-money tutorials ranges from 10 to 20 pounds or from 15 to 30 US dollars plus any necessary postage and packaging. Manuals and tutorials can be e-mailed or posted via airmail anywhere in the world.

Some of the tutorials available include:

- Microsoft Excel 97, 2000 and XP
- Vips Introduction To Computers
- Accessing The Internet From The Keyboard The Windows Way
- Nero Burning-Rom Versions 4 And 5
- Using Omnipage Pro 10, 11 And 12

Do It Yourself - Laminated Magnetic Pictures

When making teaching aids, particularly for young students or students with vision and additional impairments, you can cut out shapes, pictures or words etc (eg from magazines) and laminate them. Perhaps you want to place the pictures close to the student by placing them on a reading stand or a magnetic board. It may also be handy to recycle those magnetic strips that you get from the real estate agents and local businesses by attaching them to the back of your pictures so that they can be attached to the magnetic board. (But here's the really cool bit!) The magnetic strips will go through the laminating machine! And hey presto, you have a durable, interesting, magnetic teaching aid!!!

E-Text

Adapted from: http://www.svrc.vic.edu.au/etexts.html

Electronic texts are books in digital format, sometimes referred to as 'Digital Talking Books', 'E-Books' or 'E-Texts'
There are many types of electronic books, which come in different formats including:

Books - Text files can be downloaded from the internet - many classics such as the works of Shakespeare are available in this format for free
Books and Curriculum Materials on CD-ROM may be purchased from publishers such as Rigby Heinemann
Audio Books on CD-ROM - many are available from book sellers such as Bolinda Publishing or the ABC Shop, or can be borrowed from local libraries
Audio Books in MP3 format
Digital Talking Books in .xml format eg DAISY
E-Books that can be downloaded from publishers on the internet - the files can be played on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

Books - Text Files

Electronic Libraries

Great Books Index http://books.mirror.org/notavail.html
The Electronic Braille Book Library www.braille.org/braille_books/
The Internet Public Library www.ipl.org
Online Books Page www.cs.cmu.edu/books.html
Project Gutenberg www.promo.net/pg/

Works by Specific Authors

Complete Works of Shakespeare http://tech-two.mit.edu/Shakespeare/works.html
Arthur Conan Doyle www.sherlockian.net/
James Joyce www.2street.com/joyce/

Books and Curriculum Materials on CD-ROM

Some publishers are now producing books on CD-ROM as well as print so it is worth asking your text supplier if a CD-ROM version of the book is available.

Bolinda Publishing www.bolinda.com
Excellent collection of Australian authors including audio books by Paul Jennings, Tim Winton, Maureen McCarthy and many others. Many titles are also available on audio CD. Catalogue available from:
17 Mohr Street, Tullamarine, 3043
Tel (03) 9338 0666

Rigby Heinemann Australia www.hi.com.au
Many titles are available as 'text on CD' which is simply a pdf of the title, and these are the same cost as the paperback version.
Go to the website and then to 'bookstore' then 'search'. Make sure you have checked the box that says 'electronic products' and then type your title in the box and hit Enter.

John Wiley / Jacaranda Press www.jaconline.com.au
Some titles are available in print and CD-ROM, however the CD copy is not available for purchase separately. Go to the website and then to 'catalogue' and enter the subject and year level information in the dialogue boxes to check on availability.

MP3 Format

Listen to these files on an MP3 Player or Personal Digital Assistant, or download software which allows you to access MP3 files on the computer eg

- Real player or www.real.com or
- Text Aloud www.nextup.com/TextAloud/index.html

Audible www.audible.com

Over 5,900 downloadable titles available in MP3 format. Pay by download or subscribe for 12 months at US$19.95 a month and download up to two titles a month. Audible content can be played on PCs or handheld devices.

HearTheBook www.hearthebook.com

Hear both new and established works - it's free to listen and it's free for authors to have their work featured on the site. It's a great way to sample a book or find out about an author. If you like what you hear there will be links to allow you to buy the book or audio tape or to pay to download a full book or feature in MP3 format.

Newer Formats such as DAISY and E-Book

The 'Analogue Dead Date' is an expression that has recently been coined by some producers of materials in alternative format. The Analogue Dead Date will apparently occur in 2006 and refers to the date after which it will be difficult to obtain audio tapes and the spare parts to repair audio tape players. Basically, a new format for delivery of alternative format materials for people with vision impairments, other people with print disabilities and for the general population, must be identified.

At present, there are a number of formats being investigated including DAISY and E-Book. Some of these require specifically designed players and some can be played on personal computers, with or without specialised software.

In the United States, some of the newer digital information is available to subscribers with vision impairments and other print disabilities online through BookShare.org (www.bookshare.org) - but as yet, people in other countries cannot access copyright material via this source.

Ebooks can be purchased online from suppliers such as Barnes and Nobel - www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/index_cds2.asp?PID=3072&

Some of the issues related to the development of a widely accepted format include:

- several formats are currently being developed and trialled - the decision regarding the most appropriate format will take some time
- some of the newer formats require specialised players and/or computer software which can be quite expensive
- the specially developed players appear to be less robust than cassette players, and may not survive constant use or being sent through the post
- navigation around the player often requires access to a miniature visual display screen
- current Copyright Laws are inadequate to deal with these newer formats
- normal internet connections cannot handle the download of large files
- access is limited for those without computers and an internet connection

Access to E-Text for People with Print Disabilities

East Timor Project

Source: ABA Newsletter April 2003 by Frances Gentle

During 2002, I had the privilege to participate in the development of services for people with vision impairment in East Timor. During June/July 2002, I undertook a Needs Analysis of services in East Timor, on behalf of the International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI). This visit highlighted the difficulties facing people with disabilities in East Timor. Access to education, community and employment options are severely limited due to cultural traditions, impoverishment and centuries of oppression under Portuguese and Indonesian rule. During December 2002, a Tetun braille literacy project was undertaken in the districts of Dili and Aileu, together with the provision of computer technology for the production of braille. The success of the Tetun braille literacy project was made possible by the energy and commitment of fellow members of the team, namely Patricia Woodcroft-Lee, Nigel Herring, and Brother Ambrose Tottenham. Royal Blind Society NSW, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, ICEVI, Christian Brothers NSW and QLD, and St Edmund's and St Gabriel's schools generously provided funding for the June/July and December projects. It is hoped that the commitment of Australian Agencies and organizations for the blind to the development of services for the blind and vision impaired in East Timor will remain strong in 2003. At this stage, a return visit to East Timor is planned during July 2003. An invitation is extended to anyone interested in supporting or being part of the next Braille project, which will target mathematics and tactile graphics.

For an etext copy of Frances' report which also appeared in the April edition of the ABA Newsletter, please contact Deb Lewis.

Sport and Recreation Video - 'Off the Sidelines'

The Association for the Blind of Western Australia produced an excellent video about including students with vision impairments in sport and recreation activities in schools. It included a very good section with simulations of vision impairments which I think is particularly helpful for teachers and integration aides.

Copies were sent to schools in Western Australia and some were available for sale. Despite this video being a terrific resource, the Association for the Blind of WA have decided not to produce any more copies. They have, however, given us permission to make copies for distribution within our community. Trouble is, we don't have the facility to make copies here at the Statewide Vision Resource Centre.

1. please let Deb Lewis know if you would like a copy of this video - at cost recovery price
2. please call if you know where we can get copies made as cheaply as possible - thanks!

Braille Maths by Correspondence

We have recently had two people successfully complete the Braille Maths by Correspondence lessons. They are:

- Pam Hyden
- Helen Hunter

Congratulations to them both!

If you would like to undertake either the Literary or Maths Courses by Correspondence, please contact Maria Elford.

Note: this course is available to those supporting students on DE&T Visiting Teacher Service.

Journal of SPEVI: Call for Papers

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 30 June, 2003

Manuscripts should be sent to:

Dr Mike Steer
Renwick College
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
Private Bag 29
Parramatta NSW 2124
Email: mike.steer@ridbc.org.au

Authors may obtain a copy of JSPEVI's Notes for Contributors from the above address.

Companion Card

Source: NoticeBoard, March 2003 (article attached to print copy of The Bulletin)

The Companion Card Scheme will assist people who have a severe or profound disability to access sport, entertainment and recreational opportunities. The scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden associated with the admission costs to sport, entertainment and recreation venues/events for an accompanying companion/carer.

Approved cardholders will be entitled to be charged for one admission only when it is necessary for the person to be assisted by a companion/carer in order to access a sport, entertainment and recreation venue/event supporting the Companion Card Scheme.
People who wish to register their interest in the Companion Card Scheme need to provide their name and mailing address details (or request a registration of interest form) by:

Telephone: Free call 1800 650 611
TTY: 1800 898 888
Email: companioncard@dhs.vic.gov.au

Perspectives on Visual Impairment: An Asian American Woman Shares Her Story

Summary by: Meredith Walsh, Visiting Teacher - Northern Metropolitan Region

Article source: Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, May 1999, Vol 93, No.5 by Carol Love

The author Carol Love Ph.D. is the assistant professor in the division of Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado.
This informative, sensitive article contains excerpts from an interview with an Asian American Woman, Pricilla Ching about her views on aspects of her life. They illustrate issues related to the cultural implications of having a vision impairment. Suggestions for professionals who work with Asian American and Pacific Islander clients, and for whom this article is intended, are also presented.

Pricilla Ching is a 23 year old who was diagnosed with a vision impairment whilst in high school. She is now learning to read braille and uses audio taped materials to access her courses in senior college.

Carol Love presents the cultural implications and the impact of the response of members of a culture on children who are vision impaired. Here she includes family orientation (social structure of a family), family values and religious beliefs. These findings are supported by Chen 1995, Nataninski & Rittner 1996, Specter 1996.

Love introduces aspects - length of residence in the United States, the educational level of family members, socio-economic status, beliefs about persons with disabilities and the association with an ethnic community. She elaborates and describes how differences in these impact on acceptance of a vision impaired child.

The ten recommendations for professionals (Hyn & Fowler 1995, Pang 1997) give strategies for developing effective communication when working with these families. These are based on careful observation, listening, showing sensitivity and enthusiasm when dealing with the families of Asian students with vision impairment.

The writer's fluent, positive style, along with the excerpts from Pricilla Ching's interviews reinforce her findings. The cultural implication and recommendations for professionals, keeps the reader interested and focused. Love's uplifting account of this vision impaired American Asian woman gives the reader a sense of encouragement of this very personal account and insight into her culture.

Not only did I find this article interesting and well written, there is evidence in the reference section that it was also extremely well researched with recent documents. With the increase in the size of the Australian Asian population, the number of Asian clients with vision impairment is growing. As one of my clients is Asian I found this article of particular interest. The recommendations I believe are of notable value.

Love has highlighted issues that may arise and affect the adjustment of people in the Asian community to vision impairment. By writing Pricilla Ching's comments to illustrate how her culture has effected her experiences as a vision impaired person, 'recommendation for professionals' emphasises the importance of developing "cross cultural competence" for professional effectiveness.

This article not only makes sound professional reading, it has good public educational value in demonstrating how this vision impaired woman lives an independent life achieving her personal goals.

"Pet as Therapy" Dog

Attention: Visiting Teachers

Guide Dogs Victoria is now accepting applications for children with vision impairments to receive a "Pet as Therapy" Dog. The exceptionally high standards required for acceptance into the Guide Dog training program means that some of the Guide Dogs Victoria's dogs are deemed unsuitable. These sensitive and loving reclassified dogs can benefit children with vision impairments in many ways. Although "Pets as Therapy" dogs cannot perform any mobility function, dogs can play an important role in the emotional and physical development of children. They can provide love and companionship and smooth the transition into adulthood. Additionally, helping to care for these dogs can help children build skills to use a Guide Dog in the future.

If you know of a vision-impaired child who you believe would benefit from a "Pets as Therapy" dog, please contact the Guide Dogs Victoria on 9854-4444.

Kids: Design a Coin and Win Cash!!!

Source: The Age, 7th May 2003 www.theage.com.au

He doesn't get an allowance yet but George Makris, 11, could soon be earning a stash of money. The year 6 student from Balwyn North Primary School is one of thousands of children nationwide expected to submit designs for a new 50-cent piece.

"My design is about the Australian bush and Ned Kelly," George said yesterday. "There's some gum trees and a soldier who is trying to catch him."

The Royal Australian Mint launched the competition yesterday, inviting students to submit designs on the theme of what is special about Australia. The coin will initially be a collector's piece but will be considered for general circulation if it proves popular.

Issued in 2004, the finished half-dollar will carry the initials of its designer and will earn $10,000 for the winner's school.

It's not just the prize that has teacher Carol O'Neill enthusing. "Something like this is good because it encourages them (the students) to think about being Australian and the ideas they can represent with pictures."

Wouldn't it be fun to have a tactual coin!!! Details of the competition and an entry form are available at the Royal Australian Mint website at www.ramint.gov.au

Parent Support Group

Elly Gay, a lawyer from Allens, Arthur and Robinson will speak to the support group on Saturday 21st June at 2.00pm at SVRC. Elly will be presenting information regarding discrimination and disability, disabled students' rights within a school setting and issues associated with discrimination and employment. Elly is an associate of Julian Riekernt, a lawyer who spoke at the Eastern Regions Special Education Conference in 2001 and the information he presented to this gathering was very informative and generated lots of discussion from all who attended. The new frontier for our students is in the area of work and access to resources to facilitate open employment so this discussion will prove to be very interesting.

Please inform all parents of their opportunity to join this group or just attend for this one session. It goes without saying, but all VT's are warmly welcome to attend.

Further details contact Annette Godfrey-Magee 9841 0807.

Mini Clip-On Flashlight

Here's a tip for students who sometimes need a little extra lighting. Marketed for camping, repairing or fishing, the Mini Clip-On Flashlight may assist students when searching in their school bag or their locker etc.

It is compact with a clamp that can be clipped to a belt, pocket or cap. It also has a swivel base which allows 360° rotation and runs on two AAA batteries.
Source: Radio Shack stores
Cost: $10
Below: Mini Clip-On Flashlight mounted on a school cap

Green Lined Paper

We have recently had some green lined paper returned from a student - it is B4 size which we no longer produce - do you want it?

- 2.5cm lines
- 3.5cm lines with dotted thirds

Please call in and help yourself!

CEO VT Vacancy

Pam Smedley's VT position in Western Region with the Catholic Education Office was advertised in The Age on Saturday 10th May. Contact: Hugh McCusker (03) 9267 0302.

Finally

Thanks to Annette Godfrey-Mage and Lyn Robinson for her contribution to this edition of The Bulletin and thanks to Dianne Skillern for their thorough proof reading!

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

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

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