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This issue was edited by Marion Blazé, Education Officer, Statewide Vision Resource Centre.
To see the annual program and to download programs for professional development activities, go to: http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/pd2007.htm
Some participants who attended our PD day on support of multi-impaired students asked where you can get a couple of resources. Please pass this information on to your special schools or schools supporting MIVI students.
The early skills series focuses on specific areas of early development and
have been used in primary school, clinics, preschools and early childhood centres.
All the books in this series contain photocopiable user friendly activities
designed to stimulate and develop specific skills. Each book can be used independently
or as companions with others in the series. Early Sensory Skills looks at touch,
vision, taste and smell and the games and activities are designed to stimulate
and develop the senses. The book is split into 6 sections: vision, touch, taste
and smell, everyday activities, games and topics. Each section starts with the
major principles and aims of the activities and follows with activities in an
easy to use manner including a list of variations and similar activities.
ISBN: 0863883710
Publisher: Speechmark Publishing Ltd
Date: 2001
Price: $136.40
Supplier: Book in Hand
Tel: 1800 505 221
Fax: (07) 3283 8216
Email: bookinhand@optusnet.com.au
Visit or write: PO Box 899 Redcliffe Qld 4020
(This is the updated version of "Sensory Stimulation: Theory & Activity
Ideas")
By Susan Fowler
This photocopiable resource provides the reader with a step-by-step approach
to organising a sensory stimulation programme for carers and other professionals
working with people with physical, multiple or complex disabilities. Importantly,
it also presents information on sensory stimulation within a framework that
embraces the person’s daily environment. Activity ideas are based around
food, drink, personal and household care and crafts and are kept simple so they
can be slotted into daily routine with minimum disruption. Assessment forms
and checklists will help carers and support staff to monitor and understand
their clients’ needs and progress.
Available online from Jessica Kingsley Publishers (UK)
http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104551
The Optometrists Association of Australia is offering free materials to schools on vision: how to identify children with vision problems and how to look after your vision. There are Teachers’ Guides, Parents’ Guides, Multilingual Guides, stickers and posters. An order form is attached to the print copy of this Bulletin, or you (or schools) can order online at http://www.kidsvis.com.au.
Source: AFB Update, May 2007
Source: AFB Update, May 2007
“A Guide to Australian Eye Health Data” has just been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The Guide compiles details of key Australian data sources that are relevant to assessing prevalence and outcomes of eye diseases and injuries and eye health-care utilisation. It reports that a recent analysis of pooled eye health data from population-based clinical studies, both in Australia and internationally, estimated that 9.4% of Australians aged 55 or older have vision impairment and about 1.2% are blind.
The 150-page Guide can be accessed free online at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10448 or ordered by emailing the Department of Health and Ageing at nehi@health.gov.au.
Our wonderful friends, Scott Freeman and Phil Hazell, from Humanware came to the SVRC on Tuesday, June 5 to demonstrate some new technology, and have generously left us with some equipment which will be housed at SVRC for demonstration purposes.
We now have a SmartView Xtend colour video magnifier which teachers, parents and students are invited to use and trial. We can use it on our special student activity days and show it off at PD days and Support Group meetings. Groups from schools are welcome to arrange a visit to try the equipment at any time. Also, we will soon have a MyReader2, which is the very clever CCTV which scans and scrolls print, and a PocketViewer, which is the small portable version of these electronic magnifiers. This new version scans 10 or more pages and stores them (the previous model would only scan a page at a time).
This equipment will be a wonderful resource to our population and Humanware are genuinely seeking feedback and suggestions for further technology development that will benefit younger users. We, here at the SVRC gave them our ‘wish list’ for what we think our students need, and Scott and Phil are looking for more ideas.
Thanks, Humanware!
Key commands and other tips can make your experience of your Windows environment a quicker and more efficient experience. Here is a list of resources which are available on the VisionTech website and which may improve your access to your PC, to your assistive technology and to braille:
To download these resources, go to: http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/cheatsheets.htm
And if you have developed a handy “cheat sheet” you’d like to share – please send it along!
Unpacked your student’s BrailleNote and wished you’d concentrated more in the workshop??? No problem!!! Lea Nagel has prepared a one page summary of the commonly used shortcuts. Download it from: http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/CSBrailleNote1.doc
Another GEM from Lea Nagel, Senior Visiting Teacher, Eastern Metropolitan Region
Who is using Monty and wishes it would translate into UEB?
You?
Well you might want to add a little file to your computer: http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/montyUEB.bxt
It's an “exception table”.
First save the exception table in My Documents (or choose a place).
Now open Monty and in the menu bar, click on Translation then Exception Tables
then Select Table. Find the downloaded file (montyUEB.bxt) in My Documents and
click Open then OK.
Now you have added this exception table to your Monty translation file. Translate
in the usual way, and your finished braille will be much closer to the UEB than
before. Unfortunately it will still write “and”, “for”,
“of”, “the”, “with” and “a”
unspaced. I haven't fixed any of the maths symbols either.
Enjoy!
For more information go to: http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/montyUEB.htm
Quantum Technology has recently announced the WYNN (What You Need Now) Scholarship Program, which is intended to assist students who have been assessed as having a learning disability.
The Scholarship prize is for a full copy of WYNN software, a program which provides enhanced access to all manner of texts – printed or electronic. WYNN is a highly sophisticated and effective program, developed by internationally renowned educators. Each Scholarship is valued at over $2000.
If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and have been assessed as having a learning disability and you are planning on pursuing an apprenticeship, further studies at a tertiary institution or TAFE college in 2008 or are currently enrolled you are eligible to apply.
For an application form please call Quantum Technology office on 02 8844 9888 or email to info@quantumtechnology.com.au.
Staff of the Statewide Vision Resource Centre have been hard at work to add to our collection of books for the Premier’s Reading Challenge. We now have a library of over 60 titles produced in alternative format - Audio (A), Braille (B), PowerPoint (PP) or as Word files (W).
Titles available from the Statewide Vision Resource Centre include (and the list grows daily):
A Fly Went By (B)
A Proper Little Lady (B)
Alfie Gets in First (B)
An Eye Full of Soot & an Ear Full of Steam (B)
Are You My Mother? (B, PP)
Bears in the Night (B)
Bertie and the Bear (PP)
Black Dog (B)
Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? (B)
Countdown (B)
Dear Zoo (B)
Don’t Forget Matilda (B)
Don’t Forget the Bacon (B)
Edwina the Emu (B)
Elmer on Stilts (B)
Fancy That! (PP)
Franklin is Lost (PP)
Freeing Billy (B)
Guess How Much I Love You (PP)
Hairy Maclary - Rumpus at the Vet (B, PP)
Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack (PP)
Hairy Maclary Caterwaul Caper (B, PP)
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy (B, PP)
Hairy Maclary Scattercat (B, PP, W)
Hairy Maclary’s Showbusiness (PP)
Koala Lou (A, B, PP)
Make Way for Ducklings (B)
Mister Magnolia (PP)
Mog the Forgetful Cat (B)
Mr Archimedes’ Bath (A) Mr Nick’s Knitting (B, PP)
No Roses for Harry (B)
Oh Dear (B)
Pobblebonks (B)
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? (B)
Possum Magic (A, B)
Rascal in Trouble (PP)
Rascal Takes Off (PP)
Rascal the Dragon (PP)
Rascal’s Trick (PP)
Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten (B)
Sebastian Lives in a Hat (B)
Smallest Turtle (PP)
Spot’s First Walk (PP)
The Cat in the Hat (A)
The Great Jimbo James (A)
The Jolly Postman & Other People’s Letters (B)
The Very Busy Spider (A, B)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (A, B, PP)
There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake (B, PP)
Trouble with Dad (PP)
Trouble with Gran (PP)
Trouble with Mum (B, PP)
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (B, PP)
Where are You, Blue Kangaroo? (PP)
Where’s My Teddy? (B)
Who Sank the Boat? (A, B)
Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge (B, PP)
Wombat Stew (A, B, PP)
Please contact us if you’d like to borrow a CD containing the books listed above! - and happy reading!!!
All Victorian students in Prep to Year 9, including students who learn at home
can participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. The Challenge aims
to promote a love of reading. It is not a competition, but a challenge to each
student.
Students in Prep to Year 2 can read books by themselves or with someone else,
for example, a parent, teacher, brother or sister, classmate, buddy or friend.
Books can be read between 31 January 2007 and 31 August 2007 - there’s still time to be involved.
Note: requirements for students with vision impairments may be adapted in consultation with the organisers of the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
For further information go to: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/prc/default.htm
On the first weekend of next term, this group will be meeting again with Dr
James Elder as guest speaker.
Please let your families know - we have sent it out to our mailing list, but
further promotion would be great! And VTs, please come too! Often families are
reluctant to attend if they haven’t before, so coming with them is a good
strategy.
When: Saturday, July 21st
Time: 2:00 till stumps
Where: Statewide Vision Resource Centre, 370-380 Springvale
Road Donvale (In the grounds of Heatherwood School – second driveway on
the left after heading north from the Eastern Freeway)
Guest Speaker: Dr. James Elder, Associate Professor, Director
of Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Elder, a paediatric and genetic ophthalmologist, will discuss new research and techniques in the area of low vision.
For more information call Annette Godfrey-Magee or Marion Blazé on 9841
0807
John and Judy Bowen: 9842 5103
Leigh Heaven: 9857 0152 or 9878 4477
Baby Sitters and afternoon tea provided.
Information provided by Visiting Teacher, Lee Clarke and parent, Jackie Robinson:
We are trying to organise a gruop of interested parents and children who live on or near the Mornington Peninsula to have a regular social get-together on weekends, approximately once a month.
If you're interested and/or have any ideas, we would be interested in hearing from you. The first activity will be bowling at AMF Bowling Centre - 228 Frankston-Cranbourne Road, Frankston on 4th August.
Contact Lee on 9781 7727 or email lclarke@melbpc.org.au using the subject “Social Life ”.
The YAP O&M team at GDV ran a program titled “Friday Night Footy at the MCG” a couple of weeks ago. The program was attended by 19 people, a large percentage having never been to the MCG before. To really give the group an insight to the shear size of the MCG, a private tour was organized in the week leading up to the game we attended. They were shown the change rooms, the media rooms and around the MCC. Many questions were asked and our very patient tour guide was more than happy to help in any way he could. By the way did you know the light towers at the MCG drain so much electricity, it costs $8,000 per hour to run them! The tour provided the group with an insight to the set-up of the MCG but one thing it didn't give them was the atmosphere of the game. That cold, very, very cold Friday night we attended Collingwood v Fremantle. We all met at Flinders Street station and the group was then left to decide how they would get to the MCG. Due to it being about 6:00 on a Friday night, the city streets were very busy so it was decided that a train to Jolimont station was their best bet to get to the footy. Working as a team the group safely managed to negotiate the crowds and find their way to Gate 3. Once seated it was up to each person (with some tips from the instructors) to find their way to the food stores and toilets.
Most of the group remembered to bring their radios and we were able to follow the game very well. The 40,000 plus crowd provided a fantastic atmosphere and the group got very involved in the game (some a little too involved with the Collingwood supporters next to us) and overall had a great night. Once the game was over they then had to find their way back to Flinders St. station where everyone went their separate ways.
For more information about how to get involved with the YA program or Orientation and Mobility for Young Adults please contact John-Ross, Darlene or Rose or 9854 4444.
For further information about the CMS or Orientation and Mobility for children, please contact Rachel on 9854 4469, Dean on 9854 4506 or any other member of the CMS team.
Here’s a reminder that the Fishing day, run jointly by Scope and the Yarra Valley Fly Fishers, at Lilydale Lake on June 29 (next Friday) still has some places available. Contact Emma Cramer for details on 9894 8966.
Integration Aide, Vicki, purchased a “footy mate Junior” for her blind student from Sportsforce in Brunswick (phone 9386 4158) at the cost of $11.50. She says it is a fantastic velcro football holder with an elastic rope attached to wrist strap. She put in a soft football so when it rebounds it won’t hurt! (You could also attach a small cat bell to alert user of rebounds.) Her student uses it every recess and loves it. It is a great tool to get the kids active and they can use it on their own.
Information via email from Tim Matthews, Manager Talent Search, Australian Paralympic Committee
Swimming Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee are conducting a nation wide survey to determine the barriers to swimming for students with vision impairments. Students with vision impairments are encouraged to complete the attached survey and return to the address shown by Friday 29th June 2007.
Your feedback is highly valued, and will allow the Australian Paralympic Committee to provide a better service to students with vision impairments. All information will be confidential. If you have any questions please contact Tim on (03) 9614 6800 or email tim.matthews@paralympic.org.au.
The Victorian TenPin Bowling Association are raising funds to send a team to
the world championships in Sydney. The Dinner Dance is on August 25th at Vision
Australia, Kooyong.
For more information or tickets, contact Hazel or Paul on 0412 224 242.
Exciting news for Associate Professor Jill Keeffe, Director of CERA’s Population Health Division, who was bestowed with a Medal of the Order of Australia this year for service to public health, particularly in the area of vision testing, and as a contributor to the advancement of eye care education and practice - a very well deserved accolade!!!
Renwick College NSW are pleased to announce that they have taken an important step in their plans to construct new and larger facilities for the Renwick Centre, with the appointment of an architect to prepare design options. The expansion was proposed in RIDBC’s 5-year plan for 2006-2010. Renwick Centre enrolments are now three times higher than they expected when the program was established 15 years ago as a centre for professional education and research. To properly accommodate current and projected student numbers, the Renwick Centre requires an additional large lecture theatre, a bigger library, and more tutorial rooms, offices, staff and student rooms.
Here at the SVRC we’ve been having a bit of a clearout. If you visit, you might take advantage of some ‘discards’. Also, there are three desks, which might be useful to someone. They are 120cm long and 60cm deep with 1 draw and a 2-shelf cupboard on one side. Please call Lyn on 9841 0242 if you’re interested.
Source: AFB Update, May 2007
Reduce the number of annoying calls from telemarketers (and similar) and therefore your stress levels by registering your numbers on the “Do Not Call Register”.
To register your home phone and mobile numbers, go to http://www.donotcall.gov.au/. Registration is free.
Thanks to Ann Carty-Salmon, Deb Lewis, Lea Nagel, Lyn Robinson, Mike Steer, Di Hayward, Jeni Blake, Vicki de Silva, Lee Clarke and Margaret Verick for contributing to this edition of The Bulletin. Thanks also to our fabulous proof-readers, stuffers and mailers.
Marion Blazé (who can be emailed at marionblaze@svrc.vic.edu.au).