This issue was edited by Lyn Robinson from the Statewide Vision Resource Centre.
The PD programme schedule for 2009 is now available. If you would like to know what’s on next year and get some dates in your diary here is the link: http://www.visiontech.svrc.vic.edu.au/PD2009.doc
Many students from schools across the state have contributed to
our “Ozzie Dots” Project.
This project is being developed by the staff of the Statewide Vision Resource
Centre in conjunction with the Visiting Teachers and Gillian Gale. “Ozzie
Dots” is a braille reading program for young children… but I won’t
tell you too much about it now as it will be officially launched at the SVRC
later in the year.
Amongst the schools who have contributed so far, a big thanks goes to the students
at:
Chelsea P.S.
The Knox School
Richmond West P.S.
Pearcedale P.S.
St. Patrick’s P.S.Geelong
If you attended the recent SPEVI conference and would like a copy of the keynote
speakers presentations please email the SVRC at svrc@svrc.vic.edu.au
There is also now a link from the SVRC web site for Geoff Bowen’s presentation
Do Kids That Arrive Early End up Running Late? Go to our Past Papers and Presentations
page at
http://www.svrc.vic.edu.au/PDpapers.html
From a discussion on the ARNET List.
• Adaptation of Special Classes (Art, PE, etc.)
• How to get broken equipment fixed (braillers, light boxes, etc.)
• How to be an advocate while still teaching self advocacy
• How to order alternative format materials
• Digital and Audio Books- how to order and what you can and cannot do
with them (i.e. what equipment do you need, etc.)
• Blindness laws and rights
• Transition planning
• How to obtain additional training for Assistant Teachers (Integration
Staff)
• Utilizing community resources (Lions, UCP, ARC, etc.)
• How to teach basic rehab things (shoe tying, coat zipping, organizing
desks and backpacks, etc.)
• How to do in-service with teachers and parents
• Working with multiply disabled students
• How Early Intervention and preschool work
• Scheduling and how to remain "in-the-loop" when on the road
• How to determine service levels and the need for additional services
(O&M, Vision Rehab., etc.)
• Writing measurable Individual Education Program goals and objectives
I'm still relatively new to the field, but these were a few things that I have
run into in my career. Hope that helps a little! Melinda Schink, TVI
Ed. Note: TVI stands for Teacher of the Visually Impaired and is similar to
the Visiting Teacher or Itinerant Teacher role in Australia.
If you would like to know how to join the AERNET discussion list, it is open
to international educators, go to:http://lists.aerbvi.org/mailman/listinfo/aernet_lists.aerbvi.org
WebAnywhere is an exciting option for accessing voice screen reading software
on public computers connected to the web. There is no need to load specialised
software or get administrator's permission to use this screen reader. Once activated
WebAnywhere can be used to read webpages. WebAnywhere is a free web-based screen
reader. Simply go to a computer connected to the web, plug in your headphones,
hold down the windows key and the ‘r’ key and type in http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/wa.php
This takes you to a page which works similar to a search engine. You can then
use the dialogue box on this page to type in the web address you wish to go
to. WebAnywhere will then the screen for you. To find out more about WebAnywhere
go to:http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/
This is an edited version of Andrew Downie’s article from Adaptive Technologies
Review.
The prospect of yet another emerging technology often raises the question as
to whether it makes a difference. The following, however, presents a compelling
case for being excited about a relatively new technology.
The importance of enhancing literacy skills in students generally is well recognised.
For students who have visual reading difficulties, the need is even greater
and the task more demanding. In this context, DAISY books have a great deal
to offer. Importantly, the technology is now in reach of schools, both in terms
of cost and usability.
What is DAISY?
DAISY is Digital Access Information System. A thorough discussion of the concept
and associated technologies is available from the DAISY Consortium website at
http://www.daisy.org (opens in a new window).
A brief overview is that text, graphics and audio can be synchronised. DAISY
is a 21st century replacement for analogue talking books, which were primarily
developed to meet needs of people with significant vision impairment. But DAISY
was always intended to meet needs of a wider readership and is relevant to anyone
who has visual reading difficulties.
Unlike analogue talking books, an important feature of DAISY books is easy and
rapid navigation. A book can be navigated by such elements as sentence, paragraph,
page (including specific page numbers) and various heading levels. It is also
possible to fast forward or rewind and to jump back and forth by time increments
when using the audio component. Depending on the playback equipment being used,
a book can be searched for specific words. The user can also place Bookmarks
at relevant points and jump to them easily.
Creating a DAISY book
As with analogue talking books, it was initially necessary for a human reader
to narrate DAISY books and this remains an option. In that case, it is necessary,
either during or subsequent to the narration, to provide coding that indexes
the book. It is this coding that allows the ready navigational features discussed
above.
Recently, software has become available that can produce a DAISY book automatically.
One example is Easy Producer from Dolphin http://www.yourdolphin.com.
When installed the Easy Producer software adds an item to the Microsoft Word
menu. A DAISY book can then be created from a properly structured Microsoft
Word file quickly and easily. The book can be produced with audio via high-quality
synthetic speech or as text only. Text size and colour are selectable. A comprehensive
review of Easy Producer is available.
The "properly constructed" Microsoft Word file reference deserves
clarification. To allow the conversion software to structure the DAISY book,
formal Microsoft Word styles must be used. Chapter headings and subheadings
should be in Microsoft Word heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc). That
is, it is not sufficient to adjust text appearance without applying a heading
style. Similarly, a table of contents should be in the TOC style.
Production of DAISY material was formerly the domain of specialist agencies.
More recently, availability of tools that automate the process has done much
to put DAISY creation into the hands of those directly responsible for providing
educational resources. In turn, students who will benefit from the resource
can have more immediate access to it.
Reading DAISY books
Books produced in the DAISY format must be read on equipment made for that purpose.
Options include regular computers hosting DAISY reading software, CD-based units
and MP3-like players. Each of these has benefits and drawbacks, summarised below.
A common feature, however, is that speed of the audio can be adjusted to meet
individual needs and circumstances without changing the pitch of the voice.
Computer Software
Until recently, this was the only option for presenting synchronised visual
and audio information. Text search facilities are typically included. Text size
and colour are adjustable and phrases being spoken can be highlighted on the
screen. DAISY reading software can therefore be especially helpful to people
who have reading difficulties for reasons other than vision loss. On the other
hand, those with vision loss may find the software less nimble than dedicated
DAISY players. Nor do computers have instant on/off capabilities. In terms of
portability, even a notebook computer is bulkier than dedicated DAISY players.
DAISY/MP3 Players
This group of products uses storage media such as SD (secure digital) cards.
Material can be transferred to the unit via a USB cable or by putting the storage
card into a card reader connected to the computer. As well as playing DAISY
and MP3 files, these products can be used as digital voice recorders. In-built
synthetic speech also allows reading of text, RTF and HTML files. Attractions
include a high degree of portability and versatility. A potential disadvantage
is that some computer knowledge is required to transfer material to the unit.
Nor, in most cases, is a visual display provided. The Victor Reader Stream available
from Humanware is pictured below.
Conclusion
The increasingly widespread availability of reading material in electronic formats
is doing much to improve educational opportunities for a broad range of people.
Information which was formerly unavailable or, at best, required lengthy adaptation,
can now often be supplied to students with visual reading difficulties at the
same time as it is received by their peers.
Provision of material in DAISY format further enhances accessibility. People
who have difficulty with conventional books for any of a wide variety of reasons
can benefit from DAISY books. Depending on equipment being used, information
can be available in any combination of text, images and audio. Text size and
colour and speed of speech can all be tailored to meet individual preference
and circumstances. Text can be read visually or in Braille via an electronic
Braille display.
The relatively recent emergence of software that produces DAISY books from Microsoft
Word files means that DAISY production is not limited to specialist organisations.
This is significant in educational settings, where information is often required
by students at short notice.
As exciting as this technology is, its potential will be nullified if it is
not readily available. It is therefore important that staff recognise its potential
and, where necessary, advocate for its provision. For the full article from
Adaptive Technologies Review go to http://www.cli.nsw.edu.au/cli/e-learning/adaptive_technologies/adapt_tech_reviews.shtm
For my year 11 VCAL I am working at World Series Paintball down in Oakleigh.
I am really enjoying my time working. My job is to put all the paintballs into
the tube containers by using the container and scooping it in to a box of paintballs.
Leanne kindly found this job through her daughter’s friend who is a referee
in some paintball games.
I work every Friday for four and a half hours.
My colleague is really nice, and my manager is also very understanding and always
makes sure that my work station is easily accessible.
I don’t get much pay, but enjoy working for now, maybe in my future job
I’ll worry more about getting paid.
Brillant online search engine for accessible venues, restaurants, accommodation and more. The Frequently Asked Questions section explains how the site works-it's free but you have to register. To try Access Finder go to: http://www.accessfinder.com.au/
Shape a piece of Soapstone, embrace the texture and enjoy the experience.
Vision Australia in conjunction with Steve Singline – stone carving artist,
provides you an opportunity to work with a very soft stone enabling you to create
a design that expresses you individually. People who are Blind or Vision Impaired,
wanting to participate in either of these creative workshops must contact Vision
Australia to make a booking by the 13/11/08. Phone 1300 84 74 66
Two workshops are offered for 6 – 12 people only, all materials supplied.
When: 20/11/08 10.00am – 11.30am or 27/11/08 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Where: Vision Australia Geelong, 79 High St, Belmont.
Cost: $25.00 per workshop
Vision Australia, in partnership with Geelong Sculptors Inc, proudly presents
the Annual tactile exhibition:
ANYTHING GOES
Where: Vision Australia Geelong, 79 High St Belmont.
When: Thursday 27th November 2008 12.00am – 3.00pm, Friday 28th and Saturday
29th 10.00 am – 3.00pm
Open to all people of all abilities.Bookings for groups up to 10 people are
essential. Please phone 1300 84 74 66
I encourage my students to invest in a mobile, not that they need much encouraging!
The importance of having a mobile is paramount. It is not only a great communication
device for socialising but it is also great for safety reasons eg when going
out shopping one of my students found themselves stranded and without a lift
home. The mobile came in very handy.
When visiting one of my staff the other day the school had given the student
permission to contact her support staff from her classroom by sms to let them
know she may need some help.
Problem: How do our kids access a mobile phone if they cannot see the buttons
or read an sms??
Sam Taylor from Humanware mentioned at the Vision Conference some software
he has downloaded to use with his mobile from Codefactory. “Mobilespeak”
is one piece of software which allows students to do all that their sighted
peers can do with a mobile.
To get more information on mobilespeak software AND FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE AT:
http://www.codefactory.es/en/
Source: It’s Vision Time Issue: 8 2008
If you have any alternative format requests for 2009 could you please send them in as soon as possible. The earlier we get started the quicker we can have all the students’ requests ready for the 2009 school year. Thanks to those who have already started putting orders in.
Don’t forget our “Write On” Competition. We have prizes from Readings, Soundbooks and Bolinda Audio for the winners of our writing competition so get those entries in. Entries close Friday 14th November.
Also from Vision Time from Susan: TAR READERS
Some of you may have discovered this site already. It was created earlier this
year as a result of collaboration between Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver
(from the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies) and some of their Computer
Science department colleagues at the University of North Carolina. Karen and
David told many people about it when they did the AGOSCI National Tour around
Australia in June and the Literacy in AAC Intensive in July. It is a FANTASTIC
website for making and downloading talking books for use in supporting students
of all ages with emerging literacy skills! And it’s FREE (thanks to the
generosity of its creators)!
Here is the link to the website:http://gb-cs.cs.unc.edu/TarHeelReader/
Here is some introductory information from the website:
‘Welcome to the Tar Heel Reader. Here you’ll find a collection of
easy-to-read books on a wide variety of topics. Each book is switch accessible
and speech enabled. You may download the books as a slide show in PowerPoint,
Impress, or Flash format.
If you don’t find a book that suits your reader’s interests you
can easily make your own book.’
There are many, many books on this site already – freely available for
you to download and use with your students. When reading these books you can
choose a male, female or child voice and can also choose the colour of the page
and the text.
You can also make your own books to add to the online library - either by yourself
as resources or with your students as an activity, or the students can make
them on their own or with buddies. To make your own books you will need to register
at the link below. The registration code to use is ‘Literacy!’ Once
you are registered you will be sent a password via email.
To Register go to: http://gb-cs.cs.unc.edu/TarHeelReader/wp-login.php?action=register
Would your students like to have a go at designing the SVRC Christmas Card
this year?
Please send your design (landscape or portrait) in print or tactual form to:
SVRC Card Design
PO Box 201
Nunawading 3131
Closing dates for entry is 31 October.
We will choose 2 or 3 delightful designs and the designers will receive 10 cards
with their designs to send to their friends!
Cards will sell for $5.00 for 10 cards and envelopes - so feel free to put in
your orders too!!!
Happy (er) designing!!!
From Deb
We have two copies of Towards Excellence which we cannot locate – could
you please check and if you find them please return as soon as possible as they
are in high demand.
Also missing is a flashdrive that Deb lent to a VT- could that person please
return it to her. Many thanks!
When: Friday 5th December 2008, 9.00am – 3.00pm. Marshalling will commence at 9.15am. Morning events will run from 9.30am -12.00pm.
A BBQ lunch from 12:00 -1:00pm will be provided on the Southern bank by the Parents Group. Afternoon events will run from 1:00 – 2:45 pm. This day is a combined Support Skills Day for all groups and is the last SSP day for the year.
Where: Bill Sewart Athletic Track, East Burwood Reserve, rear
330 Burwood Hwy, Burwood East 3151,
MEL 62C7, Tram Stop # 72.
NOTE: The track is on Burwood Highway almost opposite Sofia’s Restaurant, between Blackburn Road and Springvale Road in Burwood East, NOT Burwood.
Who: Any student who has a vision impairment may compete. There will be two divisions; an Achiever division, for students with additional disabilities, and a Championship division. There will be a range of age groups and, if possible, three sight categories. Families are most welcome to attend and support their children.
How: Complete an entry form, selecting up to 5 events, and submit it by Monday 10th November. All students, regardless of service provider, should send their entry form to Emily White, Vision Australia School, 333 Burwood Hwy, Burwood 3125.
Travel: All competitors are to arrive at the track at 9.00am. Parents are to take their children to the track and not the school. Taxis should be advised to travel straight to the track. Pick up is from the track at 3.00pm.
On arrival: In groups of 5, students will have been pre assigned to an escort. These escorts will be awaiting your arrival. The group of 5 will sit together for the day. Competitors arriving with parents after 9.00am will need to be guided to their escort by a parent.
Departure: Escorts will be responsible for ensuring that the students leave with the person that dropped them off. Please notify the escort on arrival of any alternative pick up arrangements.
Food & drink: Students are required to bring a drink bottle and morning tea with them. A BBQ lunch will be provided at 12.00pm for students, volunteers and staff. Please bring your own lunch if sausages are not suitable. Families are welcome to bring their own lunch and join in the picnic.
Students will be responsible for their sun safety. Remember to SLIP, SLOP,
SLAP, SLIDE (shirts, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses).
Entry forms must be received by Monday 10th November.
We look forward to receiving your entry form for what should be an enjoyable
and social athletics carnival.
For more information please contact: Emily White, PE Teacher, Vision Australia
School, Phone: 03 9808 6422
On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of November the “Dot Power Program”
will take place at SVRC. This program is for new Prep children in 2009 and our
present Prep children. The emphasis of this program is on the reading and writing
of Braille and we are very excited to introduce the children to the new“Ozzie
Dots” braille reading program. On Monday the emphasis is on the children
with a separate parent program. Tuesday is designed to support teachers and
aides.
For further details please contact SVRC. svrc@svrc.vic.edu.au
Introducing the new man in Deb’s life - her grandson Jeremy James pictured below with Deb.
Thanks to Deb Lewis, Marion Blazé, Annette Godfrey-Magee, Kym Gribble, and all those who contributed to this edition of The Bulletin. Thanks also to the fabulous team of proof-readers, stuffers and mailers. If you have something you would like included in ‘The Bulletin’, or you would like to receive the bulletin by email please contact: svrc@svrc.vic.edu.au
Lyn Robinson (who can be emailed at lynrobin@svrc.vic.edu.au).
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