This issue was edited by Deb Lewis, Co-ordinator, Statewide Vision Resource Centre.
Report from Marion Blazé, Education Officer, Statewide Vision Resource Centre
You wouldn’t have recognized the Resource Centre on Friday, with the furniture completely rearranged, powerboards and extension cords everywhere and over 150 visitors coming and going throughout the day.
It was time for the 2007 Expo and the latest in technology was displayed and demonstrated by Humanware, Quantum Technology and Micro Marvelous. The Mimio man, Peter Goldie (from IBS Audio Visual), hardly had time for a lunch break. European Eyewear and Bolinda Publishing showed their latest, and Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria displayed aids and equipment and talked about their services. We even had two newcomers displaying technology. Advanced Digital Developments demonstrated a mouse which can enlarge onto a TV or computer monitor and Pacific Vision showed off video magnifiers and software which speak or enlarge.
The day was enjoyed by VTs from the Dept, CEO and Vision Australia, parents, students and soon-to-be students (quite a few 2008 preppies came through), integration aids and members of the general public, some of whom found out about the Expo through our wonderful website. We had 69 names on our register but, from discussions with presenters, there were probably closer to 150 people there on the day.
I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our ever-busy SVRC staff who slaved away setting up, keeping things moving, directing traffic, making food appear and disappear and being so friendly throughout it all. They even put back all the furniture before my fairly early arrival on Monday morning! They really are a fantastic team!!!
When: 21-23 January 2008
Where: La Trobe University in Melbourne
The conference aims to:
Hands-on workshops and presentations at the conference will be used to demonstrate improvements in:
For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/afc2008/ or contact Darren Britten on (03) 9479 5279 or afs@latrobe.edu.au.
Source: AFB Update, November 2007
Under the sponsorship of UNESCO, World Blind Union, French National Committee for the Social Promotion of Blind and Partially Sighted People, this international conference will be held in Paris from 4-8 January 2009 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth. A call for papers has been issued and closes on 31 January 2008.
For more information, email ch.coudert@avh.asso.fr or Catherine Munoz-Smith at the WBU office at caterine.munoz-smith@wbuoffice.org.
Humanware conducts online interactive presentations highlighting a particular product. If you are unable to participate at the time, they also make the presentation available for download. The following presentations are now available:
Both the audio recording and any accompanying PowerPoint files can be downloaded: http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/product_presentations
As expected, the number of requests for etext learning materials increased this year – almost doubled again!!! Here are the statistics for production of texts and novels (Word and PDF files) for our independent readers:
| Requests | 2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
| Successful requests for etext materials | 17 |
36 |
48 |
210 |
374 |
| Number of students requesting books in etext | 9 |
13 |
15 |
43 |
54 |
| Number of DEECD Visiting Teachers who made requests | 5 |
7 |
11 |
20 |
18 |
We have also continued to add titles to our collection of Little E-books – that is literature for our beginning readers. These resources are produced as PowerPoint Shows with benefits including:
These are very popular with our beginners and we look forward to continuing to expand our collection each year.
And by-the-by, as of 29th December, we already have 64 requests for etext for 2008, nine of which are already complete with most others on the way!!! What wonderful and hard-working folk we have up in our production department!!!
Quantum Technology has kindly lent us a ClearView + electronic magnification unit and it is proving rather popular with visitors to the centre. The controls are simple – an on/off switch and a dial/button control most of the features – with full colour, greyscale, black on white, white on black and zoom. Hidden away are a couple of other controls which adjust the contrast and also set the camera to handwriting/craft mode – meaning that the camera continues to focus on the page and not the hand. When the unit is turned off, the built-in X-Y table conveniently locks.
Make a time and come and try it.
Source: John Allman, General Manager, Student Wellbeing and Support Division
Information for students enrolled in Department schools – Applications have been invited for the Program for Students with Disabilities Equipment Grants for 2008. Grants are available to assist schools to purchase major items of specialised equipment, through the Program for Students with Disabilities, for the students in the following categories:
Applications must be forwarded to the regional officer by Friday, 22 February
2008.
Applications and enquiries should be forwarded to the appropriate regional officer:
Adapted from article by Wendy Morley, Visiting Teacher, Vision Australia
‘i-access Online’ is a new and innovative suite of services from the Vision Australia Information Library Service that delivers audio DAISY books and magazines, braille books, newspapers and other publications to portable handheld devices such as the Book Port™ using the internet and your personal computer. Book Port™, a handheld battery powered device that is supplied to members by the Information Library Service, has built-in synthetic voice so it can play DAISY text. It also supports other file types such as DAISY audio, MP3, electronic braille and text.
i-access Online allows clients to select from and download a wider variety of content and to conveniently keep up to date when new versions of i-access software become available. The website can also track newspaper subscriptions (for example) chosen by clients and includes a messaging service that keeps them informed when new content available or of any service difficulties. i-access Online is the first of two major interactive self-service entry points to i-access information. The other is the upcoming Client Telephone Interface which, come the middle of 2008, will allow clients to use i-access through a touch-tone telephone.
The library expects interest in the online services to grow and we look forward to working with our users to make the experience an enjoyable one. If you require further information or assistance, please call the i-access Online support desk on 1800 00 59 65 or email i-access.online@visionaustralia.org.
Here is a tip from Ramona Mandy, HumanWare:
It is very important that before inserting the Ethernet card into the BrailleNote, the unit MUST BE TURNED OFF. Only turn the BrailleNote back on after the Ethernet card is fully inserted.
Quantum Technology is giving the first ten people who either purchase a new JAWS license or an upgrade to JAWS 9.0 before the end of December 2007, a free USB Memory Stick! To take advantage of this special offer contact your local Quantum Technology office which you’ll find here: http://www.quantumtechnology.com.au/contact
Source: Margaret Verick, Children’s Committee Coordinator & ABF Project Officer – National Disability Services
accessED is a tool that allows a website to be tested for conformance to W3C accessibility guidelines. accessED describes itself as different because it features plain English descriptions of the W3C accessibility guidelines and, while many other accessibility checkers can test publicly available sites, accessED’s built-in validation engine allows it to test private websites like university courses, intranets, or any other pages that require secure access. It is possible that content within a learning management system may not comply with W3C accessibility guidelines, even though the system itself is compliant. accessED can test both, learning management systems and the content within them.
accessED can be used by content authors, editors and website creators including librarians, course administrators, lecturers, system administrators and web developers.
To download accessED go to http://www.groups.edna.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1593 and click on ‘Download the Panel’.
Article by Sharon Lachmund & Mike Steer, Renwick Centre, RIDBC
Echolocation is broadly defined as the ability of a person who is blind to perceive and localise sound echoes from objects in the environment. This ability is not something new, or that has recently been discovered; in fact, echolocation as an orientation and mobility (O&M) technique has a lengthy history. Blackshear (2002) mentions the French intellectual Diderot, who in 1749 claimed that one of his blind acquaintances used echo as an aid to getting around. He reported that this particular individual could not only perceive the presence of objects nearby, but could also determine their distance from him. In the 1800s other accounts mentioning echolocation appeared with writers suggesting that ‘the blind’ could sense objects. For example, Supa, Cotzin and Dallenbach (1944) mention Zeune, who in 1808 claimed that ‘the blind’ used their cheeks and foreheads as ‘feelers’, and suggested that the ability of people who are blind to detect distant objects was a result of changing air pressure around the face. There were then a number of blind individuals over 200 years ago who were able to avoid obstacles using ‘facial vision’ or the ability to perceive minute changes in air pressure, current and temperature from the skin around their face and avoid obstacles. However, the term echolocation was first used by Griffin (1944) while studying bats. Some Australian blind adults have used echolocation skills for many years. To our best knowledge, those skills were seldom formally taught, but generally acquired through processes of trial and error.
Schwitzgebel and Gordon (2000) have proposed that, like bats, all humans whether sighted or blind can echolocate and that acquisition of echolocation skills can be an exciting element in the training of children who are blind. Some recent research has explored the teaching of these sorts of skills to adults and school-aged children who are blind, and 'training manuals' are currently being developed by Kish, Bleier and Moser (1998); Kish and Bleier (2000); Kish (2002; 2003), who are applying the results of their investigations to simple training regimes in an attempt to provide a framework of human echolocation skills that will assist blind students to improve their O&M skills.
In early 2006, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT invited American O&M instructor Dan Kish, of World Access for the Blind, to travel to Australia. On arrival he conducted a series of workshops in NSW on the teaching of echolocation skills to school-aged students to (a) O&M instructors employed by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, (b) parents of children who are current clients of the agency and (c) several Itinerant Support Teachers, Vision (ISTVs). Mr Kish who is blind and has developed such echolocation skills as ‘clicking’ and ‘whistling’ from an early age, is widely recognised as an international authority on echolocation. In November 2006 he conducted two workshops specifically for O&M instructors and in November 2007 presented two sessions, as part of the Continuing Professional Education Program, on the perceptual and neural imaging systems at the North Rocks, Renwick Centre, to an audience of 60 parents, professionals and interested others within the vision impairment field. The event was jointly sponsored by RIDBC, Renwick Centre and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Participation was free of charge.
Blackshear, J. (2002). Echolocation: A useful tool for the blind human. Retrieved
December 3, 2007, from http://hubel.sfasu.edu/courseinfo/SL02/echolocation.htm
Griffin, D. R. (1944). Echolocation by men, bats and radar, Science,100. 589-590.
Kellogg, W.N. (1962). Sonar systems of the blind, Science, 137. 399-404.
Kish, D. (2002) Echolocation: How humans can “see” without sight.
Retrieved December 3, 2007, from http://www.worldaccessfortheblind.org/echolocationreview.rtf
Kish, D. (2003). When darkness lights the way: How the blind may function
as specialists in movement and navigation. Retrieved December 3, 2007, from
http://www.worldaccessfortheblind.org/docs/darknessLights.txt
Kish, D. & Bleier, H. (2000). Echolocation: What it is and how it can be
taught and learned. Retrieved December 3, 2007, from http://www.worldaccessfortheblind.org/docs/echolocation_training_guide.txt
Kish, D., Bleier, H., & Moser, S. (1998). Facilitating movement and navigation
in blind pre-schoolers: A positive, practical approach. Retrieved December 3,
2007, from http://www.worldaccessfortheblind.org/docs/Facilitating%20Movement.txt
Schwitzgebel, E. & Gordon, M, S. (2000). How well do we know our own conscious
experience? The case of human echolocation. Retrieved December 3, 2007, from
http://cogprints.org/1491/00/Echo000925.pdf
Supa, M., Cotzin, M., & Dallenbach, K. M. (1944). “Facial vision”:
The perception of obstacles by the blind, The American Journal of Psychology,
57, 133-183.
Source: VAPVI September AGM and November minutes, 2007
“The year has been another busy one for us, especially on the home fronts. There is still much that we wish to do as a parent group, and networking with all those involved with vision impairment is an important part. In this way we can continue to bring information and services to the parents and families of children with vision impairments. As we continue to grow we will be a stronger voice to be heard by the governments. We will continue to strive so that the communities and governments will allow our vision impaired children the equal opportunities that they deserve.”
The next quarterly VAPVI meeting will take place at their new meeting venue,
Eley Park Community Centre, 87 Eley Rd Blackburn South (Melway Ref. 61 H5) at
8pm on Monday 11th February, 2008.
Note: Renovations are currently taking place, so please confirm
venue before attending.
To contact VAPVI please call Ingrid Siles on (03) 9849 0900 or email vapvi@hotmail.com.
Here’s a bit or trivia! Did you know that the following famous people have a vision impairment?
Liz Chapman’s student, Andrew was surprised by a visit from Bachar Houli, the only Muslim player in the AFL, from Essendon. Houli was asked as a special favour to visit Viewbank Secondary College by Andrew’s Business Management teacher, Tracey Robbins who taught Houli in secondary school and who had a great influence on him. Houli has a very high regard for Tracey and when she asked if he would come and give Andrew some encouragement, he didn't hesitate.
Andrew knew nothing about this until he was dragged out of class to meet with him. Andrew’s face absolutely lit up like a beacon!! He is a fanatical Essendon supporter. Houli spoke with Andrew for about half an hour, signed his Yr 12 shirt and presented him with an Essendon cap. Andrew was delighted. He spoke about overcoming adversities and being positive about what you want and going for it.
Below is the story that Lea Philp’s year 2 student Rohan wrote with a Christmas theme.
It was getting close to Christmas when a little
boy needed to see Santa. He had the longest list so when it was Christmas night
Santa didn't bring all the things he wanted. The little boy woke up at 5 o’clock
and he cried and cried and cried all day. The next Christmas he got all the
things he wanted last Christmas.
He got a remote control car, soccer goals, a Lego Play and the best present
of all was snow!
Below is a story written by Lea Nagel’s year 4 student Abby using a computer with JAWS. Strangely, the main character bears a striking resemblance to another footballer who has been mentioned in the media lately…
The Boozebus Mystery
By Abby
“Now Jimmy no silly stuff tonight.”
said Jim Chaplin’s girlfriend Mariah Shillaber sternly. They were getting
ready to go out to their favourite pub. Jim has always gone a little silly when
he has too many drinks.
“Yeah okay.” Jim replied. He had been okay since he won the Brownlow
a few months ago.
Twenty minutes later they were in Jim’s car driving to the pub. When they
arrived Jim went straight to the bar.
“Don’t have too many.” Mariah warned.
“Okay.” Jim mumbled. Jim grabbed a large glass of beer and sculled
it.
“Nice work.” said a voice behind them. It was Jim’s best mate
Matt Korman. Mariah knew this pair can make a lot of trouble if they have too
many drinks. She decided that she should stick around. The last time she left
them alone they ended up in a fight and a friend of Jim’s Pete Black got
hit by a taxi.
The guys got more beer and started talking about how Austin Bentley had jumped
on the back of a taxi and whacked the driver with the aerial.
Four hours later Jim and Mariah were driving back to Mariah’s house. Jim
had insisted on driving. Mariah had let him because she only saw him have a
couple of drinks. They were driving when they saw a boozebus. Jim did something
really idiotic. He pulled over jumped out of the car with the keys leaving Mariah
alone in his car. He ran around the back of the boozebus which was smart because
the police were out the front. He ran and ran until he reached a river. The
police were chasing him. Jim swam to the other side of the river and ran again
until he reached a pub. He begged the guy in the pub to let him in.
“Are you Jim Chaplin?” asked the guy.
“No.” Jim Chaplin said.
“You're sure you're not Jim Chaplin?” asked the guy in the pub for
the second time.
“I’m his twin.” replied Jim. Then the police turned up. They
handcuffed him and took him to the police station. They put him in a cell for
twenty minutes. Jim thought it was the longest twenty minutes of his life. After
he was taken out of his cell the police questioned him. Jim is used to this.
After the police didn’t get much out of Jim they sent him to his house.
When he arrived he was met by journalist and reporters. Jim only spoke to one
of them. It was Jamie Merrick. They are good mates so he knew he wouldn’t
ask too many questions. He was right. Jamie asked a few questions but he didn’t
push it. Jim decided to call a press conference in a couple of days.
When he finally got into his house he got a text. There were two words. “You're
dumped!” It was from Mariah. She had been questioned too and now she hated
Jim.
The media followed Jim everywhere. When it was the day of the press conference
Jim was prepared. When everyone was gathered Jim said this.
“I apologise to my family, the club and all the fans for what I have done.”
“Why did you do this?” asked a journalist.
“I did it because I was drunk.” replied Jim.
The conference ended. Jim had answered all the questions honestly. Jim has never really done that before. Not many footballers have the guts to stand up to the media like that. When Jim was alone he made a promise to try not to do anything silly. A lot of people still don’t think Jim will ever learn how to control himself when he is drunk.
Source: DEECD S439-2007 Student Scholarships advertised by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Students are now able to apply online for student scholarships. Scholarship applications are made via the student scholarships website and the applications close on 25 January 2008. Go to: https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/Schools/Circulars/2007/s439-2007_scholarships-clr.doc
Right, everyone … we have a large network of people out there and we have a student, Cristina, who would like to do work experience in a ‘media’ organisation – preferably in television. If anyone has contacts and could assist please phone Deb Lewis on (03) 9841 0242. (and thanks)
Such a group (parents, aides, teachers and Visiting Teachers) will be getting together each week to work at their own pace through the Statewide Vision Resource Centre Braille Correspondence Course (UEB) – and when you get to the end, you receive a certificate! There is no cost for the Course but a small charge to cover afternoon tea. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Vicki de Silva on (03) 5977 7277 or email vdesilva@sbrnsmvl.melb.catholic.edu.au.
A Winchelsea family, four out of five members of whom have aniridia, are “the face of this year’s Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne in aid of Vision Australia” says the December 2007 issue of Women’s Weekly. Mother Jayne says, “Love is so important to all of us, the most important thing, really. We talk about anything that’s bothering us, whether it is to do with our vision impairment or just normal everyday stuff. We get through it by sharing our feelings”. Read more in the current issue of Women’s Weekly.
For VTs: Lyn would like the following information about your students who will be studying units 3 and 4 subjects in 2008:
Let us know if you would like to arrange for a member of staff from the Statewide Vision Resource Centre to attend a VCE Support Group Meeting at the school.
Thanks to Marion Blazé, Odette Budge and Mike Steer for contributing to this edition of The Bulletin. Thanks also to my fabulous proof-readers, stuffers and mailers.
Deb Lewis (who can be emailed at deblewis@svrc.vic.edu.au).