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Disabilities and Libraries

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NEW BOOKS & OTHER MATERIALS

26 November posting

Signs of Australia, the Auslan (Australian Sign Language) dictionary
Trevor Johnston, ed. Print and cd-rom. Available from Deafness Resources Australia
Reviewed by Valerie Forbes, Librarian for Deaf Studies, La Trobe University Library

This review comes from the perspective of not only a librarian but also of a student of Auslan. I have both the print and cd-rom versions of the dictionary and have found them invaluable tools for my studies, and they of course are a useful addition to the reference collection of any library frequented by native signers or learners of Auslan.

CD-ROM

The cd-rom, which came out in 1997, comes in both Mac and PC versions (Windows 95 or higher recommended). I use the PC version on a Windows 95 machine. Installation was quick and trouble-free. There is online help for using the various search facilities, but the intuitive nature of the product makes this almost redundant.

Over 4000 signs are illustrated with small video clips. The user may vary the speed of the clip, or have it repeated twice in succession

Searching facilities:

Searching by English words: typing in a word will produce a list of one or more words which start with the letters typed. A click on a word retrieves a video of the corresponding sign (often more than one). A small map of Australia indicates if the sign is used Australia-wide or restricted to particular states, and there is a lengthy description of its uses as noun, adjective, adverb, etc. On this same screen it is often possible to link to synonyms and antonyms, as well as a brief explanation of the origin of the sign.

It is also possible to search by topics, e.g. food, sport, travel, colours, family, emotions (more than 50 categories).

Searching by Auslan sign: With this remarkable facility you can select a handshape, whether it is single-handed or double-handed, what part of the body the sign is performed at, and then you are offered a list of matching words.

Fingerspelling:

In addition to the two-handed Auslan alphabet, the one-handed alphabets of the Irish and American Sign Languages are provided. The user can look at illustrations of the alphabet, then test how much they've learnt, first with recognising individual letters, and then fingerspelt words, at varying speeds.

Background information about Auslan:

A brief history of Auslan is given, as well as some of the reasons for variations in signs around Australia, and a comparison of Auslan and English.

This product is hard to fault. Users may be disappointed in the lack of phrase-searching, although some of the more common two-word phrases are given, but that is in any case beyond the scope of this dictionary.

The Dictionary in hard copy

The second edition of the print version of the dictionary came out this year. It is organised according to sections based on handshape, and each sign is given a sequential number. Entry is made by looking up an alphabetical index of English keywords at the front, which then refers the user to one or more numbers. Here I find one of the few drawbacks of the index when multiple signs for one word exist: it is often necessary to look up two or three different signs before the correct one is found. It would help to have the index include even the briefest of hints as to what makes one sign different from another, whether it be the difference in handshape, or different meanings of the same English word.

In addition to giving background information about the deaf community and its language, the print version also provides sections on grammatical structure, how signs and sentences are constructed and how the sign language is transcribed. Together these two complementary products constitute a powerful tool and indispensable resource for those learning and using Auslan.

For those interested in this field, a useful Deaf Studies web page of selected Internet sites is http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au:80/refsubj/DEAFSTUD.HTM

I can be contacted at email: v.forbes@latrobe.edu.au.

15 October posting

World of options: a guide to international exchange, community services and travel for persons with disabilities

This is a catalog of travel and international exchange opportunities for disabled people published by Mobility International USA. Fundraising possibilities (mostly for US citizens only) and individual stories are included. A variety of formats is available; the spiral book is 600pp. Cost is US$30 (+US$10 for international postage). Contact Mobility International USA through their web site http://www.miusa.org/index.htm.

New book

Life worth living by Tessa Harding
The following is reprinted from STVnews, spring 1998, issue 24.

Life Worth Living considers the possibilities of retaining independence and inclusivity for older people. [It] suggests the need for a new philosophy advocating a holistic approach from sector agencies which can respond to the range of needs such as health, transport, leisure, housing and daily needs. 46pp. Contact: Help The Aged, St James's Walk, London ECIR OBE. Telephone 0171 253 0253

2 September posting

Interesting abstracts from the 64th International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Conference held 16-21 August in Amsterdam.

The IFLA is a worldwide, independent organization created to provide librarians around the world with a forum for exchanging ideas, promoting international cooperation, research and development in all fields of library activity. Their web site is www.ifla.org.

'Preparing for the millennium: linking libraries for the print-disabled' (Abstract)

Rosemary Kavanagh , CNIB Library for the Blind, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Toronto, Canada and Michael Moodie, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington DC, USA

High costs and lengthy delays in translating print materials into formats accessible by print-handicapped individuals limit the number of materials available in alternate formats in comparison to print. To close this gap, alternate format libraries must link their holdings electronically to facilitate interlibrary loan and exchange of production masters or copies. While a union catalog is a first step in this direction, use of the Z39.50 protocol promises a more timely, lower-cost solution. Finally, linking to documents in electronic form at other libraries and on the Internet will greatly broaden the scope of materials available.

More frequently today, libraries serving the print-disabled are daring to dream about a world library of alternate format materials. The vision of seamless access to a Braille book produced in another country, or to a talking book recorded on another continent, all enabled by a linked network of alternate-format libraries, inspires hope of far greater access by print-disabled people to information resources. It has primarily been developments in information and communications technology that have driven the formation of this vision. But beyond the technology are some profound issues that make it imperative to work to realize the dream.

From 30/7/98 posting

RIGHT OF ACCESS: A GUIDE TO DEVELOPING ACTION PLANS AND IMPROVING ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Published by Villamanta Publishing Service, Australia, 1997 $65

The description in the Villamanta catalogue states: Right of Access maps out a process for reviewing the accessibility of the built environment, facilities and services, for people with disabilities. The guide assists users through the Disability Action Plan process, as specified under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. A relevant resource for large and small organisations intending to undertake an Action Plan. Includes a computer disk version of the checklist, to enable tailoring to individual organisational needs.

DIGITAL TALKING BOOKS: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Published by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped, Library of Congress 1998

News Release: Digital Talking Books: planning for the future, a seventy-two page report outlining both the scope of activity and steps required to develop digital talking books for America's talking-book program, has been released by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. A series of seven articles outlines these details and discusses consumer involvement in technology planning and design...

IMPROVING VIDEO ACCESSIBILITY FACTSHEET
The United Kingdom's Royal National Institute for the Blind has recently released a factsheet on making video material accessible for the visually impaired. Also included is audio description information. For further information contact web: www.rnib.org.uk.

Responsibilities of Colleges and Universities to Provide Print Access for Students with Visual Impairments, by J.C. Senge & J Dote-Kwan, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Vol 92, No 5, pp 269 (Abstract)

This article reviews the legislation related to the accessibility of information in colleges and universities. On the basis of statements and letters of findings from the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, it discusses the responsibilities of colleges and universities in this area.

NEW INDEPENDENCE! IN THE COMMUNITY: A SELF-HELP MANUAL FOR COMMUNITY WORKERS SERVING ADULTS WITH VISION IMPAIRMENTS
by Anne Yeadon and Maureen Duffy. For more information contact AWAREUSA@aol.com

EDUCATING PETER
Deaf awareness training video using situational examples that illustrate the challenges people with hearing difficulties face and public reactions to them. For more information contact Hearing Concern, 7/11 Armstrong Road, London W3 7JL, telephone 0181 743 1110.

NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS (US)
Library resources for the blind and physically handicapped: a directory with FY 1996 statistics on readership, circulation, budget, staff and collections. Washington: 1997. Free. Visit the Library of Congress' web site for more information.

From 16/7/98 posting

TWO INTERESTING ABSTRACTS FROM THE LATEST ISSUE OF DISABILITY & SOCIETY, vol 13, no. 3, June 1998 (Carfax Publishing Ltd, PO Box 25, Abingdon, Oxforshire, OX14 3UE, UK, www.carfax.co.uk)

Focusing on Disability and Access in the Built Environment (Abstract) by Rob Imrie & Marion Kumar, pp. 357-374

This paper provides a documentation and discussion of the diverse experiences that different disabled people have with regards to access in the built environment. It begins by outlining the various ways in which disabled people's access needs and requirements are articulated in public policies and practices towards the development and regulation of the built environment. As the material indicates, disabled people's needs are poorly articulated and/or represented in the design and development of the built environment while the regulatory controls which oversee disabled people's access are weak. In the second part of the paper, disabled people's values, attitudes and practices toward access in the built environment are discussed by referring to the findings of focus group research. The material shows that many disabled people feel estranged and oppressed by facets of the built environment and generally feel powerless to do anything about it. We conclude by suggesting a number of ways of interconnecting the design and implementation of public policy towards the built environment with the daily lived experiences of disabled people.

Narratives of Leisure: recreating the self (Abstract)
by Simone Fullagar & Kathryn Owler, pp. 441-450

Utilising insights from narrative theory this paper explores the role of narrative in the everyday leisure experiences of people with a mild intellectual disability. Drawing on our experiences with an Australian leisure service Live It Up! we develop the connection between leisure and storytelling in order to open up an innovative approach to working with individuals. The stories of people's capabilities that we draw on run counter to a dominant cultural story of lack associated with disability. Through a post-structuralist analysis we argue that narratives of leisure are a powerful social medium with the potential to produce change in an individual's life and immediate social relationships. Such an understanding is crucial to the development of alternative leisure support services which identify the person's needs, challenging the social positioning of people with an intellectual disability.

SIGNS OF AUSTRALIA
A dictionary of Auslan (Australian Sign Language), edited by Trevor Johnston. The book includes a comprehensive description of the history of Auslan and its linguistic characteristics; over 5000 main sign entries; and is cross referenced with an extensive index of more then 10,000 English words. A CD-ROM is also available for Windows or Mac OS formats. Book $65; CD-ROM $175; package $215. Contact Deafness Resources Australia TTY +2 9204 2993; email ACESYD@ ozemail.com.au

From 7/7/98 Posting

TALKING NEWSPAPER NEWS
Discusses the possibilities of using new technologies in producing talking newspapers and their displacement of cassettes. Contact Talking Newspaper Association, National Recording Centre. email: 101761.167@compuserve.com.

From 29/6/98

SCOTTISH LIBRARIES
Issue 66 of Scottish Libraries contains what sounds as if it would be an interesting article on strategies for the disabled. Linkup-l has not been able to get a copy. The article Enabling Information is written by Jenifer A McFarland and appears on page 14.

From 19/6/98 Posting

HOW TO DETECT AND MANAGE DYSLEXIA
By Philomena Ott in The Northern Beaches Learning Difficulties Support
Group, August 1997, p. 30

The back cover describes this book as 'an essential reference book for special Educational Needs Co-ordinators, specialist and non-specialist teacher, parents and all others involved in helping students to overcome dyslexia', and they are right. The potted history of special education development in the UK is fascinating. The presentation makes for easy reading and each chapter ends with a summary which refreshes the memory instantly. The author has life-long extensive training in special education and was for many years and Executive Board Member of the Br5itish Dyslexia Association, and later became Chairman of its Local Associations; Committee. The book covers everything from early identification to adult employment problems: from left-handed problem areas to ways of helping the dyslexic musician. Includes spelling maths hints, lists and charts. Conservative approach to alternative therapies. Even the UK legal provisions are interesting. It is a must for every support group. Publisher: Heinemann ISBN: 0435104195 $A30 Available : Warringah (NSW) Library Service

The Northern Beaches Learning Difficulties Support Group specialises in information about: learning difficulties; learning disabilities; attention deficit disorder; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and dyslexia. The editor, Julie Appleton, can be contacted on phone/fax: (02) 9913 7165.

From 19/6/98 Posting

TIRESIAS SCREENFONT
The literature for this new computer screenfont states that it 'has been designed to have characters that are easy to distinguish from each other. The design was carried out, with specific reference to persons with visual impairments, on the philosophy that good design for visually impaired persons is good design for everybody... Tiresias Screenfont has been tested with the public, including groups of visually and hearing impaired persons.' For more information and to see the full set of Tiresias characters visit www.eyecue.co.uk/tiresias

From 12/6/98 Posting

COMMONWEALTH DISABILITY STRATEGY - SECOND PROGRESS REPORT 1997
The strategy is a ten year plan to remove barriers for people with disabilities and provide equal access to Commonwealth government programs, services and facilities. This second progress report summarises the work carried out by Commonwealth organisations in the two year period since the first progress report was tabled.

Available in audio, Braille and large print, free of charge from Janet Smith, Office of Disability, Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services on (02) 6289 8754.

From 20/2/98

LITERACY AND DISABILITY NEWS
'The 15% Solution: Literacy and Learning Disabilities' is an article by Audrey J. Gorman. It appeared in American Libraries, ISSN 0002-9769. Vol. 28, no. 5, May 1997, pp. 52-53. Of the 39 millions Americans with learning disabilities, 60-80% have reading disabilities. The article describes techniques that libraries can use in literacy programs: screening of phonological awareness and skills; tutor training with the Orten-Gillingham method, a structured, systematic, multisensory program developing the ability to hear phonemes; and the Wilson Reading System, a multisensory phonology system.

From 20/2/98

HARMONY and DIGIBOOK are the final reports of two projects from the European Commission. One of them in the field of electronic reading and Internet access, the other on modern techniques to improve the production process for talking books. They contain a wealth of information for all those involved in information provision to visually impaired, blind and dyslexic people. For more detailed information about the results of these projects, copies and/or the electronic versions of these reports, contact the co-ordinator, Prof. Jan Engelen at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department Electrotechniek - ESAT, Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, B-3001 Leuven - Heverlee, Belgium. Fax: 0032 16 23 74 31; Email: jan.engelen@kuleuven.ac.be

LARGE PRINT BOOKS FROM ULVERSCROFT ON SALE
A list of large print books from Ulverscroft is now available on sale until 30 June 1998. All titles are only $15.99. Please order from: Ulverscroft Large Print Books Ltd PO Box 953 CROWS NEST, NSW 2065 Tel.: (02) 9436 2622; Fax: (02) 9906 5379 Email: ulver@ozemail.com.au, http://www.ulverscroft.co.uk/

 

NEWS BITES

2 December posting

New International Email Discussion List

A new email discussion list has been created called deafintl (Deaf Empowerment and Advancement Fellowship International List). People who join this list are able to talk about the challenges experienced by deaf and hard of hearing people in developing countries. Possible topics include education, employment opportunities, civil rights, technology, sign language research, access to trained interpreters, access to health, mental health and other social services, and any other issue that affects deaf and hard of hearing people in developing countries.

Both a regular version and a digest version are available. To subscribe to the regular version send email to waste@waste.org with the following command in the body of your message: subscribe deafintl your@email.address. To subscribe to the digest version send email to waste@waste.org with the following command in the body of your email: subscribe deafintl-digest your@email.address.

26 November posting

Bobby Patrol

'Bobby' is a web-based public service that analyses web pages for their accessibility to people with disabilities as well as their compatibility with various browsers. Offered by the Center for Applied Special Technology, a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to expand opportunities for people with disabilities through innovative uses of computer technology, Bobby was designed to provide feedback to people and organisations curious about whether their web sites are accessible for a variety of special groups. The analysis is based on the working draft of the W3C's WAI Page Author guidelines with the Page Authoring Working Group's latest revisions. (See the web site for further information.) All pages on a Bobby-analysed web site must meet these requirements to display the Bobby Approved icon. For more information visit their web site http://www.cast.org/bobby/index.html

A deal from Telstra

It has been announced that Telstra, as the Universal Service Provider, has an obligation to provide equipment for hire to people with disabilities to enable them to have access to the standard telephone service. This means that disability equipment has now been officially recognised as equivalent to standard handsets.

(Reprinted from Telecom For All, No.2, Autumn 1998)
For more information visit Telstra's web site on www.telstra.com.au/.

11 November posting

Recently recorded Audio Books - Now Available in Australia

Specialist Audio Book

The following books have been recorded onto audiocassetteS by The University of Queensland's Alternative Print Service. Contact Colleen Murdoch for lending information on c.murdoch@mailbox.uq.edu.au.

Children's Audio Book

The following book has been recorded onto audiocassette by Statewide Vision Resource Centre. Contact them on telephone (03) 9841 0242 or fax: (03) 9841 0878.

5 November posting

Blindness Resource Center

The New York Institute for Special Education runs an information clearinghouse called the Blindness Resource Center. Information in fourteen areas, from universal access to low vision to university training programs, is available. Regular and large print formats are available for all pages. To access the resource center, contact http://www.nyise.org/blind.htm.

Free trial

Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering offers free trial of their products designed for people with disabilities before purchase. The company provides appropriate technology for the needs of people with disabilities and state that they recover "costs where possible."

Professional engineers, health professionals and technical staff work with people with disabilities to:

Australian citizens may be eligible for some of the products free of charge under PADP, ILEP or other government schemes.

For more information about their services and resources visit Regency's web site http://regencyrehab.cca.org.au/'

Braille literacy

A packet of Braille literacy activities was recently made available from the Braille Revival League in the United States. It contains resources in Braille literacy activities such as bibliography, posters and public service announcements. The packet includes both printed material and disk and costs US$5. Contact Kim Charlson, President, Braille Revival league on kcharlson@acb.org.

21 October posting

Help reaching the top

TAD Journal recently reported on the success of a library step designed to make books accessible for children of short stature, limited mobility or balance difficulty. The step with rail was created by the TAD (Technical Aid to the Disabled) organisation to allow independent browsing of a library's top shelves while ensuring safety and maneuverability. As described in the Journal "the platform features a safety rail and [is] fabricated in tubular steel and ply [and is] spring-mounted on castors, with a flip-up access step... A smaller step, lets the children reach the main platform." For safety the spring-mounted castor wheels ensure the weight of the child "brakes" the step. The platforms flip-up when not in use for easy storage.

For more information on design specifications contact TAD Journal on tad@comcen.com.au and mention project number 97/398.

Requesting a custom designed aid

Technical Aid to the Disabled accepts requests for custom designed aids for people with disabilities and the aged when no commercial alternative exists. See the above article for an example of the type of service they provide. Inquiries are welcomed regarding potential projects and advice at TAD's Custom Designed Aid office on (02) 9808 2366.

UN's International Day of Disabled Persons

The United Nations observes annually, on 3 December, the International Day of Disabled Persons. The theme for the observance of the Day in 1998 at United Nations Headquarters is "Arts, Culture and Independent Living". To learn more about its history and how your organisation can observe this special day visit web site http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/disun.htm.

15 October posting

Disability survey guidelines for libraries and community services

Are you or your organisation planning to conduct a survey of disability services? Are you unsure how to design it so that the collected data will provide information comparable with that gathered by other organisations including the Australian Bureau of Statistics? If so, you will want to know that the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) has recently published National Classifications of Community Services, the first edition of guidelines for the classification of community services for data collections. The guidelines are divided into activities, target groups and delivery settings. Contact the AIHW (details given below) for a copy or more information.

The AIHW has also published a book designed to assist with the collection of uniform data. The National Community Services Data Dictionary provides definitions, groups of data items, and an information model useful in describing and comparing community services in Australia.

Both these publications are available by contacting the AIHW on telephone (02) 6244 1148 or fax (02) 6244 1255.

Have you heard?

"One in ten Australians suffers from a hearing problem, with four out of ten men over 60 and three out of 10 women over 60 years of age reporting a hearing loss." From information on Australian Hearing Services, an organisation that provides hearing assistance to eligible pensioners, war widows and people under 21. Their web site is listed below under Web Sites.

The Reading Writing Hotline's new number is 1 300 6 555 06. The Hotline can be rung from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call to receive the latest information on how to improve reading and writing skills.

9 September posting

Desperately Seeking IT Details

The editor of a book on libraries using adaptive technology would like to hear from libraries which offer adapted Internet access. Please contact Barbara Mates of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Cleveland Public Library (USA) with details on operational design, resources and costs at barbara.mates@cpl.org.

2 September posting

Calendars for the visually impaired

Print/Braille calendars for the period September 1998 to December 1999 are available from the American Printing House for the Blind. Choose from English or Spanish for a cost of US$6 each or US$4 each for groups of 50 or more. Contact the 1998 InSights Art Calendar, on tel: 1-502-899-3202 or fax: 1-502-899-2284.

From 30/7/98 posting

DIAL
The Disability Information Awareness Line provides information on disability services and supports in Queensland. Hours 9am-5pm. Toll free and toll free TTY 1 800 177 120. Brisbane callers (07) 3224 8444. Brisbane TTY (07) 3224 8021.

From 23/7/98

TRAVELING TO DC?
Braille and large print maps of the subway system in Washington DC are available from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Booklets of the stations and their location above or below ground are also published. For more information contact the WMATA on (0011) 1 202 962 2811.

COMMUNITY CARE LIBRARIANS
'Network News', newsletter of the UK's Library Association Community Care Network, provides information for library and information workers in community care environments. For more information contact the editor on jo.mccausland@libraries.camcnty.gov

From 16/7/98

INFORMATION SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
from TAD Journal, vol 18 no 2

The George Winston Information Service has resources and materials concerning technology and its applications for people with disabilities. Australian and international enquires about the service are welcomed at this New South Wales based service, which lends materials free of charge to people with disabilities and their families, other libraries, and to any person working in the rehabilitation, care or education of people with disabilities fields.

Books and files on independent living, communication, computer applications, recreation, access and many other relevant topics are held at the service. Examples of available books include: 'Person to Person'. A guide for professionals working with people with disabilities. By Lindsay Gethering, Maclennan & Petty Publishers. 'Assistive Technologies for Communication: control & computer access'. Editors: Borden Berliss, Venderheiden Ford. Trace Research and Development Center Publishers.

To borrow materials or to get information contact +2 9808 2022, or write to Information Officer, TAD, PO Box 108, Ryde NSW 1680, fax: +2 9809 7670.

From 7/7/98 Posting

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ACCESS INFORMATION
The recent merger of the Disability Services Commission and Active Foundation libraries in WA has created what some are calling "the best collection on intellectual disability in Australia". Access to information on intellectual disability can now be found in one area - Activ's Library, 116 Jersey Street in Jolimont, Western Australia, and includes information for families, information on syndromes and conditions, and material on early intervention, coping strategies and education. A large collection of relevant journals, materials on service delivery, program planning and evaluation, and newsletters and reports from a wide range of service providers can also be found.

Activ Foundation can be contacted on tel 8/9387 0458. Resources can also be found on their web site www.wantree.com.au/~active/.

DEMANDING BRAILLE
The Library and Information Service Unit of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind produces over 10,000 pages of braille each month. Most publications are produced for students of all levels, but many materials from the public are transcribed too.

Books are scanned using Hewlett-Packard equipment, translated with a Duxbury DBT Translator and, lastly, embossed for proofreading and publication. Graphics are produced with the program Picture Braille.

BRITISH DATABASE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Reprinted from STVnews, #24, p.22

'For all those involved in health and social care'. Offering on-line and walk-in access, literature searches on the library's [Kings Fund] database, statistical information, [and] contact details of other organisations. Stocks the latest literature on community care, social care, shared care, joint commissioning, contracting/purchasing and services for older people, people with learning difficulties, people with mental health problems, children and young people, black and ethnic minorities. Free service except for photocopies and searching of commercial databases. Handles over 18,000 enquiries a year.

For further information contact the Library and Information Service, Kings Fund, email: libenq2@kingsfund.org.uk, web: www.kingsfund.org.uk.

From 29/6/98

RESEARCH INTO EDUCATIONAL READING SERVICES IN THE US
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in the United States will soon begin a study to determine the reading services currently available for people who have difficulty accessing print material. The study will take about one year to complete and will explore the number and kind of services provided and how all parts work together. Primary through to graduate students will be the target of the study.

More information on the scope of the study can be found in News published by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, January-March 1998, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 1-2.

AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER LOANS FOR THE DISABLED
(from TAD the Technical Aid to the Disabled Journal, Autumn 1998, Vol 18 No 1)

Technical Aid to the Disable WA (TAD WA) has a computer loan service that began in 1996, sparked off by a generous donation of computers and printers from Nestle Australia. Two years after joining TAD NSW in offering computers to clients with disabilities, TAD WA now has been followed by TAD QLD.

In Western Australia the service operates on a first-come first-served basis and complete systems comprising computer, basic software and printer are supplied to clients on a long-term loan agreement. A small service charge is made to cover in-home support and maintenance.

The loan service also has available some specialised interface equipment such as trackballs, touch screens, switch adaptors and Intellikey adaptable keyboards for use by clients that have special needs. Each client is given thirty days' trail before an agreement is entered into, to see if the equipment meets his or her expectations. For more information on this program and the TAD Journal contact TAD NSW on tel: 2 9808 2022, fax: 2 9809 7670.

FREE UNDERGROUND MAPS
The London Transport's Unit for Disabled Passengers is distributing for free black and white maps in 12 point print of the London Underground. It is unknown if this offer extends to British based organisations only. Contact London Transport's Unit for Disabled Passengers, 172 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9NT. Tel: 0171 918 3312.

From 12/6/98 Posting

COPYRIGHT AND BLIND PEOPLE
From AVL Multimedia Information, 2 May 1998, pp 85-6

The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) [in the UK] recently issued a report entitled Copyright Law and the Rights of Blind People. It is a look at copyright law as it affects access by visually impaired people. It covers the EU (and Norway) and five major English-speaking countries. For the UK and many other countries, it is necessary for those who cannot read to ask permission to transfer a published work to another format. In other countries, and increasingly in legislation, there is a statement to the effect that, for disabled persons, the transfer to an alternative format does not constitute an infringement. Elsewhere, licences may be available allowing copying.

Legislation, and the precise terms of it, varies from country to country, but the needs of disabled people are coming to the fore. Their report compares and contrasts the newest legislation in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Scandinavia, and the unfolding situation in Australia. It draws on responses from both agencies for visually impaired people and specialists in the library and copyright sector. It can be obtained from the RNIB in (large) print, Braille or audio versions, or can be found on www.rnib.org.uk/wesupply/publicat/copy.r.htm.

For subscription information on this British publication contact www.subscription@virgin.net. The title of this journal will change to Multimedia Information and Technology with the next issue, August 1998.

REVIEW OF THE 1993 DISABILITY SERVICES ACT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
By Pam Abbotts, Nican Network News, Autumn 1998, p. 6

The review is under way and is being carried out by consultants. A new Disability Alliance has been formed by the non-government sector to monitor the review. The Alliance includes the Developmental Disability Council of WA (Inc), ACROD (WA), People with Disability (WA), the Council of DSC Funded Agencies in conjunction with West Australian Council of Social Services. The Alliance, known as the Disability Coalition, offers a wealth of expertise from the disability field and social services and is providing extremely reliable input from the non-government sector.

Monitoring of disability services is continuing through the Standard Monitoring nit of the Disability Services Commission. A mixture of non-government and government services has been monitored with mixed results. Results have not been published and there are no plans to do so in the near future.

For subscription information contact nican@spirit.com.au

 

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

26 November posting

12-16 July 1999
Vision 99. Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York. This conference aims to present the latest advances in vision rehabilitation, research, practice and technology. Contact www.lighthouse.org/1lh24.html

November 5 posting

16-20 March 1999
'Where assistive technology meets the information age', Technology and persons with disabilities. CALL FOR PAPERS. Contact itm@csun.edu or visit website www.csun.edu/cod/.

25 July - 1 August 1999
13th World Congress of World Federation of the Deaf, Brisbane. Contact the Australian Association of the Deaf, wfdc99@convquld.org.au.

2-7 July 2000
6th International Conference of Hard of Hearing People, Sydney. Contact tourhosts@tourhosts.com.au.

September 9 posting

25-27 October 1998
Access Expo-Disability & Aged Care Solutions. Sydney. Contact access.expo@paraquad.asn.au; www.paraquad.asn.au; fax: 61 (0)3 9415 1222.

22-24 October 2000
Access Expo-Disability & Aged Care Solutions. Held during the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Sydney. Contact access.expo@paraquad.asn.au; www.paraquad.asn.au; fax: 61 (0)3 9415 1222.

2 September posting

11-15 January 1999
ANZAEVH 99, Australian and New Zealand Association of Educators of the Visually Handicapped Biennial Conference, Education: A Lifelong Process. Sydney. Contact email: anzaevh@hotelnetwork.com.au.

17-19 February 1999
Blindlib. Library services to blind and print handicapped readers. IFLA section of Libraries for the Blind. Grahamstown, South African. Contact: blindlib@iafrica.com

From 30/7/98 posting

25-27 October 1998           Access Expo 98. Disability and Aged Care Exhibition. Sydney Showgrounds Exhibition Complex. Contact: access.expo@paraquad.asn.au. Web: www.paraquad.asn.au.

29 November-3 December 1998          Culture, Society and Disability. 7th European Regional Rehabilitation Conference of Rehabilitation International, Jerusalem, Israel. Contact: tcarmel@netvision.net.il

From 16/7/98 Posting

29 November 1998 Campaign '99 for Asian & Pacific Decade of Disabled

Persons 1993-2002, Kuala Lumper. fax: (852) 2816 6760, email: hk1998@renet.org

From 16/7/98 Posting

25-29 October 1999          Empowering Society Through the Global Flow of Information, 6th International Conference on Interlending and Document Supply, Pretoria. Call for Papers. Deadline for submissions: 31 August 1998. Contact: Barbara Kellermann, fax +27 12 325 5984. email: kellbc@statelib.pwv.gov.za

2-5 April 2000          Special Education World Congress 2000, Vancouver. email: lynnm@cec.sped.org, web: www.cec.ord.

From 7/7/98 Posting

24-27 September 1998           The Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century, The University of Memphis. Call for papers until July 24 1998. Contact: Dr. Lester J. Pourciau email: pourciau@memphis.edu. For general information contact Mr. Tom Mendina on email: tmendina@memphis.edu.

From 19/6/98 Posting

13-16 September          Australian Cerebral Palsy Association National Conference. 'Children Our Future: Services in the lives of young people with disabilities. Brisbane Contact: (07) 3369 0477

From 12/6/98 Posting

9-11 July 1998           Community Resource Unit Conference. Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane. For people with a disability, family members, workers, community agencies. Key speakers: Veronica Brady, Michael Kendrick, Stephanie Dowrick and Nicola Schaefer. Contact: Community Resource Unit on telephone (07) 3870 1022, fax: (07) 3371 3842 or email: cru@uq.net.au.

From 12/6/98 Posting

29 June -2 July 1998          11th Rehabilitation International Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference cum Campaign '98 fort he Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002, Hong Kong. Theme: The best of Both Worlds - Global Solutions to Local challenges; local solutions to global challenges. Contact: Elite Business Services Ltd, GPO Box 847, Hong Kong. Telephone: (852) 2819 5529, fax: (852) 2816 6760, email: hk1998@renet.org, Web: www.renet.org.

13-16 September 1998          Australian Cerebral Palsy Association National Conference. Children Our Future - Services in the lives of young people with disabilities. Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Brisbane. Contact: Judy Lederle, event organiser, PO Box 1280, Milton, QLD 4064. Telephone (07) 3369 0477, fax (07) 3369 1512, email cpc98@im.com.au.

21-24 September 1998          TRANSED '98, 8th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People, Setting The Pace. Burswood Convention Centre, Perth, WA. Contact: TRANSED '98, c\- Indomed Pty Ltd, 144 Northwood Street, Leederville, WA 6007. Telephone (09) 388 2241, fax (09) 388 2245, email indomed@psient.net.au

11-15 January 1999           Australian and New Zealand Association of Educators of the Visually Handicapped Biennial Conference, Education - A lifelong Process. Moore Theological College, Sydney. Contact ANZAEVH99, PO Boxes 236, Roseville, NSW 2069. Telephone: (02) 9411 4666, fax: (02) 9411 4243.

9-13 July 2000           19th International Congress on Education of the Deaf, Sydney. Contact: ICED 2000 Secretariat, GPO Box 128, Sydney NSW 2001. Telephone: (02) 9262 2277, fax: (02) 9262 3135, email: tourhost@tourhosts.com.au.

 

REVIEWS, GUIDES AND SURVEYS

From 7/7/89

INTERNET ACCESS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED REVIEWED
A review in Centre Software (44) of three screen readers and two talking web browsers used with Microsoft Explorer found that talking web browsers are the best way of accessing the web.

For more information on Centre Software contact the Research Centre for the Education of the Visually Handicapped at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, England B15 2TT. tel 0121 414 6733.

From 7/7/98 Posting

MEASURE-IT MAPS
(from The Tactual Newsletter, No. 26)

An exciting new concept in tactual map reading using an ancient technique is available. These distance and direction finding maps are produced on puffpaper with holes at major towns which are labelled in Braille. A piece of string with beads at regular intervals (according to the scale of the map) may be pushed through one of the holes and the string stretched to the required destination to find out distance and direction from the first town.

Much fun was had by all at the trial of these maps which have practical as well as entertainment value. They may be used for route planing, locating friends and family across the country, gaining geographic knowledge and even practicing your mathematics. Currently, a set of maps of Australia available consisting of a map of the whole continent and separate maps for each of the states, all with major towns and state borders. Different scales may apply according to the map and these are clearly marked at the top of the page with reference to the accompanying beaded piece of string.

For orders or further information please contact Transcriptions, Royal Blind Society on tel: (02) 9334 3333 or fax: (02) 9334 3500. For more information about the Tactual Newsletter contact tel/fax: (02) 9319 1034.

 

WEB SITES

2 December posting

http://www.activ.org.au/library/ ACTIV Library's new web site allows you to

ACTIV Library describes themselves as being the main disability library in Western Australia. It has been in existence for over 20 years and has built up an excellent collection of material about intellectual disability that is suitable for parents, carers and staff. It also has a special collection of material that has been especially chosen for people with intellectual disabilities. The library provides services to people within Western Australia. Inter Library Loan requests are accepted from other libraries within Australia.

21 October posting

http://www.at-center.com/ Virtual Assistive Technology Center has information on free and cheap DOS, Mac and Windows freeware and shareware for people with disabilities and links to free educational games. For example, the author, Denise Lance, has links to her home page, Denise's Toe Typed Home Page, and the pages of other 'toe typists'. It also offers visitors access to a 'loaded' free web site.

http://node.on.ca/tfl/library/ Library Services for Distance Education offers resources divided into the following categories:

Communication methods

http://www.nfb.org/deafblin.htm Deaf-Blind Resource List describes a variety of methods for communication with a deaf-blind person. An example from the site follows.

Alphabet Gloves: A glove is worn with letters and numbers printed on it. A sighted person spells words by touching the appropriate letter on the glove. The deaf-blind person can tell which letters are meant by knowing which part of the hand was touched. The deaf-blind person must remember where each letter appears on the glove in order to interpret the touches correctly. This is a cumbersome communication method, but it works well when no other system is available.

15 October posting

www.hearing.com.au Australian Hearing Services has been committed to helping people hear for more than 50 years and advertises itself as being the largest provider of hearing care in Australia. Their new web site caters to people with a hearing problem or those who wish to find up to date audiological material and complements the 131 797 telephone number that connects callers to their nearest hearing centre.

September 9 posting

http://law.gov.au/publications/disability Commonwealth draft regulation: Impact Statement on Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. Final date for submissions is close of business Friday 9 October 1998. Ministers will be considering the draft at the Australian Transport Council in December. For further information contact Sarah Mudge, Government Lawyer, Human Rights Branch on sarah.mudge@ag.gov.au.

http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/cbca/ The Children's Book Council home page contains information such as the short list for the1998 Book of the Year Awards for children.

http://www.acn.net.au Australia's Cultural Network web site features over 500 Australian cultural sites. (Funded by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.)

http://www.abs.gov.au/websitesdbs/ Australian Bureau of Statistics' site for the 1996 community profile data.

http://www.rfbd.org A new web site from the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic group.

September 2 posting

http://www.iinet.net.au/~cpawa Cerebral Palsy Association of Western Australia

This website explains what cerebral palsy is and gives of details specialised services. There is also a page of links, although they have not been updated for a while. The "Welcome to Holland" particular part of the site is said to always get very good feedback.

August 13 posting

Below are the contributed web sites for a Disability Web Site Hunt of sites relating to and/or created for people with disabilities. Thanks to all the folks who contributed to this useful and interesting resource.

http://www.sbav.org.au The library at Yooralla acts as the secretariat for the Spina Bifida Association of Victoria who have an excellent web site. It is described as containing loads of information on Spina Bifida as well as their newsletter "Contact".

http://www.rvib.org.au/ The Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) was the first agency in Victoria to work with people who are blind or vision impaired. Established in 1866, RVIB provides a wide range of services for people who are blind or vision impaired. Services include: employment, training, rehabilitation, education and library and information services.

http://www.anu.edu.au/secretary/disabilities/ This is the web site for the Australian National University's disability unit.

http://www.vicnet.net.au/~cotavic Council on the Ageing (COTA) site for older people and people with a disability including multicultural aged care services

htttp://www.health.gov.au Commonwealth Department of Health.

http://hnb.ffth.vic.gov.au Disability Services for the Victorian government

http://hnb.ffh.vic.gov.au/ds/index/html Victorian Government Directory of Disability Services.

http://hna.ffh.vic.gov.au/hs.html Victorian Department of Human Services

http://www.infovic.gov.au Information Victoria

http://www.vicnet.net.au/disability/ Vicnet's comprehensive disability site.

http://disability.com/cool.html Access to a myriad of international disability sites.

http://www.hreoc.gov.au Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (Australia)

http://slv.vic.gov.au/slv/disabilities/homepage.htm Disability services at the State Library of Victoria

http://www.vicnet.net.au/~dina/ Homepage of Disability Information Network Australia (DINA)

http://www.netspace.net.au/~jack Citizen Advocacy, Information and Referral Service with links to local resources.

http://www:iinet.net.au/~sharono/arata/ Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology. Forum for issues in rehabilitation and assisstive technology. Includes links to other relevant sites.

http://www.fastlink.com.au/clients/ergo/main.html Ergosoft Australia - supplier of software and assistive technology to assist people with disabilities access computers.

http://rbs.org.au/rbs/html New South Wales Royal Blind Society

http://nfbca.asn.au National Federation of Blind Citizens Australia, an advocacy group for blind and visually impaired people.

http://www.dircsa.org.au/ A South Australian agency page with links to relevant legislation, general disability information and the Common Ground Bulletin Board.

http://afb.org.org/ American Foundation for the Blind

http://health.gov.au/hfs/ood/home.htm Commonwealth Office of Disability

http://austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ Commonwealth Consolidated Legislation - index page for Commonwealth legislation, searchable.

http://www.rnib.org.uk Royal National Institute for the Blind (UK).

gopher://gopher.sinsw.gov.au:70/11/DRA Deafness Resources Australia.

http://internex.net.au/~dba/dba.htm Australian Deaf - Blind Association containing information about Usher Syndrome.

http://home.aone.net.au/deafnessf/ Deafness Foundation.

http://www.auscap.com.au Australian Caption Centre.

http://www.aceinfo.net.au Australian Communication Exchange.

www.ataccess.org./ataexplore.html#access Site with information on the accessibility of web sites for people with disabilities.

www.geocities.com/~drm//DRMlibs.html Site of Disability Resource Monthly. Libraries can play a vital role in connecting people with disabilities with information that can help them lead productive independent lives.

http://mis.deakin.edu.au/multiweb/ Multiweb Internet Browser Homepage. Multi web is an Internet site aimed at improving access to the World Wide Web (WWW) for users with a disabilty. Australian Site - Deakin University.

http://accessability.noie.gov.au AccessAbility Online Resource - to assist people with disabilities to actively participate in the online environment. A joint initiative of the Telecommunications Needs Research Group based at Monash University and VICNET.

From 30/7/98 posting

http://www.demon.co.uk/afbp/ The Action For Blind People site contains information on issues surrounding loss of sight, the welfare rights news board and Getting On, the AFBP newsletter WEB SITES

From 7/7/98 posting

http://indie.ca/roeher/ The Roeher Institute's new site. The Institute's 'work - research, social development and information services - approaches social change and disability issues within the context of human rights'. They also publish a number of books dealing with disability and human rights.

http://www.aph.org/ The web site for the American Printing House for the Blind contains a database of materials for the visually impaired.

From 19/6/98

http://www.ataccess.org/ataexplore.html#access A site with information on the accessibility of web sites. It contains useful articles such as Some Introductory Concepts that 'examines ways to make Web browsers accessible' and describes various browsers for special purposes. Also listed are sites on designing such sites. Addresses for some good examples are also given.

http://www.geocities.com/~drm//DRMlibs.html
This is the very intriguing way that the site describes themselves: 'Disability Resources believes that libraries can play a vital role in connecting people with disabilities with information that can help them lead productive, independent lives. In fact, we started this section of our web site because the editor of Disability Resources Monthly (DRM) is a librarian, and because so many of the organisations that subscribe to DRM are libraries. Look on these pages for information that can help you make your library more accessible and inviting to patrons with disabilities.'

From 12/6/98 Posting

Accessible web design
The Center for Applied Special Technology (in the US) provides a service that helps people (and one would assume organisations) make their web pages accessible to people with disabilities. http://www.cast.org/bobby/

 


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Last updated 3 December 1998

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