Staff Blog.
On this page...
- Help test the Welsh synthetic voice
- Supernova Version 12 release set to shake up the screen magnifier market
- January VAT increase
- First class
- A field full of daisies.
- LVA Design Award
- Nystagmus Open Day
- Backroom Boy
- How accessible is work experience?
- Bringing technology to children in Neath
Help test the Welsh synthetic voice
The Welsh Synthetic voice (automated speech software) was launched at the Eisteddfod in August, enabling computers to read aloud information on the screen in Welsh. Now, RNIB Cymru is appealing for Welsh speakers to help to test the facility.
RNIB Cymru will soon have a prototype version of a male and female Welsh voice and they would like to invite you to take part in the testing process to begin very soon. They want to include people of all ages, from all parts of Wales, with a wide range of backgrounds and interests, to ensure the voices are the highest quality possible.
RNIB Cymru will provide 500 audio samples of each voice, i.e. male and female, on a web portal. You will be able to log in and listen to the samples - from here you can review as few or as many samples as you want to. The samples will be a mix of sentences, some of which will intentionally not make grammatical sense. You will comment on such things as pronunciation, intonation and flow of the sentence etc. The developers will collate data from all testers and make decisions on changes to the voice, based on feedback as a whole. Testers will then sign off these changes.
RNIB Cymru are not able to pay for this work but feel it is important to give Welsh speakers the opportunity to use Welsh as the language of their choice in many new areas of their lives. If you can spare any time, as much or as little as you can, please contact emma.tucker@rnib.org.uk.
Supernova Version 12 release set to shake up the screen magnifier market
I have recently visited Dolphin Computer Access’ offices in Worcester to review the latest version of Supernova magnifier (formally known as Lunar) prior to its recent launch. One of the biggest improvements I found as a partially sighted user is the improved text smoothing technology. The text was smoother and clearer even at higher levels of magnification.
ZoomText screen magnifier released its version of text smoothing technology, ‘xFont’, in 2005 (patent pending). The improvement in text clarity makes Dolphin’s Supernova magnifier a quality and affordable solution. I was also very impressed with how easy it was to use the magnifier using multiple monitors. Having the ability to have two monitors running screen magnification would prove very useful within my role, as well as support my visual impairment.
Dolphin Computer Access is the only UK Supplier of access software that offers a discount directly to the individual. Access software for many people is considered as too expensive but even with an improvement in features and quality Supernova magnifier can be purchased, on-line, by someone who is sight impaired, for as little as £200, if an unlock code is ordered. It would be nice if other suppliers of access software were able to take Dolphin’s lead and offer individual discounts.
There is a range of low-cost and even free screen magnifiers on the market but it is fair to say that the text displayed on-screen is not as clear as the above mentioned products.
If you are interested in using screen magnification software it is advisable to download a trial version prior to purchase. Trial versions can be downloaded from the relevant suppliers’ websites.
January VAT increase
In January Value Added Tax (VAT) is set to go up to 20%. If you are registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (registered blind) you can claim VAT exemption on a range of access technologies.
The product has to be solely designed for a disabled person or customer. It is only the designer or manufacturer who is able to determine whether the goods qualify for zero-rating. Such products include electronic magnifiers, screen magnifiers, screen readers, reading machines, etc.
In order to obtain the VAT relief the customer is required to complete an eligibility declaration form which can be supplied by the suppler or by contacting the VAT relief for disabled people help line on 0845 3020203. Please ask if you can claim VAT exemption before you place your order.
First class
As Alan Partridge would say, “First Class”
As part of WCB assessment service our officer carries out educational assessments as part of the Disabled Students’ Allowance grant. The allowance can provide sight impaired students with items of specialist equipment such as video magnifiers, reading machines, screen magnifiers and screen readers. Non medical helpers, such as a note-taker or reader can also be provided, as well as extra travel costs you have to pay because of your disability. Other costs, Braille paper for example, can also be paid for.
Two students, who have been supported by WCB, have contacted our assessor to thank him for his support and assistance throughout their studies and to inform him that they have been awarded a “first class” honours degree in their subject – “congratulations…”
A field full of daisies.
Just got an email from a local authority inquiring about DAISY books. We don't do a LOT of that here at WCB, but we do a few each year. I wanted to send back a potted outline of what DAISY books are so I looked at daisy.org for a definition. This led me to get a fresh look at the resources out there for producing and reading the things.
There's a wealth of software out there, including plug-ins to turn Word documents into DAISY format and some open source projects as well. I'd like to give some of these a go since I'm always keen to find tools that are free to use instead of the often costly commercial products.
If anyone has used non-commercial products for DAISY, either as producers or readers, then please let me know what you thought of them via richard@wcb-ccd.org.uk.
LVA Design Award
The application deadline is approaching for the low vision aids design award. Submissions need to be in between 1st and 14th May.
More information can be found at the website www.lvadesignaward.co.uk.
It's a great opportunity to push the design of LVAs towards a more stylish product, and away from the conspicuously unattractive designs typically found today.
Nystagmus Open Day
I think it would be fair to say that the highlight of the Nystagmus Open Day at Cardiff School of Optometry was a demonstration of the newly purchased Tobii System. After couple of talks regarding work at the Research Unit for Nystagmus, including an outline of the methods used for tracking eye movement in people with nystagmus, we were shown the latest system recently acquired by the Unit. This expensive device was purchased thanks to funding from the Nystagmus Network.
There are few places in the UK where eye tracking can be used for diagnosis of the condition. As is often the case, the development of technology like this comes from another world altogether: market researchers use eye-tracking devices as a tool to work out where people focus their attention in adverts, on web pages, when viewing television and so on. But it is also an invaluable tool for tracing the activity of the eyes of someone with nystagmus.
Eye-tracking has been around for some years. However, there were a number of problems with the technology used. The subject would need to wear headgear with sensors placed in front of the eyes. This became uncomfortable with prolonged use. Also, the head would need to remain static throughout the testing period. These requirements would not be very manageable when studying an infant, for example. Furthermore, horizontal motion could not be measured at the same time as vertical motion.
In contrast, the Tobii System works non-invasively - which is to say it is not physically attached to the patient - and it works without the restrictions on movement demanded by the old system. As a proof of this, attendees at the open day were priveleged to witness the first trial in the UK with a toddler with nystagmus.
The device, situated just beneath a computer screen, was quickly calibrated while the child was sat on his mother’s lap. Then, various images – some moving, some static – were shown on the screen as the child’s eye movements were being tracked by the device. After the test, the mother was shown different representations of her child’s gaze, superimposed over the images he had been following.
All this happened with a minimum of distress for the toddler, which is important when gathering data about nystagmus because the condition is thought to worsen in stressful situations.
Perhaps one of the most positive by-products of the system is it quickly demonstrates to the parent that her child is actively seeking objects in his field of vision; a strong indication that there is some useful vision and that it is less likely that there are other, more worrying, conditions.
For Wales, it is good news that it hosts the one centre in the UK that currently has this system. This, along with the Unit’s development of the groundbreaking ‘Cardiff test’, marks Wales as a leader in this field.
Backroom Boy
I've been busy wrangling with PHP code and the website tool, Dreamweaver, to build a site for the Welsh Rehabilitation Officers Forum. I was lucky enough to do a course in coding PHP at Cardiff University which, alongside the usual array of books and online resources, has put me in a position to get some interactivity on the site so that registered users can add their own content.
Interactivity is standard practice for most websites these days and we've come to expect it as a matter of course, but it still a headache for the web designer. What looks and feels pretty ordinary to the site visitor can be the result of hours of tinkering and tweaking in the back room.
Anyway, web design is part of WCB's new package of services to its members, so remember to get in touch with us if your organisation would like a site, or even a few pages on our site, designed by us here at WCB. We're here to support you in getting your work promoted through the internet.
How accessible is work experience?
Work experience - a young person's first taste of employment and what it might be like to have a job. However, how meaningful is a placement to a young person with sight problems if they have no access to assistive technology whilst on placement?
Unbelievably, there is no specific provision of equipment for those on placement. This means that young people often go on work experience without any access to screen magnification, electronic magnifiers, CCTV's . . .
Without access to such technology, how are young people supposed to make the most of their placement? This lack of access to equipment can mean that young people are unable to carry out the simplest of tasks. Not only does this reflect badly on them but it also means that they are unable to experience what a week in work would really be like.
Beyond this, a bad experience on placement can have a detrimental effect on a person's confidence.
So, what can we do to improve the access to equipment available on placement? How can we ensure that young people experience a meaningful and worth while placement ? Should there be a specific funding stream or pool of equipment available to young people on placement?
Bringing technology to children in Neath
Many children with sight problems have access to a range of assistive technology within school but this is not always the case at home. Children are often not allowed to take equipment home and the cost of things such as screen magnification software and electronic magnifiers means parents are unable to afford them. This creates difficulties for young people, both in terms of their educational progression and social life. Whether it's being unable to access Facebook or download tracks on to their Ipod, these barriers to accessing technology have a real impact on the lives of young people with sight problems.
However, a fantastic project in Neath Port Talbot is bringing technology to young people. The Hideout is a resource centre and now includes fully accessible equipment and a cyber cafe. It's open four evenings a week, on a drop in basis, to all young people aged between 11 and 21 from Neath Port Talbot borough.
In addition to the cyber cafe, which has free internet access, you can also find information on issues such as benefits, housing, education, health and relationships. Young people are able to participate in a programme of workshops and training in relation to sexual health, global citizenship and healthy eating. If that's not enough to tempt you to pay a visit, there are also opportunities to take part in social and recreational activities such as rock climbing and graffiti art.
The Hideout is really helping to address a lack of access to technology. It is breaking down barriers that far too often result in young people with sight problems being isolated from their peers. I'd strongly recommend a visit. I would love to pay a visit myself but unfortunately, I'm too old!
Call Nigel Evans on 01639 879003 to find out more.
Minister for Disabled People visits UWIC
Last month Jonathan Shaw MP, Minister for Disabled People, visited the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) to discuss the support available to people with sight problems through the Access to Work Scheme. Access to Work provides equipment and support to help visually impaired people in employment. The Minister heard about ways in which Access to Work has been of benefit to visually impaired people and the group then went on to discuss support within education. It was a very enjoyable morning and a great opportunity to speak directly to the Minister, who was very interested and responsive to everyone’s comments.
World Sight Day
Today is World Sight Day: an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on visual impairment. The focus this year is on eye health and equal access care.
Globally, sight problems are most prevelant in people over the age of 50 and whilst the majority of the eye conditions these people suffer from are easily treated, in many parts of the world this treatment is not available. This means that these conditions often lead to un - necessary suffering and vision loss. There is therefore a real need to ensure that people across the world receive eye care services on an equal basis.
As well as focusing on the need to ensure access to equal levels of health care globally speaking, World Sight Day this year is also focusing on gender in relation to service provision. Vision 2020 has found that in many places, men have twice the access to eye care as women, another inbalance that needs to be rectified.
World Sight Day aims to focus global attention on issues such as these and encourage those working with sight loss to develop ways to improve the assistance available to those across the world.
Welsh Low Vision Service and Children’s Low Vision Project
Well, I’m back in the office after our first two days of training. We spent Monday at Carmarthen and Tuesday in Ceredigion and both days went very well.
I did a brief talk in the morning which addressed the whole group: optometrists, social care professionals and educational professionals. I talked about the “Reading with confidence” report which reviewed all of the electronic pocket magnifiers on the market and recommended five to be put forward to tender for the Low Vision Scheme. I explained that from our recommendations, the Compact+ from Optelec was the “winning” product and Chantel Rhodes from the Low Vision Service went on to talk about the Compact+ in detail. The Compact+ was dispensed to all low vision accredited optometrists who attended which means that they are now available free of charge. If anyone feels they may benefit from using an electronic magnifier and lives in either Carmarthern or Ceredigion, book a low vision aid assessment at the first opportunity and take advantage of this extension in provision.
I conducted a session in the afternoon with educational professionals in which we discussed the use of hi tech low vision aids. We discussed the use of a range of hi tech assistive technology: including screen magnification software, portable and desktop CCTV’s and much more. The majority of the session was centred on electronic pocket size magnifiers and optical aids and we had an interesting talk around low vision aids and the confidence and ease with which young people feel able to use them.
Following the training sessions, the Compact+ will be available to all people with sight problems through the Low Vision Service which inevitably means that electronic devices such as these will become far more commonly used. At the training sessions I showed educational professionals a wide range of electronic magnifiers available on the market and gave them an opportunity to use different models. They said that at present, products such as these are not commonly used but were very pleased to hear that the free provision of this technology will enable children to have access to these extremely useful devices.
WCB at Newport University
Phil and Dilwyn attended a student work placement event at Newport University today.
There was a fair bit of interest in some of the project ideas put to the students and we'll keep our fingers crossed that we'll have some extra help on hand soon.
Low Vision Aid Design Competition
The research that I conducted this year suggests that children across Wales are not using their optical low vision aids – or handheld magnifiers as they are more commonly known. Research by Cardiff University earlier this year stated that the main reason for their disuse is their distasteful designs.
We recognise the importance of optical magnifiers – they are a crucial piece of equipment for any child who has sight problems and it is imperative that young people feel confident enough to use them in front of their peers.
As a result of our review of all of the electronic magnifiers available, feedback from children across Wales encouraged manufacturers to alter their designs. Many comments they made were really taken on board and influenced the designs of new electronic magnifiers. In the same way, we want to encourage the manufacturers of optical aids to improve their designs and we are running a competition to encourage this.
The competition is open to people of all ages and asks entrants to design a new optical magnifier. There are cash prizes to be won but most importantly, the competition aims to raise awareness about the fact that suppliers need to work to improve their designs – so that people with sight problems, and especially children, feel confident enough to use them as and when they need to.
So get thinking creatively and submit an entry. There will even be an award ceremony next year to celebrate the winning design.
To see more about the competition visit www.lvadesignaward.co.uk.
Training days for Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired and other educational professionals.
On Monday and Tuesday of next week (5th and 6th October) I will be running the first two of ten training sessions for educational professionals as part of the Welsh Low Vision Service and Children’s Low Vision Project.
I will be running sessions focusing on hi tech low vision aids and have a wide range of the latest electronic magnifiers to demonstrate. Hands on, practical sessions will give educational professionals the opportunity to look at the latest hi tech low vision aid technology and share opinions and experiences of their use in the classroom.
As well as covering how to use the technology and discussing which devices are most suitable for certain needs we will also discuss low vision aids in terms of their social acceptability and the way that children and young people feel about using them. The group will discuss the advantages of electronic magnifiers over optical low vision aids and the benefits of the forthcoming extension in provision through the Low Vision Aid Scheme in Wales.
The first two training days will take place in Carmarthen and Ceredigion, before moving on to work in numerous places across Wales between now and February 2010.
