Welcome everyone to the June edition of Parent News for 2002. As always, there is a great deal of information we would like to share with you in this newsletter. I hope you will find it interesting and useful.

Apart from letting you know about new resources and other items of interest to families, in this issue of Parent News I would like to express thanks to those of you who completed the readers survey, and provide you with an overview of the results. I have also endeavoured to offer a snapshot of the Victorian State Budget as it affects families of children with a disability.

I enjoy hearing from readers of this newsletter with comments and ideas for improvements, so please use the contact details on the front page to get in touch.

Best Wishes for the school Holidays.

for vision impaired computer users

Written by Mary Popal

Teacher Consultant Sensory Disability (Vision)

Dip Teach/MA Special Education - Sensory Disability (Vision) Email: mpopal@tpg.com.au

(Editor’s Note: This resource is an on-line text offering low-cost solutions to computer and internet access or people with vision-impairments. It has been written with students and families in mind, and the contents page included below gives an indication of what the publication contains. It is important to remember however, that as the article was written in 2000, some of the resources may be slightly out-of-date, or have upgrades available. The website for the publication is:

http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/atproject/accbud.html

June 2000

Contents

Introduction

Unzipping a file using the Winzip classic program

Microsoft Accessiblity Option for Windows 95 and 98

Large Mouse Pointers

Changing the font size in Windows Explorer

Microsoft Accessibility URLs for Window 95 and 98

Speak friendly web browsers

Webferret free search tool, Version 3

IBM Home page reader (HPR) Version 2.5

Commands summary lists (Using the Numeric Keypad)

PWWEBSPEAK PLUS Release 3

Choosing options using the Command Menu:

Keyboard Commands

Changing the Voice

Changing the Font size and Colour

Saving files as Text or HTML

Large Print Programs

Zoompower V1.2 Magnification shareware program by David Eisler 2000

Number pad key commands (with Num lock being on):

4D Scroll trackball dual wheel mouse V 5.41 with magnification option

The screen Loupe for Windows 95/NT by Gregory Braun (shareware)

Some of the disadvantages of the program are:

Other magnification websites

Screen Reader Programs

Speaktome & Talkpad free programs by Larry C. Hunter (1999)

SpeakToMe

TalkPad

Simply Talker2000

Keyboard commands

Texthelp Screenreader Version 4

Screen Reader Toolbar Description

Keyboard Commands

Free Electronic Information on Line

References

The following information is provided for your interest from a number of sources. Please use the contact details provided for more information regarding each item.

New Web-site containing Environmental Information

(Source: FROM THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION)

DATE: Tuesday, June 4, 2002

Everything Victorians ever wanted to know about the environment is now just a mouse click away following the launch of a world-class Website by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt, today.

Ms Garbutt said the Environment Gateway was a whole-of-government website that provides a one-stop-shop for people seeking information on Victoria's environment and sustainability issues.

"Victorians will no longer have to know who or which organisation holds the information, or use a search engine to sort through endless information on the Internet," Ms Garbutt said. "Instead, they will be able to search for information through the Environment Gateway on the basis of the specific topic or issue in which they are interested."

With more than 500 links already established, the Environment Gateway has been designed to provide a single, seamless entry point to environmental information from State Government agencies, statutory authorities and other relevant sources.

Ms Garbutt said the Gateway website will be a useful tool for people interested in the environment and sustainability, from the policy makers at local, state and federal levels, teachers and students, environment and community groups, and industry.

The Gateway will continue to evolve, with new links being added and the structure updated, if necessary, to reflect user priorities. It is also hoped that the Gateway will encourage the on-line delivery of further environmental information, reports and data.

"It assist in strengthening relationships across government, industry and interest groups, and ensure a more environmentally informed and capable community, one that can better participate in, and influence sustainable outcomes," Ms Garbutt said.

Ms Garbutt said it was timely that the Environment Gateway, which can be found at www.environment.vic.gov.au, was being launched on the eve of World Environment Day.

"The more information people have, the more likely they are to care about the environment and take an active interest in it – this Website will allow people to easily explore issues they are interested in," Ms Garbutt said.

"The Bracks Government sees education and information as one of the key weapons in the fight to protect and enhance the environment.

"Along with initiatives like the creation of Marine National Parks, increasing flows to the Murray and Snowy rivers and the introduction Farm Dams regulations, this Website is proof that the Bracks Government has a rock-solid commitment to the environment."

(Source: The Bulletin, SVRC 6 2002)

Bavisoft have produced a range of computer games for blind and visually impaired users.

Their promotional material includes the following information:

Hear the amazing use of technology that immerses you, the user, in a virtual world powered purely with cd-quality sound imagery. Do you enjoy computer games? Have you been waiting for a game designed with YOU in mind? Well, Bavisoft has created it.

It's like nothing you've experienced before - a game you have to hear to believe.

Grizzly Gulch Western Extravaganza is a virtual world set in the Old West created purely from sound imagery. You will have the chance to meet and interact with many crazy characters as you explore the town of Grizzly Gulch. Would you like to settle into the Saloon for a game of chance, or try to make a name for yourself upholding the law against some of the baddest outlaws in the West with your trusty six shooter in blazing arcade style gun battles? It's all up to you.

RADIO ON THE INTERNET

Editor’s Note:

The following information is taken from VIP-l, an information list for blind and vision-impaired individuals.

VirtualTuner.com has released its "Blind Tuner" for users that wish to listen to Internet radio that have disabilities with sight. The tuner, located at http://www.virtualtuner.com/old , (Soon to be

http://www.blindtuner.com) has over 10000+ radio stations broadcasting from over 100 countries in over 75 languages. Many blind Internet users find the Internet very hard to surf due to the fact that many wesites are not set up for the blind user. The blind user uses page reading software to surf, that is, a program that reads the contents aloud. "We are committed to the blind user" says, Daniel Laizure, CTO and Founder of VirtualTuner.com.

For more information, contact: Daniel Laizure --

VirtualTuner.com LLC has been online since 1995 providing a directory of over 10000+ radio stations broadcasting over the Internet. In addition, VirtualTuner.com LLC has My.VirtualTuner.com where the user can bookmark the stations they like and come back at a later date and listen to the same stations.

As part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations the National Council funded a project, in conjunction with the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) Library & Information Services, to professionally record 100 titles in audio format and transcribed 50 titles into braille. This exciting project was part of the Australians All project. These titles have been produced for people with a print disability so that they are able to access the many wonderful titles on offer on this subject. Most titles are available for purchase or alternatively they can be borrowed from RVIB through your local public library.

There are a range of exciting titles from the story of Weary Dunlop to the life and times of the Ned Kelly gang. There are also many other titles produced, which cover a range of topics such as the first immigrants to land on the Australian shores, to the history of the Commonwealth. These titles were not previously available in braille and audio format.

Many titles covered the history of the Federation. They include:

• Primary and secondary source material about the Federation movement

• People of significance/influence involved in the movement

• The impact of Federation on Australia’s national development

• Events of significance and cultural developments

Many titles are available to purchase or loan on two-track cassette and in braille, and are professionally labelled, bound or covered.

For further details contact NILS on the number below.

Tel: 1300 654 656, Fax: 8530 3491

(Source: The Bulletin 8, 2002, SVRC )

Editor’s Note: The article below comes from the Better Health Channel Enhancing Independence through Mobility

"It’s a traumatic experience when you’re told by a doctor that you’ve got glaucoma. I felt completely isolated, as though I’d just been put in a tiny room and that was where I wanted to stay. To be able to move around freely and feel you’re part of a normal community is so important."

Guide Dog User Chris

The Guide Dog Association of Victoria aims to assist individuals like Chris to regain their freedom by providing Guide Dog and specialist mobility services of exceptional quality throughout Victoria. We are proud to provide all services totally free of charge.

The Guide Dog Association is best known for the provision of Guide Dog Mobility. Guide Dogs can enhance the independence and quality of life of many vision impaired people. Applicants do not have to be totally blind to be eligible for a Guide Dog and there is no upper age limit.

The Guide Dog Association also provides a wider range of specialist mobility services. The Orientation & Mobility Service trains people to develop a sense of position and relationship to significant features in their environment. Encouraging the use of other senses helps a person with low vision to detect landmarks and negotiate hazards such as traffic. Clients also learn to manage environmental factors like glare and may train with low vision aids such as long canes. The Children’s Mobility Service is tailored to enhance the orientation and mobility skills of primary and secondary school students with a vision impairment.

The Neurological Mobility Service provides assessment and training for individuals whose vision loss has been caused by a stroke or another acquired brain injury - Website: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Although it talks about vision loss later in life, some of the techniques for daily living might be of interest to families. Please feel free to write in with your own suggestions of useful techniques, which we can share with other readers of Parent News.

A person who has been sighted all their life may find that everyday activities become increasingly difficult as their sight deteriorates. In most cases, housework, personal hygiene and other activities can be successfully adapted.

Talk over your banking requirements with your bank manager to decide on the best and easiest way to manage your account. Other suggestions include:

• Most banks have templates that fit their cheques.

• Electronic banking (EFTPOS), using a pin number, is easier than filling out deposit and withdrawal slips or handling cash.

• Most bills can now be paid by telephone.
• Distinguish between different coins by checking for size and edge milling.

• Distinguish between different notes by checking for length, since notes lengthen as they increase in monetary value.

• Keep different denominations of money in different places inside your wallet or purse.

• Change smaller coins into larger coins or notes at the bank.

• Dusting and cleaning - spray cleansers directly onto the cloth. Wrap the cloth around the nozzle to avoid inadvertently spraying the cleanser into your face or anywhere else. Dust in the same pattern every time: for example, always start off in the top right-hand corner.

• Making the beds - you can align sheets with the mattress by fixing safety pins at various corresponding points, such as in the middle and end corners of the mattress and sheets.

• Vacuuming - run the vacuum cleaner using the same pattern every time: for example, in strips.

• Dish washing - wash one item at a time, rather than filling the sink with every item. Run fingertips over plates and dishes to check for cleanliness.

• Common settings on equipment, such as the oven temperature control, can be marked with either brightly coloured or tactile tags.

• Recipes are available on audio-cassette or in large print formats.

• Convert measurements to cups and spoons, choosing dark-coloured measuring equipment to provide contrast.

• Use talking scales, balance scales or electronic scales.

• Brightly coloured or tactile tags help to indicate the top or bottom of equipment such as knives.

• Pre-prepared sauces and other items simplify cooking.

• Prepare recipes on a large tray to simplify tidying up afterwards.

Laundry - Suggestions include:

• Have separate baskets for lights and darks.

• Pin sock pairs together before you put them through the wash.

• Common settings on the washing machine, clothes dryer and iron can be marked with tactile or brightly coloured tags.

• Keep the clothesline above head height and pad its four corners.

• When hanging clothes, keep stationary and turn the clothesline instead.

• Use indoor clothes horses.

• Mark your toothbrush with a tactile tag so you can distinguish it from others.

• When applying paste to the toothbrush, use the index finger of your other hand as a guide, or apply the paste to your fingertip first.

• Use personal hygiene products in pump-packs that squeeze out pre-measured amounts.

• Put shampoo and conditioner in different coloured or different shaped bottles.

• Differentiate between personal hygiene products by marking them clearly with coloured or tactile tags, or rubber bands.

Writing letters - Suggestions include:

• Use medium or large felt-tipped pens.

• Black ink on white paper gives a good contrast, but other colour combinations may be preferable.

• Use 'running writing' and keep the pen on the paper until the full word has been written.

• Mark spaces between words with the index finger of your other hand.

• Typing may be easier, especially if you can already touch-type.

• Mark home keys on the keyboard or typewriter with tactile spots.

• Organisations such as Vision Australia Foundation offer typing courses in large print and audio-cassette formats.

• When typing from another document, use a document holder with a line-marker.

• Install voice-recognition software on your computer.

Organisations such as Vision Australia Foundation can offer valuable advice and information on adapting everyday activities to better suit a person with vision loss.

Your doctor

Your vision specialist

Vision loss organisations

Occupational therapist

Vision Australia Foundation - Victoria Tel. (03) 9599 5000

Things to remember

• Most everyday activities can be adapted to suit a person with vision loss.

• Adaptations include tactile or coloured tags, voice-recognition computer software and telephone banking.

• Organisations such as Vision Australia Foundation can offer information and advice.

Warm thanks to everyone who completed the survey in the last issue of Parent News. We had six respondents altogether, and your feedback is much appreciated. Below is a summary of what some of you have said about Parent News.

The majority of respondents were parents of children who were either blind/vision-impaired, or who had additional disabilities. One respondent also had a vision-impairment.

The most common methods for originally hearing about Parent News were outreach by Blind Citizens Australia or promotion by blindness agencies. Two respondents reported that they first heard about Parent News by word of mouth, or from a non-blindness community organisation.

Respondents were asked to rate articles in different categories according to their views of which articles were most useful to them. Article categories which rated 2 on the scale of most to least useful were diary dates, announcements of new technology, the life experiences as related by blind/vision-impaired contributors, stories from families of children with vision-impairments. Clearly though, all respondents had particular likes and dislikes in terms of articles.

Readers were asked to nominate types of articles they had an interest in contributing to the newsletter from a list of potential categories.

Responses indicated that readers would most like to contribute articles and stories about the lives and experiences of people who are blind both as adults and family members.

Readers were also asked for ideas of items which they would like to see included in Parent News. Respondents made various suggestions, notably features on the successes of blind people in their homes, and articles about itinerant support and technology for children within the education system.

Thanks to readers who responded to the survey. I look forward to using your feedback to improve the content of parent news so it meets your needs. A reminder too, that you don’t have to wait for a survey to provide us with ideas and comments. Readers are always welcome to contact me by phone or e-mail at Blind Citizens Australia, using the contact details on the front page of this newsletter. I look forward to hearing from you.

May saw the handing down of Victorian State budget once again. The following article presents an overview of various aspects of the budget, relevant to families, disability and the community sector, along with some analysis of how these measures might affect families of children who are blind/vision-impaired.

The theme of this year’s budget, according to the Treasurer’s message is building on economic growth to fund gaps in infrastructure education and health. The existence of a surplus is the sign of effective economic management of the state’s finances.

John Brumby’s budget speech promised $704 million to an initiative to link metropolitan suburbs via a road and public transport network upgrade. In practical terms, this means an extension of the electrified rail service to Craigieburn, and an extension of the tram service to Vermont south. A $36 million boost is to be given to 25 Melbourne bus routes, as well as the addition of new routes and the upgrading of more vehicles to incorporate accessibility features. $23 million is being provided this year for five new schools in the suburbs of Roxburgh Park, Melton, Narre Warren, Berwick and Carrum Downs. The redevelopment of the Angliss and Dandenong hospitals have also been approved.

This area focuses on enhancing regional areas and integrating rural communities more fully into state economic activity. To this end, the government has promised an investment of $102 million for transport infrastructure, including an upgrade to the Warrnambool train service and other country bus lines, and road building and maintenance. 40 schools in rural Victoria are expected to be upgraded, with a new school to be built in Lara and Bairnsdale.

The Treasurer cited education investment as the cornerstone of this year’s budget. $550 million has been promised for this sector over the next four years. A proportion of this funding is to be directed to strengthening preschool education and services, including support for children with special needs. (There is no clear indication of how these needs are defined, or what support this means in practice.) Literacy and numeracy achievement are the focus of primary and secondary education funding, with the employment of more teachers, the Middle Years Strategy for innovative learning in years 5 to 9, and the implementation of the Victorian Certificate of applied Learning as a VCE alternative. Some funding is also to be allocated to school bus services and additional support for Koori students.

$464 million has been promised to Victoria’s health system over the next four years, to be allocated to the employment of additional nurses and health workers, and the treatment of higher numbers of patients. Other beneficiaries of this funding include the Home and community Care system, ambulance services and medical equipment and infrastructure in hospitals. Community health initiatives in the areas of women’s health, psychiatric disability and dental services are also set to be expanded, with as yet no clear details as to where and how.

In order to better support the child protection system, and to provide extra support to families $65 million has been promised. $55 million is to be spent over the next four years in the area of disability services, much of which is targeted to the first stage of the redevelopment of Kew Cottages. $13 million over four years is to be allocated to upgrading the safety of railway crossings for users of wheelchairs.

Despite these injections of funding, it is questionable as to how far they will go in addressing demand. For example, according to a media release of the Brotherhood of St Lawrence, there is little support to families with the financial costs of such services as education and health.

You may recall articles in Parent News promoting the State Disability Plan, and Better Services Better Outcomes Reviews. There has been no indication of funding to advance either of these policy documents, not any increase in funding for such services provided by blindness agencies as orientation and mobility and specialist education provision. Despite the surplus, and welcome funding in some areas, we are still left wondering how to continue accessing or managing services and needs in a climate of diminishing resources.

Brumby, J. Budget statement : 2002-03. -

GovtPubs V/TF Also available as a web document