LiveWire - November 2006

Welcome to the November Edition of LiveWire! We have a bumper edition, including the Jot a Dot launch, our newest Mountbatten Learning System the MBLS, and details on the extended Freedom Scientific Scholarship Programs!

There have been many exciting developments since the last edition of LiveWire and in this issue we look at increased opportunities for employment through the expanded Workplace Modification Scheme and what that means for users of Assistive Technology. Griffith University in Queensland is also trialling a new approach, aimed at increasing access for students with vision impairments to information and learning. You will also get to meet some new faces at the ever expanding Quantum. We are so proud of what we have achieved in growing Quantum into the organisation it is today and it is all due to the wonderful staff we have and their commitment to providing the best possible service to all of our customers.

Launch of Jot a Dot — the Pocket Brailler

Jot a Dot was launched in June 2006 by the Minister for Family and Community Services, Mal Brough. During his speech, Minister Brough reflected on his own early education in outback Queensland. He recalled having to use a small slate and chalk to write on and commented on just how far educational tools had come since that time.

Innovation is expected in all walks of life. Yet we have witnessed very little innovation in mechanical Braille writing tools. As a direct consequence blind and vision impaired children in most developed countries of the world are no longer learning simple note-taking skills.

How many sighted people carry a pen in their pockets to organise their thoughts, jot down important facts or phone numbers, or a simple shopping list? It’s a basic part of life to write notes to oneself, and now, using Jot a Dot blind children have the opportunity to develop these important techniques and skills.

The launch led to many promotional opportunities in the press and on TV and helped create awareness for this innovative tool. Since it was launched several thousand have been produced and sold, with education systems around the world being the major customers.

Another exciting development has been the approval of a trial in Africa, funded by the Australian Federal Government’s aid program, AusAid, in conjunction with Sight Savers International. This project is aimed at evaluating how Jot a Dot can be used in Africa as a tool for young blind children to carry between home and school. The project is expected to be completed by the middle of 2007 and we will bring you further up-dates.

Jot a Dot is one of the first new tools for writing Braille in many years. We are very proud of the fact that it has been designed and manufactured here in Australia.

Brad and Rachel’s Jot a Dot

Brad and Rachel’s’ mum, Julie Henderson, won a Jot a Dot for them in our first Jot a Dot competition.

Brad is 15 years old and going into year 11 in 2007. He is training to become a personal fitness instructor. He does power lifting, plays golf and competes in the blind sports program at Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) in South Australia.

Rachel is 14 years old and going into year 9 in 2007. She loves swimming for the blind, and competes in sports with RSB as well. Rachel loves arts and crafts.

Brad and Rachel both have Retinitis Pigmentosa. Their Jot a Dot gives them the freedom to write their own messages when and where they want to.

This is what they say!

"The Jot a Dot has helped us both a lot when it comes to simple things like taking notes at school, taking messages over the phone and leaving notes for each other at home, and also when we go to places and have to remember things we will take it in the car. The Jot a Dot has really helped us both out a lot."

I was really excited when we heard that mum had won a jot a dot. We had to have lessons when we first got it at the RSB but after a quick lesson it was a very easy and wonderful piece of equipment.

We are both so lucky to have won one with mum’s help. How to put the paper in was the hardest thing we had to learn but the Braille side was easy. We have both learnt Braille and can now do it anywhere and anytime with the help of the very portable Jot a Dot."

-Brad and Rachel

Draftsman - A New Tactile Drawing Kit

Draftsman is a portable drawing board, especially designed for blind users. Place a sheet of special drawing paper on the double-layer rubber board and using a pen or sharp object, drawings are raised and immediately become tactile.

Use it at work, at school or in the home to:

• become familiar with the alphabet, numbers, geometry and other symbols
• learn and practise signature writing
• prepare maps and diagrams

ICEVI Online Discussion

The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment is a wonderful organisation active in promoting and assisting with the education of blind and vision impaired children all around the world.

Recently the ICEVI Pacific Regional Committee has established an electronic mailing list for communication, networking and information sharing among people interested in ICEVI activities in the region, in particular the 'Education for All Children with Vision Impairment' Global campaign.

You can join this mailing list by completing the subscription form at:

http://www.icevipacific.org.au/subscription.php

If you have any difficulties with the subscription process, please contact Frances Gentle, ICEVI Pacific Regional Chairperson, at the Renwick Centre, Royal Institute for Deaf & Blind Children:

Ph +612 9872 0808, Fax +612 9873 1614, or Email:frances.gentle@ridbc.org.au

Getting the Right Tool for the Job

As many of our readers know all too well, obtaining gainful employment can be very difficult. Blind Citizens Australia estimates that approximately 72% of adult blind people in Australia are unemployed.

There are many barriers to employment, but one of the major ones has been how to obtain the technology needed to do the job.

Well finally there has been some welcome news recently with the Federal Government announcing increased funding to the Workplace Modification Scheme.

All workers with disabilities, including the self-employed, are now potentially eligible for workplace modifications funding. They don't need to be a client of an employment service such as Job Network or DOES, nor do they have to be in receipt of the Disability Support Pension (DSP). However, applicants for workplace modifications who are not in receipt of the DSP must be able to prove through Centrelink that they meet the impairment criteria for receipt of the DSP.

Workers with disabilities whose jobs may be in jeopardy are also eligible for assistance under the scheme.

Contact the help line at The Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS) 1800 814 838 or Australian governments Job Able website - http://www.jobable.gov.au

Need a Computer? On a Budget? Green PC May Be the Answer

Green PC has refurbished computers at discount prices for people with a health care card, disability card or a pension card. Their computers range in price from $140 to $500. They have a 12 month back to base warranty and deliver all over Australia.

For more information contact Green PC on 1300 306 645.

Job Access With Speech

Jaws is recognised as the leading screen reading software around the world. Freedom Scientific will soon be releasing Jaws version 8.0. A preview of some of the new features follows:

RealSpeak Solo Speech Synthesizers!

There are more human sounding voices which will be included standard with releases of jaws from version 8.0. You will still have access to Eloquence if you prefer. The Realspeak voices perform better on faster computers.

JAWS 8.0 fully supports Internet Explorer 7, Word, Excel and Outlook in Office 2007.

Other features include:

• Smart Word Reading
• Turning Off Custom Labels
• Spell Alpha numeric Data
• Version Specific Configuration Script Set Loading
• Enhanced Reading of Web Pages with Dynamic Content
• Updated Instant Messenger Commands
• Special Characters in Word
• Style Change Detection in Word
• Table Description in Word
• Reading Tables in Word
• Bullet Type Indication in Word
• Reading Footnotes, Endnotes, and Comments in Microsoft Word
• Improved Display of Hyperlinks in Excel
• Viewing Cell Comments in Excel Spreadsheets

Supported operating systems:

Windows 2000, Windows XP Home and Professional, Windows Media Edition, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista

Freedom Scientific has discontinued support for the following versions of windows. Jaws 8 will not be released for these either:

Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition Windows Millennium Edition Windows NT

Quantum New Faces!

Liz Smith
Customer Service - Queensland

I have been Vision impaired all my life, so I understand what it’s all about. I understand the frustrations, mobility issues, access to technology etc. I have recently got a new friend, Vicki my guide dog. She is wonderful and is the best decision I ever have made! She’s a great help and my best mate.

I worked initially as a special education teacher with children from preschool to year 12 and then as a librarian. I ran my own business, for five years, as a reseller for Quantum and others, in partnership with Lyn Eagers and Visetrain.

I joined Quantum in August 2006 and I enjoy the work, especially helping people with their LV needs. I believe that everyone should have access to equipment that is especially tailored to suit their lifestyle, whatever that may be. Being vision impaired should not be a barrier, just a challenge.

On a personal note I’ve got a real menagerie at home, two dogs (including Vicki), two cats, a rainbow Lori and about 15 chooks. Then there’s the two legged animals, husband Dave and step son Braydon.

I’m really into dead bodies, (of the genealogy persuasion) and love nothing better than visiting a cemetery to find where my rellies are buried. I collect old china, especially Wedgwood and I buy and sell this on Ebay. When I’m not doing all of this, I’m listening to audiobooks or on my computer. I have a passion for fantasy books and my favourite authors are Tolkien, and J K Rowling of course.

Jeaninne Bardell
Customer Service - Sydney

My journey began with Quantum in early September in Customer Service. In recent years, I was a full time carer for my 95 year old Grandmother and I also worked as Assistant in Nursing in a local nursing home. This experience has been invaluable in a professional and personal sense in expanding my awareness of the issues faced by various people in society.

Prior to this, I worked in office environments performing various administrative tasks, customer service and adhoc duties.

In my spare time I enjoy visual arts, gardening, nature, tai chi, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

I look forward to serving the needs of present and future customers of Quantum.

Judy Slatyer
Low Vision Consultant - Southern Sydney

Judy joined our team in2006 as the Low Vision Consultant for Sydney's south. Judy has a background in Nursing, Optics, mobile eye care and business. Her life and work experiences have all generally been towards care and caring - in particular working with our seniors as "I’m already there"!

Judy lives in Sydney with her two daughters and dog Chopper. She is a keen gardener, loves her dog and is an avid sports follower.

"I look forward to meeting our customers through our expos, information days and on a one-one basis."

The New Mountbatten Brailler Learning System (MBLS)

The MBLS is a completely new and up-dated version of the Mountbatten Braille Writer. It features new capabilities and options that aim to empower young Braille learners.

Recognised around the world as an ideal foundation tool for Braille literacy the Mountbatten continues to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of students in today’s technological world.

The MB Learning System:

• Reinforces recognition of Braille characters - utilising speech output to enable experiential learning.
• Allows pre-Braille activities and play for young children long before they are physically able to use traditional mechanical Braille writers.
• Links Braille and technology as the foundation of learning. Concepts of using files and editing documents are introduced at a basic level, all in the context of learning Braille.
• Introduces organisational concepts such as time management, using the clock and diary functions.
• Removes attitudinal barriers. Sighted teachers, peers and family can connect a regular PC keyboard and write in Braille.

New Braille Music Features!

Links music and Braille in three exciting music Braille modes:

• Simple 'fun' mode giving play opportunities with peers and siblings;
• Play mode for Brailling music and listening;
• Braille music editor for more advanced musicians.

Literacy through Braille opens up the world of communication and expression - essential for Living Successfully. Braille fulfils needs that cannot be addressed by verbal and audio methods alone. The MB Learning System is the ideal platform for launching children into the world of Braille literacy.

Recent research at the Texas School for the Blind has demonstrated the real power of the Mountbatten to foster and encourage an interest in Braille and strong Braille literacy skills. Copies of the findings of this project are available on request.

There is now a new MBLS Educational Pack available that includes Monty, Mimic and a keyboard. Call us for a quote!

The Quantum Technology Scholarship Programs

Quantum is committed to supporting students throughout education and is very pleased to announce an extension of our existing Scholarship Program. In 2007 we will be introducing a Braille Literacy Scholarship which will be open to all students from pre-school to year 6. More detailed information will be released later this year or call us for details.

Our existing Scholarship Program includes:

Freedom Scientific/Quantum Technology Scholarship Award Program

It’s time to apply for the 2007 JAWS Scholarship! The Freedom Scientific/Quantum Technology Scholarship Program will award eight free copies of JAWS Professional to students making the move to university or TAFE education.

Applicants must be Australian and New Zealand citizens who are blind or vision impaired and planning to pursue full-time courses of study at university or TAFE level. Applications must be received by Friday 1 December 2006, and winners will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next edition of LiveWire. Good Luck!

The 2006 WYNN Scholarship has recently closed and 8 students with Learning Disabilities will soon find out that they have won a full copy of WYNN to help them embark on their tertiary careers. Announcements will be made in a future edition of LiveWire.

For information on any Scholarship program please contact:

Bronwyn Davies, Marketing Coordinator

bdavies@quantumtechnology.com.au

Creating Accessible Universities

In the past, providing blind students with access to the myriad computer systems available in a University has been a major headache. Thousands of computers, in multiple campuses with very strong security restrictions, made it hard to reliably install screen reading software like JAWS in just the right places needed by a highly mobile student population.

In recent times new options have become available that mean Universities and other large organisations can effectively give access to almost all computers reliably, without onerous demands on the IT staff, without compromising security, and without spending vast sums of money. In fact, the new flexible multi-user options are cheaper on a per seat basis than traditional single licenses. And certainly cheaper to administer and support.

Multi-user licenses can be installed on networks, laptops, or even USB thumb drives. Organisations can choose a mix of licenses - network, stand-alone - according to their particular requirements, even across multiple campuses. Some will choose a Network option, whereby a blind student can log on to any computer on the network and start JAWS. The network detects how many people are currently using JAWS, and if all licenses are in use, subsequent users can still use JAWS, but only in demo mode.

Another very flexible option is to provide blind students with Dongles. These are USB keys that plug into a computer and unlock, or authorize a dormant JAWS program on the computer. In this mode, JAWS can be installed on every computer in a dormant state awaiting authorization from the Dongle. This system does not require networks, and it does put some responsibility upon the user - it's fairly easy to lose a small USB Dongle; we recommend the Motel Keyfob approach of attaching a large unlosable "if found please return to Student Services" type fob.

One University that has successfully deployed JAWS with Dongles is Griffith University in Brisbane. A summary of their pilot program follows:

Students with vision impairments who have been involved in the Griffith University pilot project have provided positive feedback about the initiative, which has enabled their access to specialised software, either JAWS or MAGic, on a USB key. They have valued the improved access to the general computer labs on campus and the way this has enhanced their independence in the learning environment as well as their interaction with their peers.

It is hoped that other universities, colleges and TAFE’s will follow the example of Griffith University and find real solutions for their students who need assistive technology.

Low Vision? Get the Facts

It is estimated that over 800,000 people in Australia have Macular Degeneration at varying stages, making it the leading cause of blindness in Australia.

Quantum is very pleased to sponsor and work closely with the Macular Degeneration Foundation (MDF). Based in Sydney, MDF now hold education seminars all around Australia, and perform an incredible service to people with Macular Degeneration and their families.

Quantum is the largest supplier of Low Vision aids in Australia with a range of over 30 different products. We offer free assessment services and once a suitable device has been found we provide it with no obligation to trial in your own home. We urge all customers to take up this offer to ensure that the product really does meet their needs once it is in their home.

Portable Magnification

Fusion is an exciting new design for portable magnification. A trendy looking device, it weighs only a fraction over 1 kg making it truly portable, yet has a 7 inch display.

You can use the Fusion in 2 ways.

First, simply open the case and roll the Fusion over your reading material. Rollers underneath the Fusion make this simple and easy to do.

Or, secondly, you can detach the camera unit from the Fusion case and use it like a mouse, moving the camera over the reading material or object you wish to view. This feature is great for reading surfaces that are not flat, like a thick telephone directory or labelling on bottles.

The Fusion has a magnification range of 6-16X and works in colour, positive and negative modes. For people who are sensitive to glare you can also choose different colour combinations such as yellow text on a blue background.

A writing mode also enables you to do simple writing tasks such as signing a cheque or filling out a crossword.

The Fusion has a battery life of three hours and can be plugged into the power supply for extended use if required. The Fusion is an excellent example of where product functionality and design combine to enhance your reading experience.

The Fusion is one example of the many options that now exist to have useful electronic magnification in a truly portable device. You can visit our showroom or have one of our representatives bring suitable products to your home.

Call us to make an appointment.

On ClearNote You Can See Forever

ClearNote is an exciting new development in portable magnification that combines close up viewing and distance viewing in the one product. The flexible swivel camera of the ClearNote means you can magnify documents on your desk and then quickly point the swivel camera towards an object in the distance, like a whiteboard. Its simple operation allows you to view, capture and save images at a more comfortable size on a laptop or desktop PC. You can also use ClearNote as a portable video magnifier, by connecting directly to a standard computer monitor.

A stable image taken from all distances

Although very lightweight and portable, ClearNote offers stable construction and provides crisp and clear images, taken from any distance. From reading books on your desktop to viewing the whiteboard and following presentations. The generous space beneath the camera allows you plenty of room to work, read and write.

Re-chargeable Batteries

Its on-board rechargeable battery provides over 4 hours continuous use without affecting the power consumption of your laptop PC.

Small Footprint

Due to its unique design, ClearNote takes up very little additional desk space.

Save the Image in Memory

Whether you want to be able to capture screenshots of a presentation or the classroom whiteboard, students can now store these images for later reference.

Key benefits:

• Portable video magnifier for desktop and distance viewing
• Use with a laptop PC to create a portable low vision workstation
• Connect to any PC monitor and use as a portable video magnifier
• 1.7x to 57x magnification on a 17" screen
• Stepless, continuous zoom

Viewing modes:

• Full colour
• Enhanced contrast black text on a white background
• Enhanced contrast white text on a black background
• Choice of nine high contrast foreground and background semi colours

Viewing features:

• Adjustable image size
• Picture-in-Picture display
• Image rotation
• Freeze focus
• Adjustable line marker to make reading easier (laptop PC users only)
• Capture an unlimited number of images in popular 'jpeg' and 'bmp' formats
• Image control facility allows the adjustment of brightness, contrast, saturation and hue

Quick plug-and-play design

ClearNote is simple to set-up and disassemble — you can be working with it in minutes.

And here’s a quote from a Year 9 student and ClearNote user

"So far I have used it to see what the teacher writes on the whiteboard (but it doesn’t improve her handwriting), taking snapshots of the board and selling them to my mates, looking at the charts and maps on the wall, getting a close look at the paintings in art (especially the naughty bits), and perving on Judy Smith who’s really good looking"

Up Coming Events

Quantum is on the road attending many conferences and expos showcasing our equipment! Some of the up coming events are:

• 24 November 2006, Assistive Technology Options for Students. Statewide Vision Resource Centre, 370-380 Springvale Road, Donvale, Victoria
• 30 November - 1 December 2006 IDEAS Expo 2006 Mirambeena Centre 19 Martha Mews in Lavington, Albury
• 28 November 1 - December 2006 PATHWAYS8 CONFERENCE What WE do NOW will make the difference, Wrest Point Convention Centre, Hobart, Tasmania
• 7-12 January 2007, biennial SPEVI conference, ‘Connecting the Pathways: Sharing our Knowledge’, Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, Western Australia

We also have an on-going commitment to provide education seminars and talks to interested groups such as Lions, Rotary, Probus and other Seniors Groups. This is a no charge service where we provide general information about the eye conditions and diseases that cause Low Vision, and the assistive technology options that can help people continue to live independently.

If you would like us to participate in your event please contact us on 02 8844 9888 or info@quantumtechnology.com.au.