Editor's Content |  |
News which is not included in the local newspaper can also be of help and interest to blind and partially sighted people. Sources of information either in audio or text format are shown below, as well as general information that may need some research by you.
We hope this section is useful and that you will share it with your colleagues. To send news suggestions to us, email editorscontent@tnf.org.uk or call 0871 226 5506.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New App helps blind to send text messages
New technology to help visually impaired people text using touchscreen mobile devices has been developed. Researchers at Georgia Tech produced the app - to be made available on Apple and Android devices - based on the Braille writing system. Go to BBC technology. For a hard copy of the page Click here
Unified English Braille Code
At the end of last year, the UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF) voted to adopt the Unified English Braille code (UEB) for the United Kingdom. The changes are not dramatic and it is hoped that the new code will make Braille easier to learn, easier to convert into print, and easier to share with other English speaking countries amongst other things. Further details
Guide Dogs: an invitation to visit them
A chance to tour the Leamington Training Centre, see the dogs in action and talk to the experts. Places are limited - so don't delay. Click here for details
Press Release from Herts County Council
The Department of Transport has made some changes to the blue badge system. Herts County Council has issued a Press Release on what's happening in their county.
Macular Disease Society 25th birthday exhibition
The Macular Disease Society is inviting entries (deadline 29th February 2012) for its 25th birthday exhibition Peripheral Visions to be held at the Menier Gallery in London next year. The charity was established in 1987 to support people with visual impairment caused by all forms of macular disease, a condition which damages the central vision. More details and how to enter
The 3 Tenners Olympic Challenge
Athletes from Vision 2020 UK, Thomas Pocklington Trust and SeeAbility are all set to raise funds for sight loss causes. Details of the Challenge
RNIB Technology Support Squad
Is there something you don't understand about today's technology? Perhaps you're having trouble with your computer or can't tune in your digital radio? If so, RNIB has a squad of volunteers to help you. More information
Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK has received funding to develop Community in Touch England which creates social groups for people who have a combined sight and hearing loss. Social group launch January 2012
St Dunstan's
Find out more about St Dunstan's, who support blind veterans for life.
Journey
Torch Trust, a Christian organisation working with people with sight loss, produces a weekly download offering four or five minutes of audio which contains a mix of Bible readings, reflections and topical comment, much of it written by blind or partially sighted people. http://www.torchtrust.org/smartweb/downloads/downloads
RNIB
Information on RNIB products/services for local TNs to download to include in their magazines. The copyright is owned by RNIB who offer these files freely to local TNs for inclusion in their local service. December 2011 downloads include Good Vibrations magazine about Radio 4; Progress Pantry Magazine about Sony TV and Progress Pantry magazine about Scrabble. More information
NTNM
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines also provide articles which you can download and freely copy for your listeners. Information on downloads
Disability Law Service
The Disability Law Service is a national charity that employs lawyers to give advice to disabled people, their family members and carers. Read more
ClearReader + Text-to-speech product
There are no further Optelec Limited events this year under the VisionZone brand, but do look at their website www.optelec.co.uk
Previous items you may want to see again:
Expand all
Collapse all
-
Give someone a special gift this Christmas:
Talking Books
-
Calibre Audio Library improves the quality of life for people with sight loss or other disabilities who cannot read print by bringing them the pleasure of reading through a free, nationwide postal service of audio books. We offer a choice of over 8,500 titles, fiction and non-fiction. The Calibre website www.calibre.org.uk provides details of all our services including on-line access to our complete catalogue of audio books. Calibre Audio Library is a registered charity: number 286614.
-
Infosound, which is a registered charity, brings free, accessible, impartial and relevant news and information to vision-impaired (blind and partially-sighted) people across the UK on subjects that directly affect living with sight loss. www.infosound.org.uk
-
THE TORCH TRUST is a Christian organisation with a worldwide vision for people with sight loss. There is a new audio thought for each week which is available for you to use: www.torchtrust.org This 4/5 minute audio contains a mix of Bible readings, reflections and topical comment, much of it written by blind or partially sighted people.
-
An up to date resource of free, fully cleared, easy to use public information messages for commercial radio stations and audio broadcasters. To access the full site please register and we’ll send you a password. http://radiofillers.coi.gov.uk