Technology
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New service teaches Dunedin members computer skills
Are you living in the Dunedin area? Are you looking to develop your computer technology skills for the workplace?
An exciting new service called Work Link has launched at the Foundation's Dunedin branch. It's for members who are job-hunting or those who are already in employment, but looking to up-skill.
Work Link teaches members how to use computers, the internet, research jobs and find information to pursue study. It's a joint venture between the Foundation's Adaptive Technology and Employment teams, running on a trial basis between May and July 2010.
Sessions are free, and run fortnightly on Mondays between 1:30-3:30pm. They take place in the Adaptive Technology classroom at the Foundation's Dunedin Office, on the corner of Hillside Road and Law Street.
To find out more or book a session, please phone 03 466 4230.
If you live outside Dunedin and are interested in finding out about similar programmes near you, please phone 0800 24 33 33 and ask to speak with your local employment Consultant.
Website to watch
Low Visionary is a thought-provoking and entertaining website run by Foundation member and Human Rights Commissioner, Robyn Hunt.
Consisting mainly of blog postings, the content focuses on access to information. Other topics canvassed include politics, the arts, media and disability rights.
With engaging copy, links to timely online videos and feeds through to social media such as Robyn's own Twitter account, this website is for anyone who's interested in disability issues. Oh, and it's accessible too.
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Equipment display days
For information about the Foundation's Equipment Services, listen to the equipment display details on TIS, phone 0800 24 33 33 (option 4) or visit www.rnzfb.org.nz/equipmentshop
For any other information about magnification, closed-circuit televisions, canes or lighting assessments, please contact your local Service Manager.
2 June, Christchurch, RNZFB Office, 11:30am-1:30pm
2 June, Morrinsville, RSA Bowling Club, 10:00am-1:30pm
9 June, Auckland, RNZFB Office, 10:00am-1:00pm
1 July, Wanganui, RNZFB Office, 12:00pm-2:00pm
6 July, Rotorua, RNZFB Office, 10:30am-1:30pm
7 July, Christchurch, RNZFB Office, 11:30am-1:30pm
14 July, Auckland, Guide Dog Services Auditorium, McVilly Road, 10:00am-1:00pm
15 July, Wellington, RNZFB Office, 10:00am-2:00pm
20 July, Gisborne, RNZFB Office, 10:00am-2:00pm
28 July, Auckland, RNZFB Office, 10:00am-1:00pm
4 August, Christchurch, RNZFB Office, 11:30am-1:30pm
24 August, Feilding, Coombrae Rest Home, North St, 1:30pm-3:00pm
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Latest news and equipment
HumanWare name change
In January 2010, Vision Associates HumanWare was formed to assume the distribution, sales, service and support of HumanWare's products in New Zealand. Vision Associates HumanWare will continue operating from the same Christchurch premises. Servicing and product support will also remain unchanged. For any queries, please phone 0508 225 5734.
Cobalt talking colour detector
This clever handheld device is for anyone who has trouble identifying colours. It detects and audibly announces the basic colour and shade of any surface it is pointed towards, for example, 'very dark blue'. For more information or pricing details, contact Equipment Services on 0800 24 33 33 (option 4).
knfbReader Mobile
The knfbReader Mobile is a pocket-sized reading device combining mobile phone technology, several software packages, and now, a braille display. Based on the Nokia N86 mobile phone, it allows users to take pictures of and read printed material at the push of a button. The knfbReader Mobile is compatible with braille and Bluetooth technology, and can be wirelessly connected to a portable 12 cell Esys Braille display. A 10 key braille keyboard also gives users the ability to navigate the mobile by reproducing all the standard key combinations. The addition of braille compatibility offers deafblind and other braille users access to this useful device.
For more information, contact Pacific Vision on 03 376 5071 or visit www.PacificVision.org.nz.
[Photograph: knfbReader Mobile]
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