Technology
Page 29
Talking analogue alarm clock
With easy to access buttons and large black numbers on a white face, this clock is a hit with blind and partially sighted users.
The pear shape design makes it easy to locate the large button on the top so you can activate the voice function whenever you need to hear the time. This complements the pleasant voice that announces the time hourly. Depending on personal preference, you can choose to set alarms that beep in one minute durations, or set your alarm to just voice.
To purchase this product, visit www.rnzfb.org.nz/product and click on the search button on the top right, then type in "pear shaped clock". Alternatively you can phone Equipment Services between Monday and Friday from 7:00am and 4:00pm on 0800 24 33 33, option four.
Member price: $39; non-member price: $59.
Win a phone
Telecom has donated two phones to give away to RNZFB members.
The latest Uniden SSE series from Telecom has a range of accessible features, including text to speech technology (allowing the announcing of the number when you dial) and large backlit buttons. It is also equipped with an integrated digital answer machine.
The phones include the Uniden SSE25 (single) and the Uniden SSE27+1 (combo).
To enter the draw, email comms@rnzfb.org.nz with your name and phone number. Winners will be drawn on 1 September 2011.
Visit www.telecom.co.nz to find out more about phones.
Page 30
Empowering students through equipment
Pacific Vision International is giving away up to $100,000 worth of equipment to blind and partially sighted students.
This equipment includes PACMates QX and BX 420, Braille Displays 40 and 12 Cell, Reading machines, magnification software and CCTVs.
- The initiative is aimed at helping people who are currently studying, but who can't access blindness-related equipment to aid their studies.
Photograph: A member using a CCTV
To apply, you must:
- Be a RNZFB member and currently studying or receiving mainstream education in New Zealand. Provide proof that your previous funding applications for equipment have been turned down. Include in your application a letter of support from the RNZFB or a Visual Resource Teacher, detailing that you can use the equipment and why you should receive it.
- Please note that if successful, the equipment must be insured. The equipment cannot be sold, and if the equipment is no longer needed, it must be returned.
- Please send applications to Paul Manning, Executive Officer, Parents of Vision Impaired, PO Box 366, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton by 30 September 2011.
Page 31
Upcoming equipment display days
Central Auckland: 6 Sep, RNZFB Office, 10:00am-12:00pm.
South Auckland (Manurewa): 7 Sep, Community Room, Manurewa Library, 10:30am-12:30pm.
South Auckland (Pukekohe): 5 Oct, Concernt Chamber, Pukekohe Town Hall,, 10:30am-12:30pm.
Hamilton: 5 Oct, RNZFB Office, 10:30am-2:30pm.
Taupo: 14 Sep, St John's Rooms, 10:30am-12:30pm.
Gisborne: 27 Sep, RNZFB Office, 10:00am-2:00pm.
New Plymouth: 22 Sep, RNZFB Office, 1:30pm-3:00pm.
Levin: 7 Sep, St Andrews Church Hall, Oxford St, 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Christchurch: 7 Sep & 5 Oct, RNZFB Office, 11:30am-1:30pm.
Not all equipment display days for the year are listed and this information is subject to change. For more information or to confirm dates, please contact your local office or phone 0800 24 33 33 and choose option four. For a list of equipment, visit www.rnzfb.org.nz/product
To subscribe to RNZFB Equip news, a newsletter that provides updates on the latest equipment available, send an email to rnzfb-equipnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com