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Braille codes come together

Over the past 12 years the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand have been working on unifying a braille code that can be used by all seven countries for both literary and technical material.

This unification will speed up braille production and demystify transcribing. The code gained approval at the international level in April 2004, and now the Braille Authority of New Zealand is consulting with teachers, users and producers before developing a transition plan. Watch this space.

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Members honoured for service

Two Foundation members received a Queen's Service Medal this year for Community Service. Russell Smith from Pulse Data in Christchurch received his award for services to the vision-impaired. Mervyn Reay, from Hamilton, was also a recipient (and received the 2003 RNZFB's Chairman's Award).

Congratulations to them both and a big thank you for all their hard work.

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Sporting members off to Athens

Two vision-impaired Foundation members will compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens this year.

Tim Prendergast and Daniel Sharp are part of the Lion Foundation New Zealand Paralympic Team. They will be competing between 17 and 28 September. Tim (25) from Wellington will be running in the 800m and 1500m. Daniel (16) from Auckland will be swimming in the 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle as well as the 100m breaststroke. The Lion Foundation New Zealand Paralympic Team has 34 athletes and 23 management staff from nine different sports.

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Southern Cross Games glory

The biennial Southern Cross Games for young vision-impaired athletes from the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia were held in Sydney from 28 June to 2 July. Eight New Zealand students participated in the Games with exceptional results. In the track and field events the Kiwis received 13 gold medals, 7 silver and 6 bronze. The swimmers did just as well with 7 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze.

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Craig Jessop no achilles heel

In May, Foundation member Craig Jessop cycled the length of New Zealand to raise funds for disabled athletes. In 1989, Mr Jessop became blind as a result of a car accident. He cycled with a partner on a tandem bike from Bluff to his hometown Whangarei. Proceeds of the venture were donated to the Achilles Foundation, an organisation that helps disabled athletes achieve their goals.

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Glaucoma NZ public meetings

Glaucoma NZ holds public meetings with an informative talk by an ophthalmologist, followed by a question time. Everyone with glaucoma is invited to attend.

There will be three South Island meetings in September:

  • Timaru, Wednesday 22, 4.30pm
  • Ashburton, Thursday 23, 6pm
  • Christchurch, Saturday 25, 10am

In October and November meetings will be held in:

  • Wellington, October 16, 10am
  • Invercargill, November 6, 10am
  • Oamaru, November 10, time not available
  • Dunedin, November 13, time not available

Ph 09 373 8779 for more details about these free meetings or visit www.glaucoma.org.nz.

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Kia Kaha 60th Jubilee

In October, the Kia Kaha Blind Hockey Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a Jubilee Weekend. Past and present hockey club members are invited to attend the celebrations. Registration and payment must be received by Friday 1 October.

To register please contact:

Donna McCaskill on 09 355 6917 or 09 279 7340, email: dmccaskill@xtra.co.nz

or Florence Selby on 09 277 6012, email: sellbee@xtra.co.nz.

The timetable is as follows:

  • Friday, 22 Oct 5pm - mix and mingle night at Awhina House, Parnell, Auckland.
  • Saturday, 23 Oct - round robin heats and bbq/refreshments after the games.
  • Sunday, 24 Oct - hockey finals and formal dinner at Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club with an awards ceremony and a guest speaker.
  • Monday, 25 Oct - farewell breakfast at Awhina House.
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Blind Week 2004

With Blind Week just around the corner - 26 October to 1 November - we are gearing up for another stunning campaign. As always we would love your support, so if you can spare a few hours to help us collect pick up the phone and dial 0800 002 345 and you will be connected to your regional fundraising team.

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Needs assessors here to help

Have your circumstances changed or your vision deteriorated recently?

Are you having difficulty managing around the home, or is getting out and about a major challenge?

Do you require a reassessment of your needs?

Contact the Needs Assessor at your Local office or phone 0800 24 33 33 for assistance.

Remember help is only a phone call away.

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