Executive View
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Notes from the Chair
The United Nations' theme for this year's International Day of Disabled Persons is accessibility to information technologies. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of technology to people with disabilities and to point out the profit to society when disabled people are empowered with increased access to information technologies. In this issue you will find reference to technologies which help offset the effects of blindness and low vision. Please draw the existence of these assistive devices to the attention of anyone whom you think might benefit.
Perhaps the simplest yet most effective assistive device for blind and low vision people is the white cane. Even President Bush proclaimed October 15th "White Cane Safety Day". He called upon public officials, business leaders, educators, librarians, and all citizens to work to ensure that the benefits and privileges of progress were available to blind and vision-impaired citizens.
At a more sophisticated level, text to speech reading devices, speech recognition software, video-assisted magnification and CCTVs are examples of devices that are opening up the world of information to blind and low vision people. Soon lower cost bar code readers will make shopping for blind people easier. Better production methods for tactile graphics should help younger blind children picture the world, while affordable speech-capable global positioning devices will make getting about a pleasure rather than a chore. The cost and complexity of these devices are barriers now but technology will certainly continue to make everyday life for blind people more satisfying.
However, there is a major paradox regarding information accessibility. Accessible information technology does not necessarily equate with literacy - the ability to read and write with ease. World-wide there appears to be a reduction in braille literacy which is being offset by tapes, CDs, and talking computers. So, there is more knowledge available, but a decline in the ability of blind people to read and write. Further, visual imagery is becoming commonplace and more powerful in the transfer of information and ideas.
Some educators say there is no correlation between braille literacy and educational achievement. On the contrary, US figures suggest that 93% of the employed blind population read and write braille. Let's "get real" and continue building a society in which all citizens can enjoy the realisation of their full potential.
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Paula Daye, Chief Executive
In September while finalising the annual report, and in November when writing my AGM speech, I was struck by our achievements in 2005-2006, and by how much more there is to do!
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the annual conferences of the Association of Blind Citizens and Parents of Vision Impaired. We worked together when lobbying Government in 2006, and these efforts will increase in 2007.
The RNZFB is well into the creation of our second, three-year Strategic Plan as the Foundation OF the Blind. This plan was informed by 48 submissions and 348 attendees at regional forums. The draft went to members and stakeholders last month. Submissions are encouraged and will be accepted until 17 January.
National consultation requires a huge effort, but it is essential to being OF the Blind.
We may all be tired of hearing about "financial pressures", but they are a daily reality. We cannot keep providing more essential services than Government funds. It is not sustainable.
"Seeing the Possibilities" pilots in Dunedin, Christchurch and South Auckland have been so successful, with such positive member feedback, that we plan to roll out a centre-based service delivery approach in 2007. By delivering services at main Foundation centres, and in members' homes, we will reduce waiting times and deliver services more efficiently. We also will be seeking ways to work with other service providers.
I am increasingly excited about the Digital Talking Books Project. Members in the trial have commented on improved sound quality, the advantage of internet delivery, and the improved navigation offered by the DAISY structure. The pilot will end in early 2007. The Board will decide in 2007 whether our digital future will include internet delivery of talking books or the use of CDs or other media. Recent visitors to New Zealand from Plextor's electronic equipment division - who make a range of electronic equipment including talking book machines, were very interested in our world-leading pilot.
I wish our members, staff, volunteers and stakeholders the happiest of holidays. Next year will be filled with challenges, but by pulling together we will succeed!