• What are Adaptive Communications?
• Adaptive Communications Instruction
• What is Adaptive Technology?
• Adaptive Technology group learning
• Mobile Training Unit
• Adaptive Technology Consultants
• Adaptive Technology helpdesk

What are Adaptive Communications?

The term Adaptive Communications refers to the items and knowledge that help a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person to communicate more easily – at work, at home, or in the community.

Adaptive Communications Instruction

An Adaptive Communications Instructor teaches RNZFB members to use adaptive communications technology for reading and writing. Instruction is offered one-on-one, in small groups, and through distance learning programmes.

These are some of the areas instructors are involved in:

• Braille: Structured lessons use audio scripts to teach uncontracted and contracted braille, reading readiness and touch development. (Perkins braille-writing machines are loaned to members learning braille for the first six months.)
• Keyboarding skills: Touch typing courses in both audio format and large print.
• Electronic notetakers: Individualised programmes to suit each member's needs.
• Scanners: Stand-alone units and software packages for assessment and instruction are available.
• Video magnifiers (CCTVs): Assessment and home trial followed by instruction and information for purchase or rental.
• Computers with speech, screen magnification and braille displays: Matching technology to each individual's needs. One-on-one or small group classes are offered, including audio or braille tutorials.

Adaptive Communication Instructors are based at the RNZFB offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. For more information please phone 0800 24 33 33.

What is Adaptive Technology?

This is the broad term for technology that is specifically designed to assist people with a disability to participate more fully in a range of communications.

Examples include the talking screen reading software that reads out in synthetic speech what a sighted person would see on a computer screen, paperless braille displays that render electronic text in braille, braille embossers, notetakers with speech or braille output, and products that enlarge or improve the display of information on a screen.

Crucial to the Foundation's ability to provide adaptive technology to blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders is the partnership with the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation. The passion and expertise of Vodafone in delivering information communications technology continues to make a huge difference in the lives of Foundation members. Recently, a significant development to this partnership was announced.

Read more about the range of commonly available adaptive technology.

Adaptive Technology group learning

The RNZFB operates classrooms in Auckland and Wellington to help members learn to use computers, with or without Adaptive Technology (AT). The environment is very supportive, and staff are on hand to assist learning.

Instruction is offered in keyboarding, computer basics, word processing, using the internet and email.

Classes are open to members of all ages, and everyone is encouraged to learn at their own pace. Participants receive a variety of materials especially tailored to suit the blind or vision-impaired.

The Auckland classroom offers facilities for up to eight students, modern computer technology, AT software, including large-image software, screen-readers, and scanning programmes. There are two full-time instructors, so each member receives a maximum amount of individualised instruction.

Members interested in obtaining credits towards the Level 2 Certificate in Computing (NZQA qualification) can achieve these via the Auckland programme. Single-week and longer term courses are available.

The response to this group learning environment has been very positive. As one graduate put it:

"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend this course. It was an excellent learning experience, and it taught me so much. I had no idea that there was so much software out there that could help me."

Mobile Training Unit

In late 2004, the RNZFB began a new approach to providing computer and AT training to members in the lower North Island.

A mobile training unit offers up to six computer workstations to a variety of communities from Wellington to New Plymouth, Palmerston North to Gisborne and the Hawke's Bay. The training is centre-based, but within the communities that members reside.

Courses offered include: computer basics, keyboarding, word processing, emailing, and internet navigation.

If you are interested in finding out more about the mobile unit training, please phone Tom Smith on 0800 24 33 33 or email: AT.

Adaptive Technology Consultants

Adaptive Technology Consultants provide blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people with a full assessment of the technology they need (at home or at work) to achieve greater access to print and digital media.

The Consultants can establish whether a person's current AT equipment will function in the workplace and what additional products and/or instruction may be needed.

Consultants will:

1. Assess members' vision and technology needs at home, at their place of study, or at work.
2. Provide a formal report of costing and equipment needs and cost.
3. Ensure that the equipment recommended is acquired efficiently. (This is achieved by working closely with the Foundation's Vocational Placement Coordinators and third party funding organisations such as Workbridge, ACC, Accessable, Enable.)
4. Install and configure Adaptive Technology.
5. Provide AT instruction via the Group Learning opportunities, the Mobile Training Unit and one-on-one.
6. Organise Jaws scripting (screen-reading software program that reads text aloud).

If you would like to make contact with your local Consultant, please phone 0800 24 33 33.

Adaptive Technology helpdesk

This helpdesk offers:

• Adaptive technology (AT) and mainstream computing support for members and RNZFB staff.
• Over-the-phone and in-house technical support.
• Up-to-date information on the latest advances in AT.
• In-house accessibility testing of AT-assisted mainstream software.
• Specialised accessibility testing of websites and other software for organisations.

RNZFB members who have AT queries are welcome to contact us during business hours on 0800 24 33 33 and ask for the adaptive technology helpdesk or email: AThelpdesk

Alternatively, after business hours phone: 09 355 6930 and leave a message with these details: your name, a brief statement of the issue at hand, your phone number and the times you can be reached.