News at a Glance
Aquarium Exhibit for Blind/Low Vision
Under Development
A new tactile exhibit, now
in the testing phase, will make aquarium exhibits accessible to
those who are blind or have low vision. Once completed, the exhibits—touch-activated, tactile models of fish with an audio component
where applicable—will become part of a permanent exhibit at North
Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.
The goal is to design
a user-initiated touching or exploring system that eliminates the
need for buttons, switches or complex computer programs. “Blind and low vision visitors to museums, zoos,
aquariums and historic sites have been significantly underserved
to date,” said Georgia Minnich, Exhibits Curator at the North
Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. “This system will significantly
enhance their experience.”
Supported by a grant
from the Department of Education’s National
Institute for Disability Rehabilitation Research, RAF Models will
be gathering data over three years that will support the development
of national guidelines for the design of tactile exhibits give the
blind and low vision audience access to the exhibit information.
A working prototype
exhibit, developed by RAF Models, Inc., is being developed specifically
for aquariums, considered by many to be the most difficult type
of exhibit to make accessible to the blind or low vision audience.
The process benefits sighted individuals as well. Commented Rebecca
Fuller, founder and owner of RAF Models, “When
thinking about how to provide information for the blind, we end up
also providing more information for the sighted audience.” ![]()
Source: Scott Carpenter at
scott@capturevalue.com
Does the Word ‘Insane’Describe
Your Disability?
According to the Minnesota
State Constitution, it’s OK to call
people with disabilities insane. In fact, the state constitution
says that people who are insane do not have the right to vote. Neither
do people under guardianship. If you don’t think this is right,
and want the state constitution to be changed, then contact the Minnesota
Disability Law Center for more information as to how you can help
at 612-746-3799 or mthor@midmnlegal.org.
People with disabilities have the right and want to vote! ![]()
Source: Minnesota Disability
Law Center
No-Cost Medical Eye Care
to Qualified Seniors
This summer
EyeCare America is urging seniors, “Don’t
Lose Sight of Your Independence.” The national health campaign
is intended to remind the senior community about the value of eyesight. “By
age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision-limiting disease.
Unfortunately, many aren’t aware they have a disease, or believe
poor vision is a natural part of the aging process,” said Richard
P. Mills, MD. “We need to reach seniors with the message that
proper eye care is a significant component of their overall health
care.”
EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates one of the largest programs
of its kind in American medicine. The Seniors Program is designed
for US citizens age 65 and older, who have not seen an ophthalmologist
in three or more years and don’t belong to an HMO or the VA.
The three-month long promotional campaign runs until September 19.
This program offers eye exams and up to one year of medical care
at no out-of-pocket cost for seniors who are without an ophthalmologist.
To see if you, a loved one or a friend are eligible to receive a
referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937), 24
hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. ![]()
Source:
www.eyecareamerica.org
Communication
Aid Introduced with
Windows XP Compatibility
The company PRC recently
released a product named ECO-14, an augmentative and alternative
communications (AAC) device that features Windows XP compatibility
as well as better communication capabilities. ECO-14 comes pre-programmed
with an array of proprietary and proven language and vocabulary
software programs designed to support language learning and independent
communication, including all versions of such popular word prediction
software as Unity, WordCore and WordQ. In addition, the program
allows greater access to the internet and other software programs. ![]()
Source: PRC
Minnesota State Fair Offers Accessibility
for All Guests
The annual Minnesota
State Fair, which runs August 23rd to September 3rd, has a number
of accommodations planned for guests with disabilities. In addition
to recurring services such as daily wheelchair rental and ASL interpretation
of a number of exhibits and events, this year’s
fair will also feature other services for people with disabilities.
There is ample parking for vehicles with a valid disabled persons
parking placard. In addition, the State Fair publishes an “Attraction
Access Guide” to assist guests in making choices about appropriate
rides.
Another feature of this
year’s fair will be a number of events
designed to honor and entertain Minnesota’s senior population.
The 2007 Outstanding Senior Citizen Awards Ceremony will be held
Thursday, August 30th at 11 am and will honor recipients from counties
all over the state.
All entertainment venues,
both indoor and outdoor, will have access for entry, exit and viewing,
as well as limited seating areas for guests with disabilities.
Other features, such as ASL interpreters available to assist guests
for free and TTY pay phones at several locations, go even farther
to welcome and assist all guests to the 12 day event. ![]()
Source: Minnesota State Fair
