Reports of the creation of early-stage retinas in the laboratory give hopes for the future development of transplant ready retinas, which could help treat as yet incureable eye conditions such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Scientists at UC Irvine in the USA have created the first ever three-dimentional tissue structure usining human embryonic stem cells, an eight layer, early-stage retina. In the process, called differentiation, the stem cells can be directed to become specific cells types that make up the retina. Tests are being performed to see if these lab created retinas improve vision in animals before human clinical trials are carried out.
Millions of people could benefit from retinal transplant with macular degeneration being the leading cause of age-related blindness and retinal pigmentose being a common form of sight-loss from an early age.
Read the full story at The Medical News by clicking here.
Thursday 27 May 2010
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Guide Dog of the Year 2010 nominations
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association UK are taking nominations for 2010's Guide Dog of the Year awards.
There are three catagories to find the dog which has helped their blind owner avoid danger in a heroic manner, changed their owners life for the better or has adapted outstandingly to new and unusual situations. One dog from these winners will be named Guide Dog of the Year 2010.
For details on how to nominate a dog visit the Guide Dogs web sight by clicking here.
Nominations must be in by 23 June. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 8 September at a ceremony at the Museum of London, Docklands, London.
There are three catagories to find the dog which has helped their blind owner avoid danger in a heroic manner, changed their owners life for the better or has adapted outstandingly to new and unusual situations. One dog from these winners will be named Guide Dog of the Year 2010.
Beyond the Call of Duty – for dogs that have performed a heroic act, or helped their owner avoid a dangerous situation.Quote for the Guide Dogs web site
Life Changing – for dogs who have given their owners the mobility and confidence to take on a new challenge; e.g. going to work, trying a new hobby…or something completely different.
Outstanding Work – for dogs whose work is exceptional; e.g. adapting to a new environment or circumstances, or mastering complex skills.
For details on how to nominate a dog visit the Guide Dogs web sight by clicking here.
Nominations must be in by 23 June. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 8 September at a ceremony at the Museum of London, Docklands, London.
Audio Description - TV, Film, Theatre and Sport
Just because someone is blind or visually impaired does not mean that they can't enjoy television, films, the theatre or sport. People forget that video, art and sport can be audio as well as visual media and that most people with loss of vision have some useful sight and they still have the right to consume and get pleasure from them.
Audio Description (AD):
TV and video:
Some television programmes in the UK, as well as DVD/BluRay movies, are broadcast with Audio Description or have AD options on the disk. AD is an extra audio track with a professional narrative that describes action happening on the screen, making it possible to follow what is going on if you are visually impaired. Anything visual, such as locations, facial expressions and on screen text is described to convey important information to the viewer.
Many TVs and DVD/BluRay players have an option to turn on the description. The problem is that most options are hidden away in the options menus which can be difficult to find for unsighted people.
Television:
TVHelp.org is a useful web site which lists equipment designed for the visually impaired or blind user. Details on how to find out and set up your existing equipment is alspavailable. The site has TV listings for programmes that broadcast AD. AltNot all channels or programmes have AD but the number is increasing.
Links to Audio Description TV listings:
Freeview
FreeSat
Sky
Virgin Media
Blind people get a 50% reduction on the TV licence fee - click here for more info.
DVD/BluRay:
RNIB list of DVDs that carry Audio Description
YourLocalCinema list of current audio description DVDs
Video tapes could only hold one audio track but now with digital media like DVD and BluRay extra tracks can be set aside for Audio Description tracks. Although it can ofter be difficult to find the AD option in a DVD menu that are invariably visual and in non-standard formats, many DVD player remote controls have a dedicated "audio" button for turning on different audio tracks. This means that AD can be accessed without setup from a sighted person.
Although the number of disks with AD is growing, DVD extras and special features often fail to have descriptive tracks. Why manufacturers don't think that blind or visually impaired viewers wouldn't be interested in how their films are made or whatever the extras have to offer is a reflection of the lack of access that the blind and VI have to endure in many walks of life.
Some video equipment is designed especially for the visually impaired, including big button and talking remote controls. TVHelp web site has regular news of new equipment available to those with sight problems. Other features that can help the visually impaired are beeping sounds when buttons are pressed on the remote, surround sound and the ability to also play audio CDs. So choosing the right equipment can make the viewing experience easier and more pleasurable. Click here to view the site.
DVDs can also be watched on most modern PCs and the programs WinDVD and PowerDVD work with many screen readers so accessing menus can be easier than on equipment connected to a television.
Cinema:
Although in limited numbers so far, some cinemas have a service which can help visually impaired and blind people experience films in the cinema environment. The only way people with sight problems could enjoy the cinema was to go with soneone who could whisper what was going on on screen, spoiling the experience for the narrator and others in the theatre. Now some cinemas offer audio descriptio via headphones or even special showings with audio description over the cinema's sound system.
YourLocalCinema.com has a list of films currently showing with audio description and the participating cinemas, click here.
TVHelp has a list of cinemas that offer audio description - click here.
Another available Audio Despription:
Theatre:
AD is also available in some theatres and even some opera houses. Approximately 90 theatres around the country have sou d proof booths so the performance can be described as it happens and transmitted to headphones. TVHelp have a list of participating theatrtes - click here.
Sports Grounds:
Many sports stadiums are beginning to offer Audio Description so people can experience the atmosphere of live sport. Live sport is more exciting and disablked fans are being given more and more access to joining their sighted counterparts. Association of Wheelchair and Ambulant Disabled Supporters (AWADS) lists and reviews football grounds that offer the service- click here.
There are also reports that at least 15 seats will be made available to blind or partially sighted people with Audio Description at the stadiums at the South Africa 2010 World Cup next month. The London Olympics in 2012 willo also have AD available.
Link to RNIB page on other sports grounds offering AD.
Further links:
Audio Description (AD):
TV and video:
Some television programmes in the UK, as well as DVD/BluRay movies, are broadcast with Audio Description or have AD options on the disk. AD is an extra audio track with a professional narrative that describes action happening on the screen, making it possible to follow what is going on if you are visually impaired. Anything visual, such as locations, facial expressions and on screen text is described to convey important information to the viewer.
Many TVs and DVD/BluRay players have an option to turn on the description. The problem is that most options are hidden away in the options menus which can be difficult to find for unsighted people.
Television:
TVHelp.org is a useful web site which lists equipment designed for the visually impaired or blind user. Details on how to find out and set up your existing equipment is alspavailable. The site has TV listings for programmes that broadcast AD. AltNot all channels or programmes have AD but the number is increasing.
Links to Audio Description TV listings:
Freeview
FreeSat
Sky
Virgin Media
Blind people get a 50% reduction on the TV licence fee - click here for more info.
DVD/BluRay:
RNIB list of DVDs that carry Audio Description
YourLocalCinema list of current audio description DVDs
Video tapes could only hold one audio track but now with digital media like DVD and BluRay extra tracks can be set aside for Audio Description tracks. Although it can ofter be difficult to find the AD option in a DVD menu that are invariably visual and in non-standard formats, many DVD player remote controls have a dedicated "audio" button for turning on different audio tracks. This means that AD can be accessed without setup from a sighted person.
Although the number of disks with AD is growing, DVD extras and special features often fail to have descriptive tracks. Why manufacturers don't think that blind or visually impaired viewers wouldn't be interested in how their films are made or whatever the extras have to offer is a reflection of the lack of access that the blind and VI have to endure in many walks of life.
Some video equipment is designed especially for the visually impaired, including big button and talking remote controls. TVHelp web site has regular news of new equipment available to those with sight problems. Other features that can help the visually impaired are beeping sounds when buttons are pressed on the remote, surround sound and the ability to also play audio CDs. So choosing the right equipment can make the viewing experience easier and more pleasurable. Click here to view the site.
DVDs can also be watched on most modern PCs and the programs WinDVD and PowerDVD work with many screen readers so accessing menus can be easier than on equipment connected to a television.
Cinema:
Although in limited numbers so far, some cinemas have a service which can help visually impaired and blind people experience films in the cinema environment. The only way people with sight problems could enjoy the cinema was to go with soneone who could whisper what was going on on screen, spoiling the experience for the narrator and others in the theatre. Now some cinemas offer audio descriptio via headphones or even special showings with audio description over the cinema's sound system.
YourLocalCinema.com has a list of films currently showing with audio description and the participating cinemas, click here.
TVHelp has a list of cinemas that offer audio description - click here.
Another available Audio Despription:
Theatre:
AD is also available in some theatres and even some opera houses. Approximately 90 theatres around the country have sou d proof booths so the performance can be described as it happens and transmitted to headphones. TVHelp have a list of participating theatrtes - click here.
Sports Grounds:
Many sports stadiums are beginning to offer Audio Description so people can experience the atmosphere of live sport. Live sport is more exciting and disablked fans are being given more and more access to joining their sighted counterparts. Association of Wheelchair and Ambulant Disabled Supporters (AWADS) lists and reviews football grounds that offer the service- click here.
There are also reports that at least 15 seats will be made available to blind or partially sighted people with Audio Description at the stadiums at the South Africa 2010 World Cup next month. The London Olympics in 2012 willo also have AD available.
Link to RNIB page on other sports grounds offering AD.
Further links:
Thursday 20 May 2010
Blind bloggers
There are a number of blogs out in the blogosphere dealing with blind and visually impaired issues. This is specifically a list of blogs by people who are blind of partially sighted themselves, their thoughts with dealing with their disability, advice or just about everyday life from a blind perspective. Often their posts are nothing about their disability, we are normal people with random thoughts too!
Take a look.
If you are a blind or visually impaired blogger contact me and I'll add you to the list. email deedubya@visionwebsight.com
THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS I FIND MORE BLOGS BY BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. You can find it easily from the link on the right hand panel.
Take a look.
If you are a blind or visually impaired blogger contact me and I'll add you to the list. email deedubya@visionwebsight.com
- Action for Blind People official blog
With contributions from visually impaired bloggers including Sandi Wassmer, Kevin Nuttall and Shezan Hirjee
- Believing is Seeing (Laura Lawson)"An artist-turned-writer with deteriorating vision and an expanding heart. This is my story"
- The Blind Blogger (UK)
"Margaret and I are blind people and we run a company which delivers free software so that other blind people can use a computer and read and write again. The software makes the computer talk. It's great and free."
- Blindinglygood's Blog
"I am starting this blog as a visually impaired person with a keen interest in accessibility for the blind and the use of technology in particular... This blog will start by recording my experiences of learning to blog using WordPress and my experiences of going to my local college to learn how to use JAWS – software that enables the blind to use a computer."
- Fred's Head
"The Fred's Head blog contains tips, techniques, tutorials, in-depth articles, and resources for and by blind or visually impaired people. Fred's Head is offered by the American Printing House for the Blind."
- Perspectives from a Blind Point of View
"A blog dedicated to how I see the world as a 20 something blind woman, as well as news inportant to the blind community. Not all of my opinions will be based on my disability, but I hope to bring a new perspective to the blogging world."
- Random Happenings and Observations (Mel Spooner)"I live and work in Nottingham, England and am blind. This blog is often centred around things that happen to me because of being blind. This is my space to write and sometimes people will disagree with what I write, but its the one place I have in which to rant. I also like to reflect on the funnier side of life from time to time."
- Tim O'Brien's Photos
"A blind photographer’s exploration of his vision through photography and accessibility"
- Understand Connect Respect
"...this blog is to inform the general population regarding visual impairments. This blog is not designed to bash the visual community or make the population of those with vlindness or Visual impairments seem like victims or martyrs. This blog will serve as a method to blend the visual and non-visual worlds."
THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS I FIND MORE BLOGS BY BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. You can find it easily from the link on the right hand panel.
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
The eye is filled with a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous. Made up of 99% water and 1% other substances, such as collagen, that maintain the shape of the eye. The vitreous is attached to the retina (the back of the eye which receives light and sends messages to the brain).
What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)?
Some parts of the vitreous are more firmly attached than others. As people age the vitreous changes. The central part becomes more liquid and the outer layer (the cortex) starts to peel away from the retina.
In a small number of cases, if the vitreous is more strongly attached to the retina, tears may occur, which can lead to retinal detachment but this is rare.
PVD is very common, effecting 75% of people over 65.
Symptoms:
Sufferers usually notice "floaters" or flashing lights in their vision when they first develop PVD.
Floaters are shapes that drift across the vision. These can be in various forms, from small dots or circles to lines or cobweb-like strands but also one large shape that obsures vision as it floats across the eye. They are usually more of a problem in bright light.
The appearance of flashing lights can also occur when the vitreous detaches from the retina, pulling and stimulating the light sensitive membrane which sends messages to the brain. The brain interprets this stimulation as flashes of bright, white light. An increase of floaters normally occurs when this happens and could lead to a detached retina.
If there is a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of bright light, it is urgent the sufferer seeks immediate medical advice from from an eye specialist.
Retinal detachment can cause a "shadow" to spread across the vision of the effected eye, impairing vision.
Treatment:
There is currently no safe treatment for PVD. The symptoms usually calm down after a few months and the sufferer gets used to the floaters, as the brain adapts and ignores them. Although PVD takes time getting used to, the condition itself is essentially harmless and more of an annoyance than a permenant threat to sight.
The only real threat to vision is the small chance of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Early treatment to a retinal tear or detachment increases the chance of recovery, so seeking medical advice is very important. If caught early enough simple laser or freezinf treatment can be performed under local anisthetic. However an operation may need to be performed to repair or put the retina back in place.
The amount of vision resored by the operation depending on the scale of the detachment and for how long it has been detached. The shadow caused by the detachment is completely restored in most cases. If the area of the retina used for seeing fine detail has been damaged this may not fully recover.
If no operation is performed for a detached retina most people will lose useful sight so if PVA symptoms increase it is important to see a doctor.
Links:
For a more detailed and expert opinion amd advice visit:
RNIB page Posterior Vitrous Detachment
Moorfields hospital on floater
Illustrated guide from Good Hope hospital
What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)?
Some parts of the vitreous are more firmly attached than others. As people age the vitreous changes. The central part becomes more liquid and the outer layer (the cortex) starts to peel away from the retina.
In a small number of cases, if the vitreous is more strongly attached to the retina, tears may occur, which can lead to retinal detachment but this is rare.
PVD is very common, effecting 75% of people over 65.
Symptoms:
Sufferers usually notice "floaters" or flashing lights in their vision when they first develop PVD.
Floaters are shapes that drift across the vision. These can be in various forms, from small dots or circles to lines or cobweb-like strands but also one large shape that obsures vision as it floats across the eye. They are usually more of a problem in bright light.
The appearance of flashing lights can also occur when the vitreous detaches from the retina, pulling and stimulating the light sensitive membrane which sends messages to the brain. The brain interprets this stimulation as flashes of bright, white light. An increase of floaters normally occurs when this happens and could lead to a detached retina.
If there is a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of bright light, it is urgent the sufferer seeks immediate medical advice from from an eye specialist.
Retinal detachment can cause a "shadow" to spread across the vision of the effected eye, impairing vision.
Treatment:
There is currently no safe treatment for PVD. The symptoms usually calm down after a few months and the sufferer gets used to the floaters, as the brain adapts and ignores them. Although PVD takes time getting used to, the condition itself is essentially harmless and more of an annoyance than a permenant threat to sight.
The only real threat to vision is the small chance of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Early treatment to a retinal tear or detachment increases the chance of recovery, so seeking medical advice is very important. If caught early enough simple laser or freezinf treatment can be performed under local anisthetic. However an operation may need to be performed to repair or put the retina back in place.
The amount of vision resored by the operation depending on the scale of the detachment and for how long it has been detached. The shadow caused by the detachment is completely restored in most cases. If the area of the retina used for seeing fine detail has been damaged this may not fully recover.
If no operation is performed for a detached retina most people will lose useful sight so if PVA symptoms increase it is important to see a doctor.
Links:
For a more detailed and expert opinion amd advice visit:
RNIB page Posterior Vitrous Detachment
Moorfields hospital on floater
Illustrated guide from Good Hope hospital
Monday 17 May 2010
Cooking for the visually impaired
A new cookery book has been published with recipes and tips for the visually impaired.
Author, Maxine Turkington, is partially sigted herself and has written the book Cookery for VIPs with over 120 recipes and practical advice for the blind and visually impaired. Cooking can be a chore with limited vision and it can be all to easy to fall back on less healthy convenience food or expensive takeaway. Cooking is made pleasuable and tips on where to start and how to be safe and more organised in the kitchen are included in the large print book.
Priced £12.50 plus £2.50 postage and packing from the RNIB web site, 30% of proceeds go the the RNIB.
Click here to order Cookery for VIPs
Author, Maxine Turkington, is partially sigted herself and has written the book Cookery for VIPs with over 120 recipes and practical advice for the blind and visually impaired. Cooking can be a chore with limited vision and it can be all to easy to fall back on less healthy convenience food or expensive takeaway. Cooking is made pleasuable and tips on where to start and how to be safe and more organised in the kitchen are included in the large print book.
Priced £12.50 plus £2.50 postage and packing from the RNIB web site, 30% of proceeds go the the RNIB.
Click here to order Cookery for VIPs
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Diabetes-related sight loss
Diabetes is a major cause of visual impairment (and sometimes total blindness) but if caught early, sight loss can be prevented. Diabetes effects the body's ability to produce insulin, which means the body cannot cope normally with sugar and other carbohydrates in the diet. This can lead to many complications, including a higher risk of eye problems.
Diabetes effects the eyes in a number of ways:
Treatment:
Laser surgery can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy is caught early enough. Precision high intensity light is used to seal damaged and leaking blood vessels preventing further loss of sight. It cannot restore sight already lost.
Managing diabetes is the best revention. Keeping good control on your blood sugar level and high blood pressure reduces the risk of diabetes-related sight loss. Good diet and low cholesterol is important and smoking raises both blood sugar level and blood pressure so should be avoided.
Links:
Many thanks to Ben Jephcote from the Diabetes UK Digital Media team
Diabetes effects the eyes in a number of ways:
- Diabetic retinopathy is when the blood vessels feeding the retina (the light sensitive cells at the back of the eye) are effected (background retinopathy). They may swell or haemorage, effecting sight.
- After time Maculopathy may occur as retinopathy becomes more severe. Central vision will gradually get worse. Peripheral vision is usually left uneffected.
- •Proliferative retinopathy: If left untreated the blood vessels may become blocked and new blood vessels form naturally to replace the damaged one. However these blood vessels are usually weaker than the originals and may grow in the wrong places. If these vessels bleed they cause scar tissue in the eye which can distort the retina and pull it out of it's correct possition (detached retina). This can be very sudden and more severe than the earlier problems caused by diabetes.
- For expert advice read Diabetes UK's page on diabetic retinopthay by click here.
- Cataracts: Cataracts, the clouding of the eye's lens, is very common eye condition, usually related to age. They may occur earlier in people with diabetes. To find out more about cataracts click here to read the VWS blof entry on cataracts.
- Blurred vision: When diabetes is not correctly controlled temporary blurred vision can occur. This is due to the lens of the eye swelling and will return to normal once the diabetes is managed properly and brought under control.
Treatment:
Laser surgery can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy is caught early enough. Precision high intensity light is used to seal damaged and leaking blood vessels preventing further loss of sight. It cannot restore sight already lost.
Managing diabetes is the best revention. Keeping good control on your blood sugar level and high blood pressure reduces the risk of diabetes-related sight loss. Good diet and low cholesterol is important and smoking raises both blood sugar level and blood pressure so should be avoided.
Links:
- Diabetes UK
"Diabetes UK is the leading charity for the three million people in the UK with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people living with the condition. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and work towards a future without diabetes. For more information visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/ "Quote from Diabetes UK email to VisionWebSight
Many thanks to Ben Jephcote from the Diabetes UK Digital Media team
Tuesday 11 May 2010
The car that the blind can drive
Losing my sight has meant I have had to give up driving. Maybe I need one of these. Wired.com reports on a new car which is so technologically advanced even blind people can drive.
The dune buggy was developed by undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, as part of a challenge from the National Federation of the Blind. It tells the driver which way to go and gives a countdown to upcoming corners. The cars laser range finder estimates distance and various vibrations in a specially worn vest and voice software convey commands to the driver so they know when to turn, break and other actions.
Read the full story by clicking here.
The dune buggy was developed by undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, as part of a challenge from the National Federation of the Blind. It tells the driver which way to go and gives a countdown to upcoming corners. The cars laser range finder estimates distance and various vibrations in a specially worn vest and voice software convey commands to the driver so they know when to turn, break and other actions.
"We are not only excited about the vehicle itself, but also the potential spinoff technologies from this project that could end up helping the blind,"Quote from Dennis Hong, the director of the Virginia Tech's Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory on Wired.com
Read the full story by clicking here.
RNIB - in their own words
Following an invitation by VisionWebSight to contribute to this blog and outline what the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) do as an organisation, this is their response:
Many thanks to Justin Butler afrom the RNIB Information Resource team.
The RNIB is a registered charity, if you would like to donate visit their web site by clicking here.
1. What we do
RNIB is a charity and we have three clear priorities: stopping people losing their sight unnecessarily, supporting blind and partially sighted people to live independently and creating an inclusive society.
We listen, campaign, work energetically with others and show what can be achieved. Our work includes:
2. Our Helpline
- Campaigning to ensure proven treatments for sight-threatening conditions are available on the NHS.
- Offering emotional and practical support, products to make life easier and advice about money, eye health and local services.
- Improving educational opportunities for blind and partially sighted children and adults, including those with complex needs.
- Enabling people with sight loss to retain and gain jobs.
- Working with transport operators, retailers and banks to enable more people with sight loss to travel, shop and run their own finances.
- Influencing partners across the world to make computers, television, mobile phones and satellite navigation systems easier to use
- for people with sight loss.
If you, someone you know, or someone you support has a sight problem, RNIB can help.
Our helpline is your direct line to the support, advice and products you
need to remain independent. We're there to:
- give you free information about your eye condition and availabletreatments
- direct you to support available in your local area and beyond,
- from RNIB and other organisations including Action for Blind People
- let you know about any financial benefits and discounts that you could be entitled to
- recommend everyday products that can help make life easier,
- available from RNIB and other centres
- suggest ways you can continue to enjoy your hobbies and leisure time
- help you join and use our library service of over 40,000 titles in braille, moon, giant print and audio
- let you know about employment, training and education opportunities
- advise on housing options, whether staying in your own home or moving elsewhere
- provide access to emotional support and counselling services
- or simply to offer a listening ear.
Our specialist advice workers will spend time with you over the phone, making sure the support they give is right for you. We'll call you back a few weeks later to find out how you're getting on and what else we can do to help.
RNIB Helpline
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Website: rnib.org.uk
What would you lose from your life if you lost your sight? RNIB helps people who have lost their sight to find their lives again. Right now we can only reach one in three of those who need our help the most. You can help us reach everyone. Visit rnib.org.uk/lost
Many thanks to Justin Butler afrom the RNIB Information Resource team.
The RNIB is a registered charity, if you would like to donate visit their web site by clicking here.
Monday 10 May 2010
Accessible online book archive
A press release last week from the Associated Press announced a project which plans to put over one million books online for people who have difficulty reading.
The "Internet Archive" in San Francisco have hired hundreds of people to scan thousands of books so they can be put into a digital format that screenreaders can read and make them available to the blind and visually impaired. The percentage of books even available in audio format is miniscule compared to the number of hard copy textx available to sighted readers. Only about 5% of published books are converted into an accessible format for the visually impaired.
It is usually only profitable, popular books from the last few years that are currently converted into accessible forms. The Internet Archive "working to get all books online".
Now people unable to read standard books will have a choice unavailable to them before.
Visit the Internet Archive by clicking here. Most texts are free to read or download though some have restrictions. They also have free audio, movie and image files and links to projects like the Open Library, which has a list of 20 million books that are already available in accessible formats and where to find or buy them.
The "Internet Archive" in San Francisco have hired hundreds of people to scan thousands of books so they can be put into a digital format that screenreaders can read and make them available to the blind and visually impaired. The percentage of books even available in audio format is miniscule compared to the number of hard copy textx available to sighted readers. Only about 5% of published books are converted into an accessible format for the visually impaired.
Brewster Kahle, the organization's founder, says the project will initially make 1 million books available to the visually impaired, using money from foundations, libraries, corporations and the government. He's hoping a subsequent book drive will add even more titles to the collection.Quote from Associated Press
"We'll offer current novels, educational books, anything. If somebody then donates a book to the archive, we can digitize it and add it to the collection," he said.
The problems with many of the digitized books sold commercially is that they're expensive, they're often abridged, and they don't come in a format that is easily accessed by the visually impaired.
It is usually only profitable, popular books from the last few years that are currently converted into accessible forms. The Internet Archive "working to get all books online".
Now people unable to read standard books will have a choice unavailable to them before.
Visit the Internet Archive by clicking here. Most texts are free to read or download though some have restrictions. They also have free audio, movie and image files and links to projects like the Open Library, which has a list of 20 million books that are already available in accessible formats and where to find or buy them.
Thursday 6 May 2010
UK Election 2010
It's nice to know that my local polling station were more than happy to make it easy for me, a visually impaired person, to vote. They offered me help and a magnifier so I was able to read the ballot paper, without question. My "VIP Visually Impaired Person" badge is always useful in situations like that.
To read what rights you have as a disabled voter see you previous post by clicking here.
For the main welfare policies of the main parties that may effect you as a disabled voter read my post here.
You have until 10pm tonight to vote. Don't miss you chance.
To read what rights you have as a disabled voter see you previous post by clicking here.
For the main welfare policies of the main parties that may effect you as a disabled voter read my post here.
You have until 10pm tonight to vote. Don't miss you chance.
Electric cars to sound like the Millennium Falcon?
Regulators in the European Union, the United States and Japan are considering allowing manufacturers of electric and hybrid cars to emmit an array of sounds, from the usual car engine noise to sci-fi style sounds, to combat the problem that these cars can be eerily silent compared to their petrol engined counterparts.
They could even have their own "signature" sounds so they can be differentiated. Engine sounds could also help drivers who may feeling disconcerted when accellerating silently.
A recent study by the University of California has highlighed the dangers of these silent cars, especially at low speeds such as pulling away from parking spaces, when running only on their electric engines. Accidents involving blind and visually impaired people are more likely as they can't hear the danger, like ordinary cars.
The charities Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired people (NALSVI) have been campaigning for a sound to be added to the vehicles to increase safety:
Reports that the cars may make sci-fi sounds like the spaceships from the Star Wars movies might even be a selling point!
They could even have their own "signature" sounds so they can be differentiated. Engine sounds could also help drivers who may feeling disconcerted when accellerating silently.
A recent study by the University of California has highlighed the dangers of these silent cars, especially at low speeds such as pulling away from parking spaces, when running only on their electric engines. Accidents involving blind and visually impaired people are more likely as they can't hear the danger, like ordinary cars.
The charities Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired people (NALSVI) have been campaigning for a sound to be added to the vehicles to increase safety:
The silent engines of newly introduced hybrid and electric cars and buses pose another safety threat to all those who rely mainly on their hearing to assess whether it is safe to cross the street. While supportive of greener engines, the challenge should be to identify a technology that is both environmentally-friendly and safe for pedestrians, thus benefiting all, say the charities.Statement from Guide Dogs for the Blind web site
Shared Space schemes and silent vehicles affect a wide range of pedestrians: blind and partially sighted people (including those with hearing and other impairments), young children, seniors, runners, cyclists, and any inattentive pedestrian.
Reports that the cars may make sci-fi sounds like the spaceships from the Star Wars movies might even be a selling point!
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Retinitis Pigmentosa
The light sensitive part of the back of the eye (retina) is made up of two types of photoreceptive cells, cones and rods. Approximately 6 million cones cells make up the macular, the central part of the retina which accounts for the sharp central vision and sees colour. Approximately 125 million rods form the outer part of the retina and account for the outer, peripheral vision. Whilst the cones work better in bright light the rods are used for night vision, hence colour perception being less accurate in low light.
What is a Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)?:
People with Retinitis Pigmentosa ofter develop cataracts, Ushers Syndrom (hearing loss) and other conditions.
Children that show signs of Retinitis Pigmentosa may also have other symptoms with no relation to their vision, such as learning difficulties, impaired hearing and reduced growth. In most cases early symptons appear between the ages of 10 and 30.
Causes:
Links:
What is a Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)?:
Retinitis is disease or inflammation of the retina causing dark spots of pigment (pigmentosa). Retinitis Pigmentosa actually covers a wide range of different types of hereditary eye problem. Sight loss is gradularly progressive as the cones or rods are effected though complete blindness from Retinitis Pigmentosa is rare. Retinitis Pigmentosa causes nearly 2% of blindness or visual impairment in the UK.
Symptoms:
Some types of Retinitis Pigmentosa effect the cone cells, making central vision impaired, making detailed work like reading, difficult. Retinitis Pigmentosa which effects the rod cells causes a narrowed visual field, or tunnel vision. Sufferes can have difficulties seeing in very bright on dim light, though this normally develops as the condition progresses.
People with Retinitis Pigmentosa ofter develop cataracts, Ushers Syndrom (hearing loss) and other conditions.
Children that show signs of Retinitis Pigmentosa may also have other symptoms with no relation to their vision, such as learning difficulties, impaired hearing and reduced growth. In most cases early symptons appear between the ages of 10 and 30.
Causes:
Retinitis Pigmentosa is genetic and is often caused by a gene inherited from one or more parent, though it can skip generations.
Treatment:
As Retinitis Pigmentosa is genetic, as yet, there is no cure or prevention for the progression the condition. There is currently research into the possibilty of retinal implants, drugs and stem cell research.
Links:
For a more detailed and expert opinion visit:
NHS call for cheaper Macular Degeneration drug use
The NHS is pushing for a drug used to treat bowel cancer to be licenced as a more cost effective cure for wet form Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). In America and around the world, the drug, Avastin (bevacizumab), is increasingly used by injecting tiny doses into the eye to prevent blindness from the most common cause of blindness in the UK.
The current drug used by the NHS, Lucentis, is derived from Avastin and costs to the NHS have been a lot higher than anticipated, due to the large number of cases of AMD. A full course of treatment with Lucentis can cost as much as 100 times more than that of Avastin. Drug manufacturers Genentech are resisting the clinical trials and licencing for Avastin to be used for the treatment of AMD. Genentech also produces Lucentis.
The Department of Health has asked NICE (the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence), which assessed Lucentis for cost effectiveness, to consider assessing Avastin for the use on eyes despite normally only only assessing licenced drugs. This is a departure from normal prodeedures and could be seen as a comment on the drug industry which is often criticised for it's high prices.
Read the full story from The Guardian by click here.
The current drug used by the NHS, Lucentis, is derived from Avastin and costs to the NHS have been a lot higher than anticipated, due to the large number of cases of AMD. A full course of treatment with Lucentis can cost as much as 100 times more than that of Avastin. Drug manufacturers Genentech are resisting the clinical trials and licencing for Avastin to be used for the treatment of AMD. Genentech also produces Lucentis.
The Department of Health has asked NICE (the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence), which assessed Lucentis for cost effectiveness, to consider assessing Avastin for the use on eyes despite normally only only assessing licenced drugs. This is a departure from normal prodeedures and could be seen as a comment on the drug industry which is often criticised for it's high prices.
Read the full story from The Guardian by click here.
Seeing with sound
Reports of a young boy who uses echo-location to "see" caught my eye.
Daniel Aspland, aged four, clicks his tongue and by listening to the way the noise bounces off nearby objects can work out his environment, in a similar way to dolphins and bats use echo-location. Blind from birth, Daniel can now go out without having to hold his mother's hand or use his white stick and can even negotiate stairs.
The technique was pioneered by blind Calafornian Daniel Kish, founder of World Access for the Blind. In time Daniel should be able to distinguish the location and even size of buildings, objects and people up to 100m away. The method has also helped behavioural problems caused by Daniel's frustration.
Read the full story and watch a video of Daniel on the Sky News web site.
I also discovered this inspiring web site about Ben Underwood (click here) an American boy who discovered echo-location himself after losing his sight at an early age to Retnoblastoma (childhood eye cancer). Using his hearing Ben could rollerblade, ride bikes and many other things thought impossible for the blind. Tragically Ben died of cancer at the age of 16 but his legacy has been an insiration to many.
Below is a video about Ben Underwood from the documentary Extraordinary People":
Wikipedia has a page dedicated to human echo-location here. It deals with the history of human echo-location and gives more examples of the phenomenon.
Daniel Aspland, aged four, clicks his tongue and by listening to the way the noise bounces off nearby objects can work out his environment, in a similar way to dolphins and bats use echo-location. Blind from birth, Daniel can now go out without having to hold his mother's hand or use his white stick and can even negotiate stairs.
"We could see him walking towards a fence and my heart stopped. But literally without using a stick or anything he just knew it was there and walked around it. I was so amazed."Quote from Jamie Aspland, Daniel's mother from Sky News
The technique was pioneered by blind Calafornian Daniel Kish, founder of World Access for the Blind. In time Daniel should be able to distinguish the location and even size of buildings, objects and people up to 100m away. The method has also helped behavioural problems caused by Daniel's frustration.
Read the full story and watch a video of Daniel on the Sky News web site.
I also discovered this inspiring web site about Ben Underwood (click here) an American boy who discovered echo-location himself after losing his sight at an early age to Retnoblastoma (childhood eye cancer). Using his hearing Ben could rollerblade, ride bikes and many other things thought impossible for the blind. Tragically Ben died of cancer at the age of 16 but his legacy has been an insiration to many.
Below is a video about Ben Underwood from the documentary Extraordinary People":
Wikipedia has a page dedicated to human echo-location here. It deals with the history of human echo-location and gives more examples of the phenomenon.
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