Microsoft Develops Navigation System for People with Vision Disabilities

November 20, 2014 by ·

Global Accessibility News

Microsoft Develops Navigation System for People with Vision Disabilities

Americas Nov 10, 2014

Microsoft has developed the prototype wearable device, with the help of the charity Guide Dogs UK and urban design firm Future Cities Catapult to launch a headset to help people who are blind or have low vision navigate around a city.

When the headset is paired with a Windows Phone, the application uses GPS and cloud based location alongside a network of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals placed along the route. After setting the route, the user will hear a continuous clicking noise designed to sound like it’s coming from a meter or two ahead, guiding him or her along the correct route.

The application will also provide information on shops, points of interest and additional journey details to help the user navigate.

Check out this video about the project

Source: Microsoft

Filed Under: News ·

World Blind Union – Asia Pacific Mid-Term Regional General Assembly

November 19, 2014 by ·

The World Blind Union – Asia Pacific Mid-Term Regional General Assembly 2014 will be held on 21-24 November in Hong Kong.

Live streaming broadcast of the plenary sessions and concurrent workshops will be arranged at the official website of the Assembly. Interested parties can watch the programs on line by clicking on the “Live” icon next to the title of relevant sessions in the program overview page http://wbuapga2014.org/en_pro.php during the event.

For more information about the Assembly, please visit the WBU official website

Filed Under: Event ·

join Self Advocacy and Peer Support on Dec 3 in Northbridge

November 14, 2014 by ·

International Day of People With Disability with Self Advocacy and Peer Support WA

POETRY, REAL LIFE AND FREEDOM

featuring

Live Music from “Loose Tooth” and Dave Regan and the Accessible Soapbox!

Join Advocacy and Peer Support WA to groove, listen and have a say.

Poetry; Stories; Disability Clothesline; Music, Song and Dance; Reverse tin rattle; Cheerleaders

Wednesday December 3rd, 2pm to 5pm at the Northbridge Piazza, Cnr James St and Lake St Northbridge

An event for people with disability and the community, by people with disability for International Day of People with Disability.

Accessible venue, Auslan interpreters, on Blue CAT bus route (nearest stop 12), accessible parking at State Library and Aberdeen St, public. Accessible toilets on James St.

Supported by Disability Advocacy in WA.

Further information contact Sam on 0412887674 or mermaid@bunyip.wheelycreek.net

Filed Under: Event ·

Introducing CAVI’s brand new Employment course

November 14, 2014 by ·

Are you a job seeker or thinking about looking for work? If so, CAVI’s brand new employment course may be just the help you need.

This course is no ordinary employment course. We understand that there is more to getting a job than your resume, cover letter, and interview.

This course is taught by blind people who have been successful in both specialty blindness and mainstream employment. The course will run for 8-10 weeks depending on student needs and will include the following topics and activities:

  • Motivations for work
  • The three traits we have found make getting a job much easier and how to develop these
  • Basic skills and knowledge to put in place when beginning a job search including networking and problem solving
  • The job search
  • Writing easy attractive resumes and cover letters
  • Interviewing skills including how to help put employers at ease
  • A mock interview from real hiring personnel through leadership WA as well as feedback on resumes and cover letters
  • Discussions on transitioning into the workplace including fitness, sleep, and socialization

This course will be delivered online and will meet once a week for approximately 2 hours starting in February 2015.

The cost is $100. As with all courses run by the Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired you will also gain access to a community of students and instructors to network with, even after you have graduated.

If you would like more information or to apply please visit CISCO Employment Course info

Filed Under: Information ·

Against the grain

September 22, 2014 by ·

Jim Cairns and Rex Baker, from The Ride, have decided to take on Australasian Safari 2014, the same event during which Jim was involved in the accident that resulted in his incomplete paraplegia.

Fairholme DSG is proud to be supporting this event and encourage you to donate. Full information about this event is on Against the Grain’s website The action has already started, and you will be able to follow progress on the website thanks to Spot GPS tracking.

The Australasian Safari is a grueling seven-day off-road event for motorbikes, quad bikes, 4WD and side-by-side vehicles covering more than 3500km of the Western Australian outback. Attracting competitors from across the globe, the event is not for the feint-hearted as the terrain is rugged with a great variety of geographical challenges requiring peak endurance from its competitors.

Jim and Rex will compete in the side-by-side vehicles category, with Jim as the first with his disability to participate in the category. Although Jim relies on a wheelchair, this had not impeded his ability to compete or determination to inspire all people to chase their dreams.

As the last ever Australasian Safari to be held in Western Australia, this is the team’s final opportunity to cross it.

Filed Under: Event ·