[dfaresource] Launch of Technology Helpline
- From: "Prashant" <pr_verma@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <accessindia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <accessbangla@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <dfaresource@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <rotaractsnewdelhi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <ltc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <mapofnab@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <dfop@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:01:41 +0530
Assistive Technology Helpline
A Telephone & E-Mail based service
for providing guidance and solutions on the different aspects of Assistive
Technology closely linked with empowerment of visually impaired persons.
National Association for the Blind is delighted to announce the launch of this
service.
Beneficiaries
· Blind persons
· Persons with low vision
· Parents/family/friends of visually impaired persons
· Employers of visually impaired persons
· Organisations working with/for visually impaired persons
Assistive Technology has revolutionised the lives of visually impaired persons.
Not only has it given access to computers and all its advantages, it has led to
the development of several special devices which together have gone a long way
in overcoming the handicaps caused by loss of vision.
Computers are now an excellent tool for blind persons. It enables blind persons
to access the information in the same format as used by the non-blind persons.
This has brought about a drastic change in the lives of visually impaired
persons, who traditionally had access to information through Braille or audio
only. This has had revolutionary consequences like Opening of new disciplines
of education for blind persons, increased employability, and independence in
reading and writing for various educational, vocational and recreational
activities.
In addition to the computers, assistive devices such as Braille Displays,
Portable Note takers, digital recorders, talking books, e-books, talking cell
phones etc enable persons with blindness to send and receive E-ails, browse
net, read books, create their own documents, work on spreadsheets & accounting
package, read newspaper & magazines.
Therefore it is imperative that an effort is made towards spreading awareness
about the existence and advantages of assistive technology & Solving all
problems related with use of assistive technology.
The Service
Anyone can call or email their queries. People can also visit the Helpline Desk
within NAB premises or can even send their queries through post. The Assistive
Technology Helpline team supported by the NAB Technology Training Centre
Faculty will resolve the callers problems. As far as possible, the team will
provide solution at the same time or else will give a timeline after which the
caller will be given the solution.
The helpline will offer help on the following subjects -
· Counselling on assistive technology and advising vision impaired users on
which IT tools will be best for them.
· Troubleshooting problems of visually impaired persons in use of assistive
technology such as problems related to operation of
ü Screen Reading Software
ü Screen Magnification Software
ü Optical Recognition
ü Mobile Phone Accessibility
ü Commonly used applications such as word processors & spreadsheets
· Consultancy to employers and individuals wanting to buy and install
computers and other hardware and software that are accessible to blind people.
· Disseminate information about the various training courses available in
the country in the field of assistive technology
· Provide support to trainers and provide technical support for anyone
wanting to set up computer training centres/study rooms anywhere in the
country
· Propagate "DAISY Standards" and provide technical help in its
implementation. The "DAISY Standards" have now been accepted worldwide as the
"Better Way to Read" and "Better Way to Publish". Information published as per
the DAISY Standards is accessible to all including people with disabilities.
· Consultancy for improving accessibility of websites.
· Provide information about the job avenues in the field of technology for
blind persons
Helpline Contact Details:
Assistive Technology Helpline
National Association for the Blind
Sec-5, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110022
Phone Numbers:
Country code: 0091 City code: 011
64 55 6968
26 16 8321, 26 10 5794,
26 10 2944, 26 17 6379
Email: NabHelpline@xxxxxxxxx
Fax: +91-11-26187650
Website: www.nabdelhi.org
Project supported by
HPS Social Welfare Foundation
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