Archive for the ‘Resources & Agencies’ Category

Free website set up to help parents spot signs of autism in children

February 3, 2008

From Channelnewsasia.com (12 Jan 2008):

FLORIDA: American scientists have developed a free website that allows parents to spot signs of autism in their children more easily.

It has close to a hundred video clips of youngsters playing and performing tasks, and points to actions that might indicate a form of autism.

The developers said the aim is not for parents to self-diagnose, but to help them decide if they need to consult a specialist.

… Videos of Nicholas showing signs of autism have been posted on the website, www.autismspeaks.org, along with videos of unaffected children in order to highlight the differences.

… The developers of the Autism Speaks video library believe their project will help address that problem as early diagnosis is key in treating autism.

They said if children are diagnosed early enough, it could help them live relatively normal lives.

Link

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

December 4, 2007

I first came across the term Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) from this article from VietNamNet (5 Nov 2007).

From Wikipedia.org:

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is an approach to language teaching and learning in which computer technology is used as an aid to the presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including a substantial interactive element.

More related sites:

THINKING ALOUD: Seems to me CALL isn’t something used exclusively for people with disabilities. But perhaps it offers a practical way, though computers, for people with disabilities to learn languages independently. But with the advent of audio books, I think that offers yet another resource for independent language learning. Of course audio books would not be usable for the Deaf, so I suppose something like CALL is still more versatile.

AutismSpeaks.Org

July 14, 2007

A website based in the US, that aims to increase public awareness about Autism, as well as raise funds — www.autismspeaks.org
screenshot - AutismSpeaks.Org

I found these pages useful:

Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) – Wheelchair Basketball

May 12, 2007

Received an email yesterday from Ms. Kelly Fan, who works for the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). She’s asking for help to increase support for wheelchair basketball in Singapore.

The event is today (I opened up my mail too late, unfortunately). Well, for what it’s worth, here’s the link to the event details at the SDSC page - “Watch The Rollers - world-ranked No.2 basketball team - against Singapore team this Sat!” (12 May 2007):

About Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) – Wheelchair Basketball

In 2007, SDSC will be relaunching its wheelchair basketball development programme, with support from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The programme, headed by a group of students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic called ‘Wheel-Power’, will see a new batch of youths taking over the wheelchair basketball scene in Singapore.

A new wheelchair basketball league will also be starting this year under the National Disability League, which will be held from August to November 2007.

Link

Internet for the Disabled Community: The Singapore Experience

March 27, 2007

Found this undated article hosted on the Internet Society (ISOC) website, titled “Internet for the Disabled Community: The Singapore Experience“.

I wonder when this article was written. After a little detective work, I’m pretty sure it was published in 1996:

  • The article URL is www.isoc.org/inet96/proceedings/g3/g3_3.htm, where the “inet96″ subdirectory probably means a conference or event held in 1996.
  • I verified this with this search result from Google (search string: “The Singapore Experience” site:http://www.isoc.org/isoc). The search retrieved an article titled “SchoolNet: A Catalyst for Transforming Education in Ghana” from the “INET ‘95 Proceedings, Volume 1, pp. 293-297″. This article URL had a sub-directory name “inet/96″.
  • At the end of the “Internet for the Disabled Community: The Singapore Experience” article, under the “authors” section, the latest date mentioned was 1996 (see entry for Mr Eugene Soh).

Or I could just emailed the listed contact, Dr. Tan Wee Tin. But this is more fun :)

Abstract

Internet technologies reduce the barrier between people labeled as “disabled” and the majority of the population. On the network, being blind or deaf or unable to walk constitutes no major impediment. Using the Internet, intra-disability and cross-disability communications can also be enhanced.

Beginning with the hearing impaired community in Singapore, we have set up Internet-connected computer networks for the disabled community since 1994. The Singapore School for the Deaf (SSD), a primary school and kindergarten, was first to have two computer clusters connected to the Internet (http://www.dpa.org.sg/SSD). Courses were held for SSD school teachers and training was given on how to build their Web pages. In addition, introductory lessons were given to the pupils. For the first time, hearing impaired children can communicate with each other directly using Internet Relay Chat, Unix talk and email. Teachers began to conduct regular enrichment sessions for these children, and supervised their surfing of the Internet. Today, learning the use of the Internet has become part of the curriculum at the school.

From 1994 to 1995, the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SAD) set up two computer clusters to access the Internet, one for the administrative staff and one for hearing impaired members, particularly the young people. We conducted Internet lessons on a regular basis, with one computer cluster opened in the evenings for users to upgrade their computer and network literacy (http://www.dpa.org.sg/SAD).

For the wheel-chair bound, we were able to conduct talks to introduce Internet technology, and recently, their association, the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) set up their Computer Centre on their own initiative. Soon Internet surfing for them will be a regular feature that transcends physical mobility.

In the near future, we hope to obtain funding to introduce speech synthesizer technology to the visually handicapped at the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) (http://www.dpa.org.sg/SAVH). Hopefully this will supplement the network planned for the Braille Production Unit at the SAVH, which produces Braille textbooks for blind children attending the School for the Blind in an adjacent compound. It will introduce to the children the vast electronic library of books and information online by providing Braille texts and books on demand, while introducing them to computer technology at the same time.

At a higher level, the Disabled People’s Association (DPA), an umbrella organization for people with various disabilities, set up an information resource called EnableNet (http://www.dpa.org.sg) in 1994. Phase II of the project at the moment attempts to provide Internet access via a subsidized scheme to qualifying members through a generous donation by a local Internet service provider. For those who are beginning to be trained in Internet and computing technology, we hope that new job opportunities will arise. In fact, Bizlink, a government-sponsored employment placement agency for disabled people has been using the WWW (http://bizlink.org.sg/bizlink) to assist in their job placement.

Presently, we are gathering momentum in this effort to bring IT to the disabled by getting volunteers from all walks of life to form a virtual committee, the Enable2000 IT committee. With six Working Groups, it will accelerate our efforts of helping targeted volunteer institutions and organizations of the various disability groups to computerize and to “Internetize” in a concerted manner. We hope that it will also encourage other disability organizations to independently evolve their IT and Internetization plans.

With this bird’s eye view of the progress of Internet access for these communities, we hope that our national vision of the Singaporean IT2000 master-plan will create an “intelligent island” that will not leave behind a group of information have-nots in the wake of a rapidly progressing and technologically sophisticated society (http://www.dpa.org.sg).

Full article here.

Oakland Public Library’s Dewey Pictograms

March 17, 2007

From the California State Library Connection Newsletter (Spring 2007, issue 45):

Oakland Public Library customers have an alternative way of searching Oakland’s stacks – pictograms, reproducible colored images portraying collections within the Dewey Decimal Classification System, a scheme that can intimidate people who do not read well…

For people with learning disabilities, who make up 17 to 20% of the general population, pictograms not only help them navigate the Dewey Decimal System, the images also change the way these library customers view, and use, their local library. An excellent example of universal access, pictograms also make using the library easier for non-native speakers and adult learners…

… Interested parties can view and download the pictograms for the Oakland project from the California Library Literacy Services website at http://www.libraryliteracy.org/.

Read the full article here.

Case study of creating an accessible web application using Flash Mx: Report from Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

March 17, 2007

Read this from a librarian’s listserv. Obtained permission from the author, Andrew Lewis (e-Services Officer, Library and Information Services, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead) to repost it here — Thanks, Andrew:

The final report (report 4) from Phase 2 of our multimedia development programme Multi-Lib, is now available on our library policies and documents page - www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/library_policies.htm

This latest report outlines a case study of creating an accessible web application using Flash Mx. The report outlines the design of the form including use of Flash’s accessibility tools such as screen reader detection and details the response to independent user testing. The finished application, an animated talking customer comment form for children, became a live service in 2006.

Report 4 follows on from previous reports:

  • Multi-Lib Phase 2 report 1 - review of Multi-Lib work 2002-5
  • Multi-Lib Phase 2 report 2 literature review on computer games and public libraries
  • Multi-Lib Phase 2 report 3 - using computer games to market the Summer Reading Challenge 2005

The earlier reports are also available on the above page.

regards

Andrew Lewis
e-Services Officer
Library and Information Services
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
01628 796 592
andrew.lewis [at] rbwm.gov.uk
www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/onlinelibrary.htm

Disability-related groups at Flickr.com

March 4, 2007

How’s that to change the perception of wheelchair-users? LOL.

The photo (of a tattoo) was from this Flickr Group — “Rolling Rains - Travel with a Disability” (the Rolling Rains website here):

This group gives travelers with disabilities, their travel companions, friends, and allies of the disability community a place to post on travel. Sometimes we see (or use other senses) differently; sometimes not…

Link to their Flickr.com discussion threads.

While browsing through the photos at the Rolling Rains Flickr Group, I also discovered this other disability-related Flickr Group — “Rock That Disability“:

“This is a group for anyone with a disability, physical, mental or otherwise. Pictures you want to share of you using your wheelchair, walker, cane, braces or any other assistive device? This is the place. Or, even if you have a disability that may not show any outward signs and just want a place to showcase yourself or your best work. Have pictures of handicap signs or other related items? They belong here too…”

Here’s a link to their discussion threads at Flickr.com

To join the Flickr groups, sign up for a free Flickr.com account.

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More about Down Syndrome

December 20, 2006

After posting the previous entry, I wanted to find out more about Down Syndrome.

From the 2006 Position Statement of the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore):

Down syndrome is a genetic condition. All persons with Down syndrome share the common characteristic of having one extra chromosome no. 21. Down syndrome occurs universally across race and gender in approximately one in 800 births. Down syndrome is not a disease, disorder, defect or medical illness. Down syndrome itself neither requires treatment nor prevention. When referring to persons with Down syndrome, avoid statements that could scar the person. Persons with Down syndrome are not afflicted or suffer from it. If there is any suffering, it is the imposition of negative attitudes of the community.

From their About page, the DSA provides the following services and activities:

1. New Parent Support Programme
2. DSA Youth Wing
3. Resource Library
4. Quarterly Talks & Meetings
5. Recreational Activities
6. Programmes for Young Adults with Down Syndrome
7. Information Technology
8. The Down Syndrome Advisory Boards
9. Toy Library
10. DSA Education Department
11. Fundraising and Public Awareness

The DSA site has more webpage links to their DSA affiliates and other organizations that deal with issues on Down syndrome and Intellectual Disability.
[Information is correct as of time of posting. Visit the DSA website for updates]

I found the information at MayoClinic.com useful in understanding the context of this genetic disorder and the issues that arise from it — Children’s Health: Down Syndrome. The Introduction page is followed by sections like, Signs and symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Screening & Diagnosis, Complications,
Treament, Prevention, Coping Skills. I thought this quote from the “Coping Skills” section was quite important:

Don’t believe the myths about Down syndrome. Many people believe that children with Down syndrome must be placed in segregated special education schools and that older adults with Down syndrome usually live in institutions. These myths simply aren’t true. Most people with Down syndrome live with their families, go to mainstream schools, read and write, and perform various jobs as adults. People with Down syndrome can live fulfilling independent or semi-independent lives.

This site — www.ds-health.com - is also worth exploring. The author of the site says he’s a pediatrician and the father of a son with Down Syndrome. Inspired to write essays about children with Down Syndrome for other parents, he’s put up the website to publish the articles. The site also features articles by guest contributors. Having read a few of the articles, I find them to be written in non-medical terms, covering topics that are medical-related (e.g. Why Down Syndrome occurs)to pragmatic ones (e.g. on Toilet-training; issues of sexuality.

Over at the Wikipedia entry, there’s a section on Notable individuals and Portrayal in fiction of people with Down Syndrome.

I’m interested to know what other libraries are doing specifically with people with Down Syndrome. If you’ve any leads, I’d appreciate it.

Technorati Tag: Read more blog posts tagged with “Down Syndrome“.

Video: “Breaking the Sound Barrier”

December 3, 2006

[UPDATE 31 Dec 06: I've since learned that "Hearing Impaired" is not a preferred term. I should use "Deaf" or "Hard of Hearing". Thanks.]

Thanks to Alvan for alerting the group to this video titled “Breaking the Sound Barrier“:

Video screenshot - Breaking the Sound Barrier
This is a short documentary on the hearing impaired Hard-of-Hearing and the Deaf. It explores the various ways available to them for overcoming the challenges to integration and communications. Due to the limited length, many issues, including Cochlear Implants, are not covered. This was produced primarily for the “Project Deaf-Initely Boleh!” and will be screened at the event to be held at the National Library in December 2006.

The video features interviews with people with hearing-impairment people who are deaf/ hard of hearing. Quotes and highlights from the video:

  • “Integration with society requires Total Communication (TC)”
  • “For many who are deaf, the Sign Language is the most viable and important means of communication.”
  • Short segment on the process of getting a Hearing Aid (the service is available from SADEAF).
  • Mobile-phones and SMS (Short Messenging Service) has been an enabler for the Deaf. Alvan was interviewed there as well. He comments on the language skills and issues faced by students at the Singapore School for the Deaf.
  • “I worry about the future because it is difficult to find a job. I can’t communicate with Hearing-people at work”
  • “Don’t think of your child as a Handicapped Child. Think of them as a Child first. The handicap is secondary.”
  • “I can do anything… but hear”.

Nice video that gives an insight to what it means to be deaf or have a hearing-impairment hard of hearing. It may take a while to load but worth the wait (anyway, it wasn’t that long). Here’s the link to the video again.

Alvan adds that:

“The site is done by a pastor who does video work on social issues. It features interesting (and short, extremely watchable) videos, like the autistic chap who is supposed to have recovered, foreign workers who actually live in the rubbish collection depots in Singapore, the teen skaters a the Youth Park, the old malted candy woman in Holland V.”

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