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Blind band creates soulful music

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:50 -- admin

This blind musical band has performed for the Governor, the Mayor and for Infosys Chief Mentor N.R. Narayana Murthy. But their happiest moment was when they performed for the Indian cricket team, recently in Bangalore. "It is a big opportunity and an occasion for us," said Murthy, flautist and the oldest member of the group. ‘Ability in Disability’ (I.D.L.) Blind Band’ is a full-fledged troupe that got together seven months ago to produce melody and to make the most of the talent of the members.

No takers for Nuance Talks software

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:15 -- admin

Nuance Talks is a software that enables the visually impaired people to use his or her G.S.M. mobile phone easily. Surprisingly, it has not found many takers in the State of Gujarat. Government figures suggest, there are only 20 users of the software across the whole State. ‘Nuance TALKS’ (U.S.A.), when used on a G.S.M. mobile phone, provides speech-enabled text messages, and makes files and other screen content accessible to a visually impaired user. According to the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Gandhinagar, people cannot afford to buy the software as it is very expensive.

Cell transplant - a new ray of hope

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:13 -- admin

If the results can be translated into a treatment for human eye disease, it could help millions of people suffering with conditions ranging from age-related macular degeneration to diabetes. In U.K., a team of scientists took cells from three to five-day old mice, a stage when the retina is about to be formed. The cells were then transplanted into animals, which had been genetically designed to have conditions, which meant they would gradually lose their sight - either mimicking the human disease retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration.

Hiking in Glacier National Park with Tom Gryder

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:12 -- admin

Tom Gryder (47) is legally blind. He finished a six-day hike through Glacier National Park's backcountry (U.S.), recently. “I really enjoyed the scenery in Glacier National Park. I also saw a plume of smoke from the fire (Red Eagle Fire) which was really interesting,” Gryder said about his escapade. Gryder hiked from Upper Two Medicine to the Walton Ranger Station, averaging seven miles a day. “It's one of the few things I can do. Even though I have to take my time and go slow,“ he said.

A teacher with a vision

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:10 -- admin

When he was appointed to the school, many students and guardians had made representations to education department authorities, saying they felt a blind man might not be able to do justice to the job.

Two years down the line, he has become the most popular teacher in the school. And, those who expressed apprehensions about his ability are now glad that they have been proved wrong.

Suresh Biswal, 37, who was born blind, teaches at the ‘Pranakrushna Upper Primary School’ in Gagoei village (Orissa).

Driving for charity

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:09 -- admin

In U.K., a visually impaired woman undertook an amazing challenge. Martine Brooks, 56, drove eight miles along the Great Barford bypass, in Bedfordshire, with the Mayor of Bedford, Frank Branston, in the back. Brooks’ friend and navigator Steve Clarke challenged her to do so. What next? Branston agreed to accompany her on the ride. What’s more, it was aimed to raise £5,000 (approximately Rupees 3,95,000) for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, U.K., on its 75th anniversary.

Web search becomes easier for blind

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 16:03 -- admin

In August, Eyenews had reported that Google search engine aims to make web search more accessible to visually impaired people. A.O.L., Yahoo! and other search engines are now following the same suit.

A.O.L., a unit of Time Warner Incorporated, will soon update A.O.L. web mail to make it more screen-reader friendly. The revisions, which will be under way by the end of the year, will eliminate the need for users with screen readers, to switch to a separate text-only page.

Tactile map for visually impaired

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 18:39 -- admin

The tactile map uses different pieces of textured paper to delineate obstacles like railings, bushes and fences. A legend on the side of the map helps visually impaired users determine not only what each piece of texture represents, but also the colour. Although confident in her own long-cane skills, Lois Lawrie, president of the Tactile Colour Communication Society (Canada), said blindness usually creates problems.

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