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e-Bility News

DisABILITY Accessibility Information Resources

March - April 2005
Number 32

e-Bility News is a bi-monthly newsletter distributed by e-Bility Inclusive IT. It presents information on updates to e-Bility's web site, news about disability related issues on the Web, as well as other information of general interest to the disability and health sector.

What's new on e-Bility.com?

Brochure Stand

Daily Living Expo 2005
The Daily Living Expo is a bi-annual event presented by the Independent Rehabilitation Supplier's Association of NSW Inc. Everyone is welcome to this fun and informative trade show at Rosehill Gardens Sydney from 8th - 10th March. The Expo features new products, the latest technology and free seminars by expert speakers. Free admission and fully accessible air conditioned venue.
Carrie Writes - Coclear Implants
Carrie was born with cerebral palsy. She has a hearing impairment and in this month's column she discusses her research into cochlear implants, an invention to help deaf people hear.
ARATA 2005 Membership Renewal
Its that time of year again and annual subscriptions are now due! ARATA is a national association whose purpose is to serve as a forum for issues in rehabilitation and assistive technology. Membership is open to a wide range of people with an interest in the use of assistive technology for people with disabilities. Information about member benefits and networking activities are available on the ARATA web site.

Buy and Sell

Secondhand Electric Wheelchair
A Pride 'Jazzy' powered wheelchair in very good condition is available for sale in Ballarat, Victoria.

Articles

It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Diane contributed this article about Dustin, her son, who is autistic. It is beautifully written and offers inspiration to other parents of children with a disability.
Voice Recognition Musings
Janine has been a voice recognition software user for several years and is a advocate for open source solutions that will benefit people with disabilities. In this article she discusses the emerging Linux-based voice recognition project and how the use of voice recognition systems has led to a simplified, short word based English.

Access Travel Spot

Access Travel Spot
If you are thinking about going away at Easter or considering a relaxing long weekend then drop by e-Bility's Access Travel Spot. Here you'll find a wealth of disability travel information including accessible accommodation, travel guides and tours around Australia. We are also in the process of redeveloping this part of the web site and would welcome your feedback and ideas.

Exhibit Hall

fleetworks Mobility
fleetworks Mobility is a 'one-stop-shop' for new or used wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility equipment. They provide a range of services to assist wheelchair users, their families and carers in finding a suitable vehicle (of any make) through to its conversion to meet individual access needs.

What's new on the WWW?

Technology

Yooralla ComTEC Resources
ComTEC has written a variety of information and advisory sheets on communication and assistive technology that are freely available on Yooralla's web site. These include boardmaker activities, bm2 file downloads and handouts on technology options.
Net-Guide
An UK based Internet search engine that gives an accessibility rating for the web sites returned for any query entered.
COGAIN Project
The Ace Centre in the United Kingdom are involved in COGAIN, a pan-European project about eye-gaze systems. The idea is to produce a lower cost version that would give independence to those who have severe motor impairments.

Services

Interpreting and Translating
The Community Relations Commission for a multicultural NSW provides interpreting and translating services in over 75 languages and dialects 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Services are available to all Government departments and agencies, private and commercial organisations, community groups and individuals.

Diary dates

ICP Online eCourses
Innovative Communication Programming (ICP) are running a series of online training courses in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessment and intervention of intentional and symbolic communicators. Course details for 2005, including brochure and application form are available on their web site.
Round Table 2005 National Conference
This year's Round Table conference theme is "The Vision for accessible information: Celebrating Achievement, seeking fulfilment". The conference will showcase examples of best practice in the provision of accessible information to people with a print disability in the workplace and community. Venue: Carlton Crest Hotel, Sydney from 14 to 17 May
National Affordable Housing Conference
Be a part of Australia’s first National Affordable Housing Conference to take place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21-22 June 2005
SPROUT Film Festival
An annual festival in New York City showcasing films by, for and about people with developmental disabilities. 7 & 8 May 2005