Equipment Exhibition

Grand “Gadgets and Gizmos” Day Out

30th October 2008

The North Oxford Association, Summertown.

What is it?

After the great feedback from May’s event, we have once again organised a “showcase event”

This is one of the best opportunities for visually impaired people to see the widest range of equipment, without leaving Oxfordshire, which we have ever been involved with.

The items range from simple day to day living items, like talking watches, through to electronic magnifiers and high tech. gizmos. It should be a good day.

Where is it?

The excellent North Oxford Association, known by some readers as the venue for our AGM.

Address:
North Oxford Association
Diamond Place, Oxford
OX2 7DP
Tel: 01865 252295

How to get there?

Car

The main entrance can be found by turning onto Ferry Pool Road from Marston Ferry Road (the route which links Marston and Headington to Summertown). If you then head straight down for a hundred yards or so, you will find the main car park. You will have to pay for parking.

Bus

There are regular buses, like the number 7’s and 2’s, which can drop you off along Banbury Road. The nearest stop to the centre would be near Marks and Spencer, with a five minute walk from there. The number 14 and 14a both stop on Marston Ferry Road, enabling you to be that little bit nearer the centre itself. You may be familiar with the 14 as the JR service.

30th October 2008 Exhibitors

Professional Vision Services

Professional Vision Services is located in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. They sell & manufacture a range of low vision aids.

On the demonstration day they will have on display, black & white, colour and split screen electronic magnifiers. (Which are commonly referred to as CCTV’s). They have a wide range of autofocus models.

They also have a new range of portable machines, which go through a laptop and as well as stand-alone models. They also have a portable CCTV called the Stryx, apparently from a mythical owl-like creature, with a 7" screen, allowing you to look at a bus timetable and also read a book as it has a distance and close up lens. It will magnify from 2 to 25 times and take a picture, comes in colour and black and white. This machine really is breakthrough technology. Their latest addition is a Flat Screen CCTV portable and light with Autofocus as standard. http://www.professional-vision-services.co.uk/

Techno-Vision Services Ltd

Techno-Vision services Ltd provide accessibility software, Braille key boards, and a whole range of visual aids and games; in addition to training and engineering services that are linked to these products.

Available products include screen magnifiers, special software for your computer - which is designed to help visually impaired music composers - talking dictionaries, and Braille translation software.

Of course, even the best equipment in the world is pretty much useless if the owner doesn’t know how to get the most from it, so Techno-Vision Services are also happy to provide training with their Braille devices. Courses are available for all levels of users and are based at their main site in Northampton. Course lengths vary from a day to a couple of weeks.

For more information on Techno Vision Services feel free to call them on 01604 792777. Their website can be found at www.techno-vision.co.uk

Dolphin

Dolphin develops software which enables people with a visual impairment to use computers easily. This software is ideal for the home or office and popular with libraries, schools and universities. Whatever your level of sight, spending budget or computer interest our screen enlargers, screen readers and Braille translators will help you get the most from your PC. Dolphin Software can be installed on desktops, laptops and networks. Easy to use, with free technical support and needing no special equipment it can work with industry standard Windows software and hardware. You can choose from a combination of magnification, speech & Braille: see the screen in large print, listen to computer speech and touch Braille at your fingertips. Come along to the North Oxford Association on the 30th October for a free demonstration of Dolphin’s latest, and most advanced, computer access features for blind and visually impaired computer users. Even if you are not familiar with Dolphin’s software and are currently using other access programs, Dolphin has made it easier for you change. http://www.yourdolphin.com/

Queen Alexandra College (QAC)

Queen Alexandra College (QAC), creates challenging learning environments for people with a visual impairment, in order that they may reach their potential and fulfil their ambitions.

QAC aims to offer a great variety of academic and employment focused courses.

During their time at QAC learners are able to develop their academic as well as their social skills; to make new friends and enjoy being independent and responsible for their own decisions and actions.

The college’s main campus is based in Harborne, near Birmingham. Facilities include an extensive library - equipped with the latest IT and assistive technology - along with a fine sports centre, and an excellent art room.

For more information call OAB on 01865 725595. http://www.qac.ac.uk/