Welcome to Visual Independence in Australia
We aim to bring happiness to the blind and low visioned through the use of assistive / adaptive technology.
This site has been developed for access by the low visioned and blind.
For low visioned use control + to enlarge the screen. This can be done as many times as you need. Push control - to reduce the screen size.
Blind Users who have Internet friendly speech synthesizer software such as JAWS or the free NVDA software can tab to the desired folder and push enter.
ANNOUNCEMENT
We are pleased to announce the talking bar code scanner (ID Mate Omni) in Australia has been expanded to incorporate products retailed in New Zealand. It allows the blind and severely low visioned to independently identify items for themselves. It has been described as "a life changing piece of technology". It retails at AUD $1,730 and there is a 20 percent discount available for those who ONLY receive the Centrelink pension.
The next database update is due for release in October. It will incorporate all of your favorite products as well as 65,000 extra Australian CD / DVD titles, home brand products from Coles, IGA and Woolworths. In addition to this, we have added a selected range of Aldi products to further enhance your choice and independence. Users of the ID Mate will be advised of this update as it becomes available. The database will be enhanced to capture New Zealand products making it possible to use your ID mate whilst in New Zealand or vice versa.
MEDIA RELEASE:
Coles and Visual Independence launch grants program for blind and low visioned.
Coles and the Melbourne-based not for profit, Visual Independence, have launched a grants program to fund product-scanning technology to bring greater independence and quality of life for the blind and low visioned.
The Coles ID Mate is a portable scanning unit that enables those with seeing difficulties to scan a barcode and hear valuable information that can assist them with many everyday activities, including shopping, cooking, working and studying.
Coles will fund at least 70 ID Mates this year for shoppers who would benefit from this technology but would normally not afford it.
The Coles ID Mate is tailored for Coles shoppers. Initially, the units will host thousands of products available at Coles' stores as well as music CDs. When a barcode is scanned, the Coles ID Mate will audibly describe the product and can provide other useful information, such as pack size.
Officeworks' shoppers will also benefit from this new technology, with Coles' sibling retailer embracing the units at stores nationwide.
Users can also create their own barcodes and record useful instructions and other information to assist them with labelling items they frequently use at home, such as clothing, files, equipment and medicines.
"Coles is pleased to be able to fund these units and assist those who would normally struggle with everyday activities that most of us take for granted, such as shopping and identifying the right ingredients to prepare meals," said Sioned Rees-Thomas, Coles General Manager, Customer Service.
"We hope the Coles ID Mate will also have a positive impact on the health and well being of those customers who find it a challenge to identify items in their pantry when it comes to preparing a healthy and nutritious meal," added Ms Rees-Thomas.
Dr. Graeme White, CEO, Guide Dogs Victoria, said: "This type of technology is important in helping the blind and vision impaired maintain their freedom and independence. Guide Dogs Victoria is excited that Coles is at the forefront of the retail sector through the funding of the ID Mate."
Gerard Menses, CEO, Vision Australia, said the talking ID Mate makes a real difference in the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. "Vision Australia relies on strong partnerships within the community. With the support and dedication of organisations such as Visual Independence and Coles, many people who are blind or have low vision can fully participate in life," Mr. Menses said.
Visual Independence, through its association with Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria will screen applicants for the Coles ID Mate. Eligible applicants will need to satisfy means testing criteria and will be assessed for their suitability for the Coles ID Mate.
For further information, telephone Bernie Slagtman 03 9853 9880 or mobile 0402 859 885 or email info@visualindependence.org.au Click here to download a grants application
CLICK HERE FOR THE "TODAY" SHOW ON CHANNEL
NINE 10 APRIL 2008
Many Blind automatically think they cannot afford it? Well read on!
Eligible low income Western Australians in need of this technology can NOW APPLY through the Association for the Blind of W.A. or Blind Citizens WA to Lottery West for a grant to acquire the talking bar code scanner.
Likewise, eligible South Australians can NOW APPLY through the Royal Society for the Blind S.A. for assistance in obtaining a talking bar code scanner. You may also be able to seek out further opportunities for assistance through Blind Welfare
Those eligible living in New South Wales can NOW APPLY through Vision Australia for assistance in obtaining a talking bar code scanner under the PADP.
Eligible Northern Territory residents can NOW APPLY through Vision Australia for assistance under the TIMES program.
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