 |
|
|
NewsHelp us take the magic of talking books furtherMost people have big dreams for themselves. Tamara, who has been blind since birth, has big dreams for others. “Growing up, I studied using the old, open reel tapes that would often end up in a frustrating spaghetti-like mess leaving my mother stressed and me in tears!” “I got through school and university with the help of these tapes because I was determined. But I am so excited about the new digital ‘talking book’ technology that’s opening up new worlds for children and adults who are blind.” “I’m using it and can’t stop thinking about its potential. My biggest hopes are that others have the same opportunity I do with talking books, and that people who are blind have access to more of the wonderful books and printed material that sighted people have, and often take for granted. I know how much it’s changed my life, and how much more of life I enjoy. I want that for others too.” Here at the Association for the Blind of WA – Guide Dogs WA, we’re working on that dream. And with your support we can bring it closer for thousands of Western Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Through our exciting new project – Beyond Books, Beyond Barriers – we’re converting our ageing audio book cassette tapes to a revolutionary digital format. The result? A more cost effective library service to reach more people. At present, our library distributes around 800 audio books every day, so the demand is high. Help us take the magic of talking books so much further. New digital talking books come in a special MP3 format and they’re downloaded to a small, portable player. We have an urgent need for funding for more players and ask that you consider helping this worthwhile project that has an instant positive effect on quality of life. Tamara has discovered the “magic” in DAISY*. “The player holds several books, articles, music, textbooks and other material so you have it all on hand. It’s so easy to flip between files, save your place and find your way using pages, chapters or headings. Thinking back to those frustrating tape reels, I know DAISY is going to make all the difference to blind students. Just think how much richer our world could be for having their talents, passion and wisdom put to use by an easier way to access study information!” You’ve heard how Tamara’s life has been changed by this service. Without the heartfelt support of our donors, we cannot keep this or our many other programs and services running. From Guide Dogs to technology to mobility, we need your help to enhance daily life for clients – from ninety year olds down to newborn babies. What does your independence mean to you? Tamara’s story is one of inspiration and courage. Her amazing drive and determination has seen her succeed in university, become a qualified massage therapist and raise three children. Tamara has achieved independence against the odds and she is dedicated to ensuring others who are blind have the same opportunities. This is exactly what the Association works towards, and why we need your assistance, more than ever, to help provide our clients with opportunities that open new doors and enrich their lives. Your generosity ensures we can provide our many critical programs that enhance daily life for so many Western Australians who are blind. When you think about Tamara’s independence that has been helped by our services, think about the difference you have made. Your support translates into life-changing services, and that is why we hope you will continue to give it now. Donate online to support this exciting project. * DAISY: Digital Accessible Information System, a worldwide standard. How do you show support for someone who can’t see?The majority of Australians have little idea of the challenges facing those who are blind or vision impaired, but in a world first Guide Dogs Australia has partnered with Kit Cosmetics to create a fundraising campaign with a difference. The ‘Support Scent’ campaign, unlike visually reliant ribbons and wristbands, concentrates on another sense entirely – our sense of smell. Support Scent has been developed to raise money and awareness for Guide Dogs Australia, specifically targeting a fashion conscious, younger audience. “Like a Guide Dog, Support Scent helps a person who is blind and vision impaired be a part of the community - by letting them know support is all around them” said Dr Margaret Crowley, Chief Executive Officer at the Association for the Blind of WA – Guide Dogs WA. The unisex fragrance developed in France has notes of exotic fruit, that blossom into a floral heart with a warm woody base. It has been specifically formulated with a hint of boldness to make it not only a pleasure to wear, but easily recognisable to those who are vision impaired. Support Scent will be sold for $5 with all proceeds going to Guide Dogs Australia. Support Scent will be available as of 1 March 2010 in all Kit Cosmetics stores and selected Myer department stores nationally. For more information visit the Support Scent website. Connections ProjectWhat is the Connections Project all about? As the name suggests, we want to connect with people who have received services from the Association, their carers or family members, or donors to get feedback and plan how we, as an organisation, can better consult with and involve people in our service planning and feedback.
The Association is organising a range of different consultation opportunities to be held over the coming months which will include community consultations, both metro and country, and a survey. The survey will be advertised and will also be available on this website. Dates for the community consultations are listed below and any additional dates will be posted as they are confirmed. BunburyCompleted 8 December 2009 Perth
Friday 26 February 2010
Thursday 4 March 2010 Kalgoorlie
Thursday 11 March 2010 Perth
Saturday 13 March 2010 Albany
Wednesday 10th March 2010 Geraldton
Tuesday 23 March 2010 Perth
Saturday 27 March 2010 We invite you to come along and share your experiences and views on how the Association for the Blind of WA can continue to build a strong consultative focus into our organisation and practices. You may also like to join our Consultation Contact Pool register. If you would like to be contacted by the Association when consultation or feedback opportunities arise in your nominated areas of interest, you can register your name, contact details and your preferred method for getting involved (for example, phone or written surveys only, focus groups etc). Contact Simone Proctor on 9311 8202 or by email at simone.proctor@guidedogswa.com.au to register your interest or to find out more information about the Connections Project and the upcoming consultations. Touch Tours for Sculpture by the SeaCottesloe Beach, 4 – 23 March 2010The Art Gallery of Western Australia will be providing FREE Touch Tours to vision impaired visitors at this year’s Sculpture by the Sea. From 4 – 23 March 2010 Cottesloe Beach will once again be transformed into a sculptural wonderland for the sixth annual exhibition. Attracting estimated crowds of 100,000 people, Sculpture by the Sea has become a highlight on the Perth arts and events calendar, and this year vision impaired art lovers will have the chance to participate through the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Touch Tours. Tours run for one hour and are on offer from 2.30pm. Choose from:
Advance bookings are essential, please email: petra@sculpturebythesea.com For further information contact Lesley Goodman on 08 94926641 or lesley.goodman@artgallery.wa.gov.au Constructing a Charitable GiftBelmont-based construction company Pindan is building a charity home in its new Waters Edge estate in Viveash, to support Western Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
Pindan’s Project Sales Manager Nuno Carvalho said the home, expected to go up for auction late 2009, was likely to attract keen buyer interest.
"This is an opportunity for Pindan to give something back to the community, it’s an exciting initiative for us.." he said.
"As either a family home or an investment property, this house will have a special meaning for whoever buys it because of the difference it will make in improving the lives of Western Australians needing services provided by the Association for the Blind."
"And, because Waters Edge boasts first-class facilities such as 25 metre lap pool, spas, sauna, fully equipped gym and children’s playgrounds, and is only minutes from the Swan River and Swan Valley attractions, we’re confident it will attract a great price for the charity."
"The Waters Edge house and land packages are impressive and start from $385,000, so we’re excited about being able to raise a considerable amount of money for the Association," he said. To find out more about the home, go to http://www.watersedgeviveash.com.au/gallery.htm
Community inSight (with it's What's On liftout) is our magazine informing everyone in the Western Australian community about what the Association for the Blind of WA has been up to and is about to get up to! Please click on either the RTF or DOC version below to read up on what's been happening. |
|
|