Megobapp Newsletter
Issue Eight August 2006
Welcome
For the eighth consecutive quarter “Megonews” will be in circulation in various formats throughout Manchester.
Though we have received very little response from readers either in support or criticising its contents, members of MEGOBAPP must really consider whether this somewhat time-consuming method of trying to influence the bureaucrats that control matters is achieving its objectives or whether other means of campaigning would provide better results. It is likely that this question will appear on the MEGOBAPP agendas over the coming months, with the possibility of “Megonews” not going to print in September.
Meanwhile, what do we have in this quarter’s edition?
Transport will again figure, alongside an item on controlled crossings. The Technology Corner will be with us along with some Entertainment news. Apart from these main items there will be information on changes which are of interest to visually-impaired people.
Whilst it is not expected that the whole of “Megonews” will be of interest to everyone that reads it, we are sure that some sections of it will be thought-provoking to one and all.
It could be that this is your first experience of the Newsletter and wonder what else has been written on previous occasions. If anyone would like to catch up on the previous editions, these can be found on the Group’s website – www.megobapp.org.uk
Any comments on its contents – or lack thereof – can be sent to the Group through its email address at info@megobapp.org.uk.
Officers of MEGOBAPP:
Chairperson: Ron Goulden – 0161-798-9137;
Secretary: Carole Gausden – 0161-681-2654;
Treasurer: Jean Whittaker – 0161-681-3684.
Updates
Shude Hill Interchange
We are now pleased to note that the accessible public toilet facilities have been fitted with a RADAR-key mechanism.
However, the “shut off” of the toilet facilities at 8-30 p.m. could certainly create a serious problem for some disabled people.
Airport Responsibilities to Disabled People
In a previous edition of “Megonews” reference was made to the decision of the European Parliament regarding the responsibilities that airports and their carriers have towards disabled people in their ability to travel.
This decision has been welcomed and supported by the European Commission and is set to be effective in 2008.
Manchester Airport Authority are alive to this change.
The Airport contacted several groups of disabled people on Friday, the 2 June, for their support at a meeting they were arranging on Wednesday, the 7 June, at the Airport, as their expected participants had let them down. Obviously, they need to give sufficient notice and provide a suitable venue if organisations of disabled people are to be involved. However, it was seen that some representatives did manage to make it on the 7 June. A couple of people from Henshaw’s Society for Blind People were there, but what their input was is not known.
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How accessible is Metrolink?
Part 1
It is now some fifteen years since Metrolink was launched on the streets of Manchester as the most accessible form of public transport. How accessible and hazard free is the system?
There is no doubt that any person pushing a buggie or in a wheelchair can certainly board and alight from the vehicle at the two central doors provided the driver brings the tram to a standstill at the designated point; otherwise there is likely to be quite a step at these entrances. The construction of a raised area on the platforms to coincide with the central doors may well have been seen as an economic solution to the provision of an accessible public transport system, but, in reality, may well have created other difficulties.
Apart from the barrier that sometimes confronts wheelchair users mentioned earlier by the non-alignment of the tram, the provision of the “hump” has failed to eliminate the gap between the platform and vehicle – in addition to a change of level – causing a possible “trip” at the front and rear entrances.
The photograph below was taken at the Manchester-bound platform of Sale station. This clearly shows the gap between the platform and the vehicle as well as the change of level between these.
A way of obviating these difficulties was put forward by MEGOBAPP some years ago: that platforms should be levelled to give acceptable access to all tram entrances. Since then, the odd platform has been treated in this way, but much more needs to be done.
The photograph here shows a platform that has recently been treated in this way. It will be seen that all four entrances to the vehicle are level with the platform and there is no gap between the two points.
In addition, it will be seen that a platform edge warning strip has been included.
Whilst the above comments are mainly aimed at the converted platforms on the old Altrincham and Bury lines. However, similar problems occur on some of the on-street platforms where a raised “lump” has been incorporated to provide level access to the middle entrances. The change of level between the vehicle and the platform at the front and rear doors is even greater than at the like of Sale. This is particularly noticeable at platforms like St. Peter’s Square and Mosley Street. Perhaps adjustments on a similar way to that in the foregoing photograph could have been undertake at these.
Here again, it is possible that economic considerations came into play. With the promised Government funding to update the Phase 1 infrastructure, are we going to see some of the wrongs being righted?
In the early days of Metrolink – when it was little more than a twinkle in the eyes of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive – the visually-impaired community were pressing for an automated announcement system on the vehicles. Instead, they decided to rely on the drivers, some of whom were incoherent, whilst others didn’t even bother to try. Whilst the willingness of the drivers to do the announcements may have improved slightly over the years, it was far from satisfactory; not helped by the apparent faulty equipment.
Over the past twelve months or more it has been realised that the views of some fifteen years ago are the way forward. Having carried out a trial on one of the trams, the automated announcements are being rolled out on the whole of the Phase 1 and 2 systems. To make this truly efficient, some updating or maintenance of the equipment will do the trick.
In the next edition of “Megonews” we will be having a further look at Metrolink concerning its accessibility and freedom from hazards.
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THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
This is an account of the journey to a meeting by two MEGOBAPP members.
As the May meeting of MEGOBAPP started at 2 pm rather than the usual rush hour time of 5.30 , we took the opportunity to try a different route. Instead of taking the train and tram, we decided to go by bus as, according to the timetable, our local service had been extended to include Albert Square.
This would save us the ‘death defying’ dash across the tram tracks in St. Peter’s Square.
The plan was that I would catch the 1.05 bus at my stop, and Jean would get on the same bus at Moston Station.
Because the number 77 often fails to pull into the stop when I am standing there alone, I was pleased to find there was already someone waiting for the bus. I was less than pleased to find that she had been there since 12.20 (the buses are scheduled to run every 20 minutes).
When the bus had not arrived by 1.10 I accepted a lift as far as Moston Station, where I found Jean waiting. We decided it was too late to get a train, so continued to wait at the bus stop.
Eventually a number 77 arrived but we were told that the bus no longer went to Albert Square.
At the next stop we changed drivers and learned that our bus was, in fact, the 12.45 extremely late . The new driver contacted his depot and told the 4 passengers that he had been given the authority not to pick up anyone else on route, but would drop us off at our destinations.
The driver took the first left turn at the Gardener’s Arms missing 8 or more bus stops before returning to the route, but as he wasn’t picking up passengers, it probably didn’t make any difference.
The other two passengers were only allowed to alight well away from the bus stops where people might try to board the bus. Jean and I were taken on to Shude Hill interchange.
As neither of us had been into the new bus station, we asked the driver where we should go to catch a tram. He said “straight ahead from here” – which we took to mean the direction the bus was facing. Walking in that direction, we found the pavement completely blocked by an external pillar. Turning in the other direction we found the same situation at the other end of the bus station. It then dawned on us that we were outside the automatic doors with no means of getting inside.
Eventually we attracted the attention of an off duty bus driver who guided us into the road and around the pillar.
After crossing the bus lanes we negotiated some strange kerbs and reached the tram platform. So after all we ended up doing the 50 metres white cane sprint. But, unlike the poor people left at the bus stops en route, we did at least get to our meeting.
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- In the next “Megonews” we could have a short article on different aspects of the bus services in and around Manchester.
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Crossing the Road not made easy
From time to time in the past MEGOBAPP has drawn attention to particular areas where the environment creates a difficulty for Visually-impaired People (VIP). In this quarter’s edition of “Megonews” we will continue to identify these.
Over the years organisations of VIP’s have questioned the safety of zebra crossings and have argued that Pelican/Puffin crossings – or their equivalent – should be the order of the day, equipped with both audible signal and the revolving tactile knurl. Whilst arguing that, generally, this should be the position, it is accepted that in some isolated incidents the inclusion of an audible device could create some confusion. These occasions, however, are few and far between.
What are some of the benefits of a properly-equipped Puffin crossing?
The line at the front edge of a blistered paving crossing should identify the line of walk when it is safe to cross. VIP’s can use this to ensure that their line of walk directs them to the crossing point on the opposite side of the road or through the refuge areas. The inclusion of controlled crossings which are set askew or not in line with that on the opposite of the road can, therefore, create some disorientation.
Why do we need both the audible and tactile devices at controlled crossing points?
There are perhaps several reasons for this requirement, some of which are:
- A person with a hearing impairment as well as a visual one, relies on the revolving cone to know when it is safe to proceed.
- A person with a cane or guide dog harness in one hand and shopping, a bag or case in the other would experience great difficulty in keeping their fingers on the revolving cone for any length of time.
- Other pedestrians can often obstruct a person’s access to the control box.
- Some VIP’s suffering from diabetes and the like often have a reduced dexterity and a poor sense of touch which is likely to create some difficulty in identifying the spinning cone.
- A person needing to wear heavy gloves would find difficulty in determining that the knurl was revolving.
- The need of a person having to line themselves up to cross the road would be delayed by their having to move from the control box to a more central position on the blistered paving.
Whilst the foregoing identifies some of the reasons for there to be both audible and tactile devices on controlled crossings, there is also a call for more red-lamp pedestrian-phased crossings at more of the junctions in the City, again with both devices fitted. The Great Ancoats Street/Oldham Road junction is a typical point where this action should be taken.
There are other areas where VIP’s require an indication that it is safe to venture forth. The Albert Square end of Mount Street is one where VIP’s stand wondering whether they can step out or not
Also close to the seat of power in Manchester there is yet another example of inconsistency at the Cooper Street/Princess Street junction. At the North-West corner of the junction there is a revolving knurl in place on the underside of the control box to indicate when it is safe to cross Cooper Street, but there is no device whatsoever fitted to the control box on the North-East corner – just the hole to take the cone. Is this not another example of “sloppiness” on the part of a certain Department, or is it a means of deterring VIP’s from visiting the Town Hall.
No doubt the next edition of “Megonews” will be looking at other problems create to confront their V.I. community.
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Snippets
DLA Campaign
For some time now a National organisation of visually-impaired people has been campaigning for a change in the qualification for a Disability Living Allowance – Mobility component – for blind people. It has been their argument that, in view of the additional expenses incurred by blind people by their need to use taxi services fairy regularly, then it is reasonable to argue that their Mobility component entitlement should be at the higher level.
Recently the Royal National Institute of? The Blind has decided to put their weight behind the campaign by organising meetings with MP’s to enable supporters of the Campaign to seek their MP’s backing.
The RNIB will be launching the campaign on the 11 July. After the launch, a Mass Lobby of Parliament has already been arranged for Monday, 4 December 2006; this will take place in the Members’ dining-room and refreshments will be provided so that those supporting the campaign can sit and chat with their Member of Parliament.
It is expected that further details on timing and background material should be available in August or September.
Is the backing of the RNIB a sign that there is a light at the end of the tunnel?
Articles for the Blind Stickers
For years we have been purchasing from the RNIB “Articles for the Blind” labels to attach to the Braille material despatched through Royal Mail.
These stickers are supposed to be available at all General Post Offices free of charge, but it is likely that some outlets will be slow off the mark.
Why not try your local Post Office, taking with you proof of your entitlement to use of this free service? Alternatively, ring the Customer Services Team on 08457 740 740 and seek their advice.
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Claiming your TV Licence concession:
There have been changes to the application process for TV Licences as far as visually-impaired people are concerned.
On 31 March this year, TV Licensing announced that it had selected Paypoint PLC as its supplier for a six-year contract to provide a range of “over-the-counter” services for TV Licensing.
These services are currently handled by the Post Office. As of the 31 July, applying for or renewing a Blind Concessionary Licence will no longer be able to do so at Post Office branches.
If you are applying for your Blind Person’s concessionary licence for the first time, please get in touch with TV Licensing by phone on 0845 603 6999.
When you receive your TV Licence renewal notice, you will be asked to send a photocopy of your Blind Registration document from your Local Authority to TV Licensing, Blind Concessionary Group, Bristol, BS98 1TL, which TV Licensing will validate. TV Licensing will send you a letter confirming the details and the payment amount which you can then take to any Paypoint outlet to pay for your licence by cash or debit card.
You can also choose to pay in a number of other ways, including over the phone by debit or credit card, using the website at www.tvlicensing.co.uk or by diret debit.
If you are renewing your Blind Person’s Licence you can choose to make your payment using any one of the methods outlined above.
TV Licensing is conducting a National Communications campaign to raise awareness of the changes and will continue to work with groups such as RNIB, Help the Aged and Age Concern to alert anyone affected by the changes.
For more information on the Paypoint announcement dial 0870 850 6709 (24 hours) for a recorded message.
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Gateway Website Launched
Do the staff in your libraries need help in finding information about books available in audio or large print and other accessible formats ? Are they confused about who supplies what and how? Do they run a reading group with visually impaired people but need some advice? Then they need to know about Gateway.
Gateway wants to work with library staff to give visually impaired people in the UK better access to all library and information services whoever provides them.
Gateway has now launched a brand new website at www.gateway-uk.org
The web site will help library staff answer questions on a range of enquiries and encourage libraries to share how they have improved services to meet visually impaired users' requirements.
This will become the essential tool at every service point in authorities serious about improving services for visually impaired people.
The web site supports the Gateway helpdesk. A single contact point for library staff and visually impaired people for enquiries about the whole range of library services, reading materials and useful technology.
Helpdesk 0845 075 0089 (local rate); Email info@gateway-uk.org
Gateway is an initiative of Share the Vision and the Society of Chief Librarians. Funding is gratefully acknowledged from the Ulverscroft Foundation.
For more information contact: Deborah Ryan, Gateway, 0161 355 2082
info@gateway-uk.org.
Technology Corner
The BlindSite Bulletin!
Issue 1
By David Brown
This is the first of a new information email "The BlindSite Bulletin" which I hope will be a regular feature. In it I will endeavour to provide news from the world of I.T, tips, tricks, interesting Websites to add to your favourites and answer some of your questions in simple non technical language (or at least I'll try to!).
I don't want to make it too formal or have a set structure or time when the next one comes out, I just want to provide you with a little extra knowledge.
If anyone wishes to receive this, then please email info@blindsite.net
Any feedback or suggestions for future topics would be appreciated.
To start off with here are a few Websites to visit, just press enter on the link to be taken to it:
A-Sites lists hundreds of Websites that are chosen for their ease of use by blind and visually impaired computer users. You can either search for something or you can choose a list by category.
www.a-sites.org/searchpage.asp
Have you heard of MP3? This is an audio file that can be played on a computer or portable device such as Apples IPod. These MP3 players can hold hundreds of hours of music or other audio such as books and are excellent to carry around instead of tapes or CD's. Traditionally these players have been difficult for the blind or visually impaired to use due to their visual interface. However there is now a program called Rockbox which is continually being developed to make the players talk and allow access to the file menu for anyone with a sight disability. You would buy a compatible player (list available on the website) then load the free software onto the player through your computer. The software and instructions can be found at www.rockbox.org/
The Accessible Friends Website is an interactive site where blind or visually impaired people can communicate through a free to use computer to computer speech facility. All you need is a set of headphones and a microphone. The site also has some useful information and links.
www.tafn.org.uk
Finally there is news this month that Tesco's have run into accessibility problems with their newly designed Website. It was intended that the site would allow a greater ease of access to blind or visually impaired users for online shopping. Unfortunately, although the site is technically accessible, there is still a long way to go with usability on the site. a Tesco spokesperson has said that they have listened to concern's and will keep moving forward with changes to keep improving accessibility and usability on the site.
For any help or questions on the above, just reply to this email with your query. I would also like to hear back from you, letting me know what you think of this free service and any suggestions on what can be included for future issues?
Happy surfing.
Mapping out a brighter future
A new type of map could help give visually impaired people a better understanding of their surroundings.
Clever researchers have developed a tactile map - described as being to visual diagrams what Braille is to written text.
The team at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Surrey hope their work will open new doors to blind people.
The Tactile Ink-Jet Mapping Project (TIMP) is inspired by Anglia Ruskin's Steve Carey, who is blind, having lost his sight through diabetes.
It was through his determination to improve access to graphical information for blind and partially-sighted people that TIMP was initiated.
Steve said: “Tactile maps are three-dimensional representations which are to visual diagrams what Braille is to written text.
“This research addresses the factors limiting the availability of tactile maps, the limitations in current manufacturing processes and the lack of tactile map design guidance based on real data.”
The team interviewed over 50 visually impaired people about tactile maps that are available on the market. The results show their needs are simply not met by what is currently available.
Steve added: “This is the very first system to use Ink-Jet technology for the production of tactile maps.
“All we need now is a financial backer to take our product forward to the market place. Then blind people can be more aware of the environment in which they move about in their daily lives.”
Cambridge Evening News,
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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Fingertip braille sensor can help elderly
SENDAI (Kyodo) A researcher at Tohoku University has created a glove like device that recognizes braille using fingertip sensors, a development that could assist many seniors dealing with visual impairment.
A student demonstrates how to use a braille sensor that can be worn on a fingertip at a lab at Tohoku University in Sendai.
The device, developed by Mami Tanaka, an assistant professor at the Tohoku University graduate school, uses a special sensor that reads braille and transmits the information to a computer that deciphers the dots as characters.
Many elderly people have trouble learning braille because of the small size prescribed for each character -- a space measuring 6.5 mm by 3.5 mm.
The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry says only one in 10 visually impaired people in Japan can read braille.
Tanaka has also been working on a system to vocalize braille, a study expected to offer even greater help for the visually impaired.
The fingertip device recognizes the dots' positions, then sends the data to a computer by changing output voltage. The information is then deciphered by the computer, which collates the data with pre-registered characters.
The above article appeared in the Japan Times on Friday, 12 May 2006.
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Entertainment News
The end of the Spring/Summer season of the Manchester Theatres providing audio described performances is almost nigh. Having provided its last show of the season, the Manchester Library Theatre will be looking forward already to its new season starting in September.
Both the Manchester Library Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre have or are producing their brochures for the Autumn/Winter season. As usual, these brochures will be available in various formats, including Braille, large print and on audio cassette or CDs.
Don’t wait until September to ask for your copy – there may be none left in your preferred format. Contact Manchester Library Theatre now on 234-1919 or the Royal Exchange Theatre on 833-9333 (asking for their Marketing Section).
Meanwhile, just a couple of audio described performances for your diary.
Royal Exchange Theatre:
“Mirandolina” by Carlo Goldoni, directed by Jonathan Munby; audio described on Saturday, 22 July, at 4 pm.
This is about a beautiful, independent and feisty young woman who inherits an inn and is immediately surrounded by fawning men, including a mean-fisted Marquess, a coarse Count and a sex-starved servant. Bored with the attention and yearning for an honest husband, Mirandolina rises to the challenge of persuading a woman-hating wag how to love women – with surprising consequences.
Manchester Library Theatre:
“Private Fears in Public Places” by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Chris Honer; audio described on Saturday, 23 September at 3 p.m. and Thursday, 28 September at 8 p.m.
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And Finally
That’s about it for this edition of “Megonews”. We hope you have found something of interest in the pages. All that is left for us to do is to put it into the various format, get it in the post and on our web site.
If you have anything to say about its contents, constructive or otherwise, your views would be more than welcome. If, of course, you are a visually-impaired person and would like to influence our thinking from the inside, why not join us.
If you want to make contact with us you can either email us on: info@megobapp.org.uk or you can contact one of the Officers shown below. As we say, we would like to hear from you.
Officers of MEGOBAPP:
Chairperson: Ron Goulden, 0161-798-9137;
r-goulden@supanet.com
Secretary: Carole Gausden, 0161-681-2654;
Treasurer: Jean Whittaker, 0161-681-3684.
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