Megobapp Newsletter
Issue Three April 2005
Welcome
Here we are with the third quarterly issue of "Megonews", the official newsletter of MEGOBAPP (Manchester Environmental Group of Blind And Partially-sighted People).
This quarter's copy is a little later than expected and perhaps slightly smaller than those that have gone before - as Trekkies might say - but, hopefully, will prove no less interesting.
Apart from the updating of the audio-described performances and other entertainment matters, there is the first of a series on digital radios, recreation matters, as well as looking at the aids for and barriers confronting visually-impaired people.
Comments on the items included - and aspects omitted from - these pages would be warmly welcomed. These can be forwarded to us via our e-mail address at info@megobapp.org.uk, whilst our website - www-megobapp.org.uk - is readily accessible.
"Megonews" is freely available to anyone, but, obviously, we would like to welcome more visually-impaired people to our group to assist us in our endeavours. Just leave a message on our e-mail or ring 0161-798-9137 and speak to Ron Goulden who will put you in the picture.
Enjoy the newsletter which is available in the various formats and let us know what you think - good or bad - we are always open to suggestions.
Apology Called
For
Since our last edition of "Megonews" we have received the following e-mail from Kevin Lawton of MEDC (the Engineering arm of Manchester City Council):-
"I have received issue no. 2 and am concerned that you are blaming MEDC for the alleged failures of design in Piccadilly Gardens. Will you please note and give an apology in the next edition that MEDC had nothing whatsoever to do with the design of Piccadilly Gardens. It was designed by a private sector team led by Arup Consulting Engineers. Please get your facts correct before going into print.
"Kevin
Lawton,
"Business Manager, MEDC, Engineering Services,"
As will be seen, MEDC are fighting back with their demand for an apology; but, is this justified?
In the three articles relating to the Piccadilly Gardens area the criticism has not been levied particularly at the design of the water feature, but at the lack of attention to protecting visually-impaired people from the numerous hazards within this area.
Whilst accepting MEDC's lack of influence over the actual design of the feature, it is reasonable to assume that, as the experts in the field, MEDC had a duty to ensure that the City Council's requirements - embodied within the Council's "Designing For Access" Manuals, should, along with the requirements of "Guidance on the use of Tactile Paving Surfaces" (in which Mr. Lawson had some involvement in Trials in Manchester some thirteen or so years ago, and for which the Council received something in the order of £10,000), should have been implemented.
Whilst a meeting in June 2000 had a presentation from Paula Garvey of EDAW, Design Team, it was Janet Heron of Special Projects, Chief Executives, who had acknowledged the various requirements highlighted.
The photograph below shows a similar lack of attention to the installation of a warning textured surface at a water feature, this time in the Exchange Square area. Here Mr. Lawton (then of Urban Solutions, Manchester - part of the City Council) was involved in a meeting in June 1998 when the need for properly installed warning surfaces was emphasised.
(the photograph at this point shows the corduroy warning surface around a water feature in the exchange square area. The corduroy is of the flat-top type and is positioned immediately at the edge of a step into the water feature, the corduroy tiles being only one tile in depth).
All apart from this, a comparison with the above corduroy surface and that shown below will indicate that those currently being installed by the Council do not conform to those specified by the "Guidance to the use..." the specification for which were supplied by the then Department of the Environment, Transport & Regions for the Trials in Manchester.
The picture below is an example of the trial surface used at the stepped entrance to the Peace Gardens, where it will be seen that the corduroy used is of the domed type, rather than the flat ridged corduroy used by MEDC, which is less identifiable.
(the photograph at this point is taken at a slight angle to clearly show the type of corduroy used and the spacing of this in relation to the step - i.e., approximately 800mm in depth and 400mm from the step).
Who apologises to whom?
Digital
Radio
by Peter Wilkins
Ron has asked me to write a series of articles about digital radio, so here is the first one.
Is It Necessary To Get A Digital Radio?
If you want to have access to all the BBC and commercial
services, you need both analogue and digital radio. For
analogue you need to have Medium Wave (MW), Long Wave (LW), and FM (formerly
known as VHF), and for digital you must have either Sky, Freeview, or
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting).
Which Digital Platform Should I Use?
1. SKY.
Sky carries the largest number of digital radio stations,
but normally these are received through a television, although it is
possible to have Sky connected to an audio only hi-fi system.
If you want to listen to the radio on Sky whilst other
members of the family are using the television, you will need to have
a second Sky installation.
Some people may not have access to Sky, if they live in
accommodation where the erection of a dish is not permitted.
Some radio services are only available via Sky as part of a
subscription package.
2. FREEVIEW.
Again, this is normally received through a television,
although it can be fed through a hi-fi system. Once you have bought
the Freeview box and had the correct aerial installed, there is nothing
else to pay. It is important to check that Freeview is available in
your area.
Freeview does not have quite as many radio stations as other digital platforms, but all the BBC national services are there, along with most national and some local commercial radio stations.
3. DAB (DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING).
DAB is the easiest digital format to accommodate, as it can be heard
via a hi-fi tuner, portable DAB radio, or personal
stereo DAB radio. Most parts of the country are covered by the commercial
national multiplex, with the BBC national services only a little way
behind in coverage area.
DAB radio is transmitted in multiplexes, or blocks of
stations. The most widely available multiplex contains the
following national commercial stations:-
Talk Sport;
Virgin Radio;
Classic FM;
Planet Rock;
Core (current hits);
Life (easy-listening pop);
Oneword (books, plays and comedy);
Prime Time Radio (easy-listening, for older people).
There is also a temporary station broadcasting bird-song,
used for test purposes.
The BBC national multiplex contains the following stations:-
Radio 1;
Radio 2;
Radio 3;
Radio 4;
Radio 4 LW (occasional);
Radio Five Live;
Five Live Sports Extra (occasional);
1 Xtra;
Six Music;
BBC 7 (comedy, drama and books);
BBC Asian Network;
BBC World Service.
Many cities have their own multiplex, containing local
commercial stations, together with some out-of-area pop music services,
and which is also required to carry the appropriate BBC local radio
station.
There are a number of regional multiplexes, containing
stations such as Heart, Century, Arrow, Galaxy, Smooth FM, Jazz FM,
Real Radio, Capital Disney, Choice FM, and others, depending on where
you live. You may also receive a regional rolling news service, such
as DNN (Digital News Network).
In the next article, I will describe how to use a DAB radio.
Transport
Issues
"REACT" or "Realtime"
For some years now, visually-impaired groups (including "MEGOBAPP") have been raising the subject of "Realtime" information with GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive) in relation to public transport services. Whilst repeatedly acknowledging the need for this, little effort would appear to have been made in its progress.
In the November issue of "Megonews" we made reference to an American system, and two or three years ago MEGOBAPP gave GMPTE information about a similar - but perhaps more extensive - system operating in Prague of the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, we are aware of the installation of the "React" system in several areas of this country, a system which provides a recorded message when a person carrying a special "fob" comes within eight metres of a unit. It Is not possible for us to evaluate the cost differentials, as the prices of the American and Prague installations are not known. However, is the cost of a system a reasonable guide to its acceptability as opposed to its effectiveness?
Besides referring to the American "Realtime" system in the November newsletter, mention was made of the installation of a "React" system at Moor Lane Bus Station, Bolton. The installation of the system has been dragging on for almost twelve months now, with expected trials envisaged last August, which are just about getting off the ground.
What is expected of a system that will provide information to a visually-impaired person which is ordinarily readily available to non-visually-impaired people?
Firstly, if the information provided is generally provided without cost, then, similarly, visually-impaired people should be in that position. This in effect means that any activating "fobs" should be made available without charge to eligible users.
Secondly, the system provided should be as comprehensive as possible. Apart from providing static information, it should provide updated information, i.e. "realtime".
Thirdly, Every effort should be made to ensure that the system had as wide a geographical range as possible.
In view of the fact that the "React" system is in situ in other parts of the country, it could be argued that its installation in Bolton - and elsewhere in the County - is a wise step to take. But, if the system cannot meet the needs of visually-impaired people by the provision of other than recorded messages, then it is likely to fall well short of compliance with the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act). It is known that the Prague system not only provides static information, but also gives access to approaching public transport, communication between the bus and waiting passenger, etc., as appears to be the case with the American system.
The GMPTE is one of the largest conurbations in the country. It was perhaps an opportunity to examine all the options available and so lead the way to the provision of truly acceptable and relevant information technology to fully meet the requirements of visually-impaired people. Let us hope that the door is not closed on this important development.
Are buses not for you?
Concessionary Pass holders who find themselves unable to use the public bus services may well be eligible to be placed on the Taxi Voucher scheme.
If you are unable to access the bus services then you can consider forfeiting that element of the Concessionary Pass which applies to these services in exchange for the purchase of taxi vouchers at a cost of one-third of their face value.
Vouchers are valued at o1 each and are available in booklets of 15; therefore, a o15 booklet costs o5. In any one financial year - April to March - a Scheme member can purchase up to seven booklets.
A list of private hire and hackney carriage companies accepting the vouchers in your area is supplied along with the first purchase each year.
Whilst forfeiting the right to use local bus services, the scheme still permits the Pass holder to use Metrolink and the local rail network.
Regular users of Ring & Ride could find they will have to pay even if they hold a free pass.
In addition, it has been found difficult to find a hackney carriage vehicle on the highway where the driver will accept vouchers for the fare.
Meanwhile, the local Transport Executive has been very quick in introducing the increased concessionary fare charges - one month before the new financial year.
Do they all conform to at least the Government's scheme of no more than half the fare normally charged? No doubt this aspect will be looked at before the next issue of "Megonews".
Entertainment
Brochures:
Both the Manchester Library Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre provide their brochures in various formats. Why not keep yourself up-to-date with what is available in the Manchester Theatres by securing your copy in Braille, large print or on audible tape.
Ring the Library Theatre Marketing Section on 0161-234-1919; or the Royal Exchange Theatre on 0161-833-9333 and asking for their Marketing Section.
Audio Described Performances:
Manchester Library Theatre:
The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard: Wednesday, 9th March, at 7-30 p.m.; Saturday, 12th March at 3 p.m.
The Safari Party by Tom Firth: Wednesday, 11th May at 7-30 p.m.; Saturday, 14th May at 3 p.m.
Larkin with Women by Ben Brown: Wednesday, 29th June at 7-30 p.m.; Saturday, 2nd July at 3 p.m.
Royal Exchange Theatre:
Anthony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare: Saturday, 19th March at 2-30 p.m.
On the Shore of the Wide World by Simon Stephens: Saturday, 23rd April at 4 p.m.
Come Blow Your Horn by Neil Simon: Saturday, 11th June at 4 p.m.
Sex, Chips and Rock 'N' Roll by by Debbie Horsfield and Hereward Kaye: Saturday, 16th July at 4 p.m.
Both Theatres provide touch tours and Braille/large print programmes which can be ordered when booking your tickets.
Extant
Theatre in association with Turtle Key Arts present the UK tour of RESISTANCE
A play, in one act, followed by an epilogue, primarily set in a Gestapo
interrogation room in Paris in 1943. A mystery develops from the outset;
how could the arrested, blind teenager have anything to do with resistance
activities against the occupying Nazi army?
Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA
Weds. 6th & Thurs. 7th April 8pm
Box Office: 0161 274 0600
£9 / £6 conc. / £5 groups
Extant Theatre, the only UK blind theatre company, tour their highly acclaimed new play Resistance nationally, 4th March - 1st May 2005. (scroll down for details or visit www.extant.org.uk)
Resistance is a play that explores the extraordinary true story of Jacques Lusseyran, a blind, teenage leader within the French resistance movement of Occupied Paris during WWII. In his autobiography "And There Was Light", he tells the tale of how he was blinded in an accident at the age of 8, became a member of the French Resistance: was betrayed, captured and subsequently interrogated by Nazis SS officers, leading to his final incarceration in Buchenwald concentration camp. Jacques manages to use his blindness as a foil, exposing the prejudices of the Nazis SS; they couldn't believe a blind man capable, and discovers, through his blindness, a deeper perceptual awareness of the world.
Adapted for the stage by blind writer Maria Oshodi, Resistance uses physical theatre, experimental dance and live audio description (cleverly included within the script; no audience members have to wear headphones). Performed by 6 professional blind & visually impaired actors, Resistance unfolds with a tense and exciting narrative. The action flicks between time, perceptions and perspectives to uncover the deep mystery at its heart.
Piccadilly
Railway Station
Getting on Track
Over the past couple of years MEGOBAPP members have visited Piccadilly Railway Station with a view to identifying probable problems faced by visually-impaired passengers.
On the occasion of the first visit it was possible to draw attention to the numerous obstructions, Lack of suitable highlighting on expansive glazed areas, the non-highlighting of stair nosings, the added difficulties faced by visually-impaired passengers in locating certain facilities independently, etc. During the months that elapsed between visits, the only change which appears to have been made is the fitting of GMPTE advertising posters to some of the supporting columns.
The refurbished station concourse contains a considerable glazed area, particularly near to the entrance from the Metro shuttle service. Unfortunately, the highlighting "blobs" placed on the glazing are totally inadequate; a bright, orange-coloured sticker would have been more appropriate.
The tapping rail shown on the external frontage - presumably to prevent collision with the glazed area - could prove to be a "trip". Perhaps a similar rail at, say, 900mm would prove to be more protective. The photograph here shows this glazed area.
(this photograph shows the automatic glazed door entrance along with the glazed area to its side. Grey-coloured "blobs" have been stuck to the glass at a height of approximately a metre above floor level. The metal tapping rail on the outside of the glazing is less than one foot above floor level).
The photographs below will give an indication of the kind of obstructions confronting visually-impaired passengers as they move around the concourse.
(This first photograph shows an area where the walkway between the shopping units have tables and chairs as well as other obstructions into which a visually-impaired person can walk, perhaps with serious consequences).
Whilst they are considering improving the access for disabled people to their facilities, unfortunately, any improvements considered will be tagged with the usual proviso of "reasonable adjustment" and the like. The criteria of "reasonable", however, is often loaded against disabled people in their efforts to achieve some equality in services to those available to non-disabled people.
(the second photograph shows an area on platform 10 which leads to the travelator giving access to platforms 13 and 14. There are numerous seats, pillars and trees in this area which are in colours that do not stand out, i.e. grey.)
However, all is not yet lost! Some improvements will be undertaken by Network Rail in the next year or so which may enable disabled people to safely reach their destination platform, even though it is likely to be twenty years before some impaired passengers can gain access to the rolling stock. Much, however, will rest on what Network Rail consider "reasonable".
Miscellaneous Items
Channel 4's Richard and Judy ensure blind readers can join their book club
Channel 4's Richard and Judy programme has joined forces with the National Library for the Blind (NLB) and top publishers to ensure that blind readers are able to join in with their Book Club.
The second annual Book Club, which will run on the programme every Wednesday for ten weeks, will feature ten books including a mix of thrillers, literary fiction and biographies.
Featured publishers have agreed to donate o1,500 each to pay for the National Library for the Blind to transcribe the chosen books into Braille. This means that visually impaired people will be able to fully participate in the programme and take part in reading groups to discuss chosen titles.
Helen Brazier, Chief Executive of the NLB said "We can only continue our work at NLB thanks to generous donations and the support of projects such as the Richard and Judy Book Club."
A full list of titles included in the Richard and Judy Book Club can be found by visiting www.channel4.com/richardandjudy
Accessible
Browsing
The latest version of the internet browser Opera, released at the end of February, aims to be the most accessible browser available.
Opera 8.0 can be controlled by voice command and will read pages aloud, as well as being able to magnify text by up to 10 times. The developers say that users will be able to create a 'style sheet' enabling them to view pages with their preferred colours and fonts, making the software ideal for those with visual impairments.
However, the browser does not yet work well with the screen reader software that is often used by blind people, meaning its accessibility features are more likely to appeal to those with some residual vision.
Another feature likely to appeal to people with low vision is the ability to make pages fit to the screen width, which eliminates the need for horizontal scrolling.
The Opera browser is free to download, although a paid-for version is available with extra support and comes without an advert banner.
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New online jobs forum for visually impaired
The National Library for the Blind (NLB) has launched a new online resource which it hopes will give valuable help to those who are visually impaired and seeking work.
Jobstuff, which can be found online at www.jobstuff.nlb-on-line.org, is an online forum for visually impaired people to visit to ask employment related questions, air their views, and share their experiences on all aspects of training and employment.
Jon Hardisty, Electronic Services Librarian at NLB said, "above all, we hope that Jobstuff will become an invaluable source of information for blind and partially sighted people seeking employment."
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Recreation and Sport
As mentioned in the November issue of "Megonews", international five-a-side football for visually-impaired players came to Manchester in December. The Eastlands hosted the competition - involving teams from some twelve countries - which proved to be a great success.
The final was played out between teams from Russia and Belarus with the latter retaining their world title by six goals to one. The England squad unfortunately failed to progress from the group stage and finished sixth.
Actionnaires:
Actionnaires, an initiative sponsored by Action for Blind People has moved its base to the Stretford Sports Centre, Greatstone Road, Stretford.
This Centre is said to provide a wider range of opportunities for visually-impaired sports-minded people to participate.
Amongst the activities available are football, swimming, fitness training, etc.
Interested visually-impaired people should contact the Actionnaires' Co-ordinator, Phil Wagstaff on 07793 268041.
Roll up:
The game of bowls has been going for many years - history tells us that Francis Drake felt it important to finish his game of bowls before rolling over the Spanish Armada. The game, too, has often been looked at as being one for the older members of the community, but this is not really the case.
Unfortunately, in the bowls environment for visually-impaired players, the numbers appear to be waning at the present time.
Whilst bowls once flourished in the Manchester area, currently there is nothing available.
Following the Commonwealth Games and the legacy of the greens in Heaton Park, perhaps the time is right to ascertain the likely interest of visually-impaired people in the area to take part in the game either recreationally or competitively in the numerous national tournaments. Getting to Heaton Park could be a problem for some people, but perhaps some travel may be arranged.
Interested? Give Ron Goulden a ring on 0161-798-9137 or email the MEGOBAPP on info@megobapp.org.uk He would be glad to hear from you.
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"Megonews" is a quarterly newsletter produced by Manchester Environmental Group of Blind & Partially-sighted People (MEGOBAPP) and is available free of charge to interested people, particularly those with a visual impairment.
Anyone wishing to know more about the organisation can contact us through our E-mail: info@megobapp.org.uk or can write to us in any format: c/o 1 Malvern Close, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1PH.
The next issue will be highlighting those poor features on Manchester City Council's highways, bringing you the second article on digital broadcasting, updating our entertainment and any other issues which emerge in the meantime.
Please make contact with us if you wish to become involved.
Officers of MEGOBAPP:
Ron
Goulden (Chairperson);
Joseph Innocent (Secretary);
Damien O'Connor (Treasurer);
Steve Jones (Publicity Officer).
Website: www.megobapp.org.uk
E-mail: info@megobapp.org.uk
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