New Smartphone App for Blind and Vision Impaired Users

We came across this great app recently which provides assistance to people who are blind or vision impaired.

The app called KNFB Reader takes a picture of text using the phone's camera then converts this and reads it out loud to the user.

It's packed with some pretty cool extra features including the ability to import, OCR and read image based PDF and JPG. It will export HTML and TXT files to cloud storage including Dropbox and Google Drive.  

The app also has multi language support. It can recognise and read printed materials in a variety of languages including: English, French, German, Dutch(Belgium), Dutch(Netherlands), Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian. 

It's currently available for iPhone 5 & 6 for $99.99 which might seem a bit for an app, but considering what it's capable of - it's a lot cheaper than similar purpose built units / hardware using this technology.


 An Android version is currently in development.

Check out the launch presentation audio here  or check out the video below:

To find out more visit: http://www.knfbreader.com

Early Childhood Intervention Australia has recently launched a new website called Transition to School.

This is an excellent resource for families who have a child with a disability starting school. It is also useful even if your child has been at school for some time as it can serve as a ‘refresher’ on things such as advocacy skills.

There are four broad information areas specific to Families, Services, Schools and the Community.

The types of topics covered in the Families section include:

• Getting Started - Developing a vision for your child, when to start school
• My Child and School - Planning, Approaching a school for the first time
• How to Apply - Application process, Rights and Responsibilities
• Sharing Information - Forming a Transition Team and preparing for meetings
• Learning About School - Activities to help your child prepare
• Once Your Child Starts School - What to expect, calming activities for home
• Supporting Yourself and Your Family - Yourself, Siblings, Advocacy

To access the website visit: www.transitiontoschoolresource.org.au

Accessible Golf

Recently Moore Park Golf became the first public golf course in Australia to enable people with severe physical disability to enjoy a round of golf.

They launched the Paragolfer which is a German designed cart, that will allow people with hemiplegia and quadriplegia the opportunity to experience participating in the sport. 

In addition, Centennial Parklands recently invested over $1M on refurbishment and accessibility upgrades to the Moore Park Golf House, which includes a new accessibility ramp and a unisex accessible toilet.

Here’s hoping a few more courses around the country follow suit! If you would like more information visit: www.mooreparkgolf.com.au/paragolf