PARTNERS
IN LIFE LONG LEARNING: WORKING WITH PRINT HANDICAPPED USERS –
ENGAGING PARTNERSHIPS
MODELS OF SERVICE I - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Introduction
The presentation addresses
how a national library system established a service for the visually impaired,
which it plans to offer at its public libraries throughout the country.
Background
History of Trinidad
and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago
is a twin island state (Trinidad 4,828 square kilometers, Tobago 300 square
kilometers) with a population of 1.3m located at 10° 2’and 11°12’
N. Latitude and 60° 30’and 61° 56’ W Longitude, off
the coast of Venezuela. Its capital is the city of Port of Spain. Trinidad
and Tobago gained Independence from Britain in 1962 after 165 years of
British rule, preceded by Spanish administration from the date of Columbus’
arrival in 1492.
Economy
Trinidad and Tobago
has an energy based economy, with sugar and tourism playing minor roles
in trade and with a growing manufacturing sector which is a major supplier
of goods and services to the other islands of the Caribbean. With a GDP
of $57,918.5TT and natural gas resources of 19.71cf, Trinidad and Tobago
aims to achieve developed country status by 2020.
Services
for the Blind
Education for the
visually impaired in Trinidad and Tobago began in 1914 when an Institute
for the Blind was established for the teaching of Braille writing and
making of handicraft. Today there are three organizations which provide
training for the visually impaired and one School for Blind Children.
Prior to 2001, library services to this sector of the population, of which
there are an estimated 12,000 persons, was limited to the provision of
large print books.
The
Project
The National Library
and Information System Authority (NALIS) was established in 1998 “to
provide for the development and co-ordination of all library and information
services in Trinidad and Tobago and related matters”, the NALIS therefore
administers the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago and also has responsibility
for public, school and special library services. NALIS in carrying out
one of the functions mandated by its enabling legislation “to provide
a national information service to the benefit of the physically disadvantaged
and persons in institutions” partnered with the Torres Foundation
of the USA in 2001 to install the necessary hardware and software, and
to train visually impaired persons in its use, at its regional headquarters
in the city of San Fernando.
This partnership proved
very successful and the experience gained through this project was used
as a springboard for planning services at the new National Library Building,
which was under construction. Discussion with and a visit to the Canadian
National Institute for the Blind (CNID) also provided important information
for the design and implementation of these services and the CNID proved
to be an excellent source of information for the purchasing of the necessary
equipment and Braille books, recorded books and descriptive videos.
The new building was
opened to the public on March 26, 2003, and provides services to visually
impaired persons (VIPs) in specially furnished and equipped rooms in the
Children’s Library and in the Adult Lending and Reference Library.
Technology
Solutions
These new services
aim to provide the differently-abled with the easiest access possible
to the library’s services and resources. The services are mainly
for the visually impaired, but also provide access for hearing and mobility
impaired persons.
The VIP services are
provided through assistive technology products, computer aids which enable
differently abled persons to access information for development and leisure,
thus attempting to achieve NALIS’ vision of equitable access to information
for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
The specially designed
and dedicated areas are equipped with -
JAWS for Windows
(JFW), which is a software program that uses synthetic speech technology
to verbalize screen output for computer users who are blind. The programme
is multilingual and allows for information to be read in character, word,
line, and full screen units depending on what is required by the user.
Speech rate, pitch, volume and word pronunciation can all be configured
to individual preferences. The Screen Reader primarily depends on the
location of the active cursor to determine which information should be
read.
Speech Synthesizers
Screen Readers, which are used in conjunction with a speech synthesizer
which is the device that actually does the talking. Software synthesizers
enable the screen reader to utilize the computer’s multimedia sound
card to generate speech output. Hardware synthesizers are circuit boards
or speech boxes that are connected to the computer. The JAWS software
comes with a free software synthesizer called Eloquence.
Magic Screen Magnification
Software, which enlarges text and graphics that appear on a computer
display for persons with low vision. Magnification can range from twice
regular size text, to 16 times regular size text. The program also provides
a variety of viewing and cursor tracking options. These features enable
users to customize the system to accommodate their particular low vision
needs when reading the computer screen. The screen magnification software
systems are relatively easy to learn and both the mouse and special keystrokes
are used to operate the program.
Duxbury Braille
Translation Software, which allows the user to produce professional
Braille documents that are properly formatted in a variety of languages
and grades. Braille translators are needed because a Braille printer ignores
the format specifications when it receives the print job directly from
a commercial application. The Word document must first be translated by
the Braille translation program and then sent to the Braille printer.
Only then will the formats specified in Word be reflected in the Braille
documents.
Focus 44 Braille
Displays, which reproduce the information that appears on a computer
screen, in Braille. The device is connected to the computer via USB, parallel,
or serial cable and sits on a desk under the keyboard for easy reach.
It produces in Braille what appears on the current line in focus of the
computer screen. It is sometimes referred to as a refreshable Braille
display because it is constantly updating to reflect the new information
that has come into view. It can display up to a maximum of 80 characters
which corresponds to the approximate length of a line on a computer screen.
The Focus 44 allows for scrolling through information on the computer
screen. It performs a similar function to the scroll bar in Windows.
Closed Circuit
TV/Video Magnifier, which uses a stand-mounted or hand-held video
camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television
(TV) screen. It is a device that is used by people with low vision to
read printed materials (i.e. textbooks, pictures, maps, etc.). It is also
possible to use the device for writing checks or filling out applications.
Also available is
stand-alone CCTV which sits on a desktop and comes with a moving table
that is located under the video camera with zoom lenses. The user places
the material to read on the table under the camera and uses the zoom feature
of the camera to focus and magnify the document. The table can then be
moved left, right, up and down as needed for reading. As the table is
moved the text on the page scrolls across the screen in the magnification
set by the user. Hand-held CCTVs are sufficiently flexible to allow the
user to read just about any printed information in reach (i.e. medicine
bottles, food containers, stereo control panels, etc.).
OCR Reading Systems,
which enable the user to scan and read printed materials. The complete
system includes a scanner, OCR software, and sound card with speakers.
The reading material is first scanned into the computer. The OCR software
then performs a recognition analysis on the scanned image. During this
process information which cannot be identified (i.e. pictures, graphics,
hand writing, etc.) is discarded. The remaining data is then formatted
to specification and read, using synthetic speech. The scanned
document can be saved to disk and retrieved and read as needed. The stand-alone
units do not require a computer and are considered easy to use since they
do not require the user to have computing skills.
VersaPoint Duo
Braille Embosser, which can Braille on both sides of a page. It also
comes with synthetic speech for setup and configuration.
Dragon Naturally
Speaking Professional Voice Recognition Software, which enables the
user to interface with the computer hands-free. This technology is specially
provided for use by persons with motor impairments which prevents them
from typing on a keyboard. The software works with a microphone which
connects to the sound card on the computer. Dragon needs to be first trained
to understand the user’s voice pattern and this information is kept
on voice files on the computer. These files are continuously updated as
the user works with the software to improve recognition.
Next Talk software
which provides instant messaging capability for people who are deaf. It
turns the personal computer into a machine which allows that person to
call another user who has the Next Talk software. It is installed on the
library’s local area network which allows the user to communicate
with the library staff.
Perkins Braille
Writer, is a machine that is operated manually to produce embossed
braille. It is the Braille equivalent to a manual typewriter.
APH Table Top Recorder,
which is a 4-track tabletop recorder is used to play and record regular
audio cassettes. This machine allows the user to increase the amount of
information that can be recorded on an audio cassette by making it possible
to record on 4 sides instead of just 2 sides.
Victor Pro
is a digital talking book reader that copes with complex text books. Books
are recorded in audio formation on CDs. In addition to the audio files
the CDs also contain DAISY coding which provides information about the
books structure. This allows the user to navigate through the book by
page, chapter, phrase, etc.
The
Collection
The NALIS is developing
a collection of Braille and audio books. Its collection contains 280 Braille
Books (Adult) and 321 Braille Books, 9 CDs, 43 Talking Books, 10 VHS Tapes
(Children) and 503 books in large print. An aggressive acquisition programme
is in place to provide a comprehensive collection of books and materials
in other formats at the main library and at libraries throughout Trinidad
and Tobago.
NALIS plans to take
advantage of the Library of Congress National Library Services for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped programme, which supplies books on loan
and on exchange to libraries around the world. Other avenues for accessing
book donations will also be explored.
Services
NALIS offers loans
and reference services to all its users. A registration form for VIP is
available in Braille. NALIS’ online catalogue works well with the
JAWS software, our website is being redesigned www.nalis.gov.tt is underway
to enable it to be read using the JAWS software.
Training
Staff
NALIS has provided
training for its staff members at the National Library Building in the
use of the hardware and software used to offer these services. Of these
trained staff members, specially assigned persons, oversee the use of
the services by the VIPs and train them in the use of the technologies.
Users
Continuing its partnership
with the Torres Foundation, a training programme “Blind Independence
Through Technology” is being continued at the San Fernando Library
and will be introduced at the National Library Building in Port of Spain
in June 2003. This training will equip the user to operate all the computer
technologies provided for reading printed and audio materials. One level
of the training will target individuals who only wish to read printed
material and access audio materials. The more advanced level is designed
to train users to be computer literate and to take full advantage of the
more advanced features and functions of the reading technology. A Braille
course designed to provide the user with the necessary skills for producing
formatted Braille documents and using the Braille equipment will also
be provided. Training in the use of the Internet is also being provided
for VIPs.
All activities in
the Children’s library are designed to include visually impaired
children. Children from the School for Blind Children can now participate
in our Annual Reading Quiz Competition.
Other
Partnerships
NALIS is also forming
very valuable partnerships with corporate firms. One dedicated partner,
The Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago will early in 2004 provide equipment,
books and multimedia products to establish a centre for visually impaired
persons to use information in our Heritage Library. This important library
houses the reference collection of works on Trinidad and Tobago about
Trinidad and Tobago and by Trinidad and Tobago nationals. This material
is not available to the visually impaired user at present. The publication
of Trinidad and Tobago literature in Braille is also being considered
and funding is being sought to support his project. NALIS will also be
exploring the possibility of volunteer reading of Trinidad and Tobago
works into tape etc., within the framework of the Trinidad and Tobago
Copyright Act.
NALIS is also partnering
with the Blind Welfare Institute, the oldest organization working with
VIPs in Trinidad and Tobago and which administers the School for Blind
Children to assist in ensuring that textbooks are available in Braille.
NALIS will host the
“Vision Awareness” month in October, 2003 in conjunction with
another NGO - Persons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI).
Teachers and volunteer
instructors will be targeted to reach and train visually impaired students
who are in regular schools.
A concerted programme
is being developed to link NALIS’ services with NGOs and personal
volunteers who can accompany blind users to the library, provide transportation,
read for Brailling and perform many other services which will enable VIPs
to access these services.
These new services
have attracted attention both locally and regionally. Members of the BarNOD
(Barbados National Organization of Disabled) visited and enjoyed hands-on
demonstrations in early April, 2003. Between
March – June 2003 forty (43) groups visited and received demonstrations
of the facilities for the Visually Impaired in the National Library Building.
The
Future
In its Strategic Plan
2003 – 2008 NALIS proposes to –
- Install assistive
technology and provide Braille and audio books in its new mobile libraries,
which will serve rural areas by 2004.
- Empower VIPs through
training programmes to work with these new services from 2004.
- Acquire digital
talking books and equipment for loan, by 2005.
- Equip five (5)
public libraries with assistive technology by 2006.
- Provide Braille
and audio book collections at its twenty-five (25) public libraries
by 2008.
NALIS is committed
to ensuring that all differently-abled persons in Trinidad and Tobago
can enjoy equity of access to information. One of the main strategies
is to work more closely with international organizations and other national
libraries to maximize its potential to deliver the highest quality of
library service to visually impaired and differently-abled persons.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brasnell, Annabelle.
“NALIS Gets Smart: Digital Library also Caters for the Disabled.”
Business
Guardian, 27 March 2003 : 4.
Trinidad and Tobago.
Laws , Statutes
National
Library and Information System Act No. 18 1998. Port of Spain: Government
Printery, 1998.
Trinidad and Tobago.
National Library and Information System Authority.
Integrated Library
System Request for Proposal.
Unpublished. Mimeograph.
Trinidad and Tobago.
National Library and Information System Authority.
Library Services to the Visually Impaired. Presented at the ACURIL/IFLA
SLB Pre-Conference
2002 May 20-26 2002.
Pamella Benson
Executive
Director
NALIS
June 26, 2003
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