Appendix:
1. The ‘React’ System or ‘Talking Lamppost’ system of audible direction signage and warning alerts which are possible in different languages.
Technical Information: this is a short-range communication system, which is based upon reflective radio transponder technology. The system is made up of 3 elements, an interrogator, a speech unit and a receiver card that is carried by the user. The system can be used to give a verbal indication of directions, the entrance to a building, the position of cashpoint machines, bus stops, escalators, other facilities and potential hazards. When a person carrying a receiver card enters the range of the transmitter (5 to 7 metres) it triggers the transmitter to activate one of the messages stored in the speech unit. The speech unit can speak up to 127 individual sampled words or phrases.
The interrogator is used to detect and log the cards and has a 98% probability of successfully detecting a card within a 7 metre range. The card itself can be worn around the neck or clipped to a pocket and has a life span of approximately 4 years.
For up to date data about Infrasonic, React and audible way-finding systems contact y RNIB 0207 391 2108.
2. An
essential document to aid compliance with the Disability
Discrimination Act 1996
Important "Guidelines for Service Providers, Employers,
Planners, Architects, Designers, Educators, Building and Business
Managers in respect of Environments that meet the needs of
visually impaired, speech impaired & hard of hearing
people".
This document is a compendium of authoritative guidance from
national and local organisations and is designed for downloading
from the internet, visit NDF web
site
3. Guide Dogs (GDBA) Survey: GDBA recently completed
their 2002 survey of guide dog users to list the worst problems
for blind and partially sighted people whilst out on the
streets.1 = the worst problem faced.
1.
Overgrown hedges and overhanging trees.
2. Cars parked on footways.
3. Wheeled bins and rubbish sacks.
4. Shop ‘A’ boards, café tables and
chairs.
5. Discarded chewing gum.
6. Discarded broken glass.
7. Temporary street works.
8. Bicycles lying outside houses and shops.
9. Cyclists, scooters and skate-boarders on footways.
10. Badly maintained footways.
In respect of problem No.1, noted above, ‘Guide Dogs’ have approached every UK city and town Mayor to do all that they can to eliminate the problem. One third of those approached have responded in a positive manner.
4. Addresses and references:
Joint Mobility Unit (JMU) Access Partnership105 Judd Street WCIH 9NE
Telephone 020 7391 2002, Fax 020 7387 7109
Email: jmu@rnib.org.uk
Website: www.jmuaccess.org.uk