Those in our community who are blind or have low vision are set to benefit from the purchase of a new braille embossers at multiple Vision Australia offices.
The purchase has been made available thanks to a grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. This has enabled the purchase of new braille embossers for Hunter and North Coast Vision Australia offices at Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Lismore.
Despite advances in technology, braille is still commonly used by people who are blind or have low vision and cannot read standard print material. Children with vision loss are also encouraged to learn braille as early as possible as it is a vital tool in developing literacy and spatial awareness concepts.
The new embossers allow Vision Australia staff and volunteers to complete requests from local clients who would like to have information translated into braille.
It also means that, for a nominal fee, local businesses can have documents such as booklets, menus and flyers converted to braille so patrons who cannot see to read standard print material can peruse with independence and confidence.
Vision Australia’s Regional Business Manager, Joanne Northcott, said that the braille embossers will be used to produce everyday information in braille that a sighted person might normally access, such as instructions for a kitchen appliance, or a price list from a service provider or restaurant.
“Having access to a braille embosser in our three local offices also means that we can help support our local community and offer an inclusive environment,” Joanne said.
“Our Children’s Services Team will also use the embosser to teach and promote braille among their young clients and families.
“Braille helps children develop proficiency across a range of skills including language, tactile graphics, experiential and conceptual literacies. This is important in ensuring children who are blind or have low vision are on the same developmental path as their sighted peers,” Joanne said.
Each embosser will also be used to create correspondence for local clients who choose braille as their preferred format and produce training materials to teach braille as a skill at any life stage.
Through this project, Vision Australia aims to create a more inclusive community with information converted to braille for local pubs, bowling clubs and other community groups. The new embossers enable a variety of information, from menus and information booklets through to brochures to be produced.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Phil Neat, said the grant has had an immediate impact on the community.
“These grassroots support we’ve provided to Vision Australia has allowed it to purchase these new braille embossers to help people who cannot see to read,” Phil said.
“The Foundation’s mission is to make a significant difference to the lives of disadvantaged, marginalised, and isolated people in regional NSW. The fact that this grant is making a significant difference to people’s lives today is really satisfying.
“Now that Vision Australia has this new equipment, I urge all local businesses to take up the opportunity to have their information translated to braille,” Phil said.