Software for blind students lacking

The blind and visually impaired want a break when it comes to software to assist them in their studies.

The Association for the Blind and Deaf made a call for subsidies on software and information technology yesterday as students from the St Patrick’s Roman Catholic School toured the Centre for the Blind and Deaf.

President of the association, Elviston Maloney, yesterday on World Sight Day said access to educational material for the visually impaired could be costly and while the association tried to assist students, it was difficult.

“It may seem that we keep asking for more and more, but to get a legal copy of JAWS, an assistive programme, can cost in the region of $1 350. That is sometimes a prohibitive figure for persons not working, even for people who have jobs,” Maloney said.

In addition, he called for more traffic lights with a beeping sound to alert blind and visually impaired that it is safe to cross. Maloney said so far the lights at the junction of Jemmott’s Lane and Bay Street already have that facility and similar devices were needed, particularly in Bridgetown. (LK)

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