Issue 38 Winter 2016

30 Years Helping Australians with Low Vision

LiveWire Low Vision

1986 – 2016

Celebrating

30Years!!

Tel: 1300 883 853

Video magnifier circa 1986

A small gift for youTo help us celebrate we would like to give you a small gift. Anyone with low vision knows how hard it is to find a good pen. We have located a black ink felt tip pen that will help you write clear high contrast messages.

As part of our anniversary celebration we are giving these away free to all of our clients. Please phone, write or email us and we would be more than happy to send one to you.

Gift VoucherWe just love hearing your stories. There is no greater reward for us than to hear how our services and low vision aids are making such a difference in the lives of so many people.

Please send us your story, or we can record your story over the phone and have someone visit to help you take a photograph of you using your vision aid. We have five $100 gift vouchers to give away to the best stories we can share with our readers.

It is easy to enter and you will also be helping other people who are considering purchasing a vision aid and want to hear real life feedback from current users.

WelcomeWhat a journey we have been on over the last 30 years. Thank you to everyone that has joined us, supported us, and helped us to be part of a uniquely Australian story.

In this edition of Livewire Low Vision you will be amongst the first to discover just how far we have come.

We are bringing you news of some of the most extraordinary new developments in technology for people with Low Vision. Technology that is going to change how we think about aging and losing our sight. It is not hyperbole to say that we are at the start of a whole new chapter in the on-going story of technology and how it can be harnessed to meet the needs of humankind.

And even though we don’t like blowing our own trumpet there is a story on Quantum’s origins and what we have achieved over the last 30 years. When Quantum was formed the only electronic option for magnification was the device that is pictured on the front cover. Now we have so many choices and the ability to find the solutions, support and services that meet our own individual needs.

We are also entering a period of enormous social and political change, with the advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and MyAgedCare. There are huge ramifications for agencies, suppliers and consumers.

We sincerely hope that the goals that drove us to start Quantum 30 years ago remain the goals for everyone involved. To assist every individual to reach their potential, to maintain independence and to live life to the fullest.

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Our thanks and best wishes to you all.

Read this if you are under 65 years old!

The new world of NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing support for people with a disability, their families and carers in Australia.

The NDIS will provide about 460,000 Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life.

NDIS aims to help people achieve their goals, including independence, community involvement, employment and wellbeing.

Supports may include personal care and support, access to the community, therapy services and essential equipment such as assistive technology.

The NDIS also provides people with a disability, their families and carers with information and referrals to existing support services in the community.

Quantum is a registered provider under NDIS and can assist you with any of your technology and training needs.

To find out more about NDIS visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/ or phone 1800 800 110 from anywhere in Australia.

All NDIS support is provided under Consumer Directed Care (CDC) which means you choose which services, products and Providers best suit your needs.

Read this if you are over 65 years old!

The new world of MyAgedCare

MyAgedCare is the new one-stop entry point into all the Aged Care services provided by the Federal Government.

There are three levels of support provided by the Commonwealth Government.1. Entry Level Support – Commonwealth

Home Support Program - CHSP2. Support for people with higher levels of

need – Home Care Packages - HCP3. Residential Care

To access any of the programs you need to contact MyAgedCare

The really exciting news is that under both the CHSP and HCP programs, low vision aids can be included in the package of support that is designed for you.

All support under MyAgedCare is also provided under Consumer Directed Care (CDC) which means you choose which services and products best suit your needs. People that have an existing HCP are able to use any leftover or unused funds to purchase low vision aids of their choosing.

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The first step is to contact MyAgedCare directly and talk to them about the kind of support you may need as a person with Low Vision.

Visit http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ or phone 1800 200 422 from anywhere in Australia

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Introducing OrCam MyEyeWe are always excited to bring you news about the very latest developments in assistive technology. This is one of the most exciting for many years.

OrCam MyEye is an intuitive wearable device with a smart camera that clips onto a regular spectacle frame. It is designed to assist anyone that struggles to read, recognise faces or objects - particularly people who are blind or vision impaired.

Just 10 years ago this product would have sounded like science fiction. But today it is a reality. We have units to demonstrate and show you how well it works.

All you have to do is point!

As you point at any printed information the software in OrCam MyEye will recognise the text and read it out to you.

Alternatively you can press a button on the control module to capture a whole page of text. Either way, you get instant access to any printed information in front of you.

ReadOrCam MyEye can read printed text, in real time and has a small speaker or the option of listening with small earphones. You can read newspapers and books,

signs, labels on consumer products and even text on a computer or smartphone screen. We guarantee you will be surprised at how quickly and accurately it reads.

Recognize peopleOrCam MyEye can also recognise faces! Initially you tell OrCam the name of the person in front of you. After that it will recognise each face you have recorded and announce them to you - no more guessing when someone walks into the room. Really helps when socialising and

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The future has arrived!

gives you much greater control over your environment.

Recognise objectsIn a similar way OrCam can be trained to recognise a range of objects. Identify your personal items, consumer products, or even credit cards to make shopping and browsing quicker and easier.

Perfect for use at home and onthe go. How long has it been since you could read a menu in a restaurant?

OrCam can always be with you, around the home, shopping or travelling. You will always be able to access printed information wherever you are!

Every OrCam MyEye is supplied with a training package, delivered by our Low Vision Consultants. As you would expect, demand is high so please call us to arrange a time to try OrCam MyEye for yourself.

"Sitting at a restaurant with a friend and using OrCam MyEye meant that we didn’t have to focus on my disability because I was able to read the menu on my own"

– Debbie S, Recent rapid deterioration of vision due to Macular Degeneration.

About “WearAble” TechnologyOrCam is the first of what is likely to be many new developments in WearAble technology, which is defined as technology that can be worn by the consumer.

Up till now, Low Vision devices were mostly held in the hand or used at a desk but by being “wearable” they can be used hands free wherever and whenever you need them.

OrCam is not a visual system; it does not magnify information. What it does is to help you to see in a different way and access any printed information via speech.

In the next edition of LiveWire Low Vision we will be introducing NuEyes, also a wearable technology that is designed for people that want a visual system; that will magnify objects and also help you to read by enlarging print.

OrCam and NuEyes are very different products and will be of interest to different people. Together they represent

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one of the most exciting developments in low vision innovation.

They are also both what Malcolm Turnbull would call “disruptive technology”, meaning they have the potential to change long standing traditions, and the expectations for how we adapt to life with impaired vision.

They are the beginning of a new way of looking at the world!

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New Faces!As Quantum continues to grow we are thrilled to have three new people join the Q.Team. Here is a little background on our new faces!

Janelle Fullarton - Customer ServiceJanelle joins us with a background in health (20 years), sales and marketing (10 years) and also retail sales.

On the weekends I enjoy catching up with family and friends and I like to be creative. I have done all the art work hanging at home. I also enjoy cooking and gardening.

Rob Lamond - Logistics

Rob joins us with a background in stores management and has also worked as an electronics technician.

His hobbies are mountain biking, motor bikes and bush walking (don’t ask him how many bikes he has!)

Leanne Lansdown - Customer Service Qld.Leanne was previously a Customer Service Supervisor (10 years) and worked at the Brisbane Hilton Hotel in various roles (18 years).

I love all animals big and small especially my 2 babies Te`a (Dog) + Tara (cat) and I have travelled extensively all over the USA, Egypt/Jordan, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand . The next goal will be Europe (fingers crossed).

A big welcome to Janelle, Rob and Leanne and we are sure they will help us continue the high levels of service you have come to expect.

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Reading my First Book in 40 Years!This is an extract of an interview between our Jeff Landers (JL) and his client Glenn Siddins (GS). Glenn received a ClearView C Speech funded through the NSW Enable Scheme. The funding application was made by Vision Australia.

GS. My name is Glen Siddins and I am using a product called the ClearView C Speech, which has helped me a lot in life. Being vision impaired I have a lot of time on my hands and a fair bit of boredom, and this has relieved that. I’ve read a book and I haven’t read a book since I was 26 years old. I’ve finished a book and feel quite proud of myself; thanks to Quantum and Vision Australia.

JL. So Glen, you haven’t read a book since you were 26. Do you mind revealing how old you are now?

GS. Well I’m 66.

JL. So you haven’t read a book in 40 years and you’ve just read a book on Victor Trumper the cricketer. Was that exciting?

GS. Yes it was because he was one of my heroes when I was involved in Blind Cricket, and to read a book about him was very rewarding.

JL. Could you describe to us how you use the ClearView C Speech; do you use the magnifier more than the speech?

GS. I probably use the speech more. I try to read as many pages as I can but when I get too tired I just convert to speech and listen to it. It has been really good.

JL. That is excellent and good to hear that it has stopped you from being bored. Thanks for telling us about your experience with Quantum and the ClearView C Speech.

GS. And thanks to you, Quantum and Vision Australia.

New Range of German Optical Magnifiers

We are pleased to introduce a new range of high quality German optical magnifiers. The Schweizer range has something for everyone. Give us a call for information or request a

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flyer. Available for viewing in our offices.

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The Quantum StoryFor a little Australian company, Quantum has achieved a great deal in the last 30 years. From humble beginnings in a tin shed in Sydney’s West Ryde we have grown to be the largest supplier of assistive technology for vision impairment and blindness in Australia. Along the way we have developed and manufactured a range of products that have gone on to help hundreds of thousands of people around the world, and changed the way products and services are delivered here in Australia. Here are just a few of the highlights of the Quantum story;

International

Braille-n-PrintThe first device to translate Braille to Print. Facilitated the education of blind children in mainstream education. Used worldwide.

Nomad

A device to teach blind children about graphics, drawing and maps. Developed with Don Parkes from Uni of Newcastle. Exported around the world.

PIAFPictures in a Flash makes tactile diagrams, pictures and maps for people who are blind. Designed and manufactured here in Australia it has been exported around the world.

Mountbatten Brailler

A revolutionary electronic Braille writer that transformed early Braille education for children around the world. Designed and manufactured in Australia by Quantum. Winner of British Design Award

Jot-a-DotA low cost Braille writer for developing countries. Finalist in Australian Inventor of the year and the Saatchi & Saatchi International Innovation Award.

DomesticTalking Computers

In collaboration with (now) Vision Australia, Quantum introduced the first talking computers into Australia.

In-home trials Quantum was the first company to introduce the practice of allowing people to borrow equipment for trial in their own homes.

In-home warranty

Similarly, Quantum was the first company to introduce worry free in-home warranty. We remain the only company that has our own service department and full time software support phone line.

WearAble technology

Maintaining a long tradition, Quantum is very proud to remain at the forefront of innovation with the introduction of the world’s first WearAble vision aid technology.

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Quantum has grown and prospered due to the tireless dedication of our staff. As we welcome the new members of our team many of us have been with Quantum for decades, with an average of 14 years’ of service. This speaks volumes for the character of our staff, who all have a genuine passion for our business and clients.

We have also grown due to the close collaboration with many of the agencies and organisations that support our community. In no particular order these include;

Macular Disease Foundation Vision Australia Royal Society for the Blind VisAbility All the Guide Dogs Associations Blind Citizens Australia SPEVI CanDo for Kids

While Quantum is officially a For-Profit company, we have always viewed ourselves as being a For-Purpose company. In this regard we have spent a great deal of our time as advocates, trying to influence policy makers and governments. We have also spent a great deal of time educating and training organisations and individuals about vision loss, learning disabilities, and the possibilities of transforming lives through the use of assistive technology.

Every year Quantum hosts over 20 free education and professional development sessions, and we are very proud to continue that tradition.

And of course the real reason that Quantum continues to flourish is to the wonderful support we receive from our clients. Our business has grown largely through word of mouth recommendations from our clients, and for that we are eternally grateful.

12Launching the first talking computer in Australia at Vision Australia.

Our sincere thanks to all and we hope to be here in another 30 years’ time, helping people achieve their potential through technology.

Portable Magnification and SpeechMercury 10 Magnifier with Speech is a portable, high performance magnification solution with highly accurate text to speech feature.

The integrated legs open just enough to provide a workable space for moving a document from side to side for ease of reading.

Features:

10 Inch HD Display Live Magnification Adjustable Brightness Multiple Colour Schemes Intuitive Touch Navigation Accurate text to speech Save/Load Images Natural Sounding Voices 8 Mp Camera With LED Light Integrated Foldable Legs

Headphone Jack Multiple Languages Up To 6 Hours Of Continuous Use

The Mercury 10 has a large reading area which is ideal for placing objects or doing tasks that require hand manipulation.

One limitation of the Mercury 10 is that it is not all that suitable for reading books. It does a great job with letters, magazines bills and brochures. It is especially good for objects like medicines, food containers or looking at recipes.

Pocket sized Magnification

The Compact+ HD is the perfect solution for high quality magnification that you can take with you.

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On Special in August Only $750

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Gold Coast Libraries Install ClearView MagnifiersIf you are lucky enough to live on the Gold Coast you now have another reason to rejoice. Gold Coast City libraries have recently installed ClearView Magnifiers with Speech in the following 8 libraries for use by people with Low Vision. Demonstration and training days are planned for each library on the dates listed below. Please contact your local library to book a space.

Nerang Library Ph: 5581 7180Friday 2 September 10am - 10.30am

Upper Coomera Library Ph: 5582 9300Friday 9 September 10am - 10.30am

Broadbeach Library Ph: 5581 1555Wednesday 14 September 10am - 10.30am

Helensvale Library Library Ph: 5581 1625Thursday 15 September 10am - 10.30am

Runaway Bay Library Ph: 5581 7220Thursday 15 September 10am - 10.30am

Elanora Library Library Ph: 5581 1671Friday 16 September 10am - 10.30am

Southport Library Ph: 5581 7200Wednesday 21 September 10am - 10.30am

Robina Library Ph: 5581 1600Thursday 22 September 10am - 10.30am

The ClearView Widescreen Magnifier with speech encompasses the popular ClearView Magnifier together with a text to speech function. This means you can magnify any text but if your eyes get tired from reading the ClearView will read it out for you.

For many people the local library has always been much more than a place that houses books. Often they are the centre of a community and a place to socialise and meet other people with similar interests. When someone starts to lose their vision they often stop going to the library as well. Gold Coast City is to be congratulated on this initiative that will enable many people to continue to visit their local library and be part of their local community.

If your local library is interested in learning more about low vision aids, one of our Low Vision Consultants would be very happy to give a talk and demonstration to staff. Please help us spread the message!

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Events Here are some of our up-coming events. Remember to contact us if you would like a speaker at your club or event, or have an idea for an event in your local area.

SeptemberWeek 1-2 2-3 Sep

6 Sep

2016 VIC-TAS Occupational Therapy Regional Conference -Melbourne, VicVAMS (Guide Dogs)- Bald Hills QLD

Week 3 12 Sep13 Sep13 Sep13 Sep14 Sep14 Sep15 Sep15-16 Sep

Low Vision Expo - Taree, NSWLow Vision Expo – Port Macquarie, NSWVAMS (Guide Dogs)- Townsville, QLDQRLV Presentation- Forestville Probus Club, NSWExpo (Guide Dogs)- Brisbane, QLDLow Vision Clinic- School Of Optometry, QLDTamworth Disability Expo- Tamworth, NSWTechnology Outlook 2016- Victoria Park, WA

Week 4 23 Sep 2016 Disability Ageing and Lifestyle Expo- Wayville Showgrounds, SA

OctoberWeek 1-2 4 Oct

5 Oct11 Oct

VAMS (Guide Dogs)- Bald Hills QLDLow Vision Clinic- School Of Optometry, QLDVAMS (Guide Dogs)- Townsville QLD

NovemberWeek2 8 Nov

9 NovVAMS (Guide Dogs)- Townsville QLDVAMS (Guide Dogs)- Toowoomba QLD

Week 4-5 22 Nov28 Nov

VAMS (Guide Dogs)- Sunshine Coast QLD2016 Technology Expo- Statewide Vision Resource Centre, Donvale, Vic

DecemberWeek 2 13 Dec VAMS (Guide Dogs)- Townsville , QLD

*VAMS (Vision Assessment & Management Services Clinics)

WebinarsQuantum regularly holds free webinars and some of our Low Vision ones are listed below. If you would like to participate please contact us on 1 300 883 853Title Date Time Free/paidWhats new:Wearable technology 31/08/2016 3pm FreeZoomText 10.1 tips and tricks 12/10/2016 3pm FreeComputer connectable magnifiers: flexible portable reading solutions.

23/11/2016 3pm Free

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