Bulletin of the Conference

REHA
The X Edition of The International Conference
FOR THE BLIND IN POLAND
20 years
Foundation Chance for the Blind
All rights reserved Foundation Chance for the Blind
Warsaw 2012
Foundation Chance for the Blind – Public Benefit Organization
Pekao SA VI O/W-wa account number: 22 1240 1082 1111 0000 0514 1795
KRS: 0000260011
Headquarters: Konwiktorska 9 Street, 00-216 Warsaw
Office: Kameralna 1/30 Street, 03-406 Warsaw
Phone/Fax: (+48) 22 827 16 18
[email protected]
www.szansadlaniewidomych.org
The X Edition of The International Conference
REHA FOR THE BLIND® IN POLAND
THE WORLD OF TOUCH AND SOUND
Culture, sport and tourism in the service
of the modern rehabilitation of visually impaired
Under the patronage
of the Wife of Polish President Mrs. Anna Komorowska
Warsaw, December 2012
2
REHA 2013 – INVITATION
On behalf of the Chance for the Blind
•
Idol Competition for the exhibitors,
Foundation, our Partners and co-organizing
media, authorities, schools and
parties, we are honoured to invite You to the
education centres, and the
11th edition of the International Conference
representatives of the community,
REHA FOR THE BLIND® IN POLAND which
•
Concerts and projections of
will take place in December 2013 in Warsaw.
Audio Description films,
The Conference’s keynote is The world of
•
Amateur sports tournaments for
touch and sound and its main purpose is the
visually impaired: table tennis,
meeting of the blind, the visually impaired and
shooting for the blind,
their community from all over the world. The
bridge, chess, Reversi,
blind have an opportunity to learn about the
•
Meet Santa Claus who hands out Polish
latest methods of levelling the consequences
presents,
of their impairment, and the seeing – about
•
Other attractions and surprises.
problems and possibilities of people with visual
For more than a dozen years now, our meeting
impairment and about the world of touch and
is the largest event of the kind in Europe, and,
sound.
for a few years now, even worldwide! Warsaw
Like in past years, the 2013 Conference will
offer a variety of events and attractions:
is located in the centre of Poland and Europe.
We invite all guests from East and West who
•
Popular-scientific thematic session,
are not indifferent to the existential challenges
•
Panel discussions: modern rehabilitation
of the blind and visually impaired. We gather
and medicine, education, obligations of
here to manifest our will to organize the world
authorities resulting from the UNO and
so that the question of blindness or impaired
EU Conventions,
vision would not be crucial for one’s existence.
•
Extensive international exhibition
Such an opportunity is offered to the blind
presenting modern rehabilitation
by modern technology. We are proud to have
equipment, software, training, activity
achieved so much so far and we would like to
of foundations and associations
share our success with everybody involved in
dedicated to the welfare of the
the case of extending the opportunities of the
blind and visually impaired,
visually impaired.
•
Exhibition of books: audio books
and Braille publications,
guests from all over the world. We have so
•
Meeting of international and local
far hosted visitors from as distant countries
guests with the representatives of
as: Japan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia,
authorities of the Republic of Poland,
Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Malta, Turkey,
•
Press conference,
Kenya, Egypt, the USA, Canada, successive
•
Big rally: “We want to live like others!”
EU countries: Portugal, Spain, Great Britain,
REHA is a large-scale venture involving
3
Holland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany,
•
2600 – the record-breaking number of
Belgium,
visitors at the conference and the
exhibition,
has
•
22 – the greatest number of countries
a honorary patron: Mrs Anna Komorowska,
represented at one edition,
the Spouse of the President of the Republic of
•
Almost 200 partners of the Foundation
Poland. We are also honoured to be supported
and co-organizing parties of the
by other patrons: the Ministers of the Polish
Conference,
Government, city mayors, university provosts.
•
20 – the number of events during the
The Conference is also a remarkable media
10th edition of the Conference in 2012.
Austria,
Sweden,
and
Eastern
European countries, Russia, Ukraine.
Like
each
year,
the
Conference
event. We are expecting the representatives of
It is worth coming here. It may contribute
radio and TV stations, daily newspapers and
to your success! We invite all people who wish
scientific journals. Last year, the Conference
to change the world for the better. You can’t
was promoted in daily press, on internet portals
miss it!
and through radio stations nationwide.
REHA exhibitions and conference in
numbers:
4
You will receive more detailed data
in the course of our proceedings. In the
meantime,
please
visit
our
site:
www.
•
52 – the greatest number of stalls at the
szansadlaniewidomych.org where we announce
exhibition,
the news about REHA.
THE 10TH EDITION OF
REHA FOR THE BLIND IN
POLAND – PROGRAMME OF
THE CONFERENCE, 6TH-7TH
DECEMBER 2012
DAY 1 – Thursday, 6 December 2012
•
Introductory speech – Marek Kalbarczyk, President of Chance for the Blind Foundation
•
Speeches of Special and Honorary Guests
•
Announcement of the results of IDOL 2012 Competition in the categories:
•
IDOL OF THE COMMUNITY
•
IDOL in the category MEDIA
•
IDOL in the category OFFICIAL/AUTHORITIES
•
IDOL in the category EDUCATION
•
IDOL in the category BLIND-FRIENDLY COMPANY
Thematic session
•
“Stem cells transplant in the treatment of eye diseases – clinical trials” – Leonora Bużańska
MD PhD, Professor of PAN (Polish Academy of Sciences)
•
“Multisensory reception of the world – tourism for everybody” – Marek Wysocki, Sc PhD
Arch, Gdańsk Technology University
•
“Who is more active: The beneficiaries or the Active Self-Government” – Adam Kalbarczyk,
MA, doctoral student at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw
•
Presentation of the Exhibitors
•
“The significance of dancing in the rehabilitation of the blind” – Ewa Dziedzic-Szeszuła
MA, Medical University in Poznań
•
“May your hearing lead you” – Henryk Wereda MA, School for the Blind and Visually
Impaired Children in Owińska
•
“In the labyrinth of technology or about the barriers in accessibility to mobile solutions of
the blind” – Marcin Łapa, Marcin Zieliński, Humann S.A.
•
“Are culture, tourism, and sport accessible to the deafblind?” – Małgorzata Książek, Grzegorz
Kozłowski, TPG Association for the Welfare of the Deafblind
5
•
“Polysensory method of support for blind children learning to read tactile graphics” –
Małgorzata Paplińska PhD, Academy of Special Education in Warsaw
•
“Systems of passenger information for the blind in urban public transport in Łódź” – Piotr
Korbel PhD, Łódź University of Technology
•
Presentations of the Exhibitors
Attractions on the 1st Day of the Conference
•
Tournament of table tennis for the blind
•
International exhibition of rehabilitation equipment and software for the visually disabled
•
Book fair
•
Free personal image consultations and make-up tips
•
Touch and sound chamber, including sightless shooting and prize competitions
•
Presentation of achievements of education centres, non-governmental organizations etc.
•
“Ice Age 4” – Audio Description screening
•
Painting the world with coloured pencils, or taking a peek at artists at work
•
Poland reads stories to children, so do we! – a corner for the youngest guests of the
Conference. The tales will be read by actor Łukasz Nowicki
•
“You may not see, but you need to sing and play”
•
Concert of Mieczysław Szcześniak celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Foundation
DAY 2 – Friday, 7 December 2012
Thematic Session
6
•
“Twenty years of the Foundation”, Chance for the Blind Foundation
•
“The rights of the disabled resulting from the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities ratified by Poland” – Katarzyna Heba, Attorney at Law
•
“Audio Description in culture and public space” – Justyna Mańkowska, Fundacja Katarynka
•
“Retinopathy of prematurity as the primary cause of blindness in children in Poland” –
Ewa Sankowska MD, Voivodship Specialist Hospital for Children in Olsztyn
•
“Squint as a cause of disability in adults” – Danuta Hajdukiewicz-Onoszko MD, Voivodship
Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn
•
“Rehabilitation of visual impairment in children” – Joanna Chabowska, typhlo-educator
and Jolanta Juchimiuk, orthoptist
•
Announcement of the results of IDOL 2012 Competition in the categories: Product for the
Blind, Product for the Visually Impaired, and Company of the Year 2012.
•
The Talent Polishing Workshop – performance of the laureates of the artistic competition
•
Presentation of the Exhibitors
Attractions on the 2nd Day of the Conference
•
International exhibition of rehabilitation equipment and software for the visually disabled
•
Free personal image consultations and make-up tips
•
The Touch-and-Sound Chamber, including sightless shooting and prize competitions
•
Ceremony of prize giving to the winners of the competitions
•
“Sherlock Holmes: The Game of Shadows” – Audio Description screening
•
Book fair
•
Table tennis tournament for the blind
•
Presentation of achievements of education centres, non-government organizations etc.
•
Painting the world with coloured pencils, or taking a peek at artists at work
•
Poland reads stories to children, so do we! – a corner for the youngest guests at the Conference
•
Golf for the blind – you will have an opportunity to try it out yourself, too!
7
THE IDEA OF PARTNERSHIP
FOR THE WORLD OPEN TO
THE BLIND
Our Foundation seeks support for our
of the disabled. We organize a conference
activity and idea. We need understanding and
which offers an occasion to present emerging
assistance of all – citizens and authorities, local
opportunities in the field. As a yearly
and national – so the world opens to the case
resume, we publish a list of institutions and
individuals – partners who want to work for
equalling of life chances of the blind and
the visually impaired. We need to
fight together to enhance the
activity of the blind and to
promote the understanding of
their situation!
Our priority is to extend the
group of supporting institutions,
organizations, education centres,
companies and authorities, and
outstanding individuals. Thanks to
them we can bring the idea of modern
rehabilitation
to
the
increasing
number of our beneficiaries.
We would like to express our
special thanks to the Association
for the Welfare of the Blind in Laski,
all schools for the blind and visually
impaired children, colleges enrolling
disabled students, CROSS Association of
Physical Education, Sports and Tourism
of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and
all others who have supported us so far.
We present the full list on our website:
www.szansadlaniewidomych.org.
8
9
THE 10TH EDITION HAS
BECOME HISTORY
The 10th edition of the Conference has fully
are booked! Finally we decided to locate the
succeeded. Yet there was so much concern
Conference at the Porczyński Gallery at 1, Plac
and distress during the arrangements that we
Bankowy in the centre of Warsaw. The space
were not sure whether we would make it. We
was preliminarily reserved and we started
did! What obstacles were there? Firstly, the
to persuade ourselves the choice was proper.
Conference was supposed to be held at National
There was less space than in National Gallery
Library in Warsaw, like in past years. The
yet the surroundings and the overall aesthetics
Foundation signed deal 11 months beforehand
were much more attractive. Unfortunately, it
and peacefully prepared the event. Meanwhile,
proved insufficient.
the Library started major repairs and cancelled
the contract. Quite lawfully, as such right was
reserved in the deal. We had been hosted by
the National Library several times and we had
always been received very kindly. We did not
complain, therefore, but yes – our small team
faced a huge challenge.
When we started searching for a new venue,
to our surprise we learned that all the places
10
As
you
know,
the
Foundation
runs
a registration process for the visitors. You can
needed to solve questions as:
-
Who is going to host the thematic
call us, write us or fill in the registration form
session since the person must be competent in
on our website. Suddenly it turned out that
our field. Past trials with professional hosts did
the Conference Hall would have to contain
not come out because of that reason;
almost 1000 guests during the opening and the
thematic session! And the Gallery could host
only 400 chairs.
Six weeks before the Conference, we began
a nervous search for another space. As much
as earlier this year there were no free venues
-
How to stand up to the requirements
from Mietek Szcześniak’s rider;
-
How to realize a three-language Internet
transmission of the Conference;
-
Where to get the Santa Claus from (and
the presents);
available, in October there was absolutely
-
How to pack up 50 exhibiting stalls;
nothing, not even the most expensive areas.
-
Will we do with a group of 50 volunteers;
And we faced the question of this amount of
-
Will our guests reach the venue and
money, too. It ruled out Congress Hall and
manage to navigate through the Golden
expo centres. The Golden Terraces, or rather
Terraces, escalator and multiple corridors;
Multikino, rushed to save us. O no, it was no
-
How to present the 20 years of our
cheap place either, but the Foundation had no
activity.
choice whatsoever, facing the number of 1000
Karolina Siekierzyńska, meanwhile turned
registered visitors. PFRON (Public Fund for
Kalbarczyk, managed the team amounting ca.
the Rehabilitation of the Disabled) covered
50 people. Have they succeeded?
partial expenses, and we managed to find the
We have gathered opinions. The views vary
remaining sum from other source and signed
but the majority of them are positive! The
the deal. Free way to face next challenges.
Foundation was praised for the bold choice
Reha is a big-scale, multilayered event. We
of the venue as we have succeeded at proving
had to synchronise hundreds of details, arrange
that the blind can achieve much. Reading tales
the programme, find place for every attraction,
to children, games in the Sound and Touch
choose speakers, find exhibiting vendors and
Chamber, table tennis and golf proved very
organizations and so on. For instance, we
popular. Thematic session turned out attractive
11
as well, the only complaint being the lectures
able to establish proper cooperation with
were too short. Well, we aimed at comprising
the host and no wonder, we had had little
the most presentations possible; and from
experience in the field so far.
our previous experience we knew that long
speeches lost their attractiveness.
And so another edition of Reha has become
history. We are now preparing the next one.
The exhibition was a success. Everybody
I am not sure whether we will be able to break
deserved a praise but I would like to highlight
the 2012 turnup record – 2600 visitors. Can
Copernicus Science Centre, Manggha Museum
we count for more? Nevertheless, our idea of
from Kraków and Bo Warto [Because It’s Worth
showing to the blind and visually impaired the
It] Foundation for their special presentations.
offer addressed to them and the world of the
Unfortunately, proper lighting was missing
blind to the seeing people has certainly worked
after the sunset which we had not predicted
out. Without exposing how we function, how
since before we had visited the venue during
we cope and manage, what we can or cannot do,
the day.
we won’t gain recognition or respect of others.
Mietek Szcześniak’s concert was a wonderful
experience. He sang so emotionally and
And respect and recognition is what I wish to
the whole community in the New Year.
beautifully that the ovations did not fade!
We expected a similar result from Audio
Description film projections but here the
cinema’s equipment failed. We had not been
12
Marek Kalbarczyk
13
ZŁOTE TARASY / ‘THE GOLDEN
14
TERRACES’ SHOPPING MALL
For the first time now REHA FOR THE
BLIND IN POLAND was hosted in such an
exceptional space. The new venue involves
more prestige and has other advantages.
The building is located in the very centre of
Warsaw, next to the Warsaw Central railway
station and the Palace of Culture and Sciences
which enabled easy access to the Conference
both by public transport and by train.
The glass ceiling of Złote Tarasy spreads over
200 shops, 40 restaurants and 8 cinema halls
of Multikino. The scale is also exceptional.
The mall is visited by 150 thousand visitors
from Warsaw and Poland daily. Thanks to our
Conference, many of them on 6th-7th December
2012 had a chance to get to know the “World
open to the blind”. It is a great ‘added value’ for
our Foundation as we aim to reach the greatest
number of people with our ideas.
To sum up, the decision of locating Reha
at Złote Tarasy proved 100% right. Good
decisions, follow!
Dariusz Grzędziński
15
SPECIAL GUESTS AT REHA
FOR THE BLIND IN POLAND
The 2012 edition of REHA FOR THE BLIND
IN POLAND was inaugurated by speeches of
our outstanding special guests.
As
first,
Joanna
Staręga-Piasek
who
represented Reha’s Honorary Patron, the
Spouse of the President of the Republic of
Poland, Anna Komorowska. The speech, apart
from acknowledgements and praises addressed
at our organization, contained a promise of
spreading the news about the wonderful
atmosphere of our meeting to the Presidential
Palace.
16
The next speaker was Minister Jarosław
Duda, the Plenipotentiary of the Government
for the Disabled Persons. We were not spared
congratulations either. Minister Duda drew our
attention to social lobbying for the activity for
the disabled and the need of constant change
of our environment. Jokingly, Minister Duda
suggested to invite the guests of the next year’s
Reha to the Congress Hall.
Then Władysław Gołąb, the President of the
Association for the Care of the Blind in Laski
took over the tribune. He devoted his speech
mostly to the UNO Convention recently
ratified by Poland and proper methods of
integration based on inclusion. Mr Gołąb cared
to mention the centennial of the School in
Laski, a centre which raised and educated the
founders and activists of the Chance for the
Blind Foundation.
The last speaker was Professor Jadwiga
Kuczyńska-Kwapisz,
dean
of
the
Social
Sciences Department of the UKSW Cardinal
Wyszyński University. The speech summed
up previous statements and emphasised the
systematic progress of the Conference as an
event. Professor Kuczyńska-Kwapisz read
out the official letter from the Provost of the
UKSW acknowledging the achievements of
Reha and wishing it future successes.
17
MIETEK SZCZEŚNIAK
IS OUR IDOL
The concert of Mieczysław Szcześniak
Mietek Szcześniak was awarded a surprise-
during REHA FOR THE BLIND IN POLAND
prize. The President of the Chance for the Blind
2012 was the first such event at our Conference.
Foundation Marek Kalbarczyk handed him the
The performance attracted crowds, not only
most precious award of the Foundation – Idol
the blind and the visually impaired. The main
statuette to honour the artist for the great dose
cinema hall filled to the last chair, and if only
of positive emotions and outstanding artistry
it could be augmented,
there would be no problem
recruiting more enthusiastic
fans. Mietek did his best!
Thrilling
interpretations
of his greatest hits brought
expression of bliss on many
faces, and many eyes filled
with
vitality
tears.
Enthusiasm,
and
smooth
communication with the
audience were striking and
just after the last ovation
18
he shared with the audience.
Later on, there were memorable moments
of photo-taking, autographs and chatting
with fans. We wish we could listen to as good
a concert next year!
Mietek Szcześniak is an outstanding vocalist
whose musicianship, voice timbre, repertoire,
independence and work with professionals
have gained him recognition from the
audience and critics for years now. He marks
new trends and acts as role model for younger
artists. He has recorded several solo albums
and featured in numerous other projects.
His greatest hits have made it in the Polish
songbook. Mietek Szcześniak was awarded at
prestigious festivals and is a laureate of the
Amber Nightingale Award. He has been many
times acknowledged as the best Polish male
vocalist for his dynamics, energy and positive
message and lyricism hitting straight to the
hearts of the listeners.
On November 11th, 2011 Mietek Szcześniak
released his first English-language album
“Signs” whose production was supervised
by key American musicians and producers:
Wendy Waldman (Grammy laureate for “Save
the Best for Last”) and H. B. Barnum (Aretha
Franklin), and featured Life Choir and Basia
Trzetrzelewska.
19
THE SOUND AND TOUCH
CHAMBER
Vision is the basic channel of cognition.
of the Eiffel Tower, a monument facade, a map
When it is defunct, we need to replace it
or a plan of a building by touch, using fingers.
with other sense like touch or sound. During
Labyrinth is a special track to go through,
Reha 2012 in the Sound and Touch Chamber
blindfolded, using a white cane. It simulated
our guests had an occassion to experience
conditions of a blind person, tested and trained
how people with visual impairment live on
one’s spatial orientation. Plenty of seeing people
daily basis and how we can level down the
after ranging the track stated that they had
consequences of this disability.
never thought it so difficult to walk without
Visiting the chamber started with learning
vision.
the basic daily equipment of the blind.
We used sound to play sport games, too:
This group contains talking calculators,
goalball and laser shooting for the blind.
thermometres,
light
Shooting is performed almost the same as in
measurers, colour testers, navigating glasses
the traditional form of this discipline. The
and minor Braille equipment. Here the visitors
difference is that the target is listened to and
could check the basic importance of sound and
not observed. When our ‘bullet’ – the laser
the indispensability of talking devices that are
point – approaches the centre of the target,
not gadgets but basic tools for the blind.
the emitted sound gets higher. The score is
phones,
watches,
The visitors showed much interest in
counted very precisely by the computer. It is
ClearReader. It is a small, portable device
a very attractive discipline for both seeing and
which reads out printed books and documents
blind contestants!
in synthesized voice.
Having toured the entire chamber, you
Next steps took us to the sphere of touch.
could stop and chit-chat at a small cafe. Here
Here we could get to know the tactile graphics
we did without vision too, as the waiters were
– typhlographics. You could measure the shape
blind.
20
GOLF AND TABLE TENNIS
FOR THE BLIND
The 2012 REHA presented a possibility of
playing sport disciplines by the blind. Apart
from shooting, the disciplines the visitors could
check were golf and table tennis.
Golf was recommended after World War II
by Clint Russell as a therapy for war veterans
who had lost sight. In order for the game to be
possible, the blind must learn proper techniques
of hitting the ball and the rules of the game.
The proper body pose, shoulder and torso
movement, the strenght of the strike and other
factors are responsible for the track of the ball.
Our trainer, Wacław Laszkiewicz, taught the
basics and supervised the contestants whose
achievements were screened on a simulator.
We hope that the show will contribute to the
promotion of this discipline among the blind
in Poland.
Table tennis can be actually played by the
blind... provided you follow rules invented by
the Foundation’s President Marek Kalbarczyk
who tested the idea. The advantage of the
discipline is that the seeing can play on equal
basis as the blind once they are blindfolded.
What do you need to play table tennis
for the blind?
You need a regular table tennis table
without the net. There is one contestant on
each half, defending his part. There are two
contestants in total playing at a time. Each of
the contestants holds a racket with which he is
supposed to strike the ball, assisted by hearing
only – in case of blind or blindfolded players.
The seeing contestants blindfold their eyes
or put on goggles so that they are devoid of
sight during the match, unable to observe the
ball and the game. In case somebody refuses
21
to be blindfolded they are subject to higher
he scores a point, as a blind person is unable
requirements which levels the chances of the
to tell precisely whether a ball going towards
players. As long as the ball is in play, total silence
the corner of the table is already out or still in
must be observed, and talking or uttering any
the play. The seeing player is allowed to put on
kind of sounds is strictly forbidden as sounds
a blindfold or goggles and transfer to the rules
distract the contestants and interrupt the rally.
applying to the blind player at any moment.
Point scoring is the same as in regular table
How to play table tennis for the blind?
tennis.
One of the contestants initiates the serve. The
It is not easy to play table tennis using
ball must bounce, for the blind or blindfolded
only your hearing. You need total silence and
receiver, at least three times against the table
great concentration in order to hear the ball,
so that the player is able to defend it. In case of
realize its trajectory and strike it. It is hard but
lesser number of bounces of a ball directed to
not impossible, and winning the game gives
the blind receiver, the serving contestant loses
a lot of satisfaction. This variation of the game
a point. Before the seeing receiver, the ball is
guarantees equal chances in case of mixed
allowed to bounce only once, anywhere on the
players: a blind player against a seeing one. It
table. The blind player defends only his end of
allows for a great integration and fun wherever
the table, while the seeing player defends also
a regular table tennis table is accessible.
both the left and the right side of his half of
Rules of the game introduced by Chance
the table. If a ball directed to the blind person
for the Blind Foundation. They were in effect
bounces too high, the umpire can order a replay
during a showcase tournament of table tennis at
of the service. In case of an out, a point is lost.
The 9th edition of the International Conference
In case of a ball out received by the blind player
REHA FOR THE BLIND IN POLAND®.
22
23
TYFLOAREA TA®
Chance for the Blind Foundation has been
TA®
Standard
comprises
instructions
working on the standard we have decided
concerning sound, voice, visual and touch
to name Tyfloarea TA®. People outside the
information about the environment where the
community of the visually impaired know
blind and the visually impaired can move freely.
almost nothing about the theme. This is why
The aim is to show in a consequent manner the
we have built a complex stall at Reha dedicated
location of the objects, their form, shape, and
to the standard. Its director, Jan Omieciński
looks and to show the way to a chosen point.
The objects fulfilling the requirements of
PhD presented a lecture about Tyfloarea.
the definition can be signed by Ta®, a mark
What is Tyfloarea TA®?
available through our Foundation.
1. A system of coherent and complex rules,
urban design and architectural rules and
signs
which
open
surroundings
24
to
access
the
to
blind
Objects become Tyfloarea as a result of natural
shape of the area or/and their special adaptation
the
through application of adequate technology,
and
information system or architectural solution.
visually impaired.
The term ‘object’ comprises any public space:
2. Any object fulfilling the requirements
green areas, diverse urban and architectural
forms, technical forms and street furniture.
listed in point 1.
We can distinguish: public transport places,
possibility of individual reading of any official
public transport, urbanized green areas, sport
document by a blind or visually impaired
facilities, buildings.
person and using it in Braille, magnified print
TA®’s signing system is realized by the
following technical polysensory solutions:
or in sound version. Touch symbols should
be possibly uniformed. The parameters of all
•
sound or voice information on request,
of the elements discussed: symbols, colours,
triggered by the blind person;
materials, devices, location, volume must
•
automatic voice or sound information,
be adequate for the blind and the visually
mainly applied in interiors;
impaired yet not bothersome to other users.
•
acoustic
both previous types – the user obtains
entire area: the way, the surroundings, and
vibe information and asks for more
the object itself. The blind person should be
details with a personal device;
enabled to move independently, have the
•
horizontal signs: directions,
same information as others or even come with
informations, alarms (stairs, edge of
a child as a caretaker.
a platform);
•
two-layered tactile maps – the bottom
information
combining
Those elements should be applied on
The Foundation presented the system at five
separate stalls:
colourful layer for the seeing and
1. ideal library and school;
the visually impaired; the top layer
2. hotel and restaurant;
made of transparent plexi which carries
3. office;
a 3D equivalent of the map below,
4. museum;
complete with a legend and Braille
5. TA® standard.
inscriptions;
We have pointed out how restaurants, hotel
•
two-layered plans;
reception desks, schools, universities, offices,
•
two-layered information/identification
railway stations, airports or bus stations should
plaques located at the door;
be organized to open the space to the disabled.
•
tactile numbers and pictograms – very
A Braille menu at a bar, a reading device at
simple, without decoration;
a townhall, sound information at the entrance
•
audio guides;
to the bank or shop, a palpable plan of the
•
Braille and magnified print guide books
floors in a mall, typhlographic or 3D models
and descriptions;
of sculptures, monuments and historical
•
contrasting marking of the beginning
architecture, audio guides in museums – should
and end of stairs, glass doors etc.
actually be present everywhere. They are not,
The listed elements must have such form
and colour so to be accessible for all persons
though. See if the Foundation will manage to
change it in future.
with vision impairment and the same applies
to devices. The TA® standard requires that
every terminal or button be ready to be used
by a blind person. There ought to be a technical
25
LECTURES OF THE
THEMATIC SESSION
Stem cells transplant in the treatment of eye diseases –
clinical trials”
Stem cells, thanks to their ability to renew themselves and other cells, wake much hope.
Pluripotent cells can be obtained from any somatic cell which opens way to autologous transplants.
The greatest success is a clinical trial where stem cells from a healthy eye helped to regenerate the
cornea of the sick eye throughout a year (Pellegrini, Italy). Other trials involve treating AMD or
retina degeneration or disease. The results are promising but not yet clear. Patients should avoid
medical centres offering unmonitored or non-EBM treatment with stem cells.
Leonora Bużańska MD PhD, Professor of PAN Polish Academy of Sciences
Multisensory reception of the world – tourism for everybody
The lecturer draws our attention to the polysensory cognition of the world, vision excluded. It
is pointed out that getting to know the surroundings with other senses than vision, that is: touch,
sound, smell, spatial orientation, is both the way for the blind and the seeing who can actually
enrich their experience of the beauty of the world and stir imagination once they switch onto
multisensory perception, for instance, while travelling or contemplating nature.
Marek Wysocki, Sc PhD Arch, Gdańsk Technology University
The First Lions Song Festival for the blind and the
visually impaired: “Sounds from the Heart”
In November 2013, the finals of the First Lions Song Festival for the blind and the visually
impaired: “Sounds from the Heart” will be held in Kraków. Each Lions Club is presently looking
for blind or visually impaired singing persons/vocalists. We are asking the community to help
us to spread the news. Contact us at [email protected] or www.lionsfestival.jordan.pl. Help your
colleagues find their way to the stage!
Jacek Legendziewicz on behalf of Lions Club and Festival Committee
26
BECAUSE IT’S WORTH IT to see more – beneficial
cooperation
A short presentation of the activity of a relatively young Foundation (since 2011) dedicated
to the development and education of children and youth, care for people in difficult situations,
and prevention of their social marginalization. The Foundation has managed to run several art
programmes for children and teenagers, a training for volunteers, a programme for the elderly in
Warsaw, and a project “Siekierki reAKTYWACJA” integrating the inhabitants of Siekierki. The
team and cooperation is the groundwork and condition of the activity of the organization.
Renata Wardecka, BO WARTO [BECAUSE IT’S WORTH IT] Foundation
Are culture, tourism, and sport accessible to the deafblind?
The combined impairment of vision and hearing creates a separate kind of disability. Impossible
as it seems, deafblind people, backed up by technical (equipment), personal (translator-guides)
and organizational support are ready to explore life and reality with the sense of touch and the
remnants of sight and hearing. They can even participate in extreme sports or create art. All such
activities are of tremendous importance for their social rehabilitation and enhance their personal
and social development.
Małgorzata Książek, Grzegorz Kozłowski, TPG Association for the Welfare of the Deafblind
Systems of passenger information for the blind in urban
public transport in Łódź
The Institute of Electronics of the University of Technology in Łódź has for a couple of years now
worked on solutions supporting blind and visually impaired people with emphasis on independent
travelling. We have been developing a system combining a public transport managing net with
a net of radio markers so that blind users can obtain all information from their cell phone.
Piotr Korbel PhD, Łódź University of Technology
The rights of the disabled resulting from the Convention
of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The 2006 Convention, a kind of “international constitution”, guarantees, among other rights,
independent living and inclusion in the society. Special attention is paid to the access of the
disabled to the judiciary, including access to information, professional assistants and staff training.
Katarzyna Heba, Attorney at Law
27
School tourism in service of children and teenagers with
visual impairment
An excursion offers plenty of opportunities of practicing self-service and perfecting spatial
orientation, not to mention social abilities. It is an answer to the natural need of the child to move
and be active.
Zbysław Kaczmarek MA, School for the Blind
and Visually Impaired Children in Owińska
Retinopathy of prematurity as the primary cause of
blindness in children in Poland
Lazy eye is a disorder of central vision. It leads to the exclusion of the weaker eye from the
process of binocular vision. Best effects of treatment are obtained between the 4. and the 7. year
when functional changes transform into organic changes.
Ewa Sankowska MD, Voivodship Specialist Hospital for Children in Olsztyn
May your hearing lead you
In 2012 our School, Institute of Acoustic of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the
Technology University in Poznań have completed the project which aimed at working out a new
spatial orientation method involving more sonic information and a hearing training. The teaching
method is such a narrow specialization that it would require certificates to authenticate instructors.
We suggest that educational centres for the blind included sound studios to help to develop sonic
orientation in students.
Henryk Wereda MA, School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children in Owińska
Accessibility of Internet services of schools, colleges,
libraries and local governments is a key to e-Inclusion of
the blind into information society
In 2012, Polish legislator passed a decree ordering to adapt all the websites of public administration
to the requirements of WCAG 2.0 Internet site accessibility standard. Running a triple check, we
have examined 200 websites of public administration only to find out they do not meet the criteria;
neither the websites of major Polish academic libraries or universities. Find more information at:
www.akceslab.pl.
Adam Pietrasiewicz, Mateusz Ciborowski
28
BLIND MANAGER FROM
HOLLAND ENJOYS VISITING
POLAND
Jan is blind (though to be precise we should
team I manage global sales excluding North
say near-blind). He has retained remnants of
America. We travel each year to numerous
sight, which has tremendous importance in
countries to visit our distributors, participate in
fulfilling day-to-day tasks, but does not prevent
exhibitions and fairs and to train our clients to
Jan from reading Braille.
use our products. I enjoy it very much because
mostly I use them myself: JAWS (screen
- Could You please introduce yourself
and Your company to us?
lecturer), MAGIC (screen magnifier), OCR and
OpenBook. I can read Braille, so I like Focus
My name is Jan Bloem, I am 45 and
Braille screens, especially the latest Focus
I live in Holland. Me and my wife Chantal
Blue 14. I use it on daily basis combined with
have two children: a boy, Tycho, and a girl,
my iPhone. I read incoming mail, surf on the
Rosalie. They are both still very young so they
Internet and take notes while travelling.
-
require a lot of time and attention! I work for
In my office, I use Topaz CCTV desktop to
Freedom Scientific from my home office. This
read hand-written documents and to screen
system of work is favourable for me because
photos, and if the documents are too large,
I can reconcile it with the duties of a young
I switch to SARA CE to quickly scan them and
father I have become.
have them read out by the software.
I joined Freedom Scientific in April
The combination of myself – the blind user,
2006 and started to work as Internal Sales
and myself – the International Sales Manager
Manager. Together with an international sales
is very interesting for our clients. I can train
29
people and present our products from the
point of view of a proper user, and since I have
direct contact with product managers, I have
a possibility to pass on detailed merchandise
information,
argumentation
come
and
up
with
know
substantial
reasons
why
potential clients should choose our products.
- Perhaps You will agree to tell us
something more personal about Your
trip to Warsaw?
-
There are many reasons why I am glad.
I have many friends here whom I like to meet.
I must admit that I feel certain closeness about
Poles – it seems that me and Polish people have
Freedom Scientific is a great company
a lot in common in terms of personality. And as
both as an employer and as a deliverer of
for the Conference itself, I don’t merely work,
rehabilitation equipment. It is a leader in
but have fun trying out things which we haven’t
development of technology supporting the
got at home. I have just played golf and won
visually impaired. The client is always in the
against Marek. It’s great you have a meeting
centre of our attention. All our products are
which is much more than a commercial or
used by ourselves and we are proud to have so
promotional show, like everywhere else. You
many clients worldwide.
present the latest products which serve the
- What do You think of our
Conference?
-
We are delighted to have taken part
in all past editions of Reha Conference in
blind. I haven’t had an opportunity to play
table tennis but I have heard it’s a fine idea.
Well, the thematic session, the prizes, Santa
Claus, the Printing House, and lovable girls.
Do you need more?
Warsaw. At first at a school, then in a gallery
and a library, and this year in a popular
shopping mall. Reha Conference in Warsaw is
always a grand occasion to show the quality
of our products. We can meet crowds of local
users and demonstrate the latest versions of
hardware and software produced by Freedom
Scientific. The number of visitors increases
each year and we cannot wait to come to the
next Reha Conference in Poland.
We are very satisfied with our Polish
distributor, Altix. In my opinion they do great
work promoting and supporting our products in
Poland. The translations of all data concerning
our offer are entirely done by Altix, so that
Polish users can use our products in their own
language.
30
Janusz Mirowski
FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS –
REHA 2012
I. PRODUCERS AND VENDORS
29. BO WARTO Foundation
1. Altix Co. Ltd.
30. Equinoxe Foundation for Innovations
2. Alu Rehab Poland Co. Ltd.
Supporting the Independency of Life of the
3. AutoID Polska JSC
Elderly
4. Bank Zachodni WBK JSC
31. World Better for the Disabled Foundation
5. CJSC Spectechnopribor
32. KATARYNKA Foundation for the
6. Dolphin Computer Access Ltd.
Development of Audio Description
7. E.C.E. Konrad Łukaszewicz
33. Chance for the Blind Foundation
8. Eurobraille
34. Vis Maior Foundation
9. Freedom Scientific, Inc.
35. Wojciech Korfanty Upper Silesian
10. Handy Tech Electronics GmbH
College of Commerce
11. Human JSC
36. Priest Malinowski Municipal and
12. INDEX BRAILLE
District Public Library in Gołubie Dobrzyń
13. Institute of Education and Development
37. Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and
ALFA PRIM Krzysztof Wostal
Technology
14. Institute of Innovative Technology EMAG
38. Institute of Electronics, Technical
15. LUMEN MICHAŁ KIJEWSKI
University in Łódź
16. Medison Wojciech Maj
39. Polish Paralympics Committee
17. MiGRAF Michał Kwaśniewski
40. Public Primary School No. 10 in Opole
18. Optelec Ltd
41. Polish Association of the Blind in
19. Perkins School for the Blind
Siemianowice
20. Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd.
42. School for the Blind and Visually
21. New Work for the Blind Cooperative
Impaired Children in Kraków
Society
43. Spojrzenie [Look] Association for the
22. Tyflograf Typhlographic Studio, Marek
Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually
Jakubowski
Impaired
23. Svárovský, s.r.o.
44. Your New Possibilities – Association for
24. Transition Technologies JSC
Equal Access to Education
25. Tyflokom Kamil Kowalczyk
45. Society for the Care of the Blind in Laski
26. ViewPlusR Technologies
46. Association for the Welfare of the
II. INSTITUTIONS AND
ORGANIZATIONS
27. Central Library of the Polish Association
of the Blind
28. Copernicus Science Centre
Deafblind
47. Economics University in Kraków and
Pope John Paul II University in Kraków
48. Employment Office of the Capital City
of Warsaw
31
IDOL PRIZE
Chance for the Blind Foundation has come
Idols for the best products for the blind and
up with a special prize which we award to
the visually impaired and for the best exhibitor
honour and promote personalities and activists
are awarded by the users themselves. The
working for the welfare of people with visual
voting is held during the Conference as every
impairments (IDOL OF THE COMMUNITY).
visitor has right to fill in one voting card. The
We have also developed other categories
in order to promote blind-friendly: MEDIA,
results are announced on the second day.
On 6th and 7th December 2012, during the
EDUCATION,
10th edition of the International Conference
COMPANY/INSTITUTION, as well as: BEST
REHA FOR THE BLIND IN POLAND
PRODUCT FOR THE BLIND and BEST
Idol prizes were awarded to persons and
PRODUCT FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED,
institutions for outstanding activity in the field
and BEST EXHIBITOR.
of rehabilitation, integration and adaptation of
OFFICIAL/AUTHORITY,
The Foundation also awards SPECIAL
IDOLS.
the environment to the needs of the blind and
the visually impaired.
The Idol prize is awarded at Reha Conference.
The members of the CHAPTER OF THE
We gather the nominations from our regional
FOUNDATION, gathering the past winners of
offices who select meritorious candidates in
the prize voted in the category IDOL OF THE
five categories. The voting is held before the
COMMUNITY. Several dozens of candidates
Conference by the Chapter of the Foundation
were nominated nationwide.
in case of IDOL OF THE COMMUNITY, and
by the Foundation’s activists within the other
Here are the WINNERS:
four categories.
Mikołaj Rotnicki – graduate of Economics
32
for
blind and visually impaired. The editors of TVP
young disabled people. Social activist, busy
Historia compose programmes so that they are
professional, author of adaptation of SAP system
possibly available to this group of people with
for the blind and Ginger-Blu – public transport
disabilities.
University
in
Poznań,
role
model
timetable application; editor of www.sixdots.
pl and www.wsn.info.pl. Involved in public
Theatre of Polish Radio – a gem, particularly
cooperation of NGOs, public administration
appreciated among the blind community. We
and commercial companies dedicated to
highly rate the beauty of literature and the
e-Inclusion.
mastery of voice actors of the Theatre of Polish
Radio.
Agata Kunicka-Goldfinger – director of
high school at the Centre for the Blind in
OFFICIAL/AUTHORITIES IDOL:
Laski, a renowned author of school books and
Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship
textbooks, open to the idea of use of modern
Adam Jarubas – supervises issues related with
technology in the education of blind teenagers.
promotion, education, culture and sport in the
Świętokrzyskie Voivodship. He supports the
Beata Kotowska – director of the School
for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children
case of the blind and visually impaired people
and is always open to cooperation in the field.
in Warszawa. Along with former directors
responsible for the school’s success, development
and quality of teaching.
Marshal of the Mazovia Voivodship Adam
Struzik – his decisions hint at exceptional
sensitivity towards the problems of disabled
Marian Szulc – for years working for the
people. His disabled-friendly style translates
Centre for the Blind in Laski. At first as a tutor,
to the overall atmosphere of his office. He
then as instructor of spatial orientation. In the
has regularly visited places related with the
recent years he has been careers officer helping
rehabilitation of the disabled.
the visually impaired find their life path.
EDUCATION IDOL:
Activists of the Foundation voted in the
remaining categories. They chose:
Wrocław Technical University – first college
of Lower Silesia enrolling blind students.
Thanks to the personal commitment of the
MEDIA IDOL:
plenipotentiary for disabled people, Jerzy
TVP Info – deserves much praise for the
Borowiec MSc, WTU constantly extends its
openness towards the case of the disabled and
offer for the visually impaired, including screen
being blind-friendly. Information concerning
reading software in the library, Braille printers
people with disabilities are often broadcasted
and adaptation of textbooks for blind students.
and most of the programmes do not require
additional Audio Description.
TVP Historia – very popular among the
COMPANY/INSTITUTION IDOL:
Warsaw Uprising Museum in Warsaw –
33
recognized for being accessible to the people
Ltd., for the third time now! The second prize
with visual impairments. There is no problem
was handed to E.C.E. Konrad Łukaszewicz, the
touching the exhibits and there is an extensive
third prize – to ALFA PRIM company.
voice information system available for the
visitors.
IDOL prize in the BEST PRODUCT FOR
THE BLIND category went to the Russian
SPECIAL IDOL:
company Spectechnopribor for their “Talking
Plenipotentiary of Polish Government for
City” system which attracted a lot of attention.
the Disabled People, Minister Jarosław Duda.
The second prize was awarded to the See You
Phone by Humann, and the third prize – to
Member of Parliament Sławomir Piechota
– lawyer, politician, activist in spite of his
PLEXTALK Pocket by Shinano Kenshi Europe/
Plextalk.
disability, Member of Parliament since 2005,
plenipotentiary for disabled people in Upper
The
BEST
PRODUCT
FOR
THE
Silesia, member of city council of Wrocław,
VISUALLY IMPAIRED was Compact 7HD by
laureate of “Man without Barriers” award.
Optelec. Optelec won the prize for the third
time! The second prize went to C-Pen by
President
of
Integration
Association,
Piotr Pawłowski – founder of Integration
Association,
magazine,
editor-in-chief
ambitious
of
activist.
E.C.E. Konrad Łukaszewicz.
Integracja
His
own
disability motivated him to take up action
aiming at supporting people with disabilities
and their families to overcome the obstacles
preventing them from living a normal life.
IDOLS for the Exhibitors
The winner of the IDOL prize in the
category BEST EXHIBITOR was Altix Co.
34
AutoID and the third prize to VisioBook by
Congratulations to all the winners!
ABOUT FOUNDATION
CHANCE FOR THE BLIND
Foundation Chance for the Blind was
established in 1992. It was founded by blind
their own business. The task of co-funded by
PFRON.
informatics and their close friends. Our
- Training for MEN - in 2007, the Foundation
activities are focused on supporting people who
in cooperation with the Ministry of Education,
have lost their sight and medical achievements
has trained 2,500 teachers in 2,500 schools
do not give them the hope of improving vision.
and mass integration in the operation and use
We are primarily an organization that advises
of specialized hardware and software used in
the blind and partially sighted how to live
the education of the visually impaired.
actively and be successful.
The purpose of our Foundation is also
- Tyflopoint - the road to independence,
Tyflopoint
comprehensive
guarantee
expanding public awareness regarding people
independence of visually impaired people
with disabilities visual. The idea that matters
„Base Foundation is a network of 16 Tyflopoints
to us is to indicate to the visually impaired as
operating throughout the country. Tasks
well as those of their surroundings, the various
co-funded by PFRON.
forms of modern rehabilitation and how to
deal with a visual impairment.
- „TYFLOBUS” - it was Tyfloevent, where
you could see and hear the cinematographic
Most of our staff (about 80%) is a wonderful,
space, shows the latest technologies for people
educated, creative, well-rehabilitated persons
with disabilities, tyflospektakle, workspace
with disabilities. They know best how to
for the blind, visually impaired and seniors.
skillfully help others.
During the action we visited 46 cities across
Some schemes, issued publications and
the most important achievements of the
Foundation for the Blind chance.
the country.
- „Reha for the Blind in Poland” This is
the largest meeting of this type in the world
- Reach the goal - modern understanding
blind. Exhibition of modern equipment
blind and visually impaired, guarantee of the
tyflorehabilitation, a series of substantive
employment in the information society. The
sessions,
main objective of the project was effective
performances by top artists, cabinet „feel
help in finding and keeping a job. The task of
and sound”, fair books for the blind, sports
co-funded by PFRON.
tournaments and other specially prepared
films
with
audio
description,
- Blind businessmen - time for your own
activities, undoubtedly represent a unique
business „The training group and individual
opportunity to showcase to the world how to
consultations beneficiaries, among others
live well can properly rehabilitated blind. The
gaining comprehensive knowledge on how
task of co-funded by PFRON.
to get a variety of sources - grants to start
„CULTURAL ERUDYTA” - Telephone and
35
computer educational game for children and
young people - even for the blind and visually
impaired. „The task of the Foundation funded
Orange.
Our publications:
The Foundation specializes in publications
targeted at the environment of the blind
and disabled. All publications published in
print enlarged and Braille or Braille printing
technique imposed on black print. We have
published such
-
„The world opened for the blind -
possibilities and opportunities”;
-
„Skills worth one’s weight in gold”
-
„Can
a president”;
-
„Reach the goal” - a guide aimed at blind
and partially sighted people in the field
of social and professional rehabilitation.
a
blind
man
can
become
Mathematical publications:
-
„Even you can be a mathematician”
-
„Braille mathematical notation. How to
save and how to read it? „
Biography:
-
„Louis Braille - a touch of genius”, by
C. Michael Meller. The book presents
the life of Louis Braille and describing
the history of scripture point.
Tourist publications:
-
„Mazovia is not only Warsaw” - a guide to
tourist attractions od Mazowia for the
blind
36
-
„100 most beautiful places in Poland -
the sights and scenery available for the
blind and visually impaired”
-
„Touch Wroclaw” - a guide to Wroclaw
-
„Gdańsk for All. Dantiscum, Dantis,
Gedanum, Danzig”
-
„Lublin’s tastes and flavors. Tourism
attractions for the disabled
-
„Podlasie painted by touch”
-
„Mazowsze available to all - audit
tourism attractions of Mazovia”
Culinary books:
-
“Taste on the fingertips” - a cookbook
adapted to the needs of blind and visually
impaired, the first such publication in
Poland.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF
CHANCE FOR THE BLIND
FOUNDATION
Chance for the Blind Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012. On this occasion, our
regional offices in Poland organized local celebrations of this event. The celebrations managed to
gather the representatives of local community of the blind and visually impaired, representatives
of local authorities and institutions, activists of foundations and associations working for the
welfare of the disabled, officials, school directors, university lecturers, the Foundation’s associates,
collaborators and friends. It was also a good occassion to present the modern methods of the
rehabilitation of people with visual impairments, the case which is never unduly promoted. We
have recalled the 20 years of the Foundation’s activity, the beginnings, our achievements and falls,
our friends. We handed special diplomas to honour meritable personalities who contributed the
most to the community – and such a diploma implied a nomination in the category IDOL OF THE
COMMUNITY in the Idol competition at Reha Conference.
Each event was unique and we encourage you to go through short resumes from our regional
branches.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
KATOWICE
In Katowice, the Anniversary was organized as a conference combined with the celebration of
the International Day of the White Cane (15 November) and was held underground, at GUIDO
Historical Coal Mine in Zabrze. Mayor of the Town of Zabrze supported the event and the
representatives of local community of the blind did not fail to arrive. Dagmara Cichos came up
with a presentation “To touch, to reach, to hear – innovative technologies for the blind and visually
impaired”. K. Wostal of ALFA PRIM discussed the issue of higher culture of service of people with
disabilities. Artistic relief was provided by a performance of a visually impaired vocalist, Iwona
Zięba, and a screening of an Audio Description film.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
KIELCE
The celebrations in Kielce took place within our project: “New opportunities of integrational
development of the blind” financed by the Marshal Office. We have organized a conference
devoted to the theme of “modern rehabilitation”.Our guests witnessed a table tennis game for the
blind involving Marek Kalbarczyk as one of the contestants. On the following two days, we have
37
carried out rehabilitation workshop for the blind and their families which familiarized them with
new technical devices and methods of rehabilitation, for instance, a Braille display, an expensive
and unique device. We have also given out diplomas to the persons committed to working for the
welfare of the blind.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION AT
PORCZYŃSKI GALLERY IN WARSAW
On 24 November 2012 Porczyński Gallery in Warsaw, hosting an breathtaking collection of
historical oil painting, hosted an unusual group of guests: founders, activists, supporters and
friends of the Chance for the Blind Foundation on the occassion of the 20th Anniversary of
the organization. The President-Founder, Marek Kalbarczyk, opened the event recollecting his
experience in the Foundation. There was much to be told. Our mazovian office chose as much as
thirty people and institutions to be honoured with the Foundation’s diploma for their achievements
for the community of the visually impaired. After the official part, the guests could relish a superb
performance of the internationally acclaimed Polish jazzman, pianist Janusz Skowron. It proved
that blindness is no obstacle on one’s path to international fame. The Foundation supports fondly
sport initiatives and therefore made sure the guests could take part in laser shooting and table
tennis for the blind. We strongly believe sport is an effective way to the full social rehabilitation
for the people who lost their sight.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
OPOLE
Four visually impaired friends of the regional office of the Foundation in Opole agreed to share
their life experience at the celebration of the 20th Anniversary. All of them had participated in
programmes run by the Foundation to learn to live more independently and actively. Present in
Opole for 8 years now, the Foundation consulted the workstations for the blind, for instance at
the Technical University in Opole. It was also an occassion to thank the Puppet Theatre in Opole
for help in organizing a public fund collection for the Foundation. The director of the local office
of the Polish Association of the Blind had prepared a short poem to celebrate the meeting which
he read out. The Foundation was honoured with a diploma from the Mayor of the City of Opole.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
RZESZÓW
It was really crowdy at the 20th Anniversary of the Foundation’s celebrations in Rzeszów which
gathered the representatives of the blind and visually impaired and local officials and activists.
There were speeches dedicated to the themes of financial support to rehabilitation equipment and
sports for the blind like: skiing, laser shooting, kayaks and bowling. The director of the Library in
Jarosław presented a computer workstation adapted to the needs of a blind person. There was an
artistic accent: disabled children from Kolbuszowa Dolna gave a moving theatrical performance.
38
Member of the Council of the Foundation Janusz Mirowski received letters of congratulations
from local activists.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
ŁÓDŹ
The theme of the meeting in Łódź was “Public space adapted for the blind and visually impaired
(?)” and involved a public discussion on the topic. Łódź’s public transport is said to be the best for
the blind and the President of the Board of the MPK Company received one of 13 Foundation’s
diplomas. We presented TyfloArea TA® and were happy to collect such a diverse group of guests
representing the community, local authorities, universities, and public institutions.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
KRAKÓW
The 20th Anniversary in Kraków was celebrated at Manggha Museum of Japanese Science and
Technology. Thanks to the cooperation of Manggha and our Foundation, the Museum’s exhibition
has been adapted to the blind and visually impaired. The Museum’s director told us about the next
steps toward opening access to the exhibiting space to the blind. One of the persons awarded with
our diploma was the owner of the first restaurant in Kraków having a Brailled menu card.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
LUBLIN
The celebrations in Lublin started with a projection of an Audio Description film: “Sherlock
Holmes” commissioned by the Foundation. We have handed the Foundation’s diplomas and
presented the new publication: Lublin’s Taste printed in Braille with tactile illustrations. We have
also shown other tactile publications of the Foundation. The event was reported by local ITVL.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
THE REGION OF KUJAWY AND POMORZE
The celebrations organized by our office in Bydgoszcz were combined with a conference
“Standards of modern rehabilitation of the visually impaired” held at the Marshal Office in Toruń.
After the official part, the meeting was crowned with a table tennis game for the blind, Marek
Kalbarczyk against Mrs Maria Dreszer from the Marshal Office.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
ZIELONA GÓRA
The conference on the occassion of the 20th Anniversary of the Foundation organized by
the office in Zielona Góra was dedicated to the new publication: “Lubuskie under my hands”,
an innovative tourist guidebook for the blind and the visually impaired showing the Southern
part of the voivodship to this group of tourists. We were very pleased to welcom Małgorzata
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Czerwińska PhD from our University who came with her guide. Marek Kalbarczyk summed up
that the Foundation enables him to meet the most interesting persons from the community.
THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY THE FOUNDATION IN
GORZÓW
The meeting in Zielona Góra gathered most of the town’s officials and the Foundation was
given congratulation letters. Unfortunately, the Foundation’s President Marek Kalbarczyk did not
make it that day because of a car accident. Luckily enough, his son and himself were not injured.
The celebrations involved a performance of a blind vocalist who introduced the atmosphere of
Christmas. We presented modern hardware and software for the blind and our publications in
both blackprint and Braille which drew a lot of attention.
MAREK KALBARCZYK
President Marek Kalbarczyk – blind founder
of CHANCE – Union for the Welfare of the
Disabled Foundation. At present, civil president
of the Chance for the Blind Foundation. Through
the contacts with international producers, he
pioneered in introducing modern computer
equipment for the blind to Polish market.
Co-author of the first Polish speech synthesizer.
Author of maths textbooks, including the
latest extended Braille mathematical notation,
book “World open to the blind”, manuals for
the blind: “You can become a mathematician”
and “To reach the aim”. He featured in a film
about the disabled: “Despite the stereotypes”.
Graduate of the Department of Mathematics,
Computer Science and Mechanics of the
Warsaw University. Apart from the Foundation,
he established a computer company for the
visually impaired. His professional field is the
use of computer science for the rehabilitation
of the blind and visually impaired. In 2010 he
was distinguished with the title of the “Man
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without Barriers” and “Super Ice-breaker”, and,
the City of Białystok
in 2012, he was honoured by Minister Jarosław
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Honorary distinction of the Voivod of
Duda with a special medal for the 20 years of
Łódź
promoting the welfare of the disabled.
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Honorary distinction of the Provost of
the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw
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Letter of congratulation from the Mayor
of the City of Opole
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Honorary recognition from the Minister
Chance for the Blind Foundation and our
activists have been recently awarded with:
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Medal: “20 years of systems of support
Jarosław Duda, Plenipotentiary for
of people with disabilities”
Disabled People
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Title: “Super Ice-breaker”
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The Knight’s Cross of the Order of
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Title: “Man without Barriers”
Polonia Restituta.
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Honorary distinction of the Mayor of
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