Joint Research on Information and Communications Technology

Transcription

HRD Program for Exchange of ICT Researchers and Engineers
PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT
Project Title:
“Joint Research on Information and Communications Technology Solutions
for Improving the Quality of Life of Blinds in Vietnam”
Chief Researcher
Dr. Le Xuan Lan
Hanoi, May 21, 2012
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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 5
1.1. Project outline.................................................................................................................... 5
1.1.1. Objective of the Project .............................................................................................. 5
1.1.2. Partners and research methodology............................................................................ 6
1.2. General Plan for the Project............................................................................................... 7
2. KICK-OFF MEETING AND SURVEY IN HANOI, VIETNAM......................................... 8
2.1. Purpose of the kick-off meeting and survey trip ............................................................... 8
2.2. Working schedule .............................................................................................................. 9
2.3. Kick-off Meeting ............................................................................................................. 10
2.4. Visit Vietnam Association of Blinds ............................................................................... 10
2.5. Visit Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blinds ............................................ 11
2.6. Meeting with Vice Minister of Information and Communications of Vietnam .............. 12
2.7. Working with Vietnamese Researchers........................................................................... 12
2.8. Results of Kick-off Meeting and Site Survey Trip.......................................................... 13
3. SURVEY AND STUDY IN TOKYO, JAPAN................................................................... 14
3.1. Purpose of the survey and study trip ............................................................................... 14
3.2. Working schedule ............................................................................................................ 14
3.3. Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo ............................................................. 16
3.4. Visiting Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo University.............................................................. 16
3.5. Visiting Special Need Education School for Visually Impaired, Tsukuba University ... 17
3.6. Meeting at MIC of Japan ................................................................................................. 17
3.7. Visiting Japan Braille Library ......................................................................................... 18
3.8. Working with Japanese researchers at Waseda University ............................................. 19
3.9. Visiting Tsukuba University of Technology ................................................................... 19
3.10. Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo ........................................................... 20
3.11. Visiting Japan Federation of Blind ................................................................................ 20
3.12. Results of Tokyo Trip.................................................................................................... 21
4. INSTALLATION AND EVALUATION TRIP ................................................................... 22
4.1. Purpose of the trip ........................................................................................................... 22
4.2. Working schedule ............................................................................................................ 22
4.3. Installation of the ICT lab................................................................................................ 24
4.4. Evaluation workshop ....................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1. Purposes and workshop agenda ................................................................................ 25
4.4.2. Participants ............................................................................................................... 26
4.4.3. Discussion content.................................................................................................... 27
5. RESULTS OF PROJECT .................................................................................................. 27
5.1. CURRENT STATUS OF USING ICT OF BLINDS IN VIETNAM............................. 27
5.1.1 Current Status of Blinds in Vietnam ............................................................................. 27
a) Vietnam Association for the Blind ................................................................................. 28
b) Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind ..................................................... 28
5.1.2. Current Status of Using ICT of Blinds in Vietnam ...................................................... 30
a) How can the blind and visually impaired persons use a computer system ?.................. 30
b) Current Status of Using ICT of Blinds in Vietnam........................................................ 30
c) Obstacles to Blinds using ICT in Vietnam ..................................................................... 32
5.1.3. Current Status of Policies on Promoting the Use of ICT for Blinds ............................ 33
a) Policies for assisting person with disabilities in Vietnam .............................................. 33
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b) Policies on Promoting the Use of ICT for Blinds .......................................................... 34
5.2. EXPERIENCES OF USING ICT FOR BLINDS IN JAPAN....................................... 35
5.2.1. Policies on assisting persons with disabilities .............................................................. 35
a) Disabled Persons' Fundamental Law (Law No. 84) ....................................................... 35
b) Law for the Welfare of Physically Disabled Persons (Law No. 283) ............................ 36
c) Law for Promotion of Research, Development and Distribution of Technical Aids and
Equipments (Law No. 38) .................................................................................................. 37
d) School Education Law (Law No. 26)............................................................................. 37
e) Law for Encouragement of School Attendance at Special Schools for Blind Persons,
Deaf Persons, Physically Disabled Persons and Mentally Retarded Persons (Law No. 144)
............................................................................................................................................ 37
f) Law for Employment Promotion, etc. of the Disabled Persons (Law No. 123) ............. 37
g) Employment Countermeasures Law (Law No. 132)...................................................... 38
h) Law for Promoting Businesses that Facilitate the Use of Communications and
Broadcast Services by the Physically Disabled Persons (Law No. 54).............................. 38
5.2.2. Policies on promoting the use of ICT for person with disabilities in Japan ................. 38
a) Mail Law (Law No. 165)................................................................................................ 38
b) Telecommunication Service Law (Law No. 86) ............................................................ 38
c) Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act (Act No. 123 of 2005)........... 39
d) The Government Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities .......................................... 39
5.2.3. Relevant policy measures of MIC Japan for elderly and persons with disabilities...... 41
5.2.4. Policies on assisting persons with visual disabilities in Japan ..................................... 43
5. 3. PROPOSED POLICIES ON PROMOTING THE USE OF ICT FOR BLINDS IN
VIETNAM .................................................................................................................................. 46
5.4. SURVEY ON USEFUL ICT PRODUCTS FOR BLINDS IN VIETNAM................... 48
5.4.1. Useful ICT products for blinds..................................................................................... 48
5.4.2. Potential ICT products for blinds in Vietnam .............................................................. 53
5.5. ICT LABS IN THE SCHOOL FOR BLINDS IN VIETNAM........................................ 54
5.5.1 Design of ICT Lab for School for Blinds ...................................................................... 54
a) Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 54
b) Necessity ........................................................................................................................ 54
c) Equipments needed for the ICT lab................................................................................ 55
d) Equipment list ................................................................................................................ 66
5.5.2. Implementation of the ICT Labs .................................................................................. 68
6. PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ................ 69
7. CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................. 69
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................... 70
APPENDIX................................................................................................................................ 72
A1. Minutes of meeting in the site survey trip ....................................................................... 72
A1.1. Minute of the Kickoff meeting ................................................................................. 72
A1.2. Minute of the Visit to Vietnam Association of Blinds ............................................. 73
A1.3. Minute of the Visit to Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blinds .......... 75
A1.4. Minute of the Meeting with Vice Minister of MIC of Vietnam ............................... 78
A1.5. Minute of the Meetings at NIICS in Hanoi, Vietnam............................................... 80
A2. Minute of the meetings in the survey and study trip in Tokyo........................................ 82
A2.1. Minute of the Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo................................ 82
A2.2. Minute of the Visit to Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo University ................................. 83
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A2.3. Minute of the Visit to Special Need Education School for Visually Impaired,
Tsukuba University ............................................................................................................ 84
A2.4. Minute of the Meeting at MIC of Japan ................................................................... 87
A2.5. Minute of the Visit to Japan Braille Library............................................................. 88
A2.6. Minute of the Meeting with Japanese researchers at Waseda University ................ 90
A2.7. Minute of the Visit to Tsukuba University of Technology....................................... 91
A2.8. Minute of the Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo, Japan .................... 93
A2.9. Minute of the Visit to Japan Federation of Blind ..................................................... 94
A3. Minute of Evaluation Workshop in Hanoi ...................................................................... 95
A4. Certificates of Merits from VAB..................................................................................... 99
B. Data on the use of ICT of blinds in Vietnam ................................................................... 101
C. Presentation at APEC TEL 45 in Danang, Vietnam ........................................................ 105
D. Photos digest.................................................................................................................... 109
D.1. Kick – off Meeting and Survey trip in Hanoi ........................................................... 109
D.2. Study trip in Tokyo ................................................................................................... 114
D3. Installation trip in Hanoi............................................................................................ 119
D.4. Evaluation Workshop ............................................................................................... 121
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Project outline
The National Institute of Information and Communications Strategy (NIICS), Ministry
of Information and Communications (MIC) of Vietnam with the cooperation of two partners
from Japan, namely Waseda University - Global Information and Telecommunication Studies
(GITS) and KDDI Corporation is embarking on the APT ICT Development Program. This
program is sponsored by the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT). The main purpose of this
project is: Human resource development for ICT in Asia Pacific countries.
The title of the Project is “Joint Research on Information and Communications
Technology Solutions for Improving the Quality of Life of Blinds in Vietnam”. The duration is
from April 2011 to February 2012.
1.1.1. Objective of the Project
The objective of this joint research project is the promotion of usage of ICT to enhance
the ability of blind people to participate in the modern society, where ICT is developing
extremely fast and significantly contributing to the development of socio-economy. The joint
research project will focus on research and development of recommendations on policies to
promoting the use of ICT for helping visually impaired people in Vietnam. Those
recommendations will be submitted to the government of Vietnam through the Ministry of
Information and Communications and included in the project final report as a model for other
APT member countries.
In order to develop the policy recommendation the joint research team need to study
and research on the policies to promoting the use of ICT for blind in Japan, as well as different
available ICT solutions to assist people with vision impairment. Based on the research of the
current socio-economic conditions in Vietnam, the joint research team will survey the useful
ICT solutions/products for blind which can be utilized in learning, information sharing and
communication among visually impaired people in Vietnam.
In order to demonstrate the benefit of advanced ICT solutions in assisting visually
impaired people, the joint research team will study and design an ICT lab which will be used to
assist the teaching/learning process in a school for blind in Vietnam. With the implement of the
ICT lab in the school for blind, the team can get inputs, feedback, and acceptance from teachers
and students to improve the design of the lab so that the implemented lab could be used as a
model of ICT lab in schools for blind in Vietnam.
Through this joint research project, a group of experts on ICT solutions for blind in
Vietnam is established. It is expected that after finishing the project, the Vietnamese
participants could use their expertise in training other engineers on ICT solutions for blind. By
doing so, we can further contribute to the promotion of ICT human resource in Vietnam.
Finally, the purpose of this joint research project is not only to learn and exchange
personnel experience on advanced ICT applications for the blind, introduction of solutions to
help the blind having more opportunities to connect to the outside world, promoting the
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development of advanced ICT application in education, training and ordinary activities for the
blind in order to enrich life through advanced ICT but also to raise the awareness on the
importance and benefits of ICT solutions for improving the quality of life of blind in Vietnam.
It is expected that the project will not only enable people with normal vision to help blind
people but that people with visual disabilities will significantly contribute back to the social
development.
1.1.2. Partners and research methodology
a. Members list
Partner organizations/institutions are:
•
From Vietnam
–
•
•
National Institute of Information and Communications Strategy (NIICS), Ministry
of Information and Communications of Vietnam (MIC) (Main applicant)
From Japan
–
Waseda University
–
KDDI Foundation
Supporters
–
MIC (Vietnam), MIC (Japan)
b. Research methodology
The research methodology is depicted in Figure 1.
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Study and
survey
Japanese
policies
/experience/
market
Design
IT lab
Implementation
and Test
APT
Study of
related
law/policy
in
VietNam
Setup
scope
of
project
Analyze
data
Gather
data
Project
report
VietNam
government
Study and
survey
VietNam
demand
Draft
policy
Consultation
Research methodology
Figure 1. The research methodology for APT project in Vietnam, 2011
1.2. General Plan for the Project
The project is divided into three phases as follows:
Phase
Date
I. Preparation
1
April
–
June/2011
Place
Activities
Japan
& Viet
Nam
+ Document Preparation
+ Case Study
+ Formation/Work-Flow
II. Survey/Study
27 June –
Hanoi,
1
2 July/2011 Viet
Nam
2
11-17
September
/2011
Tokyo,
Japan
Kickoff and Survey in Hanoi
- Kickoff meeting at NIICS office
- Visit Vietnam association of blind (in
Hanoi)
- Visit Center for Training and
Rehabilitation for the Blind (in Hanoi)
- Meeting with Vice Minister at MIC office
- Working with Vietnamese researchers at
NIICS office
Survey and study in Tokyo
- Visiting Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo
University
- Visiting School for Blind people, Tsukuba
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University
- Visiting MIC of Japan
- Visiting Japan Braille Library
- Visiting Tsukuba University of Technology
- Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo,
Japan
- Visiting Japan Federation of Blind
- Working with Japanese researchers at Waseda
University
III. Development and Installation
September- Viet Nam - Research on policies on promoting the use
1
November
&
of ICT for blind in Vietnam
/2011
Japan
- Design of the ICT lab for blinds in Vietnam
December
Viet Nam - Preparations of interim report
2
2011
&
- Submission of interim project
Japan
JanuaryJapan - Design of the ICT lab for blinds in Vietnam
3
February
&
- Purchase of the equipments for the ICT lab
2012
Viet Nam
4
14-23 March
Hanoi,
- Installation of ICT lab for blinds in Vietnam
2012
Viet Nam
+ Trial operation and collecting operation
data
+ Training on the use of the labs for
Vietnamese researchers
+ Evaluation of the installation, and
training
+ Reviewing the operation and refinement
of the lab
+ Discussion on the draft of the final report
- Evaluation workshop
+ Workshop, demonstration
IV. Report
April 2012
1
2
May 2012
Japan
&
- Preparation of Final Report
Viet Nam
Team
Submission of final report to APT
2. KICK-OFF MEETING AND SURVEY IN HANOI, VIETNAM
2.1. Purpose of the kick-off meeting and survey trip
The first series of activities consists of the kick-off meeting and the survey trip in Hanoi,
Vietnam. A delegation of Japanese researchers arrive to Hanoi and stay in Hanoi from 27 June
2011 to 2 July 2011. The purpose of the kick-off meeting and the survey trip in Hanoi is:
- The join research team members discuss and finalize the working schedule of the project.
8
- Visit the Vietnam Association of Blind and the Center for Training and Rehabilitation for
the Blinds in order to gather data and discuss the current status of blind and current status
of using ICT for the blind in Vietnam and identify the need of ICT equipment/facilities for
teaching/learning in the school for blind.
- Visit the Ministry of Information and Communication of Vietnam to know more the
current policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind
- The join research team members discuss the framework of policies on promoting the use
of ICT for blind
- The join research team members discuss the framework of ICT lab for blinds
2.2. Working schedule
Following is the detailed working schedule:
Date
Monday
(27 June
2011)
Tuesday (28
June 2011)
Place/Time
Hanoi
NIICS office,
Hanoi
From 9:00 am
to 12:00 am
Vietnam
association
of blind,
Hanoi
From 14:00 pm
to 17:00 pm
Wednesday (29Center for
June 2011)
Training and
Rehabilitati
on for the
Blind, Hanoi
From 9:00 am
to 12:00 am
MIC office,
Hanoi
From 14:00 pm
to 16:00 pm
Thursday (30 NIICS office,
June 2011)
Hanoi
Activities
Japanese team arrive to Hanoi
Kickoff meeting
- Discussion:
+ Detail whole Project (schedule and Item)
+ Procurement/cost for this project
+ Role and due date
+ Estimated result
Visit Vietnam Association of Blinds (VAB)
+ Survey on current status of blind in
Vietnam and current status of using ICT for
the blind
+ Visit facilities of VAB
+ Current status of policies on promoting
the use of ICT for blind
Visit Center for Training and Rehabilitation
for the Blinds (CTRB)
- Discussion:
+ Survey on current status of blind in
Vietnam and current status of using ICT for
the blind
+ Visit facilities of CTRB
+ Identify the need of ICT
equipment/facilities for teaching/learning
in the school for blind.
Meeting with Vice Minister of MIC
* Report of project implementation to vice
minister
Working with Vietnamese researchers
- Discussion
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From 9:00 am
to 12:00 am
NIICS office,
Hanoi
* Implementation of the survey
* Framework of policies on promoting the
use of ICT for blind
- Discussion
* Framework of ICT lab for blinds
From 14:00 pm
to 17:00 pm
Friday (1
July 2011)
NIICS office,
and (or) other
places in
Hanoi
- Discussion
* Detail plan of the Survey and Study in
Tokyo
(The Japanese team propose and suggest)
From 9:00 am
to 17:00 pm
Saturday (2
July 2011)
Hanoi
Japanese team goes to airport to flight to
Tokyo
2.3. Kick-off Meeting
Vietnam and Japan teams have carried out the first meeting to get to know each other
further, as well as to setup the implementation framework for the project.
a) Time, Venue and Activities
+ Venue: NIICS office, Hanoi, Vietnam
+ Time:
From 9:00 am to 12:00 am, Tuesday (28 June 2011)
+ Participants:
- From Japan: Prof. Urano, Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Vu Truong Thanh
- From Vietnam: Dr. Le Xuan Lan, Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Ms. Tran Tuyet Anh, Ms. Dang Thi
Hoa, Mr. Pham Van Nghia
+ Activities:
- Greeting and introduction of Vietnam and Japan team
- Discussion on Project Implementation: Detail whole Project (schedule and Item),
Procurement and cost for this project, Role and due date, Estimated result
- Japan team shows the Vietnam team an equipment to help blind positioning the direction
b) Contents and results of the meeting
For the contents and results of the meeting, please see Appendix A1.1
2.4. Visit Vietnam Association of Blinds
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+ Time: June 28, 2011, from 14:00 – 16:00
+ Venue: Vietnam Association of Blind ‘s office in Hanoi
+ Participants:
- From NIICS (Vietnam): Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Ms. Dang Thi Hoa, Mr. Pham Van Nghia
- From Vietnam Association For the Blind (VAB): Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huong, Mr. Dinh Thanh
Tung, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Mrs Tran Thi Hai
+ Activities:
- Greeting and introduction
- Introduction of VAB and visiting the facilities of VAB
- Introduction to the current status of blind in Vietnam and current status of using ICT for the
blind
- Current status of policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind
- Discussion on policies of government to help the blind to use ICT to improve their life
- Japan team shows the Vietnam team an equipment to help blind positioning the direction.
For the contents and results of the meeting, please see Appendix A1.2.
2.5. Visit Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blinds
+ Time: June 29, 2011, from 9:00 – 12:00
+ Venue: Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind‘s office
+ Participants:
- From Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind (CRTB): Mr. Tran Van Dinh, Mrs
Dang Thi Viet Anh, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huong
+ Activities:
- Introduction of CRTB and Constraints or difficulties the blinds have met when
teaching/learning ICT
- Visiting the facilities of CRTB, on-site visit some classes, libraries, and other infrastructure
- Discussion on policies of government to help the blind achieve a better life, what support does
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the blind need from government and international organizations.
- Identify the need of ICT equipment/facilities for teaching/learning in the school for blind.
- Japan team shows the Vietnam team an equipment to help blind positioning the direction.
2.6. Meeting with Vice Minister of Information and Communications of
Vietnam
+ Time: June 29, 2011, from 14:00 pm – 14:30 pm
+ Venue: MIC ‘s office
+ Participants:
- From MIC: Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung - Vice minister of MIC, Mr. Trieu Minh Long, Mrs.
Nguyen Hong Nga
+ Activities:
- Report the activities of project to Vice Minister
- Requesting the support of MIC to the implementation of project
2.7. Working with Vietnamese Researchers
+ Time: June 30th and July 1st, 2011, from 9:30 am to 17:00 am
+ Venue: NIICS ‘s office
+ Participants:
- From Japan: Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Vu Truong Thanh
- From NIICS (Vietnam): Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Mrs. Tran Tuyet Anh, Ms. Dang Thi Hoa, Mr.
Pham Van Nghia
+ Activities:
- Discussion of the implementation of the survey of the current status of using, teaching,
12
learning ICT for the blinds in Vietnam
- Discussion of the framework of policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind
- Discussion of which ICT equipments is necessary for blind
- Discussion of the design of an ICT lab for school for blind and expected output of project
- Discussion of detail plan of the survey and study in Tokyo (The Japanese team proposes and
suggests)
2.8. Results of Kick-off Meeting and Site Survey Trip
The Kick-off meeting and site survey trip has achieved its objectives. Following are the
summary of the results of the trip:
- The join research team members has finalized and agreed to the final working schedule of
the project as shown in paragraph 1.2 General Plan for the Project.
- The join research team members visited the Vietnam Association of Blind and the Center
for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blinds. The team gathered data and discussed with
the leaders of those organizations the current status of blind and current status of using ICT
for the blind in Vietnam and identified the need of ICT equipment/facilities for
teaching/learning in the school for blind. The gathered data will be used in the analysis of
the current status of using ICT for the blinds in Vietnam in paragraph 5. Current Status of
Using ICT of Blinds in Vietnam and in the design of the ICT lab for the school of blinds in
paragraph 7.3. ICT Labs for Teaching/Learning in Schools for Blinds in Vietnam.
- The join research team members visited the Ministry of Information and Communication
of Vietnam and had a meeting with Vice Minister. The team got more information of the
current policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind which will be used in the analysis in
paragraph 5.3. Current Status of Policies on Promoting the Use of ICT for Blinds.
- The join research team members discussed the implementation of the survey of the
current status of using, teaching, learning ICT for the blinds in Vietnam. the framework of
policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind, the ICT equipment which are necessary for
blinds, the design of an ICT lab for school for blind and expected output of project.
- The join research team members also discussed the detail plan of the survey and study in
Tokyo that the Japanese team proposes and suggests.
- The join research team members agreed that the Vietnam team will finalize the minutes
of meetings and send those to the Japan team for reference. Those minutes of meeting are
attached in Annexes A.1.1-A.15.
- The join research team members agreed on further carry out the join research and
exchange idea and the results of research via e-mail.
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3. SURVEY AND STUDY IN TOKYO, JAPAN
3.1. Purpose of the survey and study trip
The seconds series of activities consists of the Survey and Study trip in Tokyo, Japan. A
delegation of Vietnamese researchers arrive to Tokyo and stay in Tokyo from 11 September
2011 to 17 September 2011 to study and discuss about man-machine interface, technology,
solution used for blinds in Japan as well as other related issues. The purpose of the kick-off
meeting and the survey trip in Hanoi is:
- Visit the Japan Federation of Blind, School for Blind people, Tsukuba University,
Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan Braille Library in order to gather data and
discuss the current status of blind, current status of using ICT for the blind in Japan, to
learn how training centers for blind teach IT, how blinds learn IT and learn to use
computer and Internet, to know the ICT teaching/learning equipment used in training
centers for blind (hardware, software, and others), the policies that the Japan government
currently supports the blinds in Japan to use ICT,
- Visit KDDI Foundation’s Office and Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo University to learn the
research of man-machine interface, technology, solution used for blinds in Japan
- Visit the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication of Japan to know more the
current policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind
- The join research team members discuss the framework of policies on promoting the use
of ICT for blind, and the framework of ICT lab for blinds
Date
11/Sept
ember
/2011
12/Sept
ember
/2011
12/Sept
ember
/2011
Place and
Time
Tokyo
KDDI
Foundation’
s Office –
Tokyo
09:30-12:00
Ifukube
Laboratory,
Tokyo
University
14:00-17:00
13/Sept
School for
Activities
Vietnam team arrives to Tokyo
- Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo
+ Orientation
+ Agenda
- Visiting Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo
University
+ Introduction of ICT products for
assisting blinds by Ifukube Laboratory
+ Introduction of ICT products for
assisting blinds by Skyfish Company
+ Discussion on hardware and software
for the blind
- Visiting Special Need Education School
14
ember
/2011
13/Sept
ember
/2011
14/Sept
ember
/2011
14/Sept
ember
/2011
15/Sept
ember
/2011
16/Sept
ember
/2011
16/Sept
ember
/2011
Blind
people,
Tsukuba
University
for Visually Impaired (School for Blind
people), Tsukuba University
+ Introduction of the school
+ Attending IT class for blinds
+ Visiting the school facilities
09:30- 12:00
+ Discussing with school leaders and
IT teachers on operation of the school,
and ICT facilities for supporting blinds
to learn ICT
MIC of Japan
- Visiting MIC of Japan
+ Policy for the Information and
14:00-17:00
Communication Accessibility in Japan
+ Policies of Japan for promoting the use
of ICT for blinds
Japan
- Visiting Japan Braille Library
Braille
+ Visiting the library facilities
Library
+ Current status of blind in Japan and
current status of using ICT for the blind
09:30- 12:00
+ ICT solutions for blind used in Japan
+ Discussing with library leaders on
operation of the library,
Waseda
- Working with Japanese researchers at
University
Waseda University
+ Introduction of software that can be used
14:00-17:00
to convert Myanmar language into Braille
+ Discussing design of the ICT lab for
blinds in Vietnam (selection of software
and equipments)
+ Discussing detail plan for next step
Tsukuba
- Visiting Tsukuba University of
University
Technology
of
+ Visiting the facilities for
Technology
teaching/learning ICT at university
level with blind students
10:30- 13:00
+ Discussing policies on promoting the
use of ICT for blind in Japan
+ Discussing with university leaders
and teachers on operation of the
university
KDDI
- Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office –
Foundation’s Tokyo, Japan
Office – Tokyo + Introduction of different research
carried out in KDDI for assisting blinds
09:30- 12:00
to use ICT for improve their life
Japan
Federation
of Blind
14:00-17:00
- Visiting Japan Federation of Blind
+ Current status of blind in Japan and
current status of using ICT for the blind
+ Discussing policies on assisting
blinds to use ICT in Japan
+ ICT solutions for blind used in Japan
15
17
Septemb
er
/2011
Tokyo
The Vietnam team flies back to Hanoi
3.3. Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo
+ Time: September 12th, 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:00 am
+ Venue: KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo, Japan
+ Participant
- From KDDI: Mr. Hideki Akazawa, Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Junichi Osawa
- From Waseda University: Mr. Vu Truong Thanh, Ms. Chizuko Mochizuki
Hoa, Mr. Dao Ngoc Tuyen
+ Activities:
- Greetings and introduction
- Present the working plan and timeline
- Show some ICT equipment using to support blind in teaching/learning IT available in the
market of Japan.
3.4. Visiting Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo University
+ Time: September 12, 2011, from 14:00 – 17:00
+ Venue: Tokyo University
+ Participant
- From KDDI: Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Junichi Osawa
- From Waseda University: Prof. Yoshiyori Urano, Mr. Vu Truong Thanh, Ms. Chizuko
Mochizuki
- From Tokyo university: Prof. Emeritus Tohru Ifukube
- From Skyfish company: Mr. Masanaga Otsuka
+ Activities:
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- Introduction of ICT products for assisting blinds by Ifukube Laboratory
- Introduction of ICT products for assisting blinds by Skyfish Company
- Discussion on hardware and software for the blind
For the contents and results of the meeting, please see Appendix A2.2..
3.5. Visiting Special Need Education School for Visually Impaired,
Tsukuba University
+ Venue: Special Need Education School for Visually Impaired (School for Blind People),
Tsukuba University
+ Participant
Mochizuki
- From School for Blind people: Ms. Hochi, Mr. Omasu
+ Activities:
- Introduction of the school
- Attending IT class for blinds
- Visiting the school facilities
- Discussing with school leaders and IT teachers on operation of the school, and ICT facilities
for supporting blinds to learn ICT
For the contents and results of the meeting, please see Appendix A2.3
3.6. Meeting at MIC of Japan
+ Time: September 13, 2011, from 14:00 pm – 17:00 pm
+ Venue: MIC’s office, Japan
17
+ Participant
Mochizuki
- From MIC of Japan: Mr. Hiroyasu Hayashi, Mr. Noboru Usuda, Mr. Goto Yasuhiro
+ Activities:
- Introduction of the school
- Attending IT class for blinds
- Visiting the school facilities
- Discussing with school leaders and IT teachers on operation of the school, and ICT facilities
for supporting blinds to learn ICT
3.7. Visiting Japan Braille Library
+ Time: September 14, 2011, from 09:30 am – 12:00 am
+ Venue: Japan Braille Library, Japan
+ Participant
Mochizuki
- From Japan Braille Library: Mr. Toshimi Ono
+ Activities:
- Visiting the library facilities
- Current status of blind in Japan and current status of using ICT for the blind
- ICT solutions for blind used in Japan
18
- Discussing with library leaders on operation of the library,
3.8. Working with Japanese researchers at Waseda University
+ Venue: Global Information and Telecommunication Institute’s office, Waseda University,
Japan
+ Participant
Mochizuki, Mr. Ye Kyaw Thu
+ Activities:
- Introduction of software that can be used to convert Myanmar language into Braille
- Discussing design of the ICT lab for blinds in Vietnam (selection of software and equipments)
- Discussing detail plan for next step
3.9. Visiting Tsukuba University of Technology
+ Time: September 15, 2011, from 10:30 am – 13:00 pm
+ Venue: Tsukuba University of Technology
+ Participant
Mochizuki, Mr. Ye Kyaw Thu
- From Tsukuba University of Technology: Prof. Iwao Sekita, Ph.D. Masatsugu Sakajiri and
other professors
19
+ Activities:
- Visiting the facilities for teaching/learning ICT at university level with blind students
- Discussing policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind in Japan
- Discussing with university leaders and teachers on operation of the university
3.10. Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo
+ Venue: KDDI Foundation’s Office
+ Participant
- From KDDI: Ph.D. Atsushi Ito, Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Junichi Osawa
Mochizuki
+ Activities:
+ Introduction of different research carried out in KDDI for assisting blinds to use ICT for
improve their life
3.11. Visiting Japan Federation of Blind
+ Venue: Japan Federation of the Blind’s office
+ Participant
- From KDDI: Ph.D. Atsushi Ito, Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Junichi Osawa
Mochizuki
20
From Japan Federation of the Blind: Mr. Yoshihiko Sasagawa, Mr. Kozen Araya, Mr. Suzuki
+ Activities:
- Current status of blind in Japan and current status of using ICT for the blind
- Discussing policies on assisting blinds to use ICT in Japan
- ICT solutions for blind used in Japan
3.12. Results of Tokyo Trip
The Survey and Study trip in Tokyo has achieved its objectives. Following are the
summary of the results of the trip:
-
The join research team members visited the Japan Federation of Blind, School for
Blind people, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan Braille
Library. The team gathered data and discussed with the leaders and staffs of those
organizations the current status of blinds, current status of using ICT for the blinds in
Japan, to learn how training centers for blind teach IT, how blinds learn IT and learn to
use computer and Internet, to know the ICT teaching/learning equipments used in
training centers for blind (hardware, software, and others), the policies that the Japan
government currently supports the blinds in Japan to use ICT. The gathered data will
be used in the analysis of the current status of using ICT for the blinds in Japan in
paragraph 6. Experiences of Using ICT for Blinds in Japan and in the design of the ICT
lab for the school of blinds in paragraph 7.3. ICT Labs for Teaching/Learning in
Schools for Blinds in Vietnam as well as in paragraph 7.2. ICT Solutions for
Teaching/Learning in Schools for Blinds in Vietnam.
-
The join research team members visited the Ministry of Internal Affairs and
Communication of Japan and had a meeting with officers from Global ICT Strategy
Bureau, Information and Communications Bureau. The team got more information of
the policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind which will be used in the analysis in
paragraph 6.1. Policies on assisting persons with disabilities.
-
The join research team members visited KDDI Foundation’s Office and Ifukube
Laboratory, Tokyo University. The team learnt the research of man-machine interface,
technology, solution used for blinds in Japan carried out by the two organizations.
-
The join research team members discussed the framework of policies on promoting the
use of ICT for blind, the ICT equipments which are necessary for blinds, the design of
an ICT lab for school for blind.
-
The join research team members also discussed the detail plan of the installation and
21
evaluation trip in Hanoi and the team agrees to carry out further research and will agree
on the trip later via e-mail
-
The join research team members agreed that the Vietnam team will finalize the minutes
of meetings and send those to the Japan team for reference. Those minutes of meeting
are attached in Annexes A.2.1-A.2.9.
-
The join research team members agreed on further carry out the join research and
exchange idea and the results of research via e-mail.
4. INSTALLATION AND EVALUATION TRIP
4.1. Purpose of the trip
The third series of activities consists of the Installation and Evaluation trip in Hanoi,
Vietnam. A delegation of Japanese researchers arrive to Hanoi and stay in Hanoi from 14
March 2012 to 23 March 2012 to cooperate with Vietnamese researchers in installing the
equipments to the ICT lab at the Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind (that we
call for short as School for blinds) and organizing the evaluation workshop. The purpose of the
Installation and Evaluation trip in Hanoi is:
-
Installing, testing and evaluating the hardware and software used in the ICT lab;
-
Evaluating the effectiveness of the ICT lab in supporting the teaching and learning
process at the School for blinds;
-
Organizing the evaluation workshop to evaluate the results of the projects;
-
Discussing on the draft of the project final report.
In the installation and evaluation trip, three members of Japan team have brought some
of the hardware and software to Vietnam to install into the ICT lab at the Center for
Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind (that we call for short as School for blinds). After
finishing the installation works, together with the Vietnam team, all the members of the project
have participate in the evaluation workshop.
Date
Place/Time
Activities
Wednesday
Hanoi
Mr. Uchiyama arrives to Hanoi
(14 March
2012)
Meeting
March 2012) Hanoi
- Discussion:
From 9:00 am to
+ Confirmation of working schedule
12:00 am
+ Confirmation of Procurement List &
Payment
+ Review of progress of project – Works
remain to do
+ Confirmation of Evaluation workshop
agenda
22
NIICS office,
Hanoi
From 14:00 pm to
17:00 pm
Friday (16
March 2012)
NIICS
or
School for
Blinds, Hanoi
From 9:00 am to
12:00 am
NIICS/ School
for Blinds,
Hanoi
From 14:00 pm to
17:00 pm
Saturday (17 Spare
March 2012)
Sunday (18
Spare
March 2012)
Monday (19
School for
March 2012) Blinds, Hanoi
From 9:00 am to
12:00 am
School for
Blinds, Hanoi
From 14:00 pm to
17:00 pm
+ Report on installed software (by NIICS):
- Jaw, Saomai, Viettalk
- Free speech software (Vacatalk, Easy Speech,
Microsoft narrator)
+ Equipment testing (all team):
* Learning/Testing the hardware brought by
Mr. Uchiyama (Braille Tender BT46, Braille
Memo Pocket)
* Installing/testing/evaluating the
software brought by Mr. Uchiyama (Speech
software: Focustalk for Braille V3, Juke DOX,
Braille Engine “pinBraille”)and Recording &
Noise Cancel software
* Evaluating the free Recording & Noise Cancel
software (Audacity, KillerNoize,
SoundEngine)
+ Equipment testing
+ Completion of Installation/Configuration
of ICT system and audio recording system
according to plan/schedule
+ Completion of Installation/Configuration
of classroom system and audio recording
system according to plan/schedule
+ Trial of using classroom system for ICT
classes and Audio Recording System
(including practical experiments and
evaluation)
+ Trial of using classroom system for ICT
classes and Audio Recording System
(including practical experiments and
evaluation)
+ Prof. Urano arrives
Tuesday (20
March 2012)
NIICS office
From 9:00 am
to 12:00 pm
General meeting and summary the
results/lessons of the trial/experiment
NIICS office
Preparation of Workshop
From 14:00 pm to
17:00 pm
23
Wednesday
(21 March
2012)
School for
Blinds, Hanoi
From 9:00 am to
12:00 am
NIICS office,
Hanoi
From 14:00 pm to
17:00 pm
March 2012) Hanoi
From 9:00 am to
17:00 pm
Friday (23
NIICS office,
March 2012) Hanoi
From 9:00 am to
17:00 pm
Workshop
+ Evaluation, Drafting of final report
+ Prof Urano departs
+ Mr. Uchiyama departs
4.3. Installation of the ICT lab
In order to demonstrate the benefit of advanced ICT solutions in assisting visually impaired
people, an ICT lab is established. The ICT lab will be used to assist the teaching/learning
process in the Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind in Hanoi, Vietnam. With the
implement of the ICT lab in the Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind, we can
get inputs, feedback, and acceptance from teachers and students to improve the design of the
lab so that the implemented lab could be used as a model of ICT lab in schools for blind in
Vietnam.
The process of installing the ICT lab is as follow:
1) At NIICS office
a) Learning and testing the hardware brought by Mr. Uchiyama: Braille Tender BT46, and
Braille Memo Pocket
b) Installing/testing/evaluating the software brought by Mr. Uchiyama
+ Speech software: Focustalk for Braille V3, Juke DOX, Braille Engine “pinBraille”
+ Recording & Noise Cancel software: Recdia Plus
c) Evaluating the free speech software: Vacatalk, Easy Speech, Microsoft narrator
d) Evaluating the commercial speech software: Jaw, Saomai, Viettalk
e) Evaluating the free Recording & Noise Cancel software: Audacity, KillerNoize,
SoundEngine
f) Trial of using Audio Recording System
2) At the Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind (school for blinds)
a) All computers and other hardware in the lab at school for blinds are installed together with
the software:
24
+ Window, MS Office, and Antivirus software
+ Speech software: Jaw and Saomai
+ All computers connected to LAN, and Internet
b) Testing and evaluating the system in the lab by the research team members
c) Testing and evaluating the system in the lab by the teachers and students of the school for
blinds to ensure that all the system is ready for teaching/learning by blinds
d) Showing the hardware brought by Mr. Uchiyama (Braille Tender BT46, Braille Memo
Pocket) to school staffs and helping them to familiar with those equipments
e) Showing audio recording system to school staffs and helping them to familiar with the
system
f) Trial of using classroom system for ICT classes
g) Summary the results/lessons of the trial/experiment
The results of the installation of the ICT lab is described in more detail in Chapter 5.5.
4.4. Evaluation workshop
4.4.1. Purposes and workshop agenda
The evaluation workshop is organized after all the main activities of the project is completed.
The purpose of the workshop is to present the results of the workshop to the participants and to
discuss the outcomes of the project, especially the proposal of solutions to support the blinds in
Vietnam to improve the quality of life.
1. Time: from 9:00 - 12:00 AM, Wednesday, March 21st 2012
2. Location: Training and Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Vietnam Association of Blinds
(VAB)
3. Agenda
Time
Content
Note
09:00
Introduction of guests and participants
NIICS
9:10
Opening speech of Leader of NIICS
NIICS
9:15
- Introduction of policies to support the blinds in
Japan.
NIICS
- Proposal of solutions to support the blinds in
Vietnam to improve the quality of life
- Introduction of the ICT lab
9:45
Speech of Japanese experts
Japanese experts
25
10:00
Speech of Leader of VAB
VAB
10:10
Speech of Leader of Training and Rehabilitation
Center for the Blind
Training and
Rehabilitation
Center for the
Blind
10:20
Discussion
All Participants
11:00
Leader of VAB awards the medal for Japanese
and Vietnamese experts
VAB
11:10
Opening and visit the ICT lab
All Participants
12:00
Close
4.4.2. Participants
The workshop was attended by participants from various organizations, from MIC to
VAB and CRTB. Following is the list of participants:
#
1
2
Name
Dr. Pham Manh Lam
Dr. Yoshiyori Urano
3
Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama
4
Dr. Vu Truong Thanh
5
Ms. Tran Tuyet Anh
Head
6
Mr. Duong Khanh Duong
Vice Head
7
Ms. Dang Thi Hoa
Manager
8
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thao
Manager
9
Mr. Pham Van Nghia
Manager
10
Mr. Dao Soat
President
11
Mr. Le Cong Dinh
Director
12
Ms. Dinh Viet Anh
Deputy
Director
Dang Thi Lien
Manger
Hoang Xuan Hanh
IT teacher
Nguyen Truong Thanh
Pham Xuan Truong
IT teacher
IT teacher
13
14
15
16
Job Title
Vice President
Professor
Deputy
Director
Research
Associate
Organization
NIICS
GITS, Waseda University
KDDI Foundation
GITS, Waseda University
Department
of
Cooperation – NIICS
Department
of
Department
of
Department
of
Department
of
VBA
Centre for training and
– VBA
– VBA
– VBA
– VBA
– VBA
26
International
International
International
International
International
rehabilitation
rehabilitation
rehabilitation
rehabilitation
rehabilitation
rehabilitation
17
18
19
20
21
22
Do Nhu Tuan
Do Thi Chien
IT teacher
Rehabilitation
teacher
Massage
teacher
Le Thi Huong
Manager
Tran Thi Huong
Reporter
Lai Thu Huong
Nguyen Van Trieu
Health teacher
Head of
Administration
Dept.
Rehabilitation
teacher
Lại The Son
IT teacher
Tạ Thị Bình
23
Dinh Thi Quynh Trang
24
25
– VBA
Centre for
– VBA
Centre for
– VBA
Centre for
– VBA
Centre for
– VBA
Centre for
– VBA
Centre for
– VBA
training and rehabilitation
Centre for training and rehabilitation
– VBA
– VBA
– VBA
4.4.3. Discussion content
In the evaluation workshop, the research team presents the results of the project with focus on
the following topics:
+ Current status of using ICT of blinds in Vietnam
+ Policies to support the blinds in Japan to use ICT
+ Proposal of solutions to support the blinds in Vietnam to use ICT for improving the
quality of life
+ Introduction of the ICT lab for supporting the teaching/learning process of blinds
For the contents and results of the workshop please see Appendix A3.
5. RESULTS OF PROJECT
5.1. CURRENT STATUS OF USING ICT OF BLINDS IN VIETNAM
5.1.1 Current Status of Blinds in Vietnam
There are now more than 1.2 million persons with low vision and visual disabilities in
Vietnam, among them, more than 800,000 are blinds. The rate of poverty of blind accounts for
30%, while the rate of poverty accounts for 10% in nationwide. 30 % of blinds are illiteracy,
50%-60% of blinds have jobs with low income. The jobs of those disabled are still limited in
the manual trade, which does not require much knowledge and technical skills such as broom,
making baskets, acupressure massage, etc. An average income of blind is only 200.000
VND/month (about 10 US$). Some information on training and education: There are 6 blinds
holding Master and Doctor degree, 150 blinds are studying in universities and colleges,
30%-40% of blind children go to schools.
27
a) Vietnam Association for the Blind
The Vietnam Association for the Blind (VAB) was established in 1969. That is a
central government-sponsor association. VAB is the unique organization for the blind in
Vietnam which is organized into 3 levels as: Central, Provincial, and District level. Currently,
there are 44 provincial associations out of 64 provinces with 80,000 members (40 % of them
are capable of production, mostly aged 15-50). The main functions and duties of VAB are:
+ Supporting its members in education, vocational training and job creation:
- Perform vocational training and create job opportunities for the blind
- Educate and train blind children in order to create chances for them to go to school
+ Promoting the spirit of optimism and love life as well as propagating the State’s policies and
laws among the blinds.
- Participating in many various activities to create more conditions for the blind to interact
with normal people
- Publishing a quarterly-newspaper for the blind printed in Braille characters
- Issuing various news, stories, training lessons on cassette tapes or CD disks, narrated by
volunteers
- Cooperating with Ministry of Education and Training to transfer text books into Braille
books.
The main activities of VAB consist of:
+Maintaining a website for blind to access information at http://tamhonvietnam.net/
+ International cooperation activities with foreign partners and organizations are an important
measure to provide a better life for the blind people
+ Annually organized nearly 100 vocational training classes like handing crafts, massage blood
press or computer training for the blind.
+ Up to now 10 training centers and 300 manufacturing units of the Association in nationwide
has been set up
+ Help to create stable jobs for the blinds
b) Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind
* Operations of the Center
The Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind (CRTB) is the largest central
training center for blind people in Vietnam, which is created with the support from the Blind
and the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted and now running with the
government budget. The Center has the following functions:
+ Training rehabilitation teachers for the blind
+ Training officials for VAB at various levels
28
+ Conducting scientific researches on rehabilitation for the blind
+ Assisting local blind associations to open training rehabilitation courses for the blind
The human resources of the center: 26 officials including 2 leaders, 11 teachers (6
blind teachers, 1 disabled teacher, and 4 bad-sighted teachers), all of them graduated from
universities. The center started operation in October 1997 and the budget has officially been
provided for its operation by the State since 2000. Before 2000, all operations of the center had
been run under a project funded by the Norwegian government. Currently, the budget provided
by the government of Vietnam is only enough 60% of the needed budget for operation of the
center, the remain 40% is from the support of projects or non-government organizations.
Since 1997 to present, the center has provided training for 3,100 blinds. All trainees
have been provided with free food and accommodations. The center is currently organizing 6
month training courses with 4 different types of classes with the participation of 52 blinds
coming from various provincial associations for the blind. Those classes are:
+ Training IT teachers for provincial associations
+ Training basic IT for the blinds
+ Training the teachers for illiteracy removal and rehabilitation
+ Professional massage training
* IT training at the center
The center offers 2 IT classes for blinds: Training IT teachers for provincial
associations, Training basic IT for the blinds. For IT training, initially 20 IT teachers were
trained in the project supported by the Norwegian Association for the Blind in 2005. Since then
the center has been offering 6-month training course on PC usage, IT technical training,
Internet usage, and Microsoft office for blind students. The teaching materials (text books)
are produced by the center itself. Up to now the center trained IT skills for 199 blinds, and 34
of them received higher training and returned to their respective home provinces to become IT
teacher for blinds, 23 blinds has been received IT technical training.
* Difficulties
+ The center is a small unit with limited budget from government so all facilities are
out of date (lack of teaching equipments, e.g. computers, required software for blinds to use
computers, printers for Braille characters, etc…)
+ Most of computers and other facilities are old (they were bought since 2005 from the
project funded by Norwegian government) and a lot of those were out of order.
+ The teaching and learning materials (text books) are very limited, and creating them
from scratch is very time consuming.
+ The printing of Braille teaching material is costly.
+ Most blind people cannot understand English, but majority of software only have the
English interface and the screen reading software are mainly for English, so it is more
29
challenging for the blind to learn IT.
+ A good Vietnamese text-to-speech software is needed.
+ Talking books are easier to produce and disseminate than Braille ones, but the center
has no Audio room, so it cannot produce good quality talking books.
5.1.2. Current Status of Using ICT of Blinds in Vietnam
a) How can the blind and visually impaired persons use a computer system ?
There are two categories of visual impairment; Those that are partially blind, and those
that are totally blind. For those that are partially blind, they may make use of normal computer
systems by means of screen magnification devices, as well as through special software that
display text on the computer screen through the use of extra large fonts.
For those that are totally blind, they will be unable to use their sight as a means of input
and will have to rely on other senses. This could be in the form of Braille output devices, which
converts text that is displayed on the screen into Braille characters on a 'touch-pad'. The user
then 'feels' what is on the screen. However, the price of those Braille output devices is very
high. Another approach is through the use of text-to-speech synthesizers which work together
with the screen reading software packages to read out the text appeared on the screen of the
computer. It seems that it is a more common, and economical approach.
Therefore, in order to use a computer system, a blind needs a normal computer system
and a Braille output device or two special software: a text-to-speech synthesizer and a clear
reading software. One can see that for using a computer system, a blind faces to much more
difficulties than a normal person, not only because he/she cannot see the screen of the computer
but he/she has to learn to use additional device (the Braille output device) or software
(text-to-speech synthesizer and a clear reading software).
b) Current Status of Using ICT of Blinds in Vietnam
The research to create IT products which are suitable for blinds was initiated by
different groups of IT experts more than ten years ago. The main activities are focused on the
development of screen reading software and the Vietnamese text-to-speech software which
allow the Vietnamese text appeared on the screen of the computer can be read out through the
speakers. Now, there are some screen reading software made by local IT groups. However, the
quality of those software is not satisfied the requirement of the blind users so the software made
by foreign companies are preferred by the blind users. Currently, the screen reading software
which is widely use by the blinds is the JAW (Job Access With Speech) for Windows Screen
Reading Software, which is made by Freedom Scientific Company. The main problem with that
software is that its cost is very high compared with the very low average income of majority of
blinds. For the Vietnamese text-to-speech software, currently, there are some software available
on the market such as Sao Mai, Viettalk, Vietvoice, etc…Those software are used by different
groups of blinds and in this research the quality of those software is evaluated.
In order to help the persons with disabilities including people visual impairment to
access to ICT and use ICT to improve their quality of life and integrate in to the society, the
30
Ministry of Information and Communications has issued Decision No 382/QD-BTTTT dated
November 8th, 2007 approved the Project to help persons with disabilities to access and use
ICT with the goal of improving the accessibly to ICT and assisting persons with disabilities to
improve their lives and community integration. The main activities of the Project as follows:
- To study and propose the policy mechanisms/technology standards accessing and
using ICT for people with disabilities;
- To build the database on products and employments in the field of ICT for people
with disabilities;
- To support the development of the vocational training models and employment on
the basis of application of information technology and automation for the persons with
disabilities;
- To propagandize in the mass media on the benefits of ICT to persons with
disabilities.
In the framework of that project, the following results have been achieved:
+ Building a website integrating support services to assist the visual impaired people to
access and use information: in 2009 the Institute of Information Technology and
Communication of Hanoi University of Technology has developed a website to support the
visual impaired people to access and use information. The website integrates six services:
Supporting volunteers to create Vietnamese audio books, Supporting the blind to self-published
information and get information, Supporting to store Vietnamese audio books, Automatic news
gathering, Forum, and Managing the working schedules of volunteers. The website is deployed
in Tia Sang Informatics Centre with domain name http://tamhonvietnam.net.
+ In 2009, the Institute of Information Technology under Center of Science and
Technology of Vietnam has developed a Vietnamese synthetic engine integrated with the
screen reading software for the blind, helping the blind interact with the computer by reading
out the contents on the screen. However, the quality of the software is not satisfied the need of
the blinds.
+ Developing a model of ICT vocational training for people with disabilities (including
blinds): In 2007, the Information Technology Company of Disabilities (PWDSOFT) launched
the project "Developing and testing a models of ICT training for the disabled in the period 2007
- 2008". The objective of the project was to develop and test a model for training programing
skills to people with disabilities so that they could be employed in the company as
programmers after graduation. The class had 20 students with disabilities coming from the
provinces and cities nationwide, including two female students. This model has attracted the
interest of many ICT companies, enterprises, agencies, etc…to support the activities of the
training model.
+ The Love Messaging Program for providing 10,000 computers to people with
disabilities: The program has been jointly held by the Office of national steering committee on
IT, the Office for coordination of activities to support the disabled people in Vietnam (Ministry
31
of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs) and Electronic Journal of Informatics (Ministry of
Industry). This is a pioneering program using the SMS to mobilize the voluntary contributions
from the entire society (5000 VND per SMS) to raise fund to purchase 10,000 computers for
the people with disabilities (including blinds).
+ Prize of ICT to lighting the belief: this is a competition to discover, encourage and
honor the achievements in IT of the disabled individuals, and mobilize, encourage the
movement of developing IT products for people with disabilities.
Besides activities with the support of government to assist the people with disabilities
(including blinds) to access and use ICT, a lot of individual and organizations have been
actively involved in various activities to support the blinds to use ICT. However, given the high
cost of computer system and the additional hardware and software which allow the blinds could
use the computer and the difficulties that the blinds face when they learn to use computer and
Internet, the number of blind who can use computer and Internet is very low. In the countries
there are only about 20 training centers where the blinds can learn basic IT and there is no
center where blinds can learn IT at a higher level so that they could be employed with their IT
skill.
In order to have the data on the use of ICT by blinds a survey has been carried out by
the research team. The survey forms have been sent to 44 provincial branches of VAB and 28
branches sent back the answers. The data collected from the returned forms are showed in
Appendix B1. The collected data reveal that: with a total number of members of VAB of
65.000 of blind persons
+ 23.66% know how to read and write Braille,
+ 45.91% have finished primary school,
+ 26.06% have finished secondary school,
+ 11.42% have finished high school,
+ 0.84% got university qualification and above,
+ 2.6% (1697 persons) know how to use computer,
+ 1.95% (1273 persons) know how to use Internet. (While the Internet user rate of Vietnam
is more than 32%).
It can bee seen that the rate of Internet users among the blinds is very small compared to
the average Internet user rate in Vietnam.
c) Obstacles to Blinds using ICT in Vietnam
The survey and research of the joint research reveals the following obstacles to blinds
using ICT:
-
Majority of blinds are poor people. The average income of blinds is very low (An
average income of blind is about 10 US$ per month). Without the financial support of
government and social organizations, most of the blinds could not afford the IT
32
equipments, Internet charge as well as the tuition fee of IT training.
-
30 % of blinds are illiteracy and most of blinds do not understand English. But
majority of software only have the English interface and the screen reading software
are mainly for English. So it is more challenging for the blind to learn IT.
-
Lack of IT training schools for blinds: The number of IT training schools is very small
(only 20) compared to the total number of blinds in the countries (more than 800,000
blinds)
-
IT training schools for blinds locate only in the capital of the provinces. Most of the
blinds living in rural areas can not go to school to learn IT
-
Most of IT training schools for blind operated with only small budget provided by the
government and/or by charity organization. Hence, the schools are lack of training
facilities especially the IT equipments (computers, required software for blinds to use
computers, printers for Braille characters, etc…)
-
There is no IT vocational school for blinds. Only a very small number of blinds with IT
skills can get an IT related job
-
IT equipments necessary for blinds (computers, printers, and software) are mainly
imported with high prices compared to the average income of majority of blinds. That
is a very high barrier to prevent the blinds to access to ICT, to prevent the IT schools
for blinds to procure the ICT equipments.
5.1.3. Current Status of Policies on Promoting the Use of ICT for Blinds
a) Policies for assisting person with disabilities in Vietnam
The National Constitution stipulates in Articles 59 and 67 that the person with
disabilities are protected by law. The Labor Law stipulates that each enterprise must reserve
2%-3% of its work places for person with disabilities. In 1992, the Government of Vietnam
signed the joint declaration on the equal and full participation to society rights of person with
disabilities in the Asia – Pacific area. The Standing Committee of the National Assembly
approved Ordinance No 06/1998/PL-UBTVQH dated July 30th, 1998 on on person with
disabilities; The Government issued Decree No 55/1999/ND-CP dated July 10th, 1999
regulating the implementation of some articles of the Ordinance on person with disabilities in
detail. On the other hand, the government also issued other documents such as Decree No
81/CP dated November 23rd, 1995 guide lining the implementation of some articles of the
Labor Code on labor with disabilities, Decree No. 25/2001/ND-CP dated May 31st, 2001 on
the establishment and operation of Social Protection Organizations. The Standing Committee of
the National Assembly approved Ordinance on Library No 31/2000/PL-UBTVQH10 dated
December 28th 2000 stipulating that the library services must help the blind and visual
impaired people to use library materials in Braille or other suitable information carrier. The
Ministry of Education and Training issued the Decision No 23/2006/QD-BGDDT dated May
22nd 2006 on provisioning the inclusive education for person with disabilities. The National
Assembly approved Law No 51/2010/QH12 dated June 17th, 2010 on person with disabilities.
33
The above mentioned legal documents and policies showed that the government of Vietnam
has been really interested in supporting the disabled to improve and enhance the quality of life,
enabling them to integrate into the community.
b) Policies on Promoting the Use of ICT for Blinds
+ Article No.43 on ICT of the Law No 51/2010/QH12 dated June 17th, 2010 on persons with
disabilities stipulates that the State encourages agencies, organizations, enterprises and
individuals involving in activities to develop and use ICT for persons with disabilities;
Government issues policies on tax exemption, tax reduction, to loan with low interest and
supporting research activities, production and providing services to assist persons with
disabilities to access and use ICT, supporting the collection, edition and publish of documents
in Braille for blinds.
+ Article No.50 on ICT of the Law No 51/2010/QH12 dated June 17th, 2010 on persons with
disabilities stipulates that the Ministry of Information and Communication has the
responsibility of issuing, guiding and organizing the implementation of national technical
standards on information access of persons with disabilities; guiding the mass media in
disseminating laws, policies relating to persons with disabilities.
+ On October 24th, 2006, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 239/2006/QD-TTg approved
the project to assist persons with disabilities for the period of 2006-2010, which has assigned
the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (now the Ministry of Information and
Communication) to coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology building
regulations to encourage the research, production and application of appropriate products to
support people with disabilities to easily access and use ICT. The Ministry of Information and
Communications has issued Decision No 382/QD-BTTTT dated November 8th, 2007
approving the Project to help persons with disabilities to access and use ICT.
+ Article No.10 of Circular No 26/2009/TT-BTTTT dated July 31st 2009 issued by Ministry of
Information and Communications regulating the provision of information and ensuring the
convenient access to the website of state agencies stipulates a various of measures to assist
persons with disabilities to use government websites;
+ Ministry of Information and Communications issued circular No 28/2009/TT-BTTTT dated
September 14th 2009 prescribing the application of standards and technologies to support
people with disabilities to access and use ICT:
-
Recommending to use the standard ETSI EG 202 116 v1.2.2 as a guidelines for ICT
products and services with design suitable for all users.
-
Recommending to use the standard ITU F.790 as telecommunications accessibility
guidelines for older persons and persons with disabilities
-
Recommending to use the standard ITU E.135 on human factors aspects of public
telecommunication terminals for people with disabilities
-
Recommending to use the standard ITU F. 902 as interactive services design guidelines
34
-
Recommending to use the standard ITU E 136 as specification of a tactile identifier for
use with telecommunication cards
-
Recommending to use the standard ETSI TS 102 577 v1.1.1 on human factors of
Public Internet Access Point
-
Obliging to use the standard ITU E.161 on arrangement of digits, letters and symbols
on telephones and other devices that can be used for gaining access to a telephone
network
-
Obliging agencies providing online public services and online public administration
services to use the standard WCAG Version 1.0 as Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines
Even though stipulated in the Law on persons with disabilities, the policies on tax
exemption, tax reduction, to loan with low interest and supporting research activities,
production and providing services to assist persons with disabilities to access and use ICT,
supporting the collection, edition and publish of documents in Braille for blinds are not yet
issued. The government has only issued the lists of international standards that are
recommended or obliged to use to support people with disabilities to access and use ICT. Those
are only the very first activities in the process of issuing standards. A lot of works need to be
done in order to improve the legal frame works and policies for promoting the use of ICT to
assist the persons with disabilities as well as the blinds to improve their life.
5.2. EXPERIENCES OF USING ICT FOR BLINDS IN JAPAN
5.2.1. Policies on assisting persons with disabilities
In this paragraph the information on the laws for disable people in general in Japan is
summarized. The information presented in this paragraph is based on the website of
Information Center，Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.1
a) Disabled Persons' Fundamental Law (Law No. 84)
The Law was enacted in 1970, and major revised in 1993. The purpose of this law is to
establish the fundamental principles regarding measures for disabled persons and designate the
responsibilities of the State, local public entities and the people. Following are some Articles of
the law:
Article 3 (Fundamental Principles): The dignity of all disabled persons shall be respected.
They shall have the right to be treated accordingly. All disabled persons shall, as members of
society, be provided with opportunities to fully participate in such a manner.
Article 4 (Responsibilities of the State and Local Public Entities): The State and local public
bodies shall be responsible for promoting the welfare of disabled persons and for preventing
disabilities.
Article 5 (Responsibilities of the Nation): The nation shall, on the basis of the principle of
35
social solidarity, endeavor to cooperate in promoting the welfare of disabled persons.
Article 6 (Efforts to Achieve Independence): Disabled persons shall endeavor to participate
actively in social and economic activities by making effective use of the abilities they possess.
The family members of disabled persons shall endeavor to promote independence of disabled
persons.
Article 6-2 (Disabled Persons' Day): Disabled Persons' Day shall be established for the
purpose of raising the public awareness to the welfare of disabled persons and stimulating
disabled persons’ desire to actively participate in social, economic, cultural and other areas of
activity.
Article 7 (Fundamental Policies): The measures regarding the welfare of disabled persons
shall be carried out according to their age and to the types and severity of disabilities.
There are other fundamental principles regarding programs for persons with disability covering
the State, Metropolitan and prefectural governments, and cities, towns and villages; as well as
those regarding medicine, education, employment, pension, housing, public facilities,
information, culture, sports, etc.
b) Law for the Welfare of Physically Disabled Persons (Law No. 283)
The law was enacted in 1949. The law stipulates the followings that should be carried
out to promote independence and participation in society of physically disabled persons:
+ Issuing of physically disabled persons' handbook.
+ Various counseling services.
+ Grant of prosthetic appliances such as wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids and artificial
limbs.
+ Provision of technical aids for daily living such as bathtubs, toilet facility, beds and
communication aids (e. g. talking machines and word processors. )
+ Rehabilitation training.
+ Provision of services necessary for participation in society such as sign language
interpreter, translation Braille, guide helper and modification of motor vehicles.
+ Provision of work opportunities.
+ Provision of specialized facilities for nursing care.
+ Provision of place for living.
+ Information and consultation on the above services are available at Section in charge of
Disabled Persons in local governments. In each local government, there are counselors for
physically disabled persons appointed by the prefectural governor. Rehabilitation Centers
1
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/law/japan/30select.html
36
for the Physically Disabled Persons in all prefectures and government ordinance cities
provide more specialized counseling services.
c) Law for Promotion of Research, Development and Distribution of Technical
Aids and Equipments (Law No. 38)
The law was enacted in 1993. To help everyday life and social life of disabled persons
and elderly persons, the law aims to improve industrial technology, thus promoting the
development and distribution of various equipments.
d) School Education Law (Law No. 26)
The law was enacted in 1947. The law stipulates the provision of education for disabled
children such as general classes, special classes, non-residential classes, special schools and
itinerant teaching, etc.
e) Law for Encouragement of School Attendance at Special Schools for Blind
Persons, Deaf Persons, Physically Disabled Persons and Mentally Retarded
Persons (Law No. 144)
The law was enacted in 1954. The law provides support for children and students
registered at these schools through provision of books, meals (lunch), transportation fee for
commuting and for school trips and educational supplies.
f) Law for Employment Promotion, etc. of the Disabled Persons (Law No. 123)
The law was enacted in 1960. The law stipulates the Quota System, Levy and Grant
System, which play the central role in promoting employment for disabled persons.
+ The Quota System: General employers including the government and municipal offices
are obligated to employ disabled workers in excess of the quota. The legal quota is:
 Governmental bodies - 2. 0 % (Non-clerical - 1. 9%)
 Private enterprises - 1. 6% (Specialized juridical person - 1. 9%)
+ The quota is changed in 1998 as follows:
 Governmental bodies - 2. 1% (Non-clerical - 1. 9%)
 Private enterprises - 1. 8 % (Specialized juridical person - 2. 1%)
Those ratios does not include mentally ill persons. Employers are obligated to report the
number of disabled workers they employ to the head of the Public Employment Security Office
annually. This office may announce to the public the names of enterprises who fail to meet the
quota and request them to draw up plan for employment of disabled persons to meet the quota.
+ Levy and Grant System: This system works by collecting levy from those enterprises
that fail to achieve the quota of disabled workers. The funds created by the levy system are
used to encourage employers who employ disabled persons above the quota and to promote
disabled workers' employment and improve working conditions.
37
Collection of Levies: ¥50,000 a month per person (with more than 300 full-time
employees).
Payment of Adjustment Allowance: ¥25,000 per month per person will be paid to the
employers who employ disabled workers more than the legal quota (with more than 300
full-time employees).
Payment of Rewards: ¥17,000 per month per person will be paid to the employers who
employ disabled workers in excess of the fixed number (with less than 300 full-time
employees).
Payment of Grants: For establishment of work facilities, special employment
management, vocational adjustment, ability development, etc. to promote such employment.
The law also stipulates a Public Vocational Training Allowance for disabled persons
and a loan system of funds for purchasing of technical aids and equipm ents.
g) Employment Countermeasures Law (Law No. 132)
The law was enacted in 1966. The law provides measures to improve vocational
training for people with disabilities and assist them to find employment. The law stipulates on:
+ Vocational training facilities and improvement of training contents.
+ Ensuring the training of training guidance workers and the enhancement of their quality.
+ Supply of an allowance for adjustment training.
+ Supply of a training allowance to employers.
h) Law for Promoting Businesses that Facilitate the Use of Communications
and Broadcast Services by the Physically Disabled Persons (Law No. 54)
The law was enacted in 1993. The law promotes services to make media like
telecommunications and broadcast accessible to people with disabilities. For instance, subsidies
are given for the production of superimposed television programs or those with narrations
explaining the action.
5.2.2. Policies on promoting the use of ICT for person with disabilities in
Japan
a) Mail Law (Law No. 165)
The law was enacted in 1947. The law stipulates that postage for Braille paper and
recorded mail for visually impaired persons are free of charge. Parcels for disabled people can
be mailed at half the cost. The postage for periodicals published by disabled person groups can
be mailed at a small charge.
b) Telecommunication Service Law (Law No. 86)
The law was Enacted in 1984. The law stipulates that disabled persons may get NTT
telephone directory service for a free of charge. Persons with speech disorder may get lower fee
of usage fee of public telephone through calling by credit; Reduction and exemption of
38
National Broadcast Association TV fee; supply of welfare telephone machine, etc.
c) Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act (Act No. 123 of
2005)2
The law was enacted in 2005. The law stipulates the Payment for Services and Supports
for Persons with Disabilities including Grant of Care Payment; Special Care Payment; Payment
for Training etc.; Special Payment for Training etc.; Service Utilization Plan Expenses;
Expenses for High-cost Welfare Service for Persons with Disabilities; Payment for Specified
Persons with Disabilities; and Special Payment for Specified Persons with Disabilities.
d) The Government Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities3
That was the action plan for high priority policies of the New Long-Term Program for
Government Measures for Disabled Persons - Towards a Society for All, which was a
seven-year plan from 1996 to 2002 designed to coincide with the last year of the New
Long-Term Program. The Plan is determined by the Headquarters for Promoting the Welfare of
Disabled Persons, and incorporates policies from related ministries and agencies. Based on the
philosophy of rehabilitation and normalization, the plan will advance policies in line with the
following seven viewpoints:
(1) Living in Communities as Ordinary Citizens
(2) Promoting the Independence of Persons with Disabilities
(3) Promoting a Barrier-Free Society
(4) Targeting Quality of Life
(5) Assuring Safety Livelihoods
(6) Removing Psychological Barriers
(7) Promoting Suitable International Cooperation and Exchanges
For the viewpoint “Targeting Quality of Life”, the objectives are advance the
development and distribution of practical assistive devices and information processing
equipment, utilizing advanced technologies, in order to expand the quality of life of persons
with disabilities through fostering self-expression and participation in community life such as
communication and cultural, sporting and recreational activities, and also promote the
development of software and hardware measures to enable persons with disabilities to enjoy
leisure time, etc
* Research and Development and Dissemination of Assistive Devices
(1) Developing a Research and Development System for Assistive Devices
The promotion of research and development into safe, highly convenient and
2
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/law/japan/sspda/chap4.html
3
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/law/japan/l00002e/l00002e01.html#contents
39
inexpensive medical and assistive devices, based on links between industry, academia and
government, and utilizing the latest in industrial technology. The advancing of the investigation
of the development of joint-use databases, integrated development standards and similar tools
to enable effective development, etc., of assistive devices in a consistent form. Also, the
implementation of basic research for standardization, etc., to promote the standardization of
assistive devices.
(2) Promoting Research and Development in the Private Sector and Industry Efforts
The provision of measures such as support for private-sector organizations, etc.,
conducting practical research and development into assistive devices, based on the Law
concerning the Promotion of Research, Development and Diffusion of Social Welfare
Equipment. Also, encouragement for industry efforts in the field of assistive devices through
measures such as the development of a foundation for the evaluation of assistive devices. The
development of a foundation for the evaluation of assistive devices in order to boost
adaptability and secure the safety of assistive devices.
(3) Promoting the Dissemination of Assistive Devices
The diversification of guidance and providing services and expansion of the follow-up
service to provide persons with disabilities with a good choice of assistive devices according to
their needs. The expansion of training programs of staff who engage in guidance and evaluation
of assistive devices for the appropriate dissemination of assistive devices.
* Research and Development, Dissemination of Info-communications Devices and
Systems
The promotion of the development in industry circles of devices conforming to the
"Accessibility Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities about Information Processing
Equipment" and the proliferation of such devices through explanation meetings and other
forum based on the aforementioned Guidelines. Research and development into areas such as
sound transmission systems for persons with hearing difficulties that utilize bone conductor
mechanisms, other info-communications systems, info-communications terminals and
information transmission technology designed for persons with disabilities and others. Also,
increasing the consideration for persons with disabilities when introducing the latest
technology.
* Expanding Information Services
Increasing the number of Information Centers for Persons with Hearing Disabilities
where the video cassettes with captions and sign language are produced and lent out. Also, the
expansion of functions in Braille libraries in line with the increasing use of information
technology. The conversion of a wide range of information necessary for persons with
disabilities, including health and welfare information, information on assistive devices, and
information about communications and broadcasting services for persons with physical
disabilities to database format, and the development of a structure that can use methods such as
personal computer communications and fax communications to provide this information. An
appropriate measure to the issue of sign language interpretation on election broadcasting of
40
candidates' platform in accordance with the circumstances of conditions.
* Expanding Broadcasting Services
The provision of subsidies for production of broadcast programs with closed captions
and video descriptions, etc., based on the "Law for Promoting Businesses That Facilitate the
Use of Communications and Broadcast Services by the Physically Disabled, to Make These
Services More Convergent and More Accessible to Persons with Disabilities." Also, the
promotion of research and development on the technology of efficient program production, and
the expansion of broadcast programs with closed captions and video descriptions for persons
with visual and hearing disabilities.
The development of broadcasting systems especially for persons with visual and
hearing disabilities and other measures, and the preparation of the environment to enable
persons with visual and hearing disabilities to enjoy adequate access to information through
broadcasts.
* Improving Dietary Information for Persons with Visual Disabilities
The improvement of the dietary environment for persons with visual disabilities and
others through measures such as the development of effective food labeling.
It can be seen that there is no universal law specifically aimed at solving problems for
disabled people. Instead, laws will incorporate articles to solves problems or provide
preferential treatments to disable people for the specific area that the law regulates. As we can
see, the level of support depends on the level of disability. Hence, there should be a
classification of level of blind/sight-impaired, such as:
+ Complete blind
+ Weak sight (can read large characters or figures)
+ Color blind (cannot distinguish certain colors)
5.2.3. Relevant policy measures of MIC Japan for elderly and persons with
disabilities4
a) Aim:
+ The realization of the “anytime, anywhere, with anything and for anyone” future ubiquitous
society
+ The realization of a society that everyone can participate by using ICT without regard for age
or disability
b) Issues:
4
The content of this paragraph is extracted from the Presentation “Policy for the Information and
Communication Accessibility in Japan” presented by Mr. GOTO Yasuhiro, ICT Accessibility and Hman
Resources Development Division, Information and Communication Policy Bureau, MIC of Japan at the
meeting between the join research team and MIC officers at MIC office in Tokyo on September 13,
2011
41
To promote social participation of older persons and persons with disabilities, it is
important to understand that not only taking measures for elderly and persons with disabilities
by the government but also approaches of the entire Japanese society are essential.
c) Universal Design Approach
Establishing an environment in which everyone including elderly and persons with
disabilities can use ICT:
- Improvement of ICT accessibility
- Improvement of accessibility to broadcasting programs
d) Individualized Design Approach
Establishing an environment that removes the ICT barrier that impedes elderly and
persons with disabilities
- Promotion of development of communications and broadcast equipments and
services to meet individual needs
- Promotion of supports to meet individual needs
e) Contribute to developing ITU-T recommendation of telecommunications accessibility
guidelines
To enhance telecommunications accessibility not only domestically but also
internationally, MIC has supported ITU-T to develop the Recommendations of
telecommunications accessibility guidelines. With the positive support of MIC, the Info –
Communication Access Council (Chaired by Professor Mitsuji Matsumoto from Graduate
School of Waseda University) hold a committee for deliberating telecommunications
accessibility. Based on the telecommunications accessibility guidelines for older persons and
persons with disabilities (second edition) of Japan, the committee submitted the proposal for
telecommunications accessibility guidelines to ITU-T in November 2004. The discussion based
on the proposal submitted by Japan (from November 2004 to November 2006) resulted in the
ITU-T Recommendation of telecommunications accessibility guidelines for older person and
persons with disabilities which was consent in January 2007 as ITU-T Rec. R.790.
f) Effort toward improvement of information accessibility
+ Web accessibility
To promote the use of elderly and persons with disabilities of public websites, MIC
revised the “Operational models to improve accessibility of local government websites’ in
March 2011 (The 1st version was made in 2005). Items relating to practical schemes,
procedures and manuals for maintaining and improving actual web accessibility (e.g.
accessibility check sheets, planning manuals) were revised. Those are efforts to encourage local
governments to actively use the operational models.
+ Telecommunications equipments and services accessibility
42
To promote the accessibility of telecommunications equipment and services, MIC
supports the development and promotion of the guidelines to improve accessibility of
telecommunications equipment and services to international standardizations: The Principles of
accessibility of telecommunications equipment for person with disability (issued in October,
1998) was developed to the telecommunications accessibility guidelines (by the Info –
Communication Access Council) in May, 2004 and then those guidelines were developed to the
National standard JIS X8341 – 4 in October 2005. Based on that national standard, ITU-T
developed the International Standard (ITU-T Recommendations F.790).
g) Subsides for promotion of the development and provision of communications and
broadcast services for people with physical disabilities
MIC provides subsidies to entrepreneurs (those who apply for the subsides) through
the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)5 for promotion
of the development and provision of communications and broadcast services for people with
physical disabilities. The following Table shows the subsidies of MIC for promotion of the
development and provision of communications and broadcast services for people with physical
disabilities during 2001 – 2010.
Fiscal
year
Number of
Applications
Delivery Number
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Total
28
17
17
28
19
23
22
19
21
20
213
7
9
7
8
10
12
11
9
7
8
87
Amount of delivery
Decision (million
yen)
10.200
8.075
7.673
7.673
7.676
7.701
8.047
7.684
7.594
8.047
80.370
5.2.4. Policies on assisting persons with visual disabilities in Japan
Today, together with the development of Internet and the assistive technology, the
Japanese blinds can access to Internet and use computer relatively easily. Now, they can use
email to exchange information with each other, or to make e-shopping, e-booking airplane or
film ticket etc…
In order to facilitate the blinds to access to ICT and use ICT services for improve their
life and integrate into the modern society, Japan has issued various policies supporting the
blind in using ICT and ICT services.
5
http://www.nict.go.jp/en/index.html
43
+ Policies supporting enterprises in research and development of products and solutions
assisting person with disabilities: Every year, enterprises submit their proposal of projects for
developing IT products and solutions assisting persons with disabilities to MIC. MIC selects
the feasible proposals and send to the Ministry of Finance for approval. The total amount of
fund for approved projects accounts for 1% of total budget of MIC.
+ Policies supporting persons with visual disabilities and organization for persons with visual
disabilities to use ICT equipments and ICT services:
- Procurement of ICT equipments: In Japan, the visual disabled people as well as other
people with disabilities receive very good support from the government and social
organizations in using ICT for improving their life given that Japan is one of the countries
having the best system of socila wellfare. The government considers computers as daily
tool, so when the blind buying computer they receive the support from the government.
The government supports about 90% of total price of the equipments for the blind. When
the Japan Federation of Blind buy ICT equipments for the blind, the government will
support about 85-90% of the cost. The total amount of supporting money from government
for buying IT equipment and software depends on each local government.
The procedures for persons with visual disabilities and organization for persons with visual
disabilities to receive the financial support from government when they want to buy ICT
equipments is as follow: Every year, the government announces the list of equipments that
the government subsidizes with specifications of the period of usage of equipment, the
amount of money subsidized to each equipment, the age of person allowed to buy the
equipment and stipulates the number of equipments that a person could receive subsidize.
Each disabled person has a personnel book (this book has been granted to the disabled
person since 1950). The persons with visual disabilities and organization for persons with
visual disabilities who wants to buy ICT equipments base on that list and their need to
register with the local government by submitting to the local government the personnel
book and an application form describing the equipments and the company producing the
products. If their request is accepted, 10% cost of the equipment shall be paid by the
persons with visual disabilities and organization for persons with visual disabilities and the
government pays the rest of the cost to the company selling the equipments. If the
equipment is broken when using, the blind can send a requests to buy a new one to local
government.
- Exemption or reduction of ICT service charge: It is free of charge for the blind to send
post mails and packages. Charge to the blinds who call to organizations for persons with
visual disabilities is very low.
- Supporting organization for persons with visual disabilities: Now, in Japan there are
about 310.000 blinds and 88.000 poor vision people. There are about 60-70 schools for
blinds, 96 libraries, and 250 organizations for the blind. Not all of blind organizations
receive the financial support from the government (through local governments). Among
different association of blinds, the Japan Federation of the Blind (JFB) is the biggest
association of blinds in Japan. The Federation consists of 61 branches in provinces and
44
serves 50.000 blinds around Japan. It is operated base on the Law of welfare and
retirement pension to support all the visual disabled people nationwide in order to create an
equal environment for both disabled and normal ones. The Federation annually receives
the financial support from the government to providing services to blind members. The
government does not directly provide money to JFB but mandates some works to JFB for
having the government money (such as sending Braille newspapers to blinds, reading
information required by blinds who calls to JFB). The Federation has centers for producing
products for the blind including sound and Braille products. Besides, the income from
selling products for the blind the Federation has contributions from members. Each
member contributes about 5000-10000Y/year.
The Japan Braille Library is a private library serving a large number of blind in Japan and
the budget to maintain the activity of the library come from sources as follows:
+ 1/3 is supported by government through different works that the library executes via
orders of governments. Most of those works are those for offering public utilities to blinds
such as printing Braille bulletins for blinds.
+ 1/3 is funded by various organizations, private and old people. But now the donations
from private and old people have been reduced.
+ 1/3 is the profit from business activities of library like selling products for the blinds¸
recording for enterprises, and making the Braille brand for enterprises to serve the blind,
etc.
+ Policies supporting schools for person with disabilities: Now, in Japan there are about 60-70
schools for blinds. All those schools receive the financial supports from government. For
example, pupils and students who are enrolled in the Special Need Education School for
Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba may be eligible for government subsidies that cover
expenses for incurred for textbooks, school tuition, dormitory, etc…
Tsukuba University of Technology is a public university. It is the unique university in Japan
teaching blinds at university level and its budget of operation comes from the government.
Since 2010, the University has carried out training at the Master degree. A student has to pay
the tuition fee of 535.000Y/year. However, the University has policy to make a reduction of
35% fee for students who have difficult conditions. The foreign students have to pay the same
fee as Japanese students and also enjoy the reduction but they have to know Japanese language
for study.
+ Policies supporting person with disabilities to get job: According to Tsukuba University of
Technology Data Book, about 87,5% of students have a job after graduation, many of them
working in the field of programming and engineering (accounts for 50%), and the rest 50% has
part time jobs relating to IT. The policies of Japan create favorable conditions for the disabled
people to have jobs. The law of Japan regulates that enterprises and organizations have to
employ at least 1.8% of disabled workers.
45
5. 3. PROPOSED POLICIES ON PROMOTING THE USE OF ICT FOR
BLINDS IN VIETNAM
Based on the the results of the research on the current status of using ICT for blinds in Vietnam,
the current policy on promoting the use of ICT for blinds in Vietnam, as well as the experiences
of Japan in assisting blinds to use ICT and the policy on promoting the use of ICT for blinds in
Japan, the joint research team proposes the following policies on promoting the use of ICT for
blinds in Vietnam:
a) Policies and mechanisms to support people with visual disabilities to access and use ICT:
+ Exemption or reduction of telephone subscriber charge and Internet connection charges
for people with visual disabilities,
+ Providing loan with low interest or partially funding support for people with visual
disabilities to purchase specialized software, hardware products.
+ Exemption of postage for Braille paper and recorded mail for visually impaired persons.
b) Policies and mechanisms to encourage research and development, production, provision of
ICT services, maintenance of ICT products for people with visual disabilities:
+ Providing government subsidies to research and development (R&D) and production of
ICT products suitable for people with visual disabilities, especially screen reading
software, Vietnamese text- to - speech software, talking books.
+ Providing tax exemption, tax reduction, loan with low interest to enterprises providing IT
product maintenance, ICT services for people with visual disabilities,
c) National standards and technical specifications for accessing and using ICT of people with
visual disabilities:
+ The national standards could be adapted using standards issued by international
organizations such as: the European Telecommunications Standardization Institute (ETSI),
International Standardization Organization (ISO), International Telecommunication Union
(ITU), Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC), World Wide Web Consortium
(W3C). The standards can be of the following categories:
- Hardware Accessibility Standards: those are standards for the hardware to be
developed, purchased or acquired by the government agencies, and/or other
organization providing services to public, which shall be accessible for use by persons
with disabilities. "Hardware" is not limited to assistive technologies used by people
with disabilities, but rather it applies to the development, procurement, maintenance,
or use of all electronic and information technologies (e.g., Computers and Peripherals,
Telecommunications Products, Video and Multimedia Products, Copiers and Fax
Machines).
- Software Accessibility Standards: those are standards for the software to be
developed, purchased or acquired by the government agencies, and/or other
organization providing services to public. which shall be accessible for use by persons
46
with disabilities. "Software" is not limited to assistive applications used by people with
disabilities, but rather it applies to the development, procurement, maintenance, or use
of all commercially available and newly developed software applications.
- Web Accessibility Standards: The form and format of information on a Website can
either help or hinder access. It is the responsibility of the web page author to present
information in a way that ensures access by a diverse audience including individuals
with disabilities. In order to help the blinds to easily access to Internet the Web
accessibility standards should be issued. That standard can be adapted from the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) documents6 which explain how to make
Web content more accessible to people with disabilities. (Web "content" generally
refers to the information in a Web page or Web application, including text, images,
forms, sounds, and such).
+ Technical specifications for telecommunication and IT equipments to support people
with visual disabilities to access and use ICT.
d) Policies and mechanisms to encourage the ICT training to people with visual disabilities:
+ Financial support to the establishment of school for ICT training to people with visual
disabilities
+ Providing annual financial support to school, training centers which provide IT training
to people with visual disabilities
+ Financial support to the procurement of teaching and learning facilities to school for ICT
training to people with visual disabilities
+ Financial support to the collection, edition and publish of documents in Braille for
people with visual disabilities
+ Financial support to the production of talking books
+ Financial support to the training of IT teachers for people with visual disabilities
+ Exemption or reduction of Internet connection charges for training activities.
e) Policies to encourage enterprise employing people with visual disabilities:
+ Tax reduction for enterprises employing people with visual disabilities (or people with
disables) excess the rate stipulated by Labor law
+ Awards enterprises employing people with visual disabilities (or people with disables)
excess the rate stipulated by Labor law
f) Campaigns to raise awareness on the benefits of ICT to people with visual disabilities and
diffuse information about the work in the field of ICT for people with visual disabilities.
g) Annually honors:
6
http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag
47
+ Inventions and discoveries in the field of ICT which can be used for improving the life of
people with visual disabilities.
+ Organizations and individual with great contribution to help people with visual
disabilities using ICT for improving their life.
5.4. SURVEY ON USEFUL ICT PRODUCTS FOR BLINDS IN VIETNAM
5.4.1. Useful ICT products for blinds
There are two categories of visual impairment: Those that are partially blind, and those
that are totally blind. For those that are partially blind, they may make use of normal computer
systems by means of screen magnification devices, as well as through special software that
display text on the computer screen through the use of extra-large fonts.
For those that are totally blind, they will be unable to use their sight as a means of input
and will have to rely on other senses. This could be in the form of Braille output devices, which
converts text that is displayed on the screen into Braille characters on a 'touch-pad'. The user
then 'feels' what is on the screen. However,
Another approach is through the use of text-to-speech synthesizers which work together
with the screen reading software packages to read out the text appeared on the screen of the
computer. It seems that it is a more common, and economical approach.
Below is a description of the major products which provide access to the world of
computing for blind users:
a) Personal Computer (PC)
The personal computer (PC) is an essential ingredient to provide access to the world of
computing and Internet for blind users. The term PC, means a personal computer that includes
the Windows operating system. Given the limited scope of the Mackintosh operating system we
do not consider the Mac as an equivalent alternative to the PC. The PC is available as either a
desktop system or as a laptop or notebook. Desktop systems are the most common for
classroom use. As a general rule, they offer the highest performance at the most economical
price. Laptop or notebook computers offer the flexibility of portability. Despite the recent
reductions in notebook prices one should expect to pay a twenty-five percent premium for
similar power and features when comparing a notebook with an equivalent desktop 7.
b) Screen magnification devices for partially blind
+ Color Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs)
A CCTV is a video camera connected to a monitor or television. The camera is
equipped with a lens and zoom feature, which allows the user to magnify anything placed in the
camera’s view. Each brand has its own range of magnification, but over all, the range is two to
7 International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind (IBTC), January 2006
48
sixty-four times. Most manufacturers produce black and white units, foreground/background
color selectable units and full color units.
+ Portable CCTVs - TVI Zoom
The TVi Zoom is a closed circuit television magnifier for the partially sighted. It uses
a small TV camera in an ergonomic, hand-held "mouse" and incorporates a zoom lens which
allows the level of magnification to be altered. The magnified image is displayed on a standard
television in black and white. The mouse has rollers which facilitate easy scanning of text, and
its mobility allows difficult-to-read items such as medicine bottles, cooking instructions, etc., to
be magnified easily.
c) Screen magnification software
A screen magnification software helps to magnify the display information on a
computer in a variety of magnifications. The software programs are compatible with many
word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
d) Braille output devices
+ Refreshable Braille display or Braille terminal
49
A refreshable Braille display or Braille terminal8 is an electro-mechanical device for
displaying Braille characters, usually by means of raising dots through holes in a flat surface.
Blind computer users, who cannot use a normal computer monitor, use it to read text output.
Called refreshable Braille displays, these devices allow the user to interact with his/her
computer using Braille. They are called refreshable because the unit is made up of a line of pins
that move up and down to display the Braille dots. Braille displays also have navigation keys so
the user can move around the computer screen without taking his/her hands from the display to
perform tasks. It is important to note that screen access software such as JAWS, Window-Eyes,
or similar programs must be present in order for the Braille display to function on a computer
using the Windows operating system. Braille displays are available in units from 20 to 80
Braille cells. The larger 80 cell unit makes it possible to display an entire line of print text on
most computer monitors. Braille displays can be moved from one computer to another as long
as each computer has appropriate screen access software. Prices range from $1,400 for a 20 cell
display to over $10,000 for some 80 cell displays.
Because of the complexity of producing a reliable display that will cope with daily
wear and tear, these displays are expensive. Usually, only 40 or 80 Braille cells are displayed.
Models with between 18 and 40 cells exist in some note-taker devices. On some models the
position of the cursor is represented by vibrating the dots, and some models have a switch
associated with each cell to move the cursor to that cell directly.
+ Braille Memo Pocket
Braille Memo is a mobile type small light weight electronic Braille terminal device
equipped with Braille display section composed of 16 cells having 8 pins per cell and touch
cursor keys, input key section and affluent edit function. It is also equipped with the function of
electronic calculator, clock, alarm, countdown timer, stopwatch, calendar and scheduler, input
function of 6 buttons/ 8 buttons and single hand and output function to external display and
Braille printer. By 2MB memory(max. 128 files can be stored) and rechargeable battery (can be
run for approx. 30 hours after full battery charging), it is possible to take notes and to search,
edit and print inputted documents without personal computer at office, school and the outside.
Since easy operation method was adopted, it is possible for even a beginner to use Braille
Memo very easily. It is also possible to use Braille Memo easily by means of helpful shortcut
keys and customize function. When Braille Memo is connected to personal computer through
RS232C cable, the range of its practical use will be expanded more widely. Braille Memo can
8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refreshable_Braille_display
50
be used everywhere at anytime as a data transmitter/ receiver for other Braille devices such as
Braille printer and portable book-reader by reading Braille translation data in advance.
+ Braille embossers (or Braille printers)
A Braille embosser is a printer9, necessarily an impact printer, that renders text as
tactile Braille cells. Using Braille translation software, the embosser allows Braille files that
have been created on the PC to be produced in hard copy. Blind users tend to call other printers
"ink printers", to distinguish them from their Braille counterparts. As with ink printers and
presses, embossers range from those intended for consumers to those used by large publishers.
Thus, an embosser can cost roughly anywhere from US$2,000 to $80,000, depending on the
user's needs.
Braille embossers usually need special Braille paper which is thicker and more
expensive than normal paper. Some high-end embossers are capable of printing on normal
paper. Embossers can be either one-sided or two-sided. Duplex embossing requires lining up
the dots so they do not overlap (called "interpoint" because the points on the other side are
placed in between the points on the first side).
d) Text-to-speech synthesizers and screen reading software
+ Screen reading software (or Screen Reader or Screen Access Software)
In order to gain full and independent access to the PC a blind needs a screen reading
software installed on the PC. The screen reading software provides spoken synthesized speech
output, using the PC's soundboard and loudspeakers or headphones. As the individual enters
data on the keyboard or navigates the Windows operating system or a program the screen
reading software announces the text, which is displayed on the screen. In addition to reading
the literal text, the software provides important contextual information, which is necessary to
navigate. For example, clicking to the "Start" key on the Window screen will result in "Start,
Menu" spoken by the screen reading software. This tells the user that the word "start" is
highlighted and that the computer has displayed a menu.
These software are offered by a software developers and are installed on the PC by the
9
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braille_embosser
51
user. The two most popular screen reading software may be very poplar JAWS from Freedom
Scientific10 and Window-Eyes from GW Micro11.
+ Vietnamese text-to-speech software
A PC installed a screen reading software can only provides English spoken
synthesized speech output. Hence, a Vietnamese blind user, if he/she does not understand
English, needs a Vietnamese text-to-speech software that converts normal Vietnamese
language text into Vietnamese speech. In most cases, a Vietnamese text-to-speech software is
integrated with a screen reading software installed on the PC and the combination allows a
Vietnamese blind PC user to access to application using Vietnamese text (e.g. MS Word, Excel,
Power Point files or Vietnamese websites). One can find different Vietnamese text-to-speech
software such as VMV software, Sao Mai software, Anh Duong software, Voice Message,
Vietalk, etc…with different level of navigation and voice quality.
+ Scanner and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software
Scanners are common hardware devices that can be found anyplace that sells computer
equipment. They can be used to scan text material. When used in conjunction with a
specialized optical character recognition (OCR) program for the blind, the scanned text can be
read aloud immediately in synthesized speech. This makes virtually any typed print material
accessible to the blind user. Many kinds of documents can be read, but not all. Handwriting can
not be recognized yet and some formats are difficult to render with speech, such as complex
tables or graphical information. In some cases human intervention may be necessary to obtain
the best results.
e) DAISY Digital Talking Books
DAISY Digital Talking books (or DAISY books) represent a substantial improvement
over old cassette-based audio books for all people with print disabilities. The DAISY standard
makes talking books both accessible and easily navigable. DAISY (Digital Accessible
Information System) is a standard for digital talking books. DAISY books are typically used by
people who, for different reasons, have problems using regular printed media. The DAISY
format allows users to hear and navigate written material presented in an audible format. In a
DAISY book, content is presented with enabled navigation within a sequential and hierarchical
structure consisting of text synchronized with audio. Conventional audio recording lack search
and navigation features and they require linear listening. While reading a DAISY book, a
reader can go to the next or previous page, chapter or sentence.
DAISY books can be heard on standalone DAISY players, computers using DAISY
playback software, mobile phones, and MP3 players (with limited navigation). DAISY books
can be distributed on a CD/DVD, memory card or through the Internet. A computerized text
DAISY book can be read using refreshable Braille display or screen-reading software, printed
as Braille book on paper, converted to a talking book using synthesized voice or a human
10
11
http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.asp
http://www.gwmicro.com/window-eyes/
52
narration, and also printed on paper as large print book. In addition, it can be read as large print
text on computer screen.
5.4.2. Potential ICT products for blinds in Vietnam
Based on the above survey on the useful ICT products for blinds, and the discussion
with blind teachers, blind students of the Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blind in
Hanoi and the blind staffs of the Vietnam Blind Association, the joint research team has
identified the following potential ICT products which are useful for the blinds in Vietnam to
access and use ICT for improving their life and some of those ICT products are of prime
necessity for the blinds to access and use ICT.
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
Products
Use
Necessity
Personal computer (PC) with Providing access to the world of
Prime
speakers, includes the Windows computing and Internet for blind necessity
for
operating system: either a desktop users.
the blinds to
system or a laptop or a notebook
access and use
ICT.
Screen reading software installed Providing
English
spoken
in a PC
synthesized speech output
Vietnamese
text-to-speech Cconverting normal Vietnamese
software (integrated with a screen language text into Vietnamese
reading software installed on the speech.
PC and the combination allows a
Vietnamese blind PC user to
access to application using
Vietnamese text)
Recording software
Allowing to record input voice
into DAISY Digital Talking texts
or books
Refreshable Braille display or
Displaying Braille characters.
Braille terminal
Blind computer users, who cannot
use a normal computer monitor,
use it to read text output.
Braille Memo Pocket
Braille terminal device equipped
with Braille display section and
functions of electronic calculator,
clock, alarm, countdown timer,
stopwatch,
calendar
and
scheduler, input function and
output function to external
display and Braille printer.
53
Helpful
for
making talking
books
Assist
the
blinds to use
computers and
Internet more
efficiently
7
Braille printers
8
Screen magnification software
9
Screen magnification devices
Rendering text as tactile Braille
cells. Using Braille translation
software, the printer allows
Braille files that have been
created on the PC to be produced
in hard copy.
Help to magnify the display
information on a computer screen
in a variety of magnifications.
Allows the user to magnify
anything placed in the camera’s
view.
Help
people
with partially
visual
impairment to
use computers
and
Internet
more easily
In the following section we will present the design and installation of the ICT lab for a
school for blinds in Vietnam. In that section, we will present the result of the test of some of the
above mentioned ICT products which are identified as useful for the blinds in Vietnam to
access and use ICT for improving the teaching and learning process.
5.5. ICT LABS IN THE SCHOOL FOR BLINDS IN VIETNAM
5.5.1 Design of ICT Lab for School for Blinds
a) Objectives
Establishing an ICT based infrastructure to assist the teaching/learning process in the
Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blind (that we refer to as the school for blind in
this document) belong to the Vietnam Blind Association. The ICT lab will be used to
demonstrate the benefit of advanced ICT solutions in assisting visually impaired people.
b) Necessity
One of the objectives of the project is to propose solutions for blinds in Vietnam to
improve their access to PC and Internet and in order to demonstrate the benefit of advanced
ICT solutions in assisting visually impaired people, the establishment of the ICT lab in the
school for blind is necessary.
With the implement of the ICT lab in the school for blind, the research team can carry
out different tests of the hardware and software which have special characteristics for the blind
and get inputs, feedback, and acceptance from blind teachers and blind students to improve the
design of the lab so that the implemented lab could be used as a model of ICT lab in schools for
blind in Vietnam.
After finishing all the necessary tests, the ICT lab will be handed over to the school for
blind belong to the Vietnam Blind Association. Blind teachers and blind students of the schools
for blind will used the ICT lab for teaching and learning.
54
c) Equipments needed for the ICT lab
The ICT lab consists of two parts:
- The ICT equipments for recording and testing ICT products for blinds
- The ICT equipments for teaching/learning (a classroom)
(c.1) ICT equipments for recording and testing ICT products for blinds
After identifying the ICT products useful for the blinds in Vietnam to access and use
ICT, the research team needs to have some of those hardware and software for testing their
functions and evaluating the usefulness of those products with respect to the use of those
products by blinds. In addition, before procurement and installing the equipments for the
teaching and learning there is a need to study the function of the hardware and software and test
the performance of those products. On the other hand, given the important of the talking books
to the teaching and learning of the blinds, there is a need to research the use of computer and
analog to digital converter together with the recording and noise cancellation software to record
the human voice in order to facilitate the making of talking books. Therefore, the first part of
the ICT lab consists of equipments for recording and testing ICT products for blinds.
The research on equipments for the blinds is carried in parallel by the two teams: The
Japan team studies the function of recording (including both hardware and software), some of
the text-to-speech software and some Braille display equipments which can be connected to
computers. The Vietnam team studies the different text-to-speech software, especially the
Vietnamese text-to-speech software which could be used for blinds in Vietnam.
(c.1.1) Equipments for recording and testing in Japan
The configuration of the hardware used by the Japan team is as follow:
55
AC
SPEAKER
USB
AC
Braille Memo Pocket (KGS)
AUDIO
Headset
USB
AC
AC
USB
USB
LAPTOP PC
LOGITECH WEBCAM
Braille Tender BT46 (KGS)
USB
A/D CONV
AUDIO
SHURE SM58
ONKYO SE-U55SX2
Microphone
56
•
The system used for recording research includes a laptop with headset, webcam, and
speakers connecting to an Analog to digital converter (A/D converter), which is
connected to a microphone. In order to be able to recording the voice from the micro, it
is necessary to use a software, which enables the recording process as well as the
cancellation of the environment noise. Following the recommendation of the Braille
Library in Tokyo, the software “Recdia Plus” of Sun Data Center is used as well.
•
The system is also used to test and evaluate the function of text-to-speech software
made by Japanese companies: Focus talk V3 for Braille V 3.0.2 and Juke Dox2 expert
2.0.0, both software made by Skyfish
•
Finally, the system is used to test and evaluate the Braille display devices. Those are
Braille Tender BT46 (Ver 2.0) and Braille Memo Pocket
The following products were procured and tested in Japan. Those equipments were
transferred to Vietnam and constitute parts of the ICT equipments for recording and testing ICT
products for blinds in the ICT lab.
56
No
Equipments
Quantity
I. Hardware
I.1 Computer and accessories
1
Laptop: HP Probook 4530s
1
2
Speaker: Z313
1
3
USB Headset: H530 / 981-000198169
1
4
Web Camera: Qcam Orbit AF
1
I.2. Equipments for digital recording
5
Audio processor, A/D converter: SE-U55SX2
1
6
Microphone: SHURE SM58SE
1
I.3. Equipments for displaying Braille
7
Keyboard & Braille Display for blinds: Braille Tender
BT46 (Ver 2.0)
1
8
Pocket-Memo: Braille Memo Pocket
1
II. Software
1
System Software: Window 7 Pro Japan
1
2
Application Software: MS office 2011 Professional
1
3
Application Software: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 1
for virus checking
4
Braille Engine: PinBraille V1.0
1
5
Text-to-speech software: Focus talk V3 for Braille V
3.0.2
1
6
Text-to-speech software: Juke Dox2 expert 2.0.0
1
7
Recording and Noise Cancel Software: Recdia Plus
1
The computer and accessories (laptop, speaker, headset, camera) together with the
system and application software (such as Window, MS office and Kaspersky) are the basic
platform using to test other hardware and software useful for blinds such as the Equipments for
57
digital recording, Equipments for displaying Braille, Braille engine, Text-to-speech software
Recording and Noise Cancel Softwares.
In order to test the Equipments for displaying Braille, namely the Keyboard and
Braille Display for blinds (Braille Tender BT46 (Ver 2.0)) and the Pocket-Memo (Braille
Memo Pocket) the Braille engine is installed in the computer. The Braille displaying functions
of those two equipments have been tested.
The two Text-to-speech software, namely Focus talk V3 for Braille V 3.0.2 and Juke
Dox2 expert 2.0.0 are installed in the computer system and tested its functions.
The Recording and Noise Cancel Software, that is Recdia Plus, is installed in the
computer system to test the functions of the Equipments for digital recording including the
Audio processor and A/D converter (SE-U55SX2) and the Microphone (SHURE SM58SE).
In the past and currently in many training centers, in order to make the high quality
audio text/book the recording is made at a studio with high degree of sound insulation. Such a
recording studio requires expensive audio recording equipments and the cost of installation of
the high isolated studio is also high. It means that it requires commercial broadcast level room
with high cost.
At the Japan Braille Library in Tokyo, for making audio texts with low cost, they ask
the volunteers to record the reading of the books at their home using simple and low cost
computer based system . The recorded files are then transferred to the Japan Braille Library for
further processing and assembling to form the digital books.There are lots of issues to make
high quality audio text books. Those are the cost of audio recording system, the recording
studio, to maintain the high quality of voice, to cancel noise from surround near by the
volunteers, etc…
a) Volunteers for reading books
-
Volunteers read books at his/her house.
-
They read books in the room in their house without using any high quality recording
studio room.
b) Inexpensive recording system at the house of the volunteers
- Hardware at the room of the volunteer’s house
+ Most volunteers have normal personal computer with average performance.
+ The following hardware can be rented in the market
* Microphone (for Vocal: Share SM58 is poplar and inexpensive)
* A/D convertor (External type box with USB IF, more than 24bits/48KHz
sampling rate, isolation from computer/power supply noise and performing the digital
processing.)
- Softwares installed at the computer of the volunteers: Simple managing audio files to
record the reading voice and easy to storage them by DAISY file format.
58
c) Audio recording studio
As far as asking volunteer to record the text at home, the expensive audio recording
studio room is not necessary.
d) Editing recorded digital audio files
- Editing the recorded digital audio files should require expertise with some level of
skill. It may need to educate small number of persons in charge to the expertise.
- Noise cancelation and echo suppression are key functions to improve the audio
quality as well as editing the cut and paste/level control/mixing of audio signal
streaming with particular format and protocol.
- For processing the audio text book, it must be required file server, high performance
computer for processing audio files and expertise with broadband Internet.
e) Making DAISY Digital Talking Book
DAISY is the most popular standard for the audio book in the world. Therefore,
software for DAISY installed on the computer is required.
g) Evaluation
By using the volunteers for reading books with inexpensive recording system at the
house of the volunteers, the broadband Internet for trasmissting the recorded digital audio files,
the softwares for noise cancelation, echo suppression and softwares editing the recorded digital
audio files, it is possible to execute the whole process to make the DAISY digital talking books
smoothly, timely and optimizing labors.
However, making DAISY digital talking books is not the purpose of this project, in this
project we only evaluate some of the equipments for displaying Braille such as Keyboard ad
Braille Display for blinds (Braille Tender BT46 Ver 2.0) and Pocket-Memo (Braille Memo
Pocket) and the sofwares such as Braille Engine (PinBraille V1.0), Text-to-speech software
(Focus talk V3 for Braille V 3.0.2 and Juke Dox2 expert 2.0.0) and Recording and Noise
Cancel Software (Recdia Plus). Given that those products are sophisticated products for blind
people made in Japan and the main target users of those products are Japanese blinds so those
products have some special characteristis that we should remark the followings:
-
The equipments for displaying Braille need to be used with a screen reader software
which allow to convert the screen text (either English or Japanese) into Braille so that
they could be displayed on the equipments for displaying Braille. For displaying
Vietnamese texts it is necessary to have a Vietnamese text driver.
-
The menus and help of the softwares are only in Japanese, we can not change them in
English.
-
The drivers of the software are also hardly installed into the environment of Windows
for personal computer in English. Therefore we purchased Windows 7 Ultimate which
allows to change the multi language environment, so that we can change from English
to Japanese environment and inversely. In case of installation into Windows in
59
Japanese environment successfully, and then change into English environment, some
issues to resolve comes up.
-
To install ICT system for blinds, engineers and/or technicians are required to have skill
in using computer/Internet and reading Braille for reading the equipment manuals,
checking the results of testing and change the basic parameters of the equipments and
softwares if necessary.
-
Majority of products (both sofware and hardware) for blinds are very expensive to be
purchased by a person without subvention from government or companies.
(c.1.2) Equipments for testing in Vietnam
The ICT equipments would be suitable for various level of impairs, personnel ability,
student grade and learning area, in conjunction with the performance and the number of ICT
equipments. In addition, it shall be considered the performance, the function and the usability
of the system for limited number of teachers and advisors.
In order to study different software for blinds, especially the Vietnamese
text-to-speech software which could be used for blinds in Vietnam, the Vietnam team needs a
laptop computer (HP Probook 4530s) and a HDD for storing data (My Book Live 1TB External
3.5"). Those equipments are used for testing the following software:
+ Screen Reading Software:
Among many available Screen Reading Software on the world, the blind community in
the world and some of blinds in Vietnam have been familiar with the JAWS (Job Access With
Speech) for Windows Screen Reading Software, which is made by Freedom Scientific. The
details of that software can be found at the following link:
http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.asp.
We propose to procure JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software to test its function
and to install on the computers in the lab.
+ Vietnamese Text-to-Speech Engine Software:
The JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software as well as other Screen Reading
Software only read the screen in English. In order to have Vietnamese speech, a Vietnamese
Speech Engine Software is needed to integrated with the JAWS for Windows Screen Reading
Software. So that, the blind can hear the Vietnamese speech when they move the cursor on the
PC screen.
In Vietnam there are some commercial Vietnamese Text-to-Speech Engine Software:
Sao Mai, Viettalk, Vietvoice. We proposed to procure Sao Mai and Viettalk to test its functions
and to identify the best software to install in the computers of the lab.
After discussing with the Japan team, it was decided that a laptop computer (HP
Probook 4530s) and a HDD for storing data (My Book Live 1TB External 3.5") and the
following software: JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software, Vietnamese Text-to-Speech
Engine Software such as Sao Mai, Viettalk are procured for testing.
60
(c.1.3) Results of software testing
+ Testing of screen reading softwares
We carried out the test of the following screen reading software:
- JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software
- Microsoft Narrator
- Focustalk for Braille V3
- VocaTalk (free download from http://vocatalk.web.fc2.com/vocatalk.html)
- VocaTalk Personal Podcast (free download from
http://www.vocamedia.com/Default.aspx)
- Easy Speech (free download from
http://www.vector.co.jp/soft/winnt/art/se367527.html)
- Natural Reader (free download from the following website:
http://www.naturalreaders.com/index.htm?gclid=CNe6mMPTj64CFUVspAod3gIVew)
The configuration of the computer using for test is as follow: HP Probook 4530s, which
has Intel® Core™ i5-2450M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50 GHz), memory 4 GB DDR3 and
storage with 640 GB, OS: Windows 7 Ult 32-bit.
The result of the test of those softwares is included in the following Table. From the
results of the tests we could conclude that the JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software is
the suitable screen reading software.
Name of
Software
JAW
Microsoft
Narrator
Focustalk for
Braille V3
Juke DOX
VocaTalk
VocaTalk
Personal Podcast
Test Result
+ Speak English very well
+ User friendly interface
+ Can be integrated with Vietnamese text-to-speech engine for speaking
Vietnamese.
+ Difficulties for using and maintenance.
+ No ability to act on Web browsers
+ Japanese interface
+ Allowing to read the screen in Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
+ Quality of Vietnamese read out is not understandable
+ Allowing to read the MS word files in Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
+ Quality of Vietnamese read out is not good
+ No response when activated.
+ Encountered a problem and closed when activated.
61
Easy Speech
Natural Reader
+ Encountered a problem and closed when activated.
+ Downloadable version of the software has only ability for reading text or
rich text files.
+ Text-to-speech speaker only for Microsoft Sam
+ The software could not be integrated with the Vietnamese text-to-speech
engine for speaking Vietnamese.
+ Testing of Vietnamese text-to-speech engines (or softwares)
We carried out the test of the following softwares:
- Juke DOX
- Saomai
- Vietalk
The configuration of the computer using for test is as follow: HP Probook 4530s, which
has Intel® Core™ i5-2450M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50 GHz), memory 4 GB DDR3 and
storage with 640 GB, OS: Windows 7 Ult 32-bit.
* The results of test of the software Juke DOX reveal that:
+ The software is of Japanese interface
+ The software allows to read the MS word files in Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
+ The quality of Vietnamese read out is not good (the sound is not clear)
* The 2 Vietnamese text-to-speech engine software (Sao Mai and Vietalk) are installed together
with the JAWS for Windows Screen Reading Software. The 2 software are also installed in PCs
in the Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blind (CTRB) belong to the Vietnam Blind
Association to evaluate its performance. The performance of the PCs in CTRB is similar to that
of NIICS.
The Vietnamese text-to-speech engine software for Vietnamese blinds must satisfy a
number of required functions. The following Table shows the result of the test of the software.
In the Table, the Required Function No1 is of the 1st priority.
Required functions of software
Sao Mai
Required function 1: Read the text on the
screen only at the position of the cursor, so
that the blind could imagine the position of
the cursor on the screen
Yes
Required function 2: Read the English text Yes
on the screen clearly enough so that the
blind could understand different functions of
softwares installed in the computers
Required function 3: Read the Vietnamese
Yes
62
Viettalk
No, only read the
selected text.
When the selected
text is long, the
computer is hang.
Yes
Yes
text on the screen clearly enough so that the
blind could understand
Required function 4: When reading a
Vietnamese text, if there is date, time, the
software can read the date and time in
Vietnamese
Required function 5: When reading a
Vietnamese text, if there is an English word,
the software can read the English word
Required function 6: Can pronounce each
separate Vietnamese character
Required function 7: Stop reading for a
while at the end of a sentence.
Required function 8: Read the text with a
rhythm.
Required function 9: Differentiate the
pronunciation of “r”, “d” and “gi” when
reading a Vietnamese text
Evaluation
No, read the date and
time in English
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not good
pronunciation of
following characters:
đ
Not clear
Not good
pronunciation of
following
characters: â, ă, ừ
Yes
No, monotone
Yes
Yes
No
The software satisfies
the most important
function - the
required function 1.
In general, it’s the
best among the 2
tested software
The software does
not satisfy the
most important
function - the
required function
1. In general, it’s
the worst among
the 2 tested
software
From the results of the tests we could conclude that the Sao mai software is the suitable
Vietnamese text-to-speech software for Vietnamese blind.
(c.2) ICT equipments for teaching/learning
The equipments for teaching/learning are designed for carrying out the research of using
ICT for supporting the teaching and learning process of blinds. The equipments used in the lab
will demonstrate how ICT could help the blinds to use ICT to overcome the difficulties they
usually meet for teaching and learning.
The layout of the IT lab for classroom is showed in the following Figure. The lab
consists of 10 desktop PCs for blind students, one laptop for blind teacher, one laptop for the
teacher’s assistant. All the computers (both laptop and desktop) are equipped with speakers,
headset and the necessary text-to-speech software. The computers are connected together in a
LAN and connected to Internet via a router to Internet. All the application software and data
used for the teaching/learning can be stored to and retrieved from a network HDD.
(c.2.1) Determination of number of PCs used in the lab
63
- According to the training experiences of the school for blinds belong to the Vietnam Blind
Association, the optimum number of blind students in a class for blinds is 10. In addition, in
order to find out the optimum design for the ICT lab to assist the teaching/learning of the blinds,
the research team needs to study also the flow of data generated, circulated, stored and
exchanged inside and outside of the lab. The equipments after being installed and tested will be
used by teachers and students of the school for blinds and the data circulated in the network
will be monitored and evaluated. Therefore, it is proposed that 10 PCs should be procured to
the ICT lab which can be accommodated for 10 students.
Layout of IT lab for classroom (Hardware)
High Performance
for Evaluation/Teacher & Assistant
Average Performance PCs
for Evaluation group: STUDENTS
Headset Speaker
Speaker
Headset
HUB 16ports
UTP cables(5m)
10 UTP
cables(5m)
2 Laptops for teacher & Assistant
Speaker
Headset
10 PCs for students
UTP cables(5m)
Headset Speaker
UTP cables(5m)
UTP cable (5m)
1TB 1Gbps Ethernet
Router for Internet
UTP cable (3m)
Network HDD
Internet(ADSL)
- In a class for blinds, it is necessary to have one teacher and one assistant, who are both blinds.
Therefore, it is proposed that 1 laptop should be provided to the teacher and 1 laptop should be
provided to the assistant.
(c.2.2) Configuration of equipments for the lab
We have determined that in order to use PC and Internet, any blind needs:
- A PC with a speaker and a headphone
- Text-to-speed software for blind: The blinds need 2 kinds of following software
assisting them to use PC and Internet:
+ A software for reading the PC screen (Called Screen Reading Software)
+ A software which allows to generate Vietnamese speech (Called Vietnamese
Speech Engine Software)
64
* The laptop for teacher and assistant:
The 2 laptops must have a large memory and storage capacity and its performance must
be stable, powerful and durable. So that the Screen Reading Software and the Vietnamese
Speech Engine Software which require large memory and storage capacity could be installed
and run smoothly. In addition, the teacher and the assistant can install other softwares to serve
their teaching purpose.
Therefore, we propose to provide 2 laptops HP Probook 4530s, which has Intel®
Core™ i5-2450M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50 GHz), memory 4 GB DDR3 and storage of 640
GB for the teacher and assistant.
Each laptop is equipped with a speaker and a headphone
* The PCs for students
The 10 desktops PCs should have an average performance (a relatively large memory
and storage capacity) and its performance must be stable, and durable. So that the Screen
Reading Software and the Vietnamese Speech Engine Software which require large memory
and storage capacity could be installed and run smoothly. In addition, the students can install
other software to serve their learning purpose.
We propose to provide 10 desktops (ISTC computer) with Intel® Celeron® Processor,
memory 2GB DDR3 and 250GB hard disk for students.
Each desktops PCs laptop is equipped with a speaker and a headphone
* Computer network in the lab
The laptops of teacher and the assistant and the 10 PCs of the students should be
connected in a Local Area Network (LAN) which is connected to Internet so that the teachers
and students can inter-act via the LAN as well as via the Internet and the teachers and students
can use the Internet for teaching and learning. The following equipments are needed for
installing the Computer network in the lab:
+ Network HDD
The Network HDD is used for network back-up equipment. It is used to storage and
backing-up all data in the network.
We propose to provide the My Book Live 1TB External 3.5", Gigabit Ethernet for the
Network HDD.
+ LAN switch
The LAN switch is used for connected all Laptops and PCs in the lab to a LAN.
We propose to provide the TP-LINK TL-SF1016D - 16 Ports Desktop Switch for the
LAN switch.
+ Modem ADSL/Router for Internet
The Modem ADSL/Router for Internet is used for connected all Laptops and PCs to
65
Internet.
We propose to provide the LinkSys WAG120N for the Modem ADSL/Router for
Internet.
* The Software used in the lab
Each computer (both laptop and desktop) should be installed with system software,
application software and Text-to-speech Software
+ System Software:
The 2 laptops and 10 desktops are installed with Windows 7 Ult 32-bit English 3pk DSP
3 OEI DVD
+ Application Software:
# The 2 laptops of teacher and assistant are installed with 2 application software:
@ Microsoft Office Pro 2007 W32 EN 1pk DSP OEI (MLK)
@ Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 (for virus checking)
# The 10 desktops are installed with 2 application software:
@ Microsoft Office Personal SB 2007 W32 EN 1pk DSP OEI (MLK)
@ Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 (for virus checking)
+ Text-to-speech software for the blind
# Screen Reading Software:
After testing, the research team agrees that the JAWS for Windows Screen Reading
Software is suitable for installing in all the computers in the lab.
# Vietnamese Text-to-Speech Engine Software:
After testing, the research team agrees that the Vietnamese Text-to-Speech Software Sao
Mai is suitable for installing in all the computers in the lab.
d) Equipment list
The following list shows the equipments used in this project:
No
Equipments
Quantity
I. Equipments for recording and testing
I.1 Computer and accessories (Hardware and software)
1
Laptop: HP Probook 4530s
2
2
Speaker: Z313
1
66
3
USB Headset: H530 / 981-000198169
1
4
Web Camera: Qcam Orbit AF
1
5
HDD: My Book Live
1
6
System Software: Window 7 Pro Japan
1
7
Application Software: MS office 2011 Professional
1
8
Application Software: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 for
virus checking
1
I.2. Equipments for digital recording (Hardware and software)
9
Audio processor, A/D converter: SE-U55SX2
1
10
Microphone: SHURE SM58SE
1
11
Recording and Noise Cancel Software: Recdia Plus
1
I.3. Equipments for displaying Braille
12
Keyboard & Braille Display for blinds: Braille Tender
BT46 (Ver 2.0)
1
13
Pocket-Memo: Braille Memo Pocket
1
14
Braille Engine Software: PinBraille V1.0
1
I.4. Other software
15
Text-to-speech software: Focus talk V3 for Braille V 3.0.2
1
16
Text-to-speech software: Juke Dox2 expert 2.0.0
1
II. Equipments for teaching/learning in school for blinds
II.1 Hardware
1
Laptop for teacher and assistant: HP Probook 4530s
2
2
Desktop PC for students: ISTC Computer
10
3
Speaker: Creative SBS A 220 (2.1) High Performance 2.1
12
4
Headphone: Genius HS – 03N, Micro integrated
12
67
5
Network HDD: My Book Live
1
6
LAN Switch: TP-LINK TL-SF1016D
1
7
Modem ADSL: LinkSys WAG120N
1
II.2 Software
8
System Software: Windows 7 Ult 32-bit English 3pk
12
9
Application Software: Microsoft Office Pro 2007 W32 EN 2
1pk DSP OEI (MLK)
10
Application Software: Microsoft Office Personal SB 2007 10
W32 EN 1pk DSP OEI (MLK)
11
Application Software: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 for
virus checking
12
12
Screen Reading: Jaws 12
12
13
Vietnamese text-to-speech engine : SaoMai
1
14
Vietnamese text-to-speech engine: Vietalk
1
5.5.2. Implementation of the ICT Labs
a) Installation Place
All the equipments are installed in the Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blind
belong to the Vietnam Blind Association at 287 Trung Kinh street – Cau Giay district – Hanoi.
Rooms in the center are ready for the installation of the equipments.
b) Management
The equipments are handed over to the Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blind
(CTRB) after the project is completed. The Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the Blind
is responsible for the use and management of the equipments for teaching/learning purpose.
c) Plan for using the equipment
+ During the time of the project, the equipments are used to carry out different tests of the
performance of the different software for blind such as:
- Text-to-speech software: JAWs, Focustalk for Braille V3, Juke DOX, New Braille system for
tool (screen/keyboard), Vacatalk, Easy Speech, Microsoft narrator, SaoMai, Vietalk
- Recording and Noise Cancel Software: Recdia Plus, Audacity, KillerNoize, SoundEngine,
etc…
Based on the result of tests, the recommendations of software which are best fit to the need of
68
the Vietnamese blinds are pointed out.
The equipments are also used to carry out different tests of the performance of all equipments
(both hardware and software as a whole) in assisting the teaching/learning process for blind in
Vietnam. The results of the test help to point out recommendation on using the lab for assisting
the teaching/learning process for blind
+ After being handed over to the CTRB, the equipments are used to provide training course on
Information and Communication Technology, and Internet for blind students who come from
different provinces in Vietnam. It is expected that the lab will be use to hold the 1 course/1
quarter (each course will last for 3 months), each course will have 10 students.
+ The lab will also be used by the teachers of CTRB to carry out research and producing
speaking books and text books used for teaching/learning purpose in CTRB as well as to
distribute those materials via Internet for blind students
6.
PROPOSALS
SUSTAINABILITY
FOR
FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT
AND
The Vietnam team will carry out further study regarding the extension of the model of
the ICT lab to use by school for blinds in Vietnam to meet with the demand of teaching and
learning of blinds. It has been found from the results of the project that the screen reading
software and the Vietnamese text-to-speech software are of crucial importance for the blinds to
use computer and Internet. Given that the Vietnamese text-to-speech software used in this
project still has some weak points and that the quality of the Vietnamese read out voice is not
as good as the English read out voice from different screen reading software (such as JAW),
it’d better to improve the Vietnamese text-to-speech software so that there is a good software
for blinds to use.
On the other hand, for sustainability and further extend the achievement of the project,
we would like to present the following proposals to APT:
+ First, we would like to share the our proposed policies on promoting the use of ICT for blinds in
Vietnam and the model of the ICT lab for school for blinds to other members of APT.
+ Secondly, we also would like to cooperate with other experts in APT member countries to
share experiences on promoting the use of ICT for blinds.
+ Finally, we would like APT to promote the forming of a group of experts on ICT solutions
for blinds and facilitate the sharing of experiences among those experts.
7. CONCLUSIONS
The “Joint Research on Information and Communications Technology Solutions for
Improving the Quality of Life of Blinds in Vietnam” project sponsored by APT is being carried
out smoothly by the effective cooperation and collaboration between the Vietnam and Japan
teams. The project was highly commended as necessary to Vietnam by H.E. Nguyen Thanh
Hung, Vice Minister of MIC of Vietnam and the Chairman of the Vietnam Association of
Blinds, Mr. Do Soat.
69
Refer to the final accounting report, the amount of this project’s cost is below the
amount of APT approved budget because we discuss and adjust them depend on the situation
and condition at each turning points to considering blind people satisfaction. We successfully
achieved this project to be maintaining the objectives and outline of our original proposal.
The implementation of the project has contribute to
(1) Raise the awareness on the importance and benefits of ICT solutions for improving
the quality of life of blind in Vietnam, especially ICT education, remote health and
disaster information.
(2) Develop recommendation of policies on promoting the use of ICT for blind in Vietnam
and submit the recommendation to the government of Vietnam as well as include it in
the project final report as a model for other APT member countries.
(3) Identify suitable ICT products for supporting the teaching/learning process of blinds in Vietnam.
(4) Design and implement an ICT lab at a blind school as a model of ICT lab for blind
school in Vietnam
(5) Build a group of experts on ICT solutions for blind in Vietnam
The successful implementation of the project has significantly contributed to the
implementation of the Bali Statement and Plan of Action.
Parts of the results of the project were presented at the Workshop on ICT Applications
for the People with Special Needs (Ageing and Disabilities) organized on April 7th 2012 in the
45th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Economy (APEC) Telecommunications and Information
Working Group (APEC TEL) Working Group in Danang (Vietnam). The slides of the
presentation are included in the Appendix C.
Acknowledging the valuable contribution of Vietnam and Japan experts to the
community of blinds in Vietnam through the project, President of VAB has granted an medial
of “Recognition of Merit on Happiness of Blinds” to Dr. Pham Manh Lam from NIICS –
Ministry of Information and Communication of Vietnam, Prof. Urano from Waseda University,
and Mr Uchiyama from KDDI.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
+ We would like to thank APT for sponsor this HDR exchange program
+ We would like to thank Ministry of Information and Communication of Vietnam,
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan for very warm support to
the project.
+ We would like to thank the leaders and staffs of the Japan Federation of Blind, School
for Blind people, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan
Braille Library, Ifukube Laboratory in Tokyo University for their very warm
hospitality and cooperation and support to the project team to successfully implement
the project.
70
+ We would like to thank the leaders and staffs of the Center for Training and
Rehabilitation for the Blinds and the Vietnam Blind Association for their very
effective cooperation in the implementation of the project.
+ We would like also to thank the leaders of NIICS, Waseda University and KDDI for
very effective support to the project team to successfully implement the project.
71
APPENDIX
A1. Minutes of meeting in the site survey trip
A1.1. Minute of the Kickoff meeting
Time: June 28th, 2011, from 9:00 am to 12:00 am
Venue: NIICS‘s Office - 115 Tran Duy Hung Str – Hanoi, Vietnam
Participant
From NIICS:
 Dr. Le Xuan Lan - President
 Dr. Pham Manh Lam – Vice President
 Mrs. Tran Tuyet Anh
Cooperation,
- Head of Division of Synthesis, Information and International
 Mr. Pham Van Nghia – Manager
 Mrs. Dang Thi Hoa – Manager
From International Department – MIC:
 Mr. Trieu Minh Long – Deputy Director of International Cooperation Department, MIC, Viet
Nam
 Mrs. Nguyen Hong Nga – Manager, International Cooperation Department, MIC, Viet Nam.
From Japan:
 Prof. Urano – Graduate School of Global Information and Communications Studies(GITS),
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University
 Mr. Uchiyama – Deputy Director, International Cooperation Department,
KDDI Foundation
 Mr. Vu Truong Thanh – Researcher , GITS, Waseda University
+ Greetings and introduction of Vietnam team by Dr. Le Xuan Lan
+ Greetings and introduction of Japan team by Prof Urano
+ Greeting of Mr. Trieu Minh Long – Deputy director of International Cooperation Department,
MIC
+ Dr. Lam presented the Agenda of the Kick-off and survey trip to get comments from Japan
side. After discussion, the Japan team totally agreed with the proposal Agenda.
+ Dr Lam briefly summarized the project with focus on 3 main points including:
- Objectives of project
- Methodology
- Expected output
72
+ Mr. Uchiyama comments that many APT country members has paid much attention to this
project, especially, recommendations on policies to promote the use of ICT for helping the
blind in Vietnam, these recommendations would be useful experience for other countries for
reference because the situation of blind in many APT countries were the same with Vietnam.
And he said that the project team will discuss relevant issued relating to the ICT usage of the
blind like: what do the blinds need, what do they think differently from normal people…etc.
+ Dr. Lam showed the Data Collection Form to Japan team and explained the way to carry out
the survey. He said that the Form will be sent to Provincial Association of Blind nationwide to
collect data or information relating to blind‘s life, education level and current status of ICT
usage of blind. The collected data is then analyzed and reported.
+ Relating to expected output of the project, the Japan team wondered about “Identifying
appropriate ICT solutions/products” and meaning should be considered that, if so, the project
will focus on to study more and detail ICT solutions/project in wide area. Therefore, the word
“appropriate” should not be adequate in our limited resource and period and replaced by the
word like “example”. More discussion needs on July 1st. Mr. Uchiyama suggested to have
concern that these words in output should be based on our expected result and achievement.
+ Mr. Uchiyama showed the Vietnam team an equipment to help blind positioning the direction.
This equipment has 2 devices: one cell phone installed with GPS software and another portable
sensor device to help the blind positioning the North – South – East – West direction. And in
future, this kind of device will be interfaced to vibration from audio (showed spectrum and
strength of audio).
A1.2. Minute of the Visit to Vietnam Association of Blinds
Time: June 28, 2011, from 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: Vietnam Association of Blind ‘s office in Hanoi
Participants
From NIICS:
Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Mr. Pham Van Nghia, Mrs. Dang Thi Hoa
From Vietnam Association For the Blind

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Huong – Vice president of Vietnam Association for the Blind
(VAB).

Mr. Dinh Thanh Tung – director of Division of newspaper of information, VAB

Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong – Director of Division of Education and training, VAB

Mrs Tran Thi Hai – Manager of Division of International Cooperation, VAB and she is
an interpreter in this meeting.
From Japan:
Prof. Urano, Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Vu Truong Thanh
73
Content discussion:
+ Greetings and introduction by Dr Pham Manh Lam
+ Greetings and introduction by Mr Huong
+ Mr. Huong briefly introduce the overview of VAB with 3 main points:
#1. Overview of VAB:
There are now more than 1 million blinds in Vietnam, among them, 600,000 are low
vision and can not see. Vietnamese government has approved many polices to support the blind
to improve their quality of life of the blind for over years. Recently, a new law on support the
disabled people was issued and has come into the effect since 2011. However, Vietnam is a
developing country with many disabled people in general and blind in particular so these less
fortunate people still meet many difficulties in both physical and spiritual life. The VAB was
established in 1969. Until now, the VAB has experienced over 40 years of development with
many changes. VAB is the unique organization for the blind in Vietnam which is divided into 3
levels as: Centre, Province, and District level respectively.
The main duties of the VAB is (1) to constantly enlarge the VAB in nationwide to
gather all blinds together, now there are 44 provincial associations for the blind in nationwide,
out of 64 provinces, (2) to vocational training and create employment opportunities for the
blind, (3) to educate and train the children blind in order to create chances for them to school.
Beside these missions, the VAB has participated in many various movements to create more
conditions for the blind to interface with normal people. VAB has possessed a Newspaper for
the blind only in the form of Cassette tape, CD disk, Braille and printed paper. VAB has
cooperated with Ministry of Education and Training to transfer text books into Braille books,
the VAB also has a website for blind to access information. VAB has also paid much attention
to international cooperation activities with foreign partners and organizations to implement
some projects for the blind in Vietnam.
Over 40 years of establishment, from without having position in society, the VAB was
considered to be disabled, unemployment, poverty, nowadays, many changes and achievement
has been made by VAB; the rate of poverty of blind accounts for only 30%, there are 6 blinds
holding Master and Doctor degree, 150 blinds are studying in universities and colleges,
30%-40% of blind children go to schools. However, their life is very difficult, an average
income of blind is only 200.000 VND/month, the rate of poverty accounts for 10% in
nationwide, 30 % of blinds are illiteracy, 50%-60% of blinds have jobs with low income, The
jobs of those disabled are still limited in the manual trade, which does not require much
knowledge and technical skills such as broom, making baskets, acupressure massage, etc.
#2: ICT approached by blinds:
The blind began to approach ICT in 2002 with the starting point of only 20 blinds. But
after 10 years, ICT has been universalized to 3000 blinds through the international aided
projects. However, ICT only stopped in printing Braille, producing audio books, and helping
blind to study in universities. Thanks to computer, the blind can narrow knowledge gap
74
between blind and teachers, the blind can use computer to learn as normal people. Some other
ICT applications of blind including the usage of speaking watch, pressure measuring machine,
and cell phone with voice software installation, and digital readable book devices.
# 3: Difficulties and suggestions:
Difficulties:
-
Most of blinds are young people, only some thousand of them know computer
Policies of government are macro one, just guideline, the blind needs some concrete
policies.
-
Don’t have concrete products for the blind
Other products like screen reading software, audio books have widely used by
international community but we have not approached those because they are very expensive.
The blinds don’t have enough money to buy copyright software to support them in
learning and working.
Vietnamese reading software cannot read out Vietnamese well. Previously, we
implemented a project to produce this software but now the project is ended so we don’t have
money to update this software so it doesn’t run well now.
Suggestions:
- Having more concrete policies to support the blind
- Standardization of all websites of ministries, so the blind can easily access information on
these websites.
- Should have ICT to support projects to rural areas in order to help blind children in these
areas having chances to access ICT
- Blinds need to have necessary equipment to produce Braille books
- The Vietnamese Reading software needs to be improved
+ Mr. Yosuke Uchiyama showed the members of Vietnam Association for the Blind an
equipment to help the blind positioning the direction, this equipment has 2 devices: one cell
phone installed with GPS software and the another portable sensor device to help the blind
positioning the North – South – East – West direction. These devices have made them
interested and curious so much but these are only trial devices. The blind hoped that in one day
they will have chance to own these kinds of devices.
+ Mr. Tung took the team members to visit the Audio Room which is used to produce the
Speaking books (cassette tapes or CD disk) from text books; Visit the Printing Room which is
used to produce Braille books.
A1.3. Minute of the Visit to Center for Training and Rehabilitation for the
Blinds
Time: June 29, 2011, from 9:00 – 12:00
75
Venue: Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind‘s office
Participants
From NIICS:
Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Mr. Pham Van Nghia, Mrs. Dang Thi Hoa
From Japan:
From Center for Rehabilitation and Training for the Blind

Mr. Tran Van Dinh – Director

Mrs Dang Thi Viet Anh – Vice director

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huong – Head of Education and Training division
Content discussion:
+ Greetings and introduction by Dr. Lam
+ Greetings and introduction by Mr. Dinh
+ Dr Lam explained the purpose of the meeting and visiting of NIICS and Japan team to the
Center
+ Mr. Dinh report to the team with following contents:
- Overview of the center: The Training and Rehabilitation Center for the blind is the result of a
cooperation program between the Vietnam Association for the Blind (VAB), and the
Norwegian Association for the blind and partially sighted under support from the government
of the two countries. The center lays foundation for the VAB in its operation development and
has the following functions and responsibilities: Training rehabilitation teachers for the blind,
Training officials for the VAB, Conducting scientific researches on rehabilitation for the blind,
writing curriculum, Assisting local blind associations to open training rehabilitation courses for
the blind.
Human resources of the center: having 26 officials including 2 leaders (Mr. Dinh is director and
Mrs. Viet Anh is vice director), 11 teachers (6 blind teachers, 1 disabled teacher, and 4
bad-sighted teachers), all of them have graduated from universities.
The center started operation in October 1997 but the budget has officially been provided for its
operation by the State since 2000. Before 2000, all operations of the center had been run from
fund source of Norwegian government. Budget provided by Vietnam State is only enough 60%
of the operation of the center, the rest 40% is come from the support of projects or international
organizations. Since 1997 to present, the center has trained 3100 blinds. During the training
time, all trainees are freely supplied food and accommodations. We have a dormitory with
more than 100 beds. Now, the center is organizing a 6 month training course with 4 different
classes: Basic IT training for the blind, Training IT teacher, Training the teacher for illiteracy
removal and rehabilitation, Massage training.
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This training course with the participation of 52 blinds are come from various provincial
associations for the blind. The center has also a Braille printing room funded by a Japanese, Mr.
Umaki. The center has started to train IT for the blind since 2005 with the beginning support
from the Norwegian Association for the Blind to train the 20 blind teachers within 2 months in
Ho Chi Minh city, Nguyen Dinh Chieu school, and our center with 5 blinds joined this training
course and Mrs. Viet Anh was one of 5 learners of the center in this training course. Then, we
have expanded the training activities and completely trained 199 blinds, higher training of 34
blinds, 23 IT technical training, and many officials about Microsoft office. The training course
normally lasts 6 months and all teaching and learning materials are composed and produced by
the center. The center’s responsibilities in future is to train the local teachers in nationwide,
then they will return to their local associations to become a local teacher for other blinds.
Constrains and difficulties the blinds have faced with:
Teaching and learning materials: we don’t have enough materials for the blind to teach
and learn.
The ability of English foreign language of blind is very poor. While the screen reading
software is read out by English only, so it is very difficult for the blind to understand.
The center is a small unit with limited budget from government so all facilities here
are out of date. Most of computers and other facilities were bought in 2005 from a project
funded Norwegian government. So blinds have met difficulties in learning.
One of main duties of us is to compose and produce Braille books, audio books, CD
but the center has not had an Audio room. So it is very urgent for us to build the Audio room
but to construct this room is so expensive, the center doesn’t have enough money to do it.
We need a new Vietnamese reading software because our old software is very poor in
quality and has not been updated for a long time.
+ Visiting facilities: Printing room, Teaching resource room, Basic IT training class, IT teacher
training for blind, Massage training class, Dormitory.
+ Come back to the meeting room for discussion:
Prof. Urano asked: Did the center cooperate with any Universities or Institutes to develop these
software in order meet the IT learning and teaching demand of blind ?
Mrs. Viet Anh answered: The VAB cooperated with Ministry of Information and
Communications to develop the Vietnamese reading software but this software has not worked
effectively so it has not been widely adopted, because of limited budget so this software has not
been yet updated. Until now, none of universities has any researched for the blind. The blind
has not received enough attention in all aspects, not only ICT application for the blind.
Prof. Urano: Beside the speaking equipment to support the blind, what else do you need?
Mrs. Viet Anh: Additionally, we need the equipment to produce the Braille books and readable
screen software. These equipment is produced in Japan.
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Prof. Urano:
What does blind have difficulties in infrastructures?
Mrs. Viet Anh: The internet connection runs very slowly because the number of computers is
large to serve the learning and working purpose for both students and officials. Most of
facilities originated from Norwegian project. They are out of date. We have not yet used
budgets of the State to buy facilities like computers. We used some software to process sound
so we need computers installed with high hardware configuration. The center also needed to
have an Audio room to produce CD disks or cassettes tapes for aim of teaching and learning.
A1.4. Minute of the Meeting with Vice Minister of MIC of Vietnam
Time: June 29, 2011, from 14:00 pm – 14:30 pm
Venue: MIC ‘s office
Participant
From Viet Nam

Excellency Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung - Vice minister of MIC
From International Cooperation Department – MIC

Mr. Trieu Minh Long – Deputy director of International Cooperation Dep., MIC,
Viet Nam

Mrs. Nguyen Hong Nga – Manager, International Cooperation Dep., MIC, Viet Nam.
From NIICS:
Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Mr. Pham Van Nghia, Mrs. Dang Thi Hoa - Manager
From Japan:
Discussion content:
Vice Minister Hung and Professor Urano exchanged formal greetings and introduced
members of Vietnam and Japan side.
Vice Minister Hung acknowledged the contribution of Waseda University and Prof.
Urano to the development of ICT in Vietnam through the effective and continuous cooperation
during the past 10 years.
Prof. Urano expressed his great thanks to Vice Minister for spending time for the
Japan team
Vice Minister Hung expressed his pleasure to work with Japan partners as Prof.
Urano, Mr. Uchiyama and Mr. Thanh. Beside the mutual cooperation, the Vice Minister Hung
always considered Professor as a close friend.
Prof Urano thanked the Vice Minister for his all support in the joint research project
between two countries and Professor himself also considered Vietnam as a special country in
his heart. He said that he has begun working for Waseda university since 1997, Vietnam was a
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first country he has laid the long relationship, especially with the support from Vice minister in
the cooperation with NIICS to implement projects over past years.
On behalf on MIC, Vice minister expressed his happiness to cooperate with Waseda
university, KDDI and APT countries. He said that this project was very necessary and
meaningful, especially the beneficial target toward the blind and disadvantaged people.
Prof. Urano said that since he received the project proposal from Dr. Lam. He himself
and other Japanese people were very happy to deploy this social welfare project to contribute to
the social development and improvement of the blind.
Vice minister said that we were also very glad to cooperate with you and Japan to
implement this project because as I know that Japan is the best country in term of supplying the
social welfare services to old and disabled people.
Prof. Urano with comment by Mr. Uchiyama said that seeing from the business side,
Japan is a country at period of aged and the vision of old people is becoming rather major
percentage so the successful result of this project has not only brought benefit to the blind and
also old people.
Vice minister expressed his belief that the joint project under the cooperation between
NIICS and Waseda university, KDDI foundation will be great success.
Prof. Urano thanked Vice Minister for paying attention of the project and hoped that
the project will be successfully implemented to partially meet the expectations of Vice minister.
He added that the sense of sight of old people was become lower so this project was not only
beneficial to the blind in Vietnam but also the blind and old people in Japan as well as APT
countries.
Vice Minister said that 10 years ago, Vietnam was a young aged country “gold
population” but now Vietnam is entering a period of aging, we are facing with a aging country.
Prof. Urano said that he understood the old people not appropriate to learn and use
ICT in case, he expected that with his experience, he will partially contribute to the
development of society and help the blind and old people in both countries through this project.
Vice Minister said that the old people should be trained on ICT to get all benefits and
cares of society but teaching ICT for the old people is difficult job. He hoped that after the
successful completion of this project, NIICS and KDDI will develop more other concrete
mutual cooperation activities.
Prof. Urano said that although the time staying in Vietnam is very short but this trip
has achieved many successes. Prof. Urano expected that through this activity will promote new
cooperation opportunities and Professor himself has learned a lot new experience from
Vietnam.
Vice minister said that through this project, Vietnam will learn a lot of experience on
social welfare for the old and blind people of Japan and he wished that your trip will be great
success and hoped to see you soon again.
79
Prof. Urano thanked again Vice minister for supporting the implementation of
projects in Vietnam over years. Prof. Urano also expressed his great honor to have a strongly
capable partner as NIICS.
A1.5. Minute of the Meetings at NIICS in Hanoi, Vietnam
Time: July 1st, 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:00 am
Venue: NIICS‘s Office - 115 Tran Duy Hung Str – Hanoi, Vietnam
Participants
From NIICS:
Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Mr. Pham Van Nghia, Mrs. Dang Thi Hoa - Manager
From Japan:
Content discussion:
The content is discussed including:
-
Which equipment is necessary for blind
-
Designing an Audio Lab and expected output of project
-
Tokyo meeting
Two teams have agreed on some necessary ICT equipment that can be used to support
the blind including: Computer, Internet connection, specialized software installed computer
such like readable screen software (Eng. JAWS) especially readable Vietnamese. The JAWS
can read out only English documents, so if they want to read out Vietnamese, it is needed to be
installed such software supporting Vietnamese. Also, computer for this purpose should be
considered the performance because of audio processing.
Two teams understand current situation of blind in Vietnam would be demanded
audio capabilities rather than Braille book and sophisticated capabilities.
+ Mr. Uchiyama expressed his concerns on choosing suitable software/hardware to be installed
for the blinds, we shall study reason, needs and what kind of function is beneficial for the
blinds (actual benefit and reason)
+ Dr. Lam replied that NIICS team will closely cooperate with VAB to find out the suitable
and affordable software to install in the computer of blind, NIICS will spend more time to
research and discuss with VAB as well as a group of researchers who are specialized in
producing software for the disabled.
+ Mr. Uchiyama agreed with Dr. Lam and added that we should make a list of software in a
table by each function to evaluate software before deciding a suitable one for the blind, the
table something like this:
Software Required
…..
Required
Environment
80
Performance Cost Evaluation
Function
Function
1
99
US$
A
O
……
Windows XP
High
CPU,MEM,HDD readable,
quality NG
xxx
Fare
Z
X
…..
Linux(Ubuntsu)
xxx
reasonable
This table will help us to compare before we choose a suitable software.
+ Regarding to the output of project, Mr. Thanh suggested that we should change some
terminology of the expected output of the project as we noted in 1st day meeting and both sides
discussed and totally agreed with his suggestions as following:
The second sentence “Identifying appropriate ICT solutions/products for blind in
Vietnam” should be changed in to “Survey the useful/potential ICT solutions/products for blind
in Vietnam”.
The third sentence “Designing and implementing an ICT Lab a blind school as a
model of ICT lab for blind school in Vietnam” should be changed into “Studying an ICT Audio
lab for facilitating and improving the education for blind people”.
+ The final discussion is relating to working plan in coming time, Dr. Lam said that NIICS
team will focus on:
- Survey in Vietnam: we will send Data Collection Form to all provincial associations for the
blind to collect data, then analysis and make a report and send it to Japan team for comments.
NIICS team will also come back to VAB to discuss more about equipment, software to study
an Audio Lab.
- Survey in Japan: Dr. Lam requested that the survey to Tokyo of NIICS team could be
organized in the end of August or September, depending on the availability of Japanese
partners for arrangement. Purpose of this trip is to understand the current status of ICT
application for blind and reference the policies of Japan in promoting the usage of ICT to
improve the quality of life of the blind, to learn experience from Japan, and to visit Japan
Association of Blind…or listen to other Japanese organization sharing experience to the
relevant issues, what NIICS learn may be applied in Vietnam. The NIICS team consists of 5
people will spend 6 nights in Japan. The list of delegates to Tokyo meeting will be finalized
soon, then it will be sent to KDDI for preparing an Invitation Letter.
+ Mr. Thanh said that relating to the ICT policy documents that were requested by NIICS. He
said that he hasn’t had them in hands now, so it will take some time to get them. After he gets
the documents, he will hand over the them to the NIICS team immediately.
+ Dr. Lam totally agreed with Mr. Thanh’s words and said that it would be great if the
documents will be sent to the NIICS during the next Tokyo meeting.
+ Mr. Uchiyama agreed with the working schedule of Dr Lam in coming time and both sides
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agreed that the Tokyo meeting will be tentatively organized between 4th – 18th September 2011.
The Japanese partner (KDDI) will prepare all logistic and arrange the working schedule for
NIICS team. The detail and concrete schedule of the trip will be informed to NIICS team soon
after Mr. Uchiyama comes back to Japan and report to higher level and relative organizations.
Also, Mr. Uchiyama stated in this Tokyo meeting “training” is not appropriate but “discussion”
is more appropriate.
A2. Minute of the meetings in the survey and study trip in Tokyo
A2.1. Minute of the Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo
+ Time: September 12th, 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:00 am
+ Venue: KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo, Japan
+ Participant
From KDDI
 Mr. Hideki Akazawa – Vice president, KDDI Foundation
 Mr. Uchiyama – Manager, International Cooperation Section, KDDI Cooperation
 Mr. Junichi Osawa – Manager, International Cooperation Department, KDDI Foundation
From Waseda University
 Mr. Vu Truong Thanh, Ms. Chizuko Mochizuki
From NIICS:
 Dr. Le Xuan Lan – President, National Institute of Infomation and Communications Strategy
(NIICS)
 Dr. Pham Manh Lam – Vice President, NIICS
 Ms. Tran Tuyet Anh
Cooperation, NIICS
 Ms. Dang Thi Hoa – Manager, Division of Synthesis, Information and International
Cooperation, NIICS
From International Department – MIC:
 Mr. Dao Ngoc Tuyen – Officer, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of
Information and Communication.
Content discussion:
+ Greetings and introduction by Mr. Hideki Akazawa - Vice president of KDDI Foundation.
+ Greetings and introduction by Dr. Le Xuan Lan – President of National Institute of
Infomation and Communications Strategy (NIICS) of MIC of Vietnam
+ Mr Vu Truong Thanh introduced the members from Waseda University.
+ Mr Uchyama presented the working plan and timeline as well as visiting organizations for
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both Japan and Vietnam delegation in this working visit.
+ All the members agree with the working time schedule
+ Mr Uchyama presented showed some IT equipments for blind available in the market of
Japan.
+ All members discuss the technical features and utilities of the equipments.
A2.2. Minute of the Visit to Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo University
+ Venue: Ifukube Laboratory, Tokyo University
+ Participant
From KDDI
 Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Junichi Osawa
 Prof. Yoshiyori Urano, Mr. Vu Truong Thanh, Ms. Chizuko Mochizuki
From Tokyo university
 Prof. Emeritus Tohru Ifukube – Tokyo University
From Skyfish company
 Mr. Masanaga Otsuka – Chief Executive Officer
From Vietnam:
Dr. Le Xuan Lan, Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Ms. Tran Tuyet Anh, Ms. Dang Thi Hoa, . Dao Ngoc
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
+ Greetings and introduction from Professor Ifukube
+ Greetings and introduction from Dr Le Xuan Lan, Prof. Urano and Mr. Uchiyama
a) Prof. Ifukube and his team’s presentation:
He introduced about himself, his career and researches related to the disabled people: He has 40
years of experience of doing researches on scientific and technical applications to support the
disabled people including the blind, deaf, and dumb person; Doing researches on nerve,
equipment and IT Robot which is used to replace a disabled part of human body. Professor said
that there will be 40% of old people in Japan in 2050 and the research result in the University
will have great contribution to support the old ones to rehabilitate the age.
At present, Professor and his research team including 30 members are doing researches on the
topic of a Non – barrier society for the disabled people, especially for those who are lost with
hearing and sighting ability. For the short-sighted persons, their ears can be used to replace the
disabled eyes and fingers to position things (Finger Braille), Braille language can be used to
83
take the place of sighting, hearing and speaking.
He also introduced reading software 95, which was designed since 1996 and it is used
with Window 95 for reading out screen of computer for the blind and the software can also read
out Vietnamese language. His team also cooperates with KDDI foundation to develop the
products for the blind and deaf persons.
A student of Prof. Ifukube working for IBM has developed an image describing system
on computer screen. The sound supported equipment attached on neck is used to support the
facial paralysis people. The result of that research will help many disabled people and make a
great contribution to the economic development of Japan.
b) Introduction of products assisting blinds by Skyfish
Overview of company: Established in September, 2005 with the head office distancing 100 km
from Tokyo, specializing in software development. The company has 5 staffs only and it has
close relationship with Microsoft. 3 main products are introduced by members of company: the
screen reading screen software (Focus talk); E-book reading software (e-talk); and Power point
file reading software
+ Focus talk: the screen reading software. This software is useful for the blind, old people, and
foreigners and foreign students studying Japanese.
Functions:
- Reading text on Window screen (Read text on Window screen and keyboard operation)
- Read software on Window (Read text on Window Applications)
- This software can be customized on pronunciation (male/female) and speed of screen
pronunciation (fast, slow, and medium).
Currently, Focust talk can read out well English and Chinese, and Vietnamese, but the quality
of Vietnamese sound is not well, and the company is improving the software.
+ JukeDox 2 software: The software reading out pdf or MS word file.
Functions:
- It can read out e-text such as pdf or word file.
- It can read out English, Japanese, and Chinese, Vietnamese texts. But for Vietnamese text,
the sound quality is not clear.
+ Power point file reading software: This software is suitable for educational purpose.
At the end of the meeting, the leader of the Vietnam team cordially thanks Tokyo University
and Skyfish company for supplying useful information on IT products for assisting blinds, and
for creating good condition for the team to learn the valuable experiences from Japan partners
in supporting the blinds.
A2.3. Minute of the Visit to Special Need Education School for Visually
Impaired, Tsukuba University
84
+ Venue: Special Need Education School for Visually Impaired (School for Blind People),
Tsukuba University
+ Participant
From KDDI
From School for Blind people
 Ms. Hochi – Headmaster
 Mr. Omasu – Teacher
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
+ Greetings and introduction from Ms Hochi, principal of the school
+ Greetings and introduction from Dr. Le Xuan Lan
+ Ms Hochi introduced a briefly overview of the school: Total number of pupil is 139 blinds.
The school is assigned to teach from nursery level to high level.
+ Ms Hochi took the delegation to visit the school facilities and visit the classes, especially IT
classes where pupils are teaching how to send and receive e-mail. The delegation went to visit
other facilities of school such as printing machines, massage teaching room, dormitory as well
as other rooms.
+ After completion of the visit trip, the delegation returned to the meeting room to discuss
different relevant issues. Ms Hochi introduced Mr. Omasu, a high school teacher of economic –
politics and computer science of the school. Mr. Omasu was blind when he was born and was
graduated from that school and continued his university study with major of international
economic – politics and computer science. After his graduation, he has spent all most of his
time on teaching IT for the blind at the Asia – Pacific Information Technology Center (his
students including Vietnamese blinds) and then he has worked as a system engineer for a
computer company.
Mr. Omasu said that in Japan the Constitution stipulates that all people are equal in accessing
information. Today, together with the development of Internet and the reading screen software,
the Japanese blind could approach information relatively easily. Now, they can use email to
exchange information with each other, or e-shopping, e-booking airplane or film ticket etc…Mr.
Omasu also introduced to the visitors various IT equipments for assisting blinds in learning.
85
Those equipments are:
- Device for time and working schedule management for the blind: the device helps the
blind to store the personnel information and make a schedule for themselves. The device is
a small computer and it costs 3000$ USD
- Braille computer: it costs 600.000 Japanese Yen. The device is too expensive for the
blind so government should have policies to support them to buy. The school could not
even be afford to buy those computers. Different IT companies donated those computers to
the school, and more than haft of pupils in the high school level has owned that device to
use in learning. Mr. Omasu added that, in Korea, the government has assisted the blind
students to buy the device (thanks to the support from enterprises like Samsung, LG...).
There are now only some companies that are producing that device in Korea, US,
Newzeland or EU.
- Braille screen. It costs 300.000 Japanese Yen. It is produced in German and Holland.
- Electronic reading device: it is used to copy a file into the memory and the file can be
read out for the blind to hear.
- Cell phone for the blind: this device is popularly used by secondary and high school
students and it usually includes an additional feature of reading.
- Color talk device (Colour talk)
- Speaking - thermometer device and speaking - watch
After the introduction of those devices, both sides spent time to discuss the relevant issues:
Q: - Ms. Mochizuki: There are 121 teachers and 188 students in the school, The rate is almost
1:1. What is the necessary rate of student and teacher in a school for blind ?
A- Mr Omasu: The rate of student and teacher depends on each subject but for IT subject the
rate is usually 1:1 (1 teacher and 1 student).
Q- Dr Lam: Would you please let me know the necessary procedures for the blind to receive
the support from government when they want to buy IT equipments?
A- Mr Omasu: First of all, the blind has to prepare an application form describing the
equipment, then submit the form to local government for approval. If their form is accepted,
10% of equipment shall be born by the blind and government will buy the equipment from
enterprises and pay the rest of cost. Finally, the equipment will be sent to the blind.
Q-Dr Lam: Where does the budget of your school come from ?
A- Mr Omasu: 95% of budget of my school is supported by the government through Tsukuba
University.
At closing of the meeting, the head of Vietnam delegation expressed his sincere thanks to all
officials in the school for their warm welcome and reception. Through the discussion between
both sides, Vietnam delegation has learned a lot of valuable experiences from Japan partners in
making policies to support the blind to approach IT more easily.
86
A2.4. Minute of the Meeting at MIC of Japan
+ Venue: MIC’s office, Japan
+ Participant
From MIC, Japan

Mr. Hiroyasu Hayashi – Director fof Technical Cooperation, Global ICT Strategy
Bureau

Mr. Noboru Usuda – Deputy Director, International Cooperation Division, Gloabal
ICT Strategy Bureau

Mr. Goto Yasuhiro – ICT Accessibility and Human Resources Development,
Information and Communications Bureau
From KDDI
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Discussion content:
+ Greeting and introduction from Mr Hayashi
+ Greeting and introduction from Dr Lam
+ Dr Lam informed Japan MIC about the successful result of the working trip over the past 2
days. Through the meetings and exchanges with Japan partners, Vietnam delegation had
learned a lot from them and had seen many promise cooperation opportunities between both
sides in coming time. Dr Lam also said that under the framework of APT project, the support
and help from Japan MIC is very necessary to successfully implement the project. He also
emphasized on the efficient cooperation of KDDI foundation and Waseda University in the
implementation of APT projects. This is the second project that has been deployed under the
cooperation between KDDI foundation, Waseda University and NIICS of Vietnam. The result
of the previous project has been widely applied in Vietnam. This second project on promoting
polices to help the blind approach IT has been fully supported by MIC of Vietnam. In last June,
the Japan team had visited Vietnam to do a survey on current status of blind in Vietnam.
During that working trip, both sides had discussed many relevant issues on policies to speed up
the IT development for the blind in Vietnam as well as APT member countries. Dr Lam also
pointed out that during this trip the Vietnam delegations would like to learn the polices and
action programs deployed by Japanese government to support the blind to use ICT. Lesson
87
learned from Japan will help the research team to propose policies to support Vietnamese blind
to approach IT.
+ Mr Noboru Usuda expressed his great welcome the Vietnam delegation and agreed that the
project to promote the blind to use IT is very important and necessary.
+ Mr Goto Yasuhiro presented “Policy for the Information and Communication Accessibility in
Japan”, including information as follow
- The national ICT strategies in Japan
- Basic concept of u –Japan
- Relevant policy measures of MIC for elderly and persons with disabilities
- IUT-T toward the recommendation of Telecommunications Acessibility Guideline
- Efforts toward improvement of information accessibility
- Subsidies for promotion of the development and provision of communications and
broadcast services for people with physical disabilities
+ Vietnam and Japan delegations discuss the policies to support the blind to use IT:
Dr. Lam asked: We would like to know the detailed policies that have been deployed by Japan
government to support the blind to use IT, so would you please tell me about these?
A-Mr Goto: Ministry of Social Welfare of Japan is responsible for support the disabled people
in matters of usual life and Japan MIC assists them the issues relating to techniques when they
have constrains in using IT. For supporting enterprises to carry out R&D of IT products to
support the blind, yearly, the MIC selects the research projects on promoting the IT
development for the blind proposed by local enterprises. Those projects will be sent to Ministry
of Finance for approval. The total amount of fund for approved projects accounts for 1% of
total expenditure for ICT. And Mr Goto also said that about 20-30% of Japanese enterprises
implementing such projects.
At the end of the meeting, Vietnam delegation thank Japan MIC for spending time with
Vietnam delegation and sharing valuable experiences on promoting IT applications to support
the blind.
A2.5. Minute of the Visit to Japan Braille Library
+ Venue: Japan Braille Library, Japan
+ Participants
From Japan Braille Libarary

Mr. Toshimi Ono – Director
From KDDI
88
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
+ Greeting and introduction by Mr Toshimi Ono – director of the library.
+ Greeting and introduction by Dr Le Xuan Lan
+ Mr Ono introduced the history of the Braille library and some outstanding activities relating
to IT of the library. The Braille library has cooperation with Braille libraries in Korea and
China and various cooperation with different countries. Over the past 10 years, the library has
helped many Asian blind people to know how to use the Braille by IT. For Vietnam, on
10/2007, a workshop on using IT to help blind to study was organized in Ha Tinh province in
Vietnam under the sponsorship of Japan government with the participation of experts from the
Japan Braille Library. This project was part of the educational program for Asian young blind
teachers supported by Japan government. The blind teachers from Ha Tinh Provincial
Association for the Blind participated in this workshop. Through this event, the blind had a
chance to practice the Braille keyboard, to be familiar with computer screen reading software,
etc….
One interesting activity of the library is the production of audio-book. At present, there are
about 200 volunteers cooperating with the library for recording books. Among them, 100
volunteers are in charged of reading in the recoding rooms and 100 others do the recording task
in their house with the help of the noisy sound – filtered device. Books in the library are used
by the blind free of charge and books are also provided to the sighted people who are unable to
learn how to read.
According to Mr Ono, now the problem in Japan is that the number of blind has reduced and
quantity of poor vision people has increased (because population are becoming old). Therefore,
the library is moving towards serving the poor vision people. Now, there are about 310.000
blinds and 88.000 poor vision people in Japan.
+ Mr Ono took the delegation to visit around the library, visit the recording rooms, showing the
delegation the Braille books, Audio books, CD disk rooms, visiting the Braille books producing
areas. And the memorial room of Mr Hotangtang who found the library.
+ After the visiting trip around the library, the delegation came back to the meeting room to
discuss some issues.
Q: Dr Lam: Is this a private or public library? And what are the budget sources to maintain the
library’s activities?
A-Mr Ono: This is a private library and the budget to maintain the activity of the library come
from sources as follows:
89
+ 1/3 is supported by government through different works that the library executes via
orders of governments. Most of those works are those for offering public utilities to blinds such
as printing Braille bulletins for blinds.
+ 1/3 is funded by various organizations, private and old people. But now the
donations from private and old people have been reduced.
+ 1/3 is the profit from business activities of library like selling products for the
blinds¸ recording for enterprises, and making the Braille brand for enterprises to serve the
blind, ...etc.
At the end of meeting, Vietnam delegation expressed the sincere thanks to the Braille library
for warm welcome and especially valuable information supplied by the Braille library officials.
A2.6. Minute of the Meeting with Japanese researchers at Waseda University
+ Venue: Global Information and Telecommunication Institute’s office, Waseda University,
Japan
+Participants
From KDDI
 Mr. Ye Kyaw Thu – Research Associate
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
+ The Vietnam and Japan teams meet to discuss the results has been made over the past
working days and discussing the working schedule for the coming days. Both sides also
discussed the selection of software and equipments that will be installed in a blind school in
Vietnam in order help the blind to approach IT more easily.
+ At the end of discussion, both teams agreed that after this working trip in Tokyo, the Vietnam
team and the Japan team will spend more time to study and find out suitable equipments for
installation in the blind school and study more about the demand of the Vietnamese blind on IT
software to support the blind in study. Two team will exchange ideas and information via
e-mail to come to an agreements on the equipments that should be bought to implement in a
school for blind. And based on the decision to buy the equipments, two team will decide the
agenda and time schedule for the implementation trip of the Japan researchers in Vietnam. It is
expected that those decisions will be made in November or early December 2011.
90
+ Mr. Ye Kyaw Thu – PhD candidate of Waseda University from Myanmar delivered a
presentation on his research result of software that can be used to convert Myanmar language
into Braille. He pointed out that his method can be use in developing software for converting
other languages like Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese to Braille character.
A2.7. Minute of the Visit to Tsukuba University of Technology
+ Time: September 15, 2011, from 10:30 am – 13:00 pm
+ Venue: Tsukuba University of Technology’s office, Japan
+ Participants
From Tsukuba University of Technology

Prof. Iwao Sekita – Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Health Science

Ph.D. Masatsugu Sakajiri - Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Health
Science

Other professors in Faculty of Health Science.
From KDDI
Mr. Uchiyama, Mr. Junichi Osawa
Prof. Yoshiyori Urano, Mr. Vu Truong Thanh, Ms. Chizuko Mochizuki
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
+ Greeting and introduction by Prof. Iwao Sekita
+ Greeting and introduction by Dr. Le Xuan Lan
+ Introduction of University by Prof. Iwao Sekita: Tsukuba University of Technology was
established 23 years ago as the only higher education institution in Japan specialized for
hearing and visually impaired students. In attempt to offer student with limited hearing and
eyesight to study under barrier-free educational environment, develop their talent and abilities,
lead more socially independent life, and eventually participating and taking leadership in the
society for the better life of disabled people. This is a public University and the budget of
operation comes from the government. Since 2005, this University has delivered lectures for
both disabled and normal students with a 4 year teaching program and students are come from
various regions around Japan. Since 2010, the University has carried out training at the Master
degree. Now, the University has employed 189 workers including both teachers and
administration staffs. The University consists of 2 faculties:
+ Faculty of Industrial Technology with Department of Industrial Information and Department
91
of Synthetic Design.
+ Faculty of Health Science with Department of Health (course of Acupuncture and
Moxibustion; Course of Physical Therapy) and Department of Computer Science
+ Prof. Iwao Sekita took the delegation to visit the campus and some functioning rooms.
- Visit a Computer room using to teach computer for the third year student. There are 10
students in a classroom, each student hold a computer for studying. The information
relating to each student (consisting full information on the studying and physical status of
student) is stored in a memory card. When the student wants to use a computer, he/she
only needs to apply the card on the read-card head which is installed on each computer.
And depending on limitation of each student (blind or poor vision), the computer will be
adjusted suitably to the ability of each student. In the classroom, computer screen of
teacher is connected to every computer of students so they can observe what their teachers
are teaching. All facilities and tool to use for the teaching purpose as well as demonstration
was clearly introduced to the delegation.
- Visit an Assistance Center: This is the place for producing Braille books for students.
This center is equipped with a ESA 721 High speed printer and other aided tools and
products which can be used to help the bind and poor version people in studying.
- Visit the University library and other functioning classrooms.
+ After the survey trip, the working group returned the meeting room to discuss some relevant
issues. A teacher who was teaching IT in the University introduced to the delegation the
teaching process of the Basic Computer subject to blind students at the university. First,
students are taught how to use the computer. Then students are learned to use basic software
like Word, Excel and PowerPoint from the second term of the first year. The aim of this subject
is that after graduation, student can use computer for administrative tasks, Microsoft office. The
teacher continued to introduce to the delegation the teaching process of the Programming
language subject to blind students: The students want to learn this subject, They firstly need to
learn the subject of Basic Computer. The students will learn the subject of programming
language (including C and Web programming).
+ After that there are some questions from the delegation.
Q-Dr Lam: How long does it take for a blind student to learn how to fluently use a computer
and basic software like Word, Excell and Powerpoint?
A-Normally, after 1 year, a student can use a computer and software like Word, Excel and
PowerPoint fluently.
Q: How long does it take for a student to learn programs using C and Web programming
fluently?
A: It takes normally from 2 to 3 years.
Q: What about jobs for those blind students after graduation?
A: According to University Data Book, about 87,5% of students have a job after graduation,
92
many of them working in the field of programming and engineering (accounts for 50%), and
the rest 50% has part time jobs relating to IT. Policies of Japan creating favorable condition for
the disabled people to have jobs. The law of Japan regulates that enterprises and organizations
have to employ at least 1.8% of disabled workers. However, in the process of working, the
disabled people has to try the best to compete with normal people
Q: How much does a student have to pay his fee within 5 years studying at University?
A: A student has to pay the tuition fee of 535.000Y/year. However, the University has policy to
make a reduction of 35% fee for students who have difficult conditions.
Q: What about foreign students?
A: The foreign students have to pay the fee as same as Japanese students and also enjoy the
reduction but they have to know Japanese language for study.
At the end of meeting, the Vietnam team thanked Tsukuba University for the warm reception
and valuable information.
A2.8. Minute of the Meeting at KDDI Foundation’s Office – Tokyo, Japan
+Time: September 16, 2011, from 09:30 am – 11:30 am
+Venue: KDDI Corporation’s office, Japan
+ Participant
From KDDI
 Ph.D. Atsushi Ito – Distinguished Development Engineer, Application Platform Group
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
Dr. Ito, Distinguished Development Engineer has been working on circuit switch
system in KDDI for 20 years. For last 7 years he has focused on research of interface,
application and services for Mobile phone and applications to support elderly people. Dr Ito
presented his research on materials used to produce the keyboard of cell phone. The purpose of
that research is to identify material which is the best for producing functional buttons of mobile
phone so that elderly and blind can easily recognise. His research is also made on finding the
best shape of mobile phone which is better fit for elderly and blind people.
Dr Ito also presented his research on brain wave. Using brain wave sensor made by VS
company to detect the wave emitted by brain (from 1-2Hz to 10-20Hz). Low Hz: Relax, sleep;
93
High Hz: Thinking. This brain wave detector is useful for medical and social research.
Finally, Dr Ito presented his research on technology which may be useful for blind. For
instance, gesture avatar, a technique for operating mobile user interface using gesture.
At the end of meeting, the Vietnam team thanked Dr Ito for supplying a lot of
information to the Vietnam team and hoping that more exchange and discussion on relevant
issues will be carried out by both sides in coming time.
A2.9. Minute of the Visit to Japan Federation of Blind
+ Venue: Japan Federatioin of the Blind’s office, Japan
+ Participants:
From Japan Federation of the Blind
 Mr. Yoshihiko Sasagawa – Chairman
 Mr. Kozen Araya – Executive Director
 Mr. Suzuki - Head of Division of Information
From KDDI
From Vietnam:
Tuyen .
Content discussion:
+ Greeting and introduction by the chairman of Japan Federation of the Blind (JFB), Mr
Yoshihiko.
+ Greeting and introduction by the head of Vietnam team Dr. Le Xuan Lan
+ The chairman of the Federation delivered his presentation on the overview of the
organization: the Federation with its 61 branches in provinces serves 50.000 blinds around
Japan. The Federation has centers for producing products for the blind including sound and
Braille products. The Federation was established in 1948 with the begining purpose of create
social welfare for the disabled people. It is operated basing on the Law of welfare and
retirement pension to support all person with visual disabilities nationwide in order to create an
equal environment for both disabled and normal ones.,
The Federation has 47 workers including temporary employments and many
volunteers usually come to help the Federation. But the Federation still have some difficulties
like: The blind has constrain in using computer and there are more and more people with poor
94
vision (accounting for 50% of total blinds in whole country), number of blind knowing how to
use computer is rather low, about 15-17%. Therefore, providing information to blind has met
difficulties.
+ Mr Kozen took the delegation to visit the Federation facilities: Braille producing and printing
room, audio recording room, library, and product displaying room.
+ After visiting all function rooms, the delegation came back to the meeting room to discuss
some relevant issues.
Q-Dr Lam: Which policies have Japan government had to assist the blind?
A: When the Federation buy equipment for the blind, the government will support about
85-90% of the cost and it is free of charge for the blind to send post mails and packages.
Besides that, the government has considered computer as daily tool, so when the blind buying
computer they will also receive the support from the government. The government also
supports 90% of total price of the software and keyboard for the blind. The total amount of
supporting money from government for buying IT equipment and software depends on each
local government.
In Tokyo, the supporting money to buy equipment for the blind is about 100.000Y
and the equipment must be used within 6 years. If the equipment is broken in the process of
using, the blind can raise requests to buy a new one. The ways of buying is as follow: Each
disabled person has a personnel book (this book has been granted to the disabled person since
1950). The book is sent to local government with his/her request for buying IT equipments and
then the local government will consider for approval or not.
In Japan, there are about 60-70 schools, 96 libraries, and 250 organizations for the
blind. Not all of blind organizations in Japan are received the financial support from the
government (through local governments). The government does not directly provide money to
JFB but mandates some works (such as sending Braille newspapers to blinds, reading
information required by blinds who calls to JFB, the call charge is very cheap for calls from
everywhere in Japan) to JFB for having the government money. Besides, the Federation has
other income sources from selling products for the blind and contributions from members. Each
member contributes 5000-10000Y/year. The Tokyo City also supports JFB by paying salary
to 8 workers working at JFB.
At the closing of meeting, the Vietnam team kindly thanks the Japan partners and
hoped that the Japan Federation of the Blind in Japan will have more cooperative opportunities
with Vietnam counterparts.
A3. Minute of Evaluation Workshop in Hanoi
1.
Time: March 22rd , 2012, from 9:00 am to 12:00 am;
2.
Venue: Centre for training and rehabilitation, VAB – Hanoi, Vietnam;
3.
Participant:
3.1. From Japan:
95
 Prof. Urano – Waseda University
 Mr. Uchiyama – Deputy Director, KDDI foundation
 Dr. Vu Truong Thanh
3.2. From Vietnam: National Institute of Infomation and Communications Strategy
(NIICS)
 Dr. Pham Manh Lam – Vice President
 Ms. Tran Tuyet Anh
Cooperation
 Mr. Duong Khanh Duong – Vice head
 Ms. Dang Thi Hoa – Manager
 Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao – Manager
 Mr. Pham Van Nghia - Manager
3.3. From VAB and the Centre for training and rehabilitation of VAB
 Mr. Dao Soat – President of VAB;
 Mr. Le Cong Dinh – director of Centre for training and rehabilitation;
 Ms. Dinh Viet Anh – vice director
 Blind staffs and students from the Centre for training and rehabilitation of VAB
4.
Content
The workshop officially started with the warm greetings and the introduction of guests and
participants, and program by moderator and opening speech of leader of NIICS including
speeches of experts from Vietnam and Japan:

Dr Pham Manh Lam presented a report on project progress;

Next. Prof. Urano had a speech, he said that:
I would lie to expresses my great honor to be here again and exchange ideas on how to
apply ICT to improve the life of blinds. On my opinion, the project has been successfully
implemented thank to the close cooperation of all partners so I would like to thank you for that.
Through this project, I understood deeper about life of binds in Vietnam and learned a lot that
ICT can strongly affect their life. I also recognized that although the life of persons with
disabilities has met many difficulties and challenges, they still love life and try their best to
overcome these challenges, I admired them very much.
Vietnam is a country with majority of young population but Japan is an aging country
having one old person out of four young persons. To improve the quality of life of the old and
blind people is a big challenge, not only for Vietnam but also Japan is facing. Therefore, this
project of joint research on Information and Communications Technology solutions for
improving the quality of life of blinds in Vietnam is very significant for the persons with
96
disabilities. I hoped that I will have more contribution and find out practical and specific
solutions to improve the life 0f disabilities through ICT application. One again, I would like to
thank for your cooperation in the project and send my best wishes to all of partners, especially
good luck and healthy to blind people in Vietnam.

Next. Mr Uchiyama said:
I would like to express my sincere thank to all Vietnam partners for helping and
cooperating in the implementation of the project. I hoped that this project will make
contribution to the improvement of life of blinds, especially blind students in the Center for
training and rehabilitation. I would like to emphasize that this project is deployed differently
from other. It has some new points in comparison with other projects because it is not only a
technical project but also a policy related one and providing computers to blind people. The
result of this project will be presented in the other international events to introduce this model
of ICT application to improve life of blind. This project is the beginning point only, I hope that
the result of project will be an important basis to carry out other projects in the field of ICT
application to improve the life of blind.

Next, Mr Dao Soat, president of VAB said:
It would be great honor to participate in the workshop this morning organized by
NIICS, Waseda University, and KDDI in collaboration with the Centre for Training and
Rehabilitation and I would like to express my sincere thanks to Vietnam and Japan experts to
help and provide an ICT lab to the Center. This project has conveyed a very significant sense to
communities on pay more attention to the blinds, I kindly thank Dr Pham Manh Lam for his
speech on proposal of ICT solutions to improve the quality of life of the blinds and it is highly
appreciated for the policies presented by Dr Lam this morning. We totally recognized that ICT
application plays an important role to improve the life of blinds, and the blinds have enough
capacity to use and apply ICT in their life and career but the government should have specific
solutions to support the blinds to access ICT in the most effective way.
Recently, the government has issued some policies for the disabled people like Law on
the Disabled People. At the first step, those policies has brought some positive results to the
blinds but in order to bring these policies into real life of the blinds, it is necessary to have
concrete circulars and decisions or guide lines to implement. I believe that with the
determination to do the best, the blinds will overcome the difficulties and challenges to have
better life through ICT application. One again, I would like to thank NIICS and Japan experts
to help and create favor conditions to the blinds participate in the implementation of project.

Next, Mr Le Cong Dinh – Director of Centre for Training and Rehabilitation said:
I would like to thank NIICS and Japan experts for paying attention to the blinds
through the project of ICT application to improve the life of blinds. We are directly beneficiary
persons from the project. Especially your proposal of policies to support the blinds and the ICT
lab has just been installed in the Centre for training and rehabilitation.
I kindly thank Vietnam and Japan experts for the proposals of polices to support the
blinds to have better life through ICT application. I totally agreed with the ICT solutions and
97
policies proposed by experts and I hoped that there will be more such projects of ICT
applications to orient the improvement of life of blinds and my Centre would like to collaborate
with NIICS and Japan experts to implement those projects in the future. In addition, I would
like to suggest that it should have more concrete policies to support the blinds such as; polices
on annually financial support for blind to procure the equipment with preferential cost, tax
reduction and, policies on financial support for training as well as polices for enterprises to
produce equipment to support the blinds,…etc.

Next, Mr. Pham XuanTruong, blind IT teacher said:
First of all, I would like to thank NIIC and Japan experts to organize the workshop and
implement the project to support us to improve the life and through this event I would like to
have some suggestions:
 Firstly, there is a need to have more concrete policies to support the blind in the usage
and application of ICT to improve their life and integrate into society;
 Secondly: there is a need to have policies on financial support for training ICT and
other sectors for the blinds;
 Finally, there is a need to have polices on supporting the blind to get jobs.

Next. Dr. Lam concluded the workshop:
I’d like to thank Mr Truong for your suggestions, also I would like to thank Japan
experts and the leaders of VAB and the Centre for Training and Rehabilitation of VAB for your
collaboration to deploy successfully this project. I promised that we will continue to do
research more deeply on ICT applications and recommend the concrete proposal of solutions
toimprove the life of the blinds and help them to integrate into the modern society. I was
hopeful that this project was only the first step and basic to implement other projects in the
field of ICT application to support the disabled and blind people.

Finally, there is a Ceremony of granting “Recognition of Merit on Happiness of
Blinds” to Vietnam and Japan experts.
In order to admit the valuable contribution of Vietnam and Japan experts through the
project, President of VAB has granted an medial of “Recognition of Merit on Happiness of
Blinds” to Dr. Pham Manh Lam, Prof Urano, and Mr Uchiyama.
Then all participants jointed the Opening Ceremony of the ICT lab in the
framework of APT project implemented by Waseda University, KDDI foundation in
collaboration with NIICS, Center for Training and Rehabilitation, Blind Association of
Vietnam.
The workshop closed at 12 o’clock.
98
A4. Certificates of Merits from VAB
In this Appendix are the photos of the “Recognition of Merit on Happiness of Blinds” that the
President of Vietnam Association of Blinds granted to Prof Urano (Waseda University), Dr.
Pham Manh Lam (NIICS), and Mr Uchiama (KDDI) in recognzing the contribution of the
project team to the community of blinds in Vietnam.
99
100
B. Data on the use of ICT of blinds in Vietnam
The survey forms have been sent to 44 provincial branches of VAB and 28 branches sent back the answers. The data collected from the returned
forms are showed in this Appendix.
No
Provincial
Branch
1
Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu
2
Bắc Giang
3
Bắc Ninh
4
Bến Tre
5
Bình Định
6
Cao Bằng
7
Đà Nẵng
8
Đắk Lắk
Address/ contact
16 Huyền Trân Công
Chúa, phường 8, TP
Vũng Tàu
48, Đường Ngô Gia Tự,
TP Bắc Giang
122 Ngô Gia Tự, Suối
Hoa, TP BẮc Ninh, tỉnh
Bắc Ninh
267B1, KP2, Hoàng
Lam, P5, Thành phố Bến
Tre, tỉnh Bến Tre
155 Trần Cao Vân, thành
phố Quy Nhơn
Tổ 22, phường Sông
Bằng, thị xã Cao Bằng,
tỉnh Cao Bằng
320 Trưng Nữ Vương,
Đà Nẵng
210 Phan Bội Châu, TP
Buôn Ma Thuật, Đăk Lắk
Total of
blind
(person)
Know how
to read and
write
Braille
(%)
Have
finished
primary
school
(%)
Have
finished
Secondary
school
(%)
Have
finished
high school
(%)
Univeristy
qualification
and above
(%)
Know
how to
use
computer
(%)
Know
how to
use
Internet
(%)
332
20,4
31
10,54
5,4
1,5
8,4
2,1
1558
25,8
13,3
7,1
3,6
0,66
2
0,3
1022
31,7
36,5
18
4,3
9
2,5
2,4
1222
24,95
42,85
26,54
14,31
0,3
5
0,8
1337
5
20
7
1
0,5
1
0,4
724
50
5
0
5
0
0,1
0,1
615
25,85
33
20
7
1,3
7
6,18
463
10
20
5,3
2,3
0,6
2,1
0,6
101
9
Đồng Nai
10
Đồng Tháp
11
Hà Nam
12
Hà Nội
13
Hà Tĩnh
14
Hải Dương
15
Hồ Chí Minh
16
Khánh Hòa
17
Long An
18
Nam Định
Xa lộ Hà Nội, phường
Tân Biên, TP.Biên Hòa,
Đồng Nai
5, Nguyễn Văn Trỗi,
Phường 02, Thành phố
Cao Lãnh, Đồng Tháp
Đường Trần Nhật Duật,
phường Lê Hồng Phong,
TP Phủ Lý, Hà Nam
22 Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn
Kiếm, Hà Nội
Số 23 Võ Liêm Sơn, TP
Hà Tĩnh
Số 13, phố Minh Khai,
phường Trần Hưng Đạo,
Hải Dương
185 Cống Quỳnh,
phường Nguyễn Cư
Thành, Quận I
89 Lê Hồng Phong, Nha
Trang, Khánh Hòa
Số 122, Quốc lộ 62,
phường 2, thành phố Tân
An, Tỉnh Long An
Số nhà 133 - phố Bắc
Ninh - P. Nguyễn Du TP. Nam Định
1215
19,3
34
12,4
2,6
0,7
3,1
2,72
1300
13,6
0
0
0
0
1,1
1,1
1700
16,7
12,9
5,58
0,6
0,06
0,6
0,11
12000
25
65
47
28
1,2
5
4
3991
22,5
72,6
30,6
9,3
0,03
0,19
0,085
4264
9
52
17
11
0,5
2
1
1243
70
36
32,5
24,5
4
10
5
1500
20
50
20
10
0,5
10
10
880
20
75
15
10
0
3,97
1,13
3500
32
55
30
14
1
1
1
102
19
Nghệ An
20
Ninh Bình
21
Quảng Ninh
22
Quảng Trị
23
Tây Ninh
24
Thái Bình
25
Thái Nguyên
26
Thanh Hóa
27
Thừa Thiên
Huế
Số 38-Đường Đinh Bạt
Tụy- K14-Phường
Trường Thi- Thành phố
Vinh - Nghệ An
Phố 12, phường Đông
Thành, Thành phố Ninh
Bình, Ninh Bình
Phố Hải Phúc, phường
Hồng Hải, thành phố Hạ
Long, Quảng Ninh
34 Tôn Thất Thuyết, TP
Đông Hà, Quảng Trị
Ấp Hiệp Trường, xã Hiệp
Tân, huyện Hòa Thành,
tỉnh Tây Ninh
Đường Trần Thánh Tông,
TP Thái Bình, tỉnh Thái
Bình
Đường Phủ Liễn, phường
Hoàng Văn Thụ, TP Thái
Nguyên
18 Phan Bội Châu,
phường Tân Sơn, Thành
phố Thanh Hóa, Tỉnh
Thanh Hóa
180/1 Phan Bội Châu,
phường Trường An, TP
Huế
2350
52,7
29,6
28
7,4
1,06
2,46
0,9
3000
35
48
19
12
0
4
4
959
30,6
27,2
18,9
0,72
0,21
1
0,9
3184
30
50
34
15
1
2
2
522
13,03
6,51
4,21
1,92
0,38
0,9
0,9
2884
20,5
26,7
24,5
4,4
0,52
1,18
1,18
1700
1,2
80
12
7
0,3
1,5
1,5
6542
18,1
33,7
20,6
0,75
0
0,38
0,38
3000
17
27
10
0,4
0,02
0,02
0,02
103
28
Vĩnh Phúc
Tổng
618 Đường Mai Linh,
Khai Quang, Vĩnh Yên,
Vĩnh Phúc
2238
15,6
73,7
58,9
20
3
2
2
65245
23,66
45,91
26,06
11,42
0,84
2,60
1,95
104
C. Presentation at APEC TEL 45 in Danang, Vietnam
105
106
107
108
D. Photos digest
D.1. Kick – off Meeting and Survey trip in Hanoi
109
110
111
112
113
D.2. Study trip in Tokyo
114
115
116
117
118
D3. Installation trip in Hanoi
119
120
D.4. Evaluation Workshop
121
122
123
124
125
126

Joint Research on Information and Communications Technology

Transcription

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