Press Centre

Global Internet Gateway For Blind Launched On World Sight Day

Summary: Accessible, interactive global Internet portal launched on World Sight Day

8 October 2003

VisionConnection (www.VisionConnection.org), a one-stop, accessible and interactive global Internet portal, is being launched worldwide today (9 October) on World Sight Day.

The project is a worldwide endeavour supported by 41 vision agencies around the world including leading partners the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) in the UK and Lighthouse International in New York.

VisionConnection is an accessible gateway for people who are blind or partially sighted, offering to up-to-the minute news and weather, health information, and linkages to accessible web sites. It incorporates such features as large type, legible fonts, reverse contrast, and text-only pages for people with partial sight. It also provides an accessible environment for people who are blind, as it designed in such a way to work with screen reader and magnification software and offers text equivalent of images.

“We are proud to be a partner of VisionConnection, the new, accessible gateway to an unprecedented array of vision information and rehabilitation resources,” said Jon Barrick, RNIB Director of Community Services. “People worldwide who are blind or partially sighted, as well as older people with diminished vision, have a real opportunity via VisionConnection to improve the quality of their lives.

“In addition to being a valuable information resource, this site represents a vehicle to independence, bringing together millions of people throughout the world who share the same interests and face the same challenges. The RNIB website with over 1.1 million enquiries per year will become even more effective in conveying help and information as a result of this connection to the world portal on blindness and partial sight,” continued Jon Barrick.

VisionConnection is for people who are blind or partially sighted, the professionals who serve them, the families and friends who support them – and anyone looking for the latest information on sight loss, its prevention, and rehabilitation.

The gateway’s many interactive features contribute to its distinctive new presence on the Internet. Features in development include the “Help Near You” resource locator and discussion boards. “Help Near You” enables users to locate services in their region, complete with a map and driving instructions where available. With nearly 5,000 entries and growing, this worldwide database of vision rehabilitation services, low vision clinics, educational, governmental and financial resources, support groups - and more - is unparalleled.

The site’s discussion boards also help people who are blind or partially sighted and their families and friends find support, share solutions and feel part of a global community.

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Content author: pressoffice@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13