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Opinion
Saturday November 25, 2006
Software to help the blind
THE United Nation’s International Day of Disabled Persons which falls on Dec 3 provides a platform to promote understanding and to increase awareness of disability issues, and to rally support for the independence, integration, dignity, equal rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
With sound education, which should, in essence, be no different from that of any other person, the disabled can and should be integrated into and participate in every aspect of social, economic, political and cultural life.
To achieve a thorough education, the blind need “E- Accessibility” through special computer screen reading and other software and specialised computer hardware
There are many screen readers on the market. In Malaysia the popular one is called “JAWS ©” but it is very expensive with prices starting from about RM3,500, which is far beyond the reach of all but the fortunate few.
Even those who could perhaps afford to buy a basic computer may well be unable to afford a screen reader programme without which they are unable to use the computer.
Braille translator software, which provides translation and formatting facilities to automate the process of conversion from regular print to Braille (and vice-versa), is also a vital asset for the blind. Again, this type of software is very expensive.
A useful piece of computer hardware is a refreshable Braille display which provides Braille output from a computer, but these displays cost RM20,000 upwards, so almost every blind Malaysian is unable to buy and use them.
The blind must be given the opportunities to do more than make baskets, give massages, and beg for money by playing music, or selling tissues, by the roadside.
As the world celebrates the International Day of Disabled Persons, let every Malaysian help to open up opportunities for the disabled so that they can be integrated into society, be fully and independently able to participate in every aspect of life, go to work, raise a family, and be happy and contented citizens.
KATHLEEN MUNA OTHMAN,
President,
Support Group Society for the
Blind of Malaysia.
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Saturday, November 25, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Don't Cut Screening UMNO assembly proceedings, Nov 22, 2006
N E W S Go elsewhere ----------------------- News Business Market Watch Sports Lifestyle Entertainment Technology Education Mind Our English Columnists Photos Video Clips Last 7 Days 30-Day Archive RSS Mobile Edition What's Hot Write to Us ----------------------- MyStar AllMalaysia.info Global Malaysians Kuali.com Citizen's Blog Podcast ----------------------- Classifieds Motoring Property Jobs ----------------------- AudioFile CloveTWO Maritime Youth2 Horoscope Comics Directory Site Map The Web News Classifieds Stock
Opinion
Wednesday November 22, 2006
A mistake to stop airing Umno assemblies
IT was reported that Malaysians may, in future, not be able to watch the Umno general assembly proceedings live on air again following criticisms the party received over the latest meeting, “Rethink on live telecast” (The Star, Nov 21).
I sincerely hope there is a rethink over the “rethink” because to cut Malaysians viewers off would be a big mistake.
There are hundreds – no, thousands – of us who love politics, especially with what goes on in the country.
Although I am not an Umno member, whatever is decided at the assembly affects me and all of Malaysia.
Naturally I would want to know everything that goes on there.
And although I do not have the time to catch all the speeches, I do make it a point to hear what I am interested in.
Let's face it, the print media and radio can only tell so much of what transpires at the assembly.
But on TV, we see virtually everything, including what our leaders wear, who they smile or whisper to. We get the facial and body expressions of the speakers.
TV also gives us an uncut version of the speeches made rather than a condensed one the next day in the print media.
Airing the Umno assembly will also inspire our younger generation to show interest in what is happening in our country, who the decision-makers are and how to engage in healthy and productive discussions and debates with those in power on issues that concern us all.
I think that if some people are concerned over things that are said in poor taste or are not fit for consumption – then those who say them should be careful not to utter them in the first place or behave properly in front of the camera.
I think it is also every Malaysian's right to have access to the proceedings.
TV NUT,
Kuala Lumpur.
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Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.
NationWorld UpdatesCourtsParliamentMetroColumnistsOpinionArchives
Opinion
Wednesday November 22, 2006
A mistake to stop airing Umno assemblies
IT was reported that Malaysians may, in future, not be able to watch the Umno general assembly proceedings live on air again following criticisms the party received over the latest meeting, “Rethink on live telecast” (The Star, Nov 21).
I sincerely hope there is a rethink over the “rethink” because to cut Malaysians viewers off would be a big mistake.
There are hundreds – no, thousands – of us who love politics, especially with what goes on in the country.
Although I am not an Umno member, whatever is decided at the assembly affects me and all of Malaysia.
Naturally I would want to know everything that goes on there.
And although I do not have the time to catch all the speeches, I do make it a point to hear what I am interested in.
Let's face it, the print media and radio can only tell so much of what transpires at the assembly.
But on TV, we see virtually everything, including what our leaders wear, who they smile or whisper to. We get the facial and body expressions of the speakers.
TV also gives us an uncut version of the speeches made rather than a condensed one the next day in the print media.
Airing the Umno assembly will also inspire our younger generation to show interest in what is happening in our country, who the decision-makers are and how to engage in healthy and productive discussions and debates with those in power on issues that concern us all.
I think that if some people are concerned over things that are said in poor taste or are not fit for consumption – then those who say them should be careful not to utter them in the first place or behave properly in front of the camera.
I think it is also every Malaysian's right to have access to the proceedings.
TV NUT,
Kuala Lumpur.
Ads by Google
Stop Violence Policy
Create Comprehensive Prevent Workplace Violence Policy online
www.workplaceviolence911.com
Workplace Violence Essays
Instant access to 100,000 essays Come search for free!
www.directessays.com
Violence Prevention
Find out detailed info & resources Violence Prevention
dbmain.biz/3/violence
More News:
Focus Headlines In the throes of change Many lose sense of shame China-India cooperation promising but underrated Side-tracked by domestic priorities A mistake to stop airing Umno assemblies Be always mindful of what you say Reminder on Sedition Act The real threat to our security The way to better health Ministry’s response to report a refreshing change Going against policy of racial integration SMS your views Nothing as colourful as a wedding at home Practical ideas to prevent cargo theft Rethink true meaning behind Malaysia Boleh spirit
Most Viewed
Cutting off unseen hand
Cabinet reshuffle?
Woman in SMS case held
Mukhriz: I didn’t mean to insult Pak Lah
Chemicals may have caused workers’ deaths, alleges rep
We don’t own the cargo complex, says MAS
UM study shows roast duck may lower cholesterol
Retired lorry driver duped into paying more for car
Doctors may never know what poisoned ex-Russian spy
Don't panic about immigrants, Anglican leader says
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Teen Violence Prevention
Latest Jobs from StarJobs
Temporary Clerk (3 months)
Production Manager
Restaurant Manager
Project Engineers
Assistant Finance Manager
Graphic Designer
Account Manager
Interior Designer
Marketing Executive
Human Resource Assistant
More Jobs...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Copyright © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.
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