Gene linked to congenital blindness identified

A team of international researchers working at the McGill University Health Center has identified the gene responsible for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), the most common cause of congenital blindness among infants and young children.

Robert Koenekoop, director of the McGill Ocular Genetics Center said "our main goal is to identify all the genes responsible for congenital blindness in children and then study them so we can then use gene therapy to rescue their vision. " Only two samples, one form a U.S. subject and one from a Quebec subject were used in the study, allowing the scientists to complete the research within a few months, instead of several years, as previously required.

It is anticipated that this method could become a model for future identification of other retinal diseases and causes of blindness.

The research can be found in the journal Nature Genetics.

Leia Mais…

Inaccessible Websites could cause legal woes

Web designers beware: if your company website does not comply with universal web design standards, meaning it is inaccessible or not user-friendly to people with visual or mental handicaps, you could be sued.

Target Corporation is being sued by the National Federation of the Blind due to the fact that visually impaired persons using screen reading technology cannot access much of the information on the Target website, and cannot purchase items from the sight without assistance.

Last September, Judge Marilyn Hall Patel ruled that a retailer can be sued if its website is inaccessible to the visually impaired, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Before this ruling, it was assumed that websites did not fall under the act, and were not consider places of accommodation.

How can you be sure that your website is acceptable? A good place to start is the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards. You can review the standards here. These standards cover a variety of technologies.

These standards state that every non text element, essentially all photos and graphics, must be labeled with an alt tag containing descriptive text about the element.

This labeling serves two purposes: it makes the graphic accessible to users of non-graphic technologies, and also may help with search engine optimization.

If you would like more information on accessibility issues for the blind and visually impaired, feel free to contact IB West.

Leia Mais…

Scientists researching treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

British Scientists are developing a technique to use stem cells to cure "dry" age-related macular degeneration. The procedure will generate replacement retinal pigment epithelial cells from stem cells in the lab, with surgeons then injecting a small patch of new cells, measuring 4 by 6 millimeters back into the eye. The scientists believe this procedure is capable of restoring vision in the vast majority of patients with age related macular degeneration. The research was made possible through a grant of 4 million pounds ($8 million US) from an anonymous U.S. donor. For more information on the research, click here.

Leia Mais…

Interacting with the Blind and Visually Impaired

Many sighted people are often unsure of how to interact with a visually impaired person. They may be unsure of whether or not they should offer assistance. It is important to remember that blind and visually impaired persons are just ordinary people. This post will discuss some important tips to remember when you interact with a blind or visually impaired person.

1. Speak Directly to the individual. You would not want someone asking your companion what you want; extend the same courtesy to the visually impaired. Additionally, you do not need to speak louder or slowly to someone with a visual impairment, unless they have made it clear that they also have a hearing impairment.
2. Always introduce yourself by name. The visually impaired often remember voices, but just as sighted people sometimes remember a face but forget a name, they can remember a voice but forget a name.
3. Announce yourself when you are entering and exiting a room. If there are others with you, introduce them as well. You should also want to mention if there are children or pets with you as well.
4. Orient visually impaired guests to your home or office. Show them where the exits, bathroom, closets and temperature controls are located so that they can take care of their personal needs.
5. When dining with a visually impaired person, guide their hand to a chair, then provide a brief overview of where items are located on the table in reference to their seat (i.e.- salt is at 12 o'clock, bread basket is at 3 o'clock).
6. Always ask a visually impaired person if they want your assistance. Do not grab them by the arm. If they accept your assistance, let them take your arm, jsut behind the elbow.
   
7. Never grab, pet or feed a working guide dog.

For more information on interacting with the visually impaired, please visit this website: A Walk with the Blind.

You may also call IB West or visit our website for answers to specific questions.

Leia Mais…