T3 Technology for People with Disabilities Romanian Society for Lifelong Learning

Introduction The Talking Tactile Technology unit is a touch sensitive, multi sensory device which provides instant audio feedback from tactile images. The combination of sound and touch transforms the way in which people who are visually impaired can access graphical information. Sensory impaired (visually and/or partially hearing impaired) and cognitive impaired people (Aspergers and autistic spectrum, head injuries, etc) often face considerable problems in accessing suitable educational and vocational opportunities.

What is T3?  T3 hardware is a laptop sized, touch sensitive device that is connected to a standard computer via a USB connection. The software comes in the form of a CD. To activate the system, a T3 tactile diagram is placed on the surface of the device. Depending on the CD programme content, the operator will have access to information on any pre- selected category.  By applying touch to certain areas of the tactile diagram the audio file can recite up to 10 layers of information. T3 technology was developed under the Leonardo AHVIIT- ACCESS project (UK/06/B/F/PP ): October September 2008

MUSICC- Multi-Sensory Information On Climate Change Reference number: LLP UK-Leonardo-LMP Start date: 1 October 2008 End date: 30 September 2010 Coordinator: Royal National College for the Blind, UK Specific objectives:  To create a range of teaching materials for use by teachers that will fully explain the current scientific position on climate change to people with sensory impairments  To test and evaluate the pedagogical processes being developed in the project by holding 3 pilot studies in different partner countries.  To make this material available to teachers in an adaptable format specifically Talking Tactiles for the visually impaired and subtitled / signed DVD materials for the hearing impaired  To explore the transferability of the learning process to other groups with specific needs.

Results and Tasks  The project results will be: Teaching materials that can enter the EU VET system and will support teachers, trainers, employers and learners in the foreseeable future; A managed website to ensure that information is always up-to-date; Transferred teaching material packages to other EU countries; A common based data set to deliver the teaching materials in a variety of alternative formats depending on the needs of the individual. Testing and evaluating the pedagogical processes developed in the project by applying Talking Tactiles for the visually impaired and subtitled / signed DVD materials for the hearing impaired.  SREP’s tasks:  internal evaluator of the project; testing the products in Romania, dissemination of the project.

TRAHVIIT- Transfer of Audio-Haptics for Visually Impaired Information Technology Reference number: UK/09/LLP-LdV/TOI-163_209 Start date: 1st November 2009 End date: 30th October 2011 Coordinator: Royal National College for the Blind, UK Project aims:  to transfer T3 technology to new European partners, including countries new to the EU;  to produce audio-haptic overlays in new subject areas;  to develop new educational networks and forums for the dissemination of T3 and its products;  to make a special case for applying T3 to cognitive impaired learners.

Results and Tasks  Project results: the lesson content materials produced by the partners for the target groups in their national language; tested and evaluated in pilot studies; training for the partners to produce talking tactile overlays; the website for dissemination of information; dissemination literature and events; the location of T3 units in selected centers of the partner countries; increased learning and vocational opportunities.  SREP’s tasks: lead partner for overall project evaluation; Selection of a subject area pertinent to Romania for the development of talking tactiles and working with other partners to evaluate the content design and production; Implementation of T3 technology, dissemination and exploitation of the project in Romania and in Europe.

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