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New York City
November 2003

Helping the Visually Impaired at Baruch College
by Jocelyn K. Egyes

It’s not everyday that advances are made in technology to benefit the blind and visually impaired. But it is everyday that places, like Baruch College’s Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP), help improve the lives of those with vision impairments. So to celebrate the center’s 25th anniversary, Karen Gourgey, Director of CCVIP, said she wanted to do something special. “We really wanted to honor the people here—those making it better for the community.”

CBS Television Network, AI Squared, JP Morgan Chase, and Metropolitan Transit Authority were just a few of the companies honored at Baruch College. Gourgey said that advances in technology are being made so blind people like she can live life to the fullest.

Gourgey refers to the new audio ATM machines called eATM’s, which have been developed by JP Morgan Chase. “They don’t want to be treated as blind people, they want all the technology as those who can see,” said Dmitry Goldman, ATM Technology Develop-ment Manager for the Enhanced ATM.

CBS also has a technology for those who would not normally be able to use or benefit fully from their services. Since April 2002, CBS Television Network has been providing video description for the visually impaired. Gourgey said she enjoys the CBS station. “When you have people at CBS who are describing things and I can watch TV with my husband, and he doesn’t have to explain, that’s also something to celebrate.”

And those who ride the subway were also celebrating. The Metropolitan Transit Authority was present explaining its talking metro vending machines. In the past, the MTA has made changes to include platform-edge warning strips and large-print and tactile-Braille signs. Now the audio portion of the vending machines means saving time for some people like Jack Walker who said, “normally I have to go to the booth and wait on line.”

Blind all of his life; Walker said the event was a great opportunity for him to learn about improvements in technology for the visually impaired. “It’s so educational,” said Walker. “There is so much I didn’t know existed and if I did know, I didn’t know much about them.”

Those working to help improve situations for the visually challenged agreed that it was a positive experience. “I like being involved in a product that does some social good,” said Dirk Swart, Director of Product Marketing for AI Squared. “It’s rewarding. It puts a smile on your face.”#

 

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