| 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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