title : EBU Newsletter, n° 28 - June 2000

CONTENTS

Section 1 : EBU Board Update

Section 2 : EBU and the European Union Section 3 : EBU Commissions Hightlights

Section 4 : Focus Section 5 : Announcements Section 6 : Coming Events

[The opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EBU.]

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EBU Board Update

EBU PRESIDENT HONOURED

John Wall has been made a Knight Bachelor by HM The Queen in the list published on Saturday 17 June 2000. He is now Sir John Wall, CBE.



MEMBERSHIP OF EBU STANDING COMMISSIONS Further nominations to the Youth Commission were submitted to the Board of EBU, meeting in London on 20 May 2000 : Lisa Bhogal (UK) and Ludmila Kukhareva (Belarus).

Members of the Board confirmed the two nominations all the more so as both are women, and supporting our young members is very important.

The membership of the Commission now stands as follows :



Sir John Wall had taken President's action to replace Mikhail Drozdov by Mrs Svetlana Soulim (both from Belarus).

The Board also agreed to replace Mr Batic by Mr Ratko Pajdakov (both from Macedonia). Ratko Pajdakov was a commission member during the previous work period.

The membership of the Commission now stands as follows :



Further to the decision made at its meeting held in Paris on 29-30 January 2000, the Board proceeded with the appointment of chair, vice-chair and ordinary members of the Commission.

The membership now stands as follows : The Board is now seeking further nominations.



EBU SUPPORT TO THE BLIND OF SERBIA AND KOSOVO

The Italian Blind Union and the French Federation of the Blind had collected funds to support the blind and their organisations in Serbia (US $ 26,500) and Kosovo ($ 18,500). The Board resolved to send a letter to EBU member organisations, urging them to follow the example of Italy and France.



EBU EURO WORKING GROUP

The Board looked at the activity of the EBU Euro Working Group : they have done a good job, but the Group should be dissolved once the training and information phase is complete. Consequently, the Group may not seek funding for new projects.



ERRATUM Cooperation between Western, and Eastern and Central European countries :

In our March 2000 issue, the name of Enrique Pérez, Board Member for Spain, was inadvertently omitted from the Group membership list. The complete list is set out below.



SIREN Project

Names of co-partners were omitted. They are the French Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Deutsche Blindenstudienanstalt e.V.

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EBU and the European Union

EUROPEAN COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE
Open Letter to Professor Romano Prodi,
President of the European Commission

Dear President,

As you know, the knowledge and use of information technology is becoming more and more widespread among the visually impaired and is a remarkable tool for independence in everyday life, work activity, information and culture.

Many blind people have reached and continuously arrive at remarkable levels in the information technology sector. Just recently one of our young blind ladies was admitted to a research doctorate.

With this being the case, it is understandable that the blind also yearn to acquire, in addition to the usual vocational qualifications in our field, the " European licence " (European Computer Driving Licence - ECDL).

We have noticed, however, that module 6 of the syllabus for the acquisition of the ECDL (" presentation tools ") includes many elements that are mainly visual, together with those that are more strictly computer based, which make this module, conceived as it was, practically inaccessible for the blind. In short the module leaves the more strictly computer and telematics based models behind to take on typical aspects of specialisation in computer graphics.

Our training institute (I.Ri.Fo.R.) has already informed the AICA (Italian Computer and Automatic Calculation Association), in charge of the ECDL Programme in Italy, about the unsuitability of the syllabus and has asked for it to be modified, with the elimination of the visual aspects of presentation tools which could be a further qualification in the ECDL set aside for computer graphics designers. It has also been pointed out that the " eEurope " initiative of the European Commission, whose document was sent to the recent Extraordinary European Council meeting in Lisbon on 23-24 March 2000, foresees the re-examination of all European norms in order to guarantee their compliance with the principles of accessibility to information technology by the disabled and this by the end of the year 2000.

The document also envisages a commitment to make the structure and content of all public web sites accessible to the disabled (by the end of the year 2001).

In keeping with the document of the European Commission, which you so authoritatively preside over, I take the liberty to ask for your assistance so that the syllabus of the European Computer Driving Licence is changed and made accessible to the visually impaired.

Mindful of your proven sensitivity towards disadvantaged groups, I am sure you will provide us with a positive evaluation and solution to the problem.

I will be grateful for everything you can tell me on the issue.

I renew, also on behalf of all the blind in Italy, my feelings of gratitude, esteem and respect.

Yours respectfully

Tommaso Daniele
President, Italian Union of the Blind

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COPYRIGHT UPDATE

There is quite good news to report from the European Union on the progress of the draft copyright directive.

The Council of Ministers has now adopted its Common Position. This text is more favourable than that adopted by the Parliament last year, or the Commission's texts. It is also more favourable than a number of the drafts which the Council Working Group considered over its many months of deliberation.

Although exceptions for the benefit of visually impaired people (Article 5.3.b) remain optional, the introductory text now contains a strong recital (No 28 ter) stressing to member states the importance of facilitating access to information through alternative formats.

The text provides that, in most circumstances, technical blocks cannot override legitimate exceptions (Article 6.4). This means that, in the absence of any voluntary agreement, member states will have to oblige rights holders to provide the means of circumventing blocks to legitimate beneficiaries of exceptions, such as blind and partially sighed people.

There is now a clause enabling member states to extend exceptions to the right of distribution as well as the right of production.

The exception for people with a disability extends to anyone whose disability affects the way in which they access information.

We would have liked to see mandatory exceptions for visually impaired people and others with a relevant disability. However, the whole question of exceptions proved very difficult politically, and member states still attach a lot of importance to the principle of subsidiarity. Since Parliament, Council and Commission have all agreed that these exceptions should be optional, the issue cannot now be re-opened until the first official review of the directive, which would be in 2005 at the earliest.

There are other areas in which we would ideally have changed the content of the directive. We are unhappy with the implications of allowances for " fair compensation ". There could perhaps have been even firmer guarantees about the right to circumvent technical blocks in all situations. However, this text is much better than it might have been.

The European Parliament will consider the directive in the autumn, with Italian MEP Boselli acting as rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee. Rights holders groups have already expressed their dissatisfaction and may wish to press amendments. In this situation, EBU must decide whether to press its own amendments, or urge the Parliament to adopt the text without further discussion. If there is further prolonged debate, we may well find ourselves having to defend the Common Position against encroachment by MEPs speaking for the rights holders lobby.

By David Mann,
Chair, EBU Copyright Working Group

A detailed analysis of the text has been prepared and is available on request from David Mann :
c/o RNIB
21 Ormeau Avenue
Belfast BT2 8HD (Northern Ireland)
Tel : +44 28 9043 4687, Fax : +44 28 9027 8119
E-mail : dmann@rnib.org.uk

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THE EURO IS GETTING CLOSER TO US !

" Euro Vision ", a description of the Euro notes and coins written by Louise Fryer, an audio describer, has been translated into all 11 EU languages. It will be available in the next few months in large print and on the EBU website. Braille and audio transcriptions will be available before the end of 2000 in those countries where national funding has been found to complement the European sources.

" Euro Tactile ", a tactile guide to the Euro notes, is available in only 50 copies and, if technology allows, on the EBU website. The guiding text still needs writing (in English) and recording.

About 3 000 Euro mediators are going to be trained to help European visually impaired citizens adapt to, and handle the Euro. Regional trainers' training has been successfully launched mid June in Austria. About 300 regional trainers will have been trained in all 12 Euro zone countries by mid November 2000. If possible, documentation (delivered in print and on diskette) could be put on the EBU website.

" Euro Trainers' Notes " have been written in French and are being translated into all EU languages, describing about 30 different training activities around the Euro. Besides print, they will be available in large print, on diskette and on the EBU website, as well as partly in braille. A second such booklet is planned for the beginning of 2001, based on trainers' feedback and imagination.

3 Euro games have been developped for and by visually impaired people. They will be produced for the regional Euro trainers. More can of course be produced according to needs, as quite effective and not too expensive production methods have been found.

And last but not least, the ECB have committed themselves to delivering 110 000 replica Euro notes (dummies) to the EBU Euro Group by October 2000 for training purposes. As for coins, active lobbying is underway with the Mint Directors in all countries.

By Jean-Pierre Lhoest
Chair, EBU Euro Working Group

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EBU Commissions Hightlights

On 23-25 June 2000, the EBU Women's Commission held its first meeting in this work period, in Larnaca (Cyprus). The Pancyprian Organisation of the Blind met the Commission with great hospitality including an enlightening visit to the Organisation's head office and the National School for the Blind. During a festive evening, we met with members of the Cyprian Blind Women's Commission and with Rena Katseli, an author and the first woman in the Cyprian Congress.

Of course, the Commission's Plan of Action was high on the agenda. It was made more concrete, after which the work was divided amongst our members.

Contact persons were also appointed to liaise with a number of other EBU Standing Commissions. The Women's Network, the issuing of a women's bulletin as a supplement to the EBU Newsletter, the website and the preparation for a survey are our short-term activities. Due to the WBU General Assembly and Women's Forum in November 2000, in Australia, our Commission will not meet until early next year.

By Birgitta Blockland
Chair, EBU Women's Commission

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

First International "Alpine Cup" Skittle Tournament for People with Vision Impairment

The first " Alpine Cup " friendly skittle tournament will take place from October 30 to November 1, 2000, in St. Wolfgang-Ried (Austria). It will be held on four alleys (100 throws) for teams and individuals.

Teams will be formed according to the classification used in international sports (B1, B2, B3) and will be made up of three female and three male players. Individual competitions will consist of preliminary rounds and finals.

The rules used will be identical to those governing skittle tournaments that the German Federation of the Blind have organised for the last ten years.

The tournament is open to all EBU organisations and their members.

For further details and registration please contact :
Wilfried Schwellnus
Hoher Weg 252
D-47445 Moers (Germany)
Tel/Fax : +49 2841 712 66

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International Showdown Tournament 26 - 29 October 2000, Amsterdam

This tournament will be organised under the responsibility of the Dutch Union for Sports for Disabled People (NEBAS). Sports organisations for the disabled all over Europe are invited to send participants.

Further information is available by contacting the Amsterdam Showdown Association, at Prins Willem Alexanderplein 2, 2012 KX Haarlem (Netherlands), Tel : +31 23 532 8747, Fax : +31 20 496 7091, Email : akruvff@elnet.nl



Please note the following changes :
Further to change of local codes :
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COMING EVENTS

EBU BOARD AND COMMISSIONS

9 - 11 June 2000, LIEGE (Belgium)
EBU Commission on Mobility and Guide Dogs
Contact : Jill Allen-King
Tel : +44 1702 477 899, Fax : +44 1702 711 171
E-mail : peter@fedtalk.demon.co.uk


16 - 19 June 2000, ESPOO (near Helsinki)
EBU Commission on Rehabilitation, Vocational Training and Employment
Contact : Philippe Chazal
Tel : +33 1 44 49 27 27, Fax : +33 1 44 49 27 30
E-mail : phchazal@avh.asso.fr


16 - 18 June 2000, ROME
EBU Commission on Cooperation with Blind and Partially Sighted in Developing Countries
Contact : John Heilbrunn
Tel : +45 3814 8817, Fax : +45 3814 8800
E-mail : jh@dkblind.dk


16 - 18 June 2000, LONDON
EBU Commission on Human and Social Rights
Contact : Tony Aston
Tel : +44 1444 870 462, Fax : +44 1444 258 557
E-mail : taston@enterprise.net


22 - 25 June 2000, PARIS
EBU Commission on Access to Culture and Information
Contact : Henri Chauchat
Tel : +33 1 44 49 27 27, Fax : +33 1 44 49 27 10
E-mail : avh@avh.asso.fr


23 - 25 June 2000, LARNACA (Cyprus)
EBU Commission on the Advancement of the Interests of Blind and Partially Sighted Women
Contact : Birgitta Blokland
Tel : +31 30 2999 2878, Fax : +31 30 293 2544
E-mail : bjb@elnet.nl


7 - 9 July 2000, ANTWERPEN (Belgium)
EBU Commission on Activities of Partially-Sighted People
Contact : Giuseppe Castronovo
Tel : +39 06 699 88375, Fax : +39 06 699 88378
E-mail : inter@uiciechi.it


19 - 23 July 2000, PADUA (Italy)
EBU Conference on Education : "The role of associations and families in the improvement of the status of the education of the blind and partially sighted".
Contact : Enzo Tioli
Tel : +39 06 699 88375, Fax : +39 06 699 88378
E-mail : inter@uiciechi.it


24 July 2000, PADUA (Italy)
EBU Commission on Education
Contact : Enzo Tioli
(see contact details above)


September 2000 (to be confirmed)
EBU Youth Commission
Contact : Einar Fiskvik
Fax : +47 940 41 444, E-mail : Einar@eifi.net


16 - 17 September 2000, ROME
EBU Board
Contact : Norbert Mueller, EBU Secretary General
Tel : +49 7621 799230, Fax : +49 7621 799231
E-mail : dbbw@stepnet.de or nmueller@stepnet.de


1-3 December 2000,PARIS
EBU Commission on Mobility and Guide Dogs
Contact : Jill Allen-King
Tel : +44 1702 477 899, Fax : +44 1702 711 171
E-mail : peter@fedtalk.demon.co.uk

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OTHER ORGANISATIONS

5 - 11 June 2000, Czech Republic
The Art Days of the Blind in Moravia
The 6th edition of the Art Days of the Blind in Moravia, organised by Czech Blind United (SONS), will gather blind and visually impaired artists - musicians, choirs, painters and sculptors - from all over Europe.
Contact : Vaclav Polasek, Executive Director
Tel : +420 2 2481 7393, Fax : +420 2 2481 8398
E-mail : sons_zahr@braillnet.cz


3 - 7 July 2000, BILBAO (Spain)
Sixth World Leisure Congress : Leisure and Human Development
This event will focus on, among others, the principles of equal access and inclusion for all members of society in any expression of leisure.
Contact : Congress Secretariat
Tel : +34 944 465 584, Fax : +34 944 467 909
E-mail : wlra2000@ocio.deusto.es
Website : www.deusto.es


9 - 13 July 2000, CRACOW (Poland)
ICEVI European Conference : "Visions and Strategies for the New Century"
Contact : ICEVI Europe Secretariat
Tel : +31 486 471003, Fax : +31 486 420497
E-mail : herman.gresnigt@wxs.nl


17 - 21 July 2000, KARLSRUHE (Germany)
ICCHP 2000 - CHALLENGE 2000, 7th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs
Contact : Joachim Klaus
Universitaet Karlsruhe (TH)
Engesser Str. 4, D-76128 Karlsruhe (Germany)
Tel : +49 721 608 2760, Fax : +49 721 697377
Email : icchp2000@szs.ira.uka.de
http://szswww.ira.uka.de/icchp2000.html


10 - 28 July 2000, KARLSRUHE
7th International Computer Camp for blind and partially sighted students
July 10 - 17 : for students aged 14-16
July 21 - 28 : for students aged 17-20
Contact : Joachim Klaus
(see contact details above)


1 - 3 August 2000, University of WARWICK (UK)
Congress of the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools for the Blind, followed by the 10th International Mobility Conference (4 - 7 August)
Contact : IFGDSB, Tel : +44 118 983 5555, Fax : + 44 118 983 3572
E-mail : intfedgdsb.org.uk
Or (for IMC 10) Anita Howard
c/o One Events, 35 Sarsfeld Road, London SW1 28HR
E-mail : anita@one-events.com


17 October 2000, NEW YORK
World's March of Women
A United Nations initiative, with the theme : 2000 reasons to march against violence and poverty.
More information is available from :

5 - 6 October 2000, PARIS
International Congress of Blind and Visually Impaired Physiotherapists
Contact : Michel Gouban
Tel : +33 1 4824 1700, Fax : +33 1 4824 0112
E-mail : unmkrhv@magic.fr


November 2000, MELBOURNE (Australia)
WBU Fifth General Assembly
Contact : Pedro Zurita, WBU Secretary General
Tel : +34 91 571 3685, Fax : +34 91 571 5777
E-mail : umc@once.es
Website : http://www.once.es/wbu


1 - 5 June 2001, MONTREAL (Quebec)
International world congress, Inclusion by Design - Planning the Barrier-Free World, hosted by the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
Contact : Karine Toupin
Fax : +1 416 260 3093, E-mail : ktoupin@ccrw.org
More information on www.ccrw.org


2 - 5 July 2001, WARSAW (Poland)
TRANSED 2001
The theme of the Conference will be "Safety, independence and security."
Contact : Fax : +48 22 831 6525
E-mail : transed2001@idn.org.pl


24 - 29 July 2001, The Netherlands
5th European Conference on Deafblindness
Contact : Anneke Balder, Conference Secretariat
Tel : +31 30 276 9970, Fax : +31 30 271 2892
E-mail : sdg@wxs.nl
Website : http://www.deafblindinternational.org


7 - 12 October 2001, AUCKLAND (New Zealand)
7th Helen Keller World Conference - What it means to be deafblind, organised in conjunction with the 1st General Assembly of the World Federation of the Deafblind
Contact : Jan Scahill, International Conference Committee
PO Box 14-076, Tauranga (New Zealand)
E-mail : jscahill@rnzfb.org.nz




Next issue : September 2000

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