Recent trip to New Zealand

Myself (David Woodbridge) and another Apple Accessibility Ambassador, Craig Smith from Aspect Autism Australia, was asked by Apple Australia to present and meet with a number of people and agencies around New Zealand, concerning the built in accessibility offerings in Apple's products from the 28th to the 30th of August 2013.

 

I conducted workshops on the Apple accessibility product line and how it can be utilised by blind, low vision, and other people with a disability.  

These workshops were conducted for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (RNZFB) at both their Auckland and Wellington offices. They also invited teachers from Blind and Low Vision Education Network, NZ (BLENNZ)  to attend these two hour hands on workshops. 

We also went to ChristChurch and presented at the University Cambridge to special education support teachers. My workshops covered the use of Mac and iOS devices from a low vision and vision impaired perspective. Craig's presentation covered the use of Apple Mac and iPads with students on the autism spectrum. 

 

 

In addition, we met with a number of individuals and agencies who had an interest in Apple Accessibility and helped guide their understanding of these technologies in our respective fields

 

This was all packed into an extremely busy 3 day schedule with flights in and out of cities around New Zealand. These sessions have really facilitated a greater level of understanding of how mainstream technology can assist in the creation of inclusive environments for all. I believe it has also further promoted the brand of Vision Australia in the vision market place.