Free Directory Enquiry Service Available to NCBI Users
As a result of a considerable lobbying campaign by NCBI and others, the free directory enquiries service is now available to everyone registered or registerable with NCBI, regardless of whether or not they are customers of Eircom. This represents a significant achievement since non-Eircom customers have previously been denied this service, making it difficult for customers who are blind or vision impaired to switch to a different provider. The service can be accessed by dialling 196 from any landline.
NCBI’s CEO, Des Kenny, commented “It has taken a long time but we are delighted with this step forward. People who are blind or vision impaired now have the same choice as others with regard to selecting their supplier in order to avail of the free directory enquiry service”.
He added, “Although at the moment, the free directory enquiry service cannot be accessed from a mobile phone, NCBI is continuing to lobby for this”.
In order to avail of this service, an individual must first register by filling in an application form. These forms are available from NCBI on 1850 33 43 53 or the Eircom Help Desk on 1800 574 574. Instructions on how to register are included in NCBI’s press release which can be read by following this link .
Part of the form must be filled in by a medical professional or NCBI representative who will provide confirmation of the individual’s vision impairment. After registering, a PIN number will be issued by post. This PIN number will be required, along with the individual’s name whenever dialling 196.
All service providers such as BT, Perlico, Smart, etc. should allow access to 196. It should be noted that the free directory service relates only to the service provided through 196 and not to any other directory service. This service will not supply international numbers because these are not in the directory it gives access to. The service does not provide “call completion”, which means the number required will be provided, but the service will not connect you to it. If an individual is connected they will have to pay for that connection.
If you are registered with the free directory but find that you cannot access it through 196, please contact your service provider, requesting that they rectify the situation. If you still cannot get access, please email
mark.magennis@ncbi.ie who will take the matter up on your behalf.
ICEVI European Conference
The 7th ICEVI (International Council for the Education of People with a Visual Impairment) European Conference will take place in Trinity College, Dublin from July 5th to 10th 2009. Hosted by St. Joseph’s Centre for the Visually Impaired, this will be the first major international conference on visual impairment to take place in Ireland. ICEVI is a worldwide concern promoting educational opportunities for both children and adults with a visual impairment. It is recognised by UNICEF, UNESCO and the WHO.
The theme of the conference is ‘Living in A Changing Europe’ and will address over a five day period how the needs of vision impaired people throughout Europe and indeed globally, are changing and how best to meet them. Issues to be addressed will include early intervention, the education of the vision impaired child, rehabilitation of adults, multi-disabled, deafblind and elderly people.
For further information on ‘Living in a Changing Europe’ please visit the conference website www.icevidublin2009.com where you can register online. If you have any further queries please call Carron Hodson on 01 8373635 or email her at: chodson@stjosephs.ie.
New Accessible Visual Arts Exhibition
For the first time in Ireland, Mayo County Council in partnership with South Tipperary County Council and the Irish Museum of Modern Art’s National Programme will present Altered Images, a new, accessible visual arts exhibition supported by the Arts Council.
Ten works from the three partner organisation’s collections will be curated. Alongside the original works, three dimensional relief models will be produced. Audio descriptions will be available on mp3 players which will accompany the reliefs at the exhibition and on a dedicated website. Sign language support will be available throughout the tour. Promotional materials will be produced in Braille, large print, audio CD and via the internet. Furthermore, the exhibition will be staffed by trained invigilators whose knowledge will assist a more inclusive engagement of the general public. An education programme is also in the process of being developed.
The exhibition will open at the County Museum, Clonmel in June 2009 where it will remain until August. It will then move to Ballina Arts Centre for two months. In April 2010, the Exhibition will open at the Irish Museum of Modern Art where it will remain until August 2010.
Abbey Bridge Club Suits NCBI
Photo Caption: Mandy Gibbons (left) of NCBI accepting cheque from Club President Kolette Enright at the Abbey Bridge Club, Dungarvan, Charity Night in November 2008.