Talking Books
In Feltre, in the province of Belluno, a Talking Book Center has been established. Blind readers can send books they wish to have recorded on cassette, transcribed into Braille, or stored on floppy disk. Texts are reviewed and sent to voice actors with the appropriate expertise for each work. Shipping is provided free of charge by presidential decree. For more information, call 0439/333214.
(from "Straight from the Heart" by G.P. Fontana - RA1-ERI ed.)
Motorcycles for Emergencies
Rome has launched the Mobile Unit for Citizen Assistance: twenty motorcycles operated by Red Cross volunteers serve the elderly, handicapped, chronically ill, and isolated people with mobility difficulties, helping with small necessities—purchasing and delivering medicine and essentials, delivering documents, and handling minor emergencies. The service is available at 65743293 and operates every day, including weekends, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(from "Rome: A Caring City")
Custom Jeans
Italian style at special prices for wheelchair users. When his brother Guerrino needed custom-cut pants, Piergiorgio turned that need into a thriving business. His jeans sit high on the waist with elastic in the back for a secure fit, velcro on the sides for easy dressing without standing, a wider rear for continence issues, and no unnecessary back pockets. The line now includes jackets and shirts as well. For information, call or write Taglieria San Giorgio, via Dossi 35, 35020 Terrassa (PD), loc. Arzercavalli. Tel. 049/5383014 - fax: 049/5383144.
(from "Vita" 13-3-98)
The Joelette
A single-wheeled chair that allows people with limited mobility to hike through the countryside and mountains on rough trails. It was designed and built by Joel Claudel, the uncle of Stefano, who has now explored mountains in Peru after visiting France and Morocco. An association has been created to organize trips and volunteer accompaniment. The Joelette can now be rented in Italy as well. The first organized excursion took place last July in Abruzzo. For information, contact the AIP (Italian Association of Paraplegics) through Sig. Depasquale - tel. 06 - 5430311 - 5031487.
(from AIP Newsletter - May 1997)
Assistance Dogs—Not Just for the Blind
AIUCA (Association for the Use of Assistance Dogs) trains its dogs in specialized ways. "Service dogs" increase mobility for people with physical limitations. "Social dogs" improve the psychological and physical well-being of children, adults, and seniors. "Hearing dogs" become ears for people with hearing difficulties. For information, contact AIUCA - Debora Buttram - Marcello Galimberti - Via IV Novembre, 26 - 22040 Bosisio Parini (LC) - tel and fax: 031/876613.
A Notch in the Glass
I realized that Giovanni, a boy with cerebral palsy, needs to keep his head tilted forward to drink and eat. I cut a notch in his plastic cup. Now he can drink without spilling and without getting wet.
(from DECLIC, no. 41, Nov. 1997)
Rubber Fingertips
Rubber fingertips, sometimes used by bank employees to count bills, are very practical for people who have difficulty turning book pages. This type of fingertip grips paper perfectly.
(from DECLIC, no. 41, Nov. 1997)
- Editorial Staff, 1998
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