EPSRC EQUAL Research Network Workshop 23rd October 2003
Meeting the challenges
of vision impairment: improving the quality of life in the homes of people
with sight loss
Hosted by
the Thomas Pocklington Trust and The Research Group for Inclusive Environments,
University of Reading
Sponsored
by:
Thomas
Pocklington Trust
A workshop organised by the Research
Group for Inclusive Environments in conjunction with the EPSRC funded EQUAL
Research Network to support Extending Quality Life of Older People and
Disabled People with the support and sponsorship of the Thomas Pocklington
Trust.
The focus of the workshop will be the presentation and exploration of recently completed research projects sponsored by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, discussion of the implications for policy and practice, and the identification of priorities for future research. All of the research projects have considered ways of improving the quality of life through the better design of the living environments of people with sight loss. The workshop will bring together a diverse range of individuals and representatives of organisations with an interest in meeting the needs of people who are blind or partially sighted.
Venue: Junior Common Room, Sherfield Hall, Northcourt Avenue, Reading click for map
Event
organisers:
Dr Angela McCullagh, Ms Verity Smith,
EQUAL Research Network Coordinator and Dr
Geoff Cook, Inclusive Environments. Dr
Geoff Cook, Inclusive Environments.
Date:
Thursday 23rd October 2003 - for the
Presentations (in pdf) click on title of presentation
Programme
|
|
Arrival,
Registration, Coffee
|
|
10.10
|
Introduction
to EQUAL, Professor Peter Lansley, Director, EQUAL Research Network
|
| 10.25 | Chair's
Welcome and Introduction to the Morning, Tony Aston,
OBE, Research Committee, Thomas Pocklington Trust |
| 10.35
|
Introduction
to the Thomas Pocklington Trust and its
Research
Programme, Ron Bramley,
Chief Executive, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Dr Angela McCullugh, Research
Director,
Thomas Pocklington Trust |
|
10.50
|
Lighting
the Homes of People with Sight Loss, Dr Geoff Cook, University of Reading
|
| 11.15 | Discussion |
|
11.25
|
Coffee
|
|
11.45
|
Housing
Care and Support Needs of Older People with Sight Loss, Professor Julienne
Hanson, University College London
|
|
12.20
|
Discussion
|
|
12.30
|
Buffet
Lunch
|
|
13.45
|
Introduction
to the Afternoon: Chair, Ron Bramley
|
|
13.50
|
The
Effectiveness of Home Improvement Agency Services to People with Sight Loss, Jane Rosser, Foundations
and Karen Croucher, Centre for Housing Policy, University of York
|
|
14.15
|
Discussion
|
|
14.25
|
Brief reviews of two projects
concerned with evaluating the potential and applicability of AT:
Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired People, Keith Ross, BRE From Assistive Technology to Assistive Services: Telecare for Visually Impaired People, Professor James Barlow, Imperial College |
| 15.00 | Tea |
|
15.20
|
Panel Discussion
|
|
15.50
|
Review
and Comments
|
|
16.05
|
Coordinator's
Comments,
Ms Verity Smith, Coordinator EQUAL Research Network
|
|
|
Close
|
This
is a special workshop to explore recent advances in approaches to
improving the quality of life of older people and disabled people by enhancing
their living environments through the better design of the built environment.
The workshop will be of interest to policy makers, health and social care
practitioners, industry, charitable and government bodies concerned with
the needs of older and disabled people, as well as researchers and academics
from engineering, social sciences, medical and health care disciplines.
There is no charge for attendance just an enthusiasm and interest in extending the quality of life of older people and disabled people through informed user-focused multidisciplinary research and its application. The number of places available at the Workshop is limited because of space constraints so please contact Verity Smith the EQUAL Coordinator, as soon as possible if you would like to attend. Verity's e-mail address is h.v.smith@reading.ac.uk for phone numbers and postal address click here.
Location: Venue: Junior Common Room, Sherfield Hall, The University of Reading, Northcourt Avenue, Reading click for map
The University is situated on the south east side of Reading within easy reach of the M4, Heathrow Airport and Reading Railway Station. The Whiteknights campus of the University is about 30 minutes brisk walk from Reading town centre and 40 minutes from the station.
There are frequent trains from London Paddington, the Midlands and the West Country. Journey time from London is less than 30 minutes.
There is a shuttle bus from Heathrow Airport to the railway station and frequent buses from the station to the university (but during the rush hour journeys can be slow).
Taxis from the station cost about £8.00 and take about 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
There are plenty of buses from the station to the University. Buses 7, 8, 12 and 20 go from the train station to the University. Both buses and taxis are to be found to the right on exiting the station entrance.
Reliable local taxi firms are 0118 9660666 and 0118 9874444 or 0118 9594949
For maps and plans of Reading and the University please refer to www.reading.ac.uk/Maps/index.htm
Please note that the venue is close to but not on the main Whiteknights campus - please refer to the maps.
Accommodation: Accommodation links http://www.visitus.co.uk/bsearch.asp?azcity=READING http://www.readingtourism.org.uk/accommodation/ or http://www.city-accommodation.com/hotels/LHR_reading/hotels.html
Abadair House (10 minute
walk away),
46 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5HE,
+44 (0)118 986 3792,
+44 (0)118 986 3792, abadair@globalnet.co.uk
Comfort Inn (10 minutes walk), 39 Christchurch Road /119 Kendrick Rd (same place at road corner), Reading, RG1 5EB, Reading, Tel 0118 931 131, http://www.city-accommodation.com/hotels/LHR_reading/137879.html
Many
places in Reading are used by weekly commuters and get full for Monday through to Thursday nights. We suggest you enquire and book early for a midweek
booking.