HKSB - The Hong Kong Society for the Blind

Learning Elements

The Center provides Internet workstations installed with assistive software and hardware, Closed Circuit Magnifier and TV for our members.

數碼錄音書播放機 - Victor 光盤播放機 (Victor Reader Classic Plus)

Digital Talking Book Reader - Victor Reader Classic Plus

It supports music compact discs, MP3 compact discs and DAISY formate compact discs. It has advanced functionality such as skipping instantly to a specific page and placing multiple bookmarks. User can take and operate Victor Reader Classic Plus anywhere, using its integrated rechargeable batteries and built-in handle. If members have any inquiry regarding the application for the loans of the reader, please feel free to contact the staff by phone.

Braillewriter

The Centre provides braillewriter for members to record information.

Braille Display

Refreshable braille display device - These are electrical devices normally connected to a computer. The contents of web page or text document displayed on the screen, if existed in text format or with a text equivalent, can be converted to braille display on these devices. The braille patterns are translated real time and can be changed dynamically on command and thus the contents of the web page or text document can be read online. Such braille devices normally work hand in hand with a screen reader software and the contents of the braille display will be formatted by the rendering provided by the screen reader software.

Closed Circuit Magnifier (DaVinci Pro) NEW!!

The centre is equipped with two types of desktop video magnifiers, each featuring a 24-inch high-definition LCD screen. These devices enable members with low vision to enlarge printed materials or the display of smart devices for easier reading of text and images. Both magnifiers include a voice-guided menu system that supports multiple languages and are equipped with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) functionality, allowing visually impaired members to have printed content read aloud. For enhanced privacy and clearer audio, users may connect personal earphones. The Merlin Elite Pro, with its more traditional design, effectively blocks ambient light to reduce glare from paper and screen surfaces. It also supports ultra-close viewing distances, catering to users with specific visual needs. In contrast, the DaVinci Pro features a compact and modern design, resembling a camera mounted on an LCD monitor. It offers up to 77x magnification and a vertically rotatable camera, making it suitable for a variety of tasks such as personal grooming, reading, and distance viewing.

Screen Reader

The computers in the centre are equipped with NVDA and JAWS. It can read the text displayed on the computer screen and convert it into audible information.

Printer and scanner

Standard printers are available for use by members to print documents.

The Hong Kong Society for the Blind, established in 1956, is a government-subvented voluntary organisation serving the visually impaired in Hong Kong. To meet the reading and information needs of the visually impaired, the Society operates the Information Accessibility Centre (IAC) which provides a wide range of services.