We consider it unlikely that the RNIB refused to sell the talking calculator: did
they perhaps refuse to supply it at the concessionary price? The "full" price for
the basic version is £12.20 rather than £10.38, and the scientific - all singing,
all dancing - version is £211.50 rather than £180.
The RNIB catalogue states "Most items will have two prices, a subsidised price
and the cost price... The subsidised price applies to individuals normally
resident in the UK who are paying from their own funds, voluntary societies for
the bind, and employers buying equipment necessary to support visually
impaired employees in their jobs. The cost price applies to local authorities,
government-funded organisations and other associations and charities".
However, as I said in an earlier message, Cobalt sell talking calculators, as do
Tandy at about £28 or £14.99, but these are "basic" versions similar to the
RNIB's £12.20 job. If you want square roots etc, you will need the RNIB's
£200+ version.
Also for info, the system of registration of partial sight or blindness is done by
an Ophthalmologist on a BD8 form. The first sheet of Part 1 is sent to Social
Services and copies of the document are distributed to 1 The Patient; 2 The
GP; 3 The Ophthalmologist. The top copy of Part 2 goes to the OPCS (Office of
Population Census and Survey), with copies to the patient, doctor and
ophthalmologist respectively. Once Social Services receive the form, they notify
the visually impaired person and in most areas they give them a card which
says that the person is registered as PS or Blind with that particular SS dept.
Hope this helps!
Karen Ball
ACCESS Centre
The Royal National College for the Blind
College Road
HEREFORD
HR1 1EB
Tel: 01432 265725
Fax: 01432 353478
email: [log in to unmask]
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