The issue of computer monitors in relation to epilepsy has been
visited a number of times in the forum. You can always check
through the archive for past debates. In brief, the Prof is right about
the refresh rate on modern monitors being too fast to cause
problems for those with photosenistive epilepsy - and not all people
with epilepsy are photsensitive (most aren't, so I understand).
However, there could perhaps be a problem where the monitor is
being used in a room lilt by florescent lighting, which also flashes
very quickly. The beat frequencies of the two together could
conceivably make the flashing perceptable (e.g you can see an
areoplane propeller move when it is filmed, but not in real life) and
possibly cause a problem for those who are photosensitive.
Also, the problem of conventional monitors is that they generate
heat, so computer suites can become very hot and stuffy, which
can be more of a problem for students with health issues and
indeed everyone else trying to work in them.
On 20 Jan 03, at 12:26, David Waite wrote:
> Dear all,
> can I have some responses techie or otherwise on
> the wisdom of not supplying Flatscreen LCD computer
> screens to computer facilities that are to be universally
> shared by all students in computer clusters.
>
> Our IT dept is (trying) to justify NOT supplying them on
> disability grounds because an expert, Professor G Harding
> (Aston University, England says:
>
> "Contrary to public belief, the use of
> professional VDUs rarely presents anyrisk to the person
> with epilepsy. The risk of a seizure occuring depends on
> the material being displayed. Most current computer displays have
> scan frequencies of 70 per second and above. These are unlikely to
> provoke seizures."
>
> Quoted at http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photofrm.html
>
>
> Iam a bit worried about the Profs use of the word 'most'.
> I have seen student medical recommendations from consultant
> neurologists saying student x needs a lcd screen in order
> to be safe.
>
> Can we reply on the above good professor's submission if
> things go pear shaped and we have an 'incident' with a
> student using a CRT screen ?
>
> The other big problem with slim screens is there ease of
> theft.Has anyone else managed to keep theres from going
> walkabout.
>
> Any and all contributions accepted gratefully.
>
> Many thanks
>
> David Waite
> ----------------------
> David Waite
> [log in to unmask]
Bryan Jones
Disability Support Services Manager
Tel: 020 8411 5367
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