Press release TÚ SR: The Telecommunications Office of the Slovak Republic (TÚ SR), after cooperating with the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Slovakia (ÚNSS), published in its gazette and on the Internet a general permit for the operation of command sets for the blind and partially sighted on the reserved frequencies 87.050 MHz and 87.100 MHz. The use of command sets for remote control of acoustic signaling and information systems for citizens with visual impairments will fundamentally expand the possibilities of independent movement of these citizens. "For blind and partially sighted people, acoustic signaling and information devices are an extremely important and gradually expanding tool for increasing their independence and safety when moving on public roads, in construction sites and when using public transport," explains Branislav Mamojka, chairman of the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired (ÚNSS). These devices can inform them about the location and type of places that are important for orientation, the location of the crossing, the status of crossing signals, the route of the incoming public transport vehicle, the location and direction of the escalator, etc. "We greatly appreciate the accommodating attitude of the office in dealing with our request to create legislative conditions for the operation of command sets," added the chairman of the ÚNSS.
The general permit authorizes the operation of the mentioned facilities in the territory of the Slovak Republic subject to compliance with the conditions set forth in the said permit. There is no charge for the use of frequencies. Devices can only be equipped with an integrated (built-in) antenna, the maximum radiated power (e.r.p.) is 200 mW. The technical characteristics of the devices must be in accordance with the requirements of the relevant European standard. It is forbidden to perform any electrical or mechanical modifications on the devices that could change their technical parameters, connect high-frequency amplifiers or external antennas. Operation with continuous broadcasting is not allowed. Radio equipment operated on the basis of this permit does not have the right to protection against interference by other equipment authorized to operate on the specified frequencies.
TÚ SR, following the request of ÚNSS to reserve a frequency and issue a suitable permit for radio equipment facilitating the movement of visually impaired people, selected frequencies and coordinated them (agreed conditions internationally) with neighboring countries. The Office subsequently prepared and published a draft general permit for comments. After the completion of the commenting procedure, the office processed the ÚNSS comment and published the general permit. In formulating its requirements, the ÚNSS collaborated with a company that deals with the development and production of acoustic and radio systems for orienting and informing blind and partially sighted people.
The devices will be able to be used in urban transport, the system provides notification of the line number, direction of travel and notification to the driver of the entry of a blind person into the vehicle. In urban areas, the devices can be installed as informational voice posts, orientation sound beacons at intersections, in subways, near hospitals and offices. At public transport stops, they can provide voice information about the current timetable, etc.
The mission of the Union of Blind and Visually Impaired Slovakia (ÚNSS) is to show, teach and help blind and partially sighted people overcome the consequences of their disability, create conditions for their own participation in solving their problems and build relations with the public leading to their full integration into society.
In Bratislava on July 1, 2005.
More information for the TÚ SR:
Roman Vavro, spokesman of the Slovak Technical University
Tel.: 02/57 88 15 52
e-mail: roman.vavro@teleoff.gov.sk
More information for the ÚNSS:
Branislav Mamojka, chairman
Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Slovakia
Sekulská 1, 84250 Bratislava
Phone: (02)-65420796, 65420844
Fax: (02)-65420842
e-mail: mamojka@unss.sk
Internet: http://www.unss.sk