NUMBER SIX!

(As of January 2010, this project officially came to a close.We have been thrilled with the experience and are please to report the knowledge base and equipment is being split into two. The family-home/residential-facility aspect will continue on a similar but reduced basis as previously and returned equipment will form the beginnings of a new direction: that of connections between base campus here in West Auckland and regional centres spread throughout the KDEC catchment area.There will be no further postings to this site. For further information please contact Kelston Deaf Education Centre.)

August 2009: Well, it's been a little time since the last new installation but there are good reasons.

Another particularly complex installation was almost completed when, for reasons beyond our control, we had to cancel. Never mind. That experience simply reminded us that families are complex structures and don't always follow text books!



This 1 minute video shows an example of how things can go right if we have patience. All steps were followed without a hitch but it still took six weeks from start to finish. The delays were not helped by our Telco's "go-slow" strike!

Training Day

Yesterday 20 Village Staff were involved in an introductory training session. Denise, from Asnet Technologies, spent a long day with our staff who will be using the equipment with students. They will also be involved with the training of students.

There was a lot of information to soak up but, by the end of each of the three 90 minute sessions, staff had experienced controlling lighting, setting up the camera/TV combination, use of the remote control, dialing up a far site, communicating with people at a distance and general background information. There were plenty of excellent questions showing careful thought by the staff, some of whom are already experienced with similar systems.

Training day was an important step in the process. Next step: Installing equipment in parents homes!