Simon's big screen advantage
Simon Kapernick of the Department of Public Works' CITEC, has an extra-large monitor on his desk. But don't get ‘screen envy’ – he has a serious visual impairment.
Simon (pictured), a Senior Solutions Manager in CITEC's Client and Operational Services, was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease in 2005.
Stargart's is a form of macular degeneration resulting in progressive loss of central vision in both eyes, but this hasn't prevented Simon's advancement within CITEC (external site).
Simon's specialised equipment includes:
a 26-inch monitor
desktop and portable CCTV scanners
a hand-held electronic magnifier
software to enlarge text and convert it to audio.
‘The interesting thing is that most people probably don't even notice that I have a disability,’ Simon said.
‘I don't carry a cane, so there is really nothing that gives it away, except of course for the extra large screen I use.’
After being diagnosed with Stargart's, Simon received assistance from Vision Australia (external site). They helped him apply for a Federal Government disability grant for assistive equipment.
Public Works' Network Supporting People with a Disability program has also been assisting Simon since his diagnosis.
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Last reviewed: 31 August, 2009
Last updated: 1 September, 2009
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