PALATINE

A Netherlands-based site devoted to the future of accessible music and emerging multimedia technologies.
(June 2003, DP)

A Yahoo-based chat group.
(July 2003, DP)

"Enables disabled people to make music through technology."
"From hip hop to classical, jazz to rock and roll, the Drake Music Project is a national charity that is committed to providing the opportunity for disabled people to explore, compose and perform their own music."
The site includes information about news and events, technology, training, regional activity, and a useful set of links.
(July 2003, DP)

An organization, based at Keele University, which helps hard of hearing, deaf, partially sighted and physically disabled people enjoy music using technological means.
(June 2003, DP)

As part of the CADISE (Consortium of Arts & Design Institutions in Southern England) BICPA (Being Inclusive in the Creative and Performing Arts) project, Trinity College of Music is leading a case study entitled "Making music technology accessible for visually impaired students." One of the outcomes of the study is this ten-point protocol (currently in draft form).
(September 2004, DP)

Musicians in Focus supplies information and support to visually impaired music students and professionals. It advises individuals and organizations on many aspects of the education process. Musicians in Focus has a high level of musical expertise and has been closely involved with several successful recent initiatives at the Royal College of Music.

A US-based organization, providing information and referral services for visually impaired students, their parents and teachers.
(July 2003, DP)

"Using music to unlock the potential of young people with severe disabilities."
(July 2003, DP)

TechDis, funded by the Joint Information Services Committee (JISC) is one of the most reliable and accessible sources of information about technology and disabilities and/or learning difficulties for people in FE and HE.

Site of the month 03/05
Goodfeel Braille Music Translator from Dancing Dots Braille Music Technology. This software automates transcription of Braille Music. It can convert MIDI, Lime and other notation file formats into music Braille. Demo available. For Win95/98/Millennium.
(June 2002, DP)

These codes of practice for the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA) provide detailed guidance for providers of school and post-16 education. Housed on the site of the Disability Rights Commission, the codes were written by Sophie Corlett and Liz Maudslay. The SENDA is an amendment to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and addresses a massive exclusion: education. It deals entirely with education and was passed just before the 2001 General Election. The main sections of the SENDA were implemented on 1 September 2002 and 1 September 2003 and a further section is due to come into force on 1 September 2005. Many departments will need to adjust their practices to comply with these anti-discriminatory duties, and the legislation covers most aspects of courses, learning provision, student services, etc. Adjustments need to be anticipatory: that is, a department cannot merely say that it meets the needs of its current individuals.
(November 2002, DP)

Dearing recommended a code of practice to be drawn up to assure quality and standards in various aspects of HE. This constitutes section three of the overall code. The code is likely to evolve, with new sections being developed in the future. It provides recommendations, mostly applicable to institutions and programme leaders.
(November 2002, DP)