Vic: Heartless thieves rob blind institute

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Vic: Heartless thieves rob blind institute

MELBOURNE, Dec 17 AAP - Blind children at a Melbourne school have been dealt a blowby thieves who stole a computer containing an irreplaceable picture braille program.

Teacher Garry Stinchcombe said the computer program - which converted pictures andgraphics into embossed braille outlines - played a vital role in the school's curriculum.

"That computer program is no longer available and it is central to the teaching ofour tactile graphics and in preparing maps and math diagrams," he said.

"We are now limited in what we can produce for the children."

Thieves broke into the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind School in east suburbanBurwood between 5pm Friday, December 6, and 8am, Monday December 9.

They stole a Pentium computer system, two printers, a scanner, digital scales and tworemote controls.

Mr Stinchcombe said it would cost about $4,000 to replace the items plus about $2,000to buy a similar product to the picture braille program, which was no longer commerciallyavailable.

Mr Stinchcombe said a vital component stolen was a serialised plug, designed to protectcopyright, that was needed to operate the software.

"It annoys me to think it is of no value to anyone else and it will end up in the bin.

It's tragic," he said.

The theft of material stored on the computer's hard drive was also a huge loss to the school.

Mr Stinchcombe said the computer was distinctive with its 19-inch monitor and a synthesisedvoice.

"I'm hopeful that if it turns up in someone's home with those defining features, thatthey ask some questions," he said.

"I would encourage them to have some sense of social conscience and return it."

AAP lmw/gfr/cd/bwl

KEYWORD: BLIND