Boilers for the visually impaired.

lamb7994

Hello

Wasn't sure where to post it but:

A customer of mine called to ask my advice ( i work for an older persons charity and often get asked for advice)
The couple concerned are blind and need a new bolier.
They have limited sight so need buttons with braile on them which can be asked for from manufactuers and also specially adapted boliers with a different easy to use timer.

He can also claim VAT back on the labour costs.

He has spoken to several plumbers and heatine engineers in the Reading area and no one will do the job.

Who can he speak to for advice?

I've given him Corgi number and also RNIB help line.


Any help would be appreciated as this is a first for me and everyone else i've spoken to this about.



Thanks


James

Skiduck

I know of nothing on the market unfortunately, apart from orange stickers - which will not realy help then with the boiler controls.
However, once programmed a boiler shouldn't need "controlling" in an ideal world. Although with the UK weather, we don't usually know what the weather is going to be like and we don't know when we need that extra bath during out of programme hours, so I can sympathise with your plight.

I will make some enquiries with our suppliers, however I feel they may not help due to demand (not that that should be an issue, but this is commerce after all.)

I would also suggest you talk to someone about putting switched spur overrides on the controls, there may be an electrician who can adapt the circuit with partially sighted pull cords - overring the programmer for both heating and hot water.

lamb7994

Thanks for the answer as i didn't have a clue

I did expect this answer though


Many thanks


James Lamb

plumb1_2

Maybe these http://www.sign-maker.net/engraved/tactile-braille.htm could make you small signs, which you can stick on or above the controls.

lamb7994

thanks i'll pass the sugesstion on.


James

dan23uk

danfoss randall also make programmers/timers for central heating systems with braille.

i've had a look about on t'internet, but havent found much. this site may be worth a look, with ratings for programmers for impaired dexterity and vision

http://www.ricability.org.uk/reports/report-household/takingcontrol/mechprogsummaries.htm


hope this is of some help

dan

lamb7994

dan23uk wrote:

danfoss randall also make programmers/timers for central heating systems with braille.

i've had a look about on t'internet, but havent found much. this site may be worth a look, with ratings for programmers for impaired dexterity and vision

http://www.ricability.org.uk/reports/report-household/takingcontrol/mechprogsummaries.htm


hope this is of some help

dan

Sorry for the delay in replying - had a week away.

Thanks for the information.


James

RoCas

Have you thought of contacting RNIB for advice? http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/public_rnibcontactform.hcsp

Also, I wonder if there's a handheld dymo type thingy for braille.

RoCas

Oooooh, just found this ... http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_labelequipfs.hcsp

Oops sorry, just noticed the reference to RNIB in your original post :-)