The Videobeam day in summer 2000 came from an idea originating from myself, Richard Dent, to utilise a range of relatively inexpensive equipment to create technology access for special needs people. Specifically, this involved some video, arts and education software called VJamm. Having a background in VJamm, and work experience as a musician for special needs, I quickly saw the potential to link some of the audio triggers used in music therapy to my experience with VJamm.

video clip
Before clicking on the links below please note: the video files will download into your temporary folder and should then automatically open in a standalone QuickTime player (you may be asked to select QuickTime from a list). If you don't have QuickTime installed on your computer, please go to www.apple.com/quicktime/player. watch video clip (2.3mb file)

VJamm

VJamm allows the user to trigger video clips, which are easily translated from computer monitor onto a video screen. These clips can come from any source, a DV camera, sampled TV, animation. These are then converted to a simple video file and loaded into VJamm. These clips can be triggered by an outside source using a music production language called MIDI.

	How we enabled special needs to use VJamm The outside source I used in music therapy is called Soundbeam. This sends MIDI language from an invisible beam, meaning it can act as a trigger for VJamm. Soundbeam can be set up to trigger VJamm from the slightest movement across the beam.
The day at Windmill We split the day into two parts. As a warm-up exercise for the more able-bodied children we simply allowed them to stand near the beam and trigger music video clips. For the second part we moved onto a new bank of clips which featured the names of the children.
	I designed these clips to see if any children could trigger two video clips in sequence. The first was a graphical display of the words 'My name is'. To maximise impact I used bright, contrasting colours for the background and text of the displayed image. The second video clip available for triggering was the child's name. Here though, the image colour scheme was reversed to create a high contrast between the two clips. Both graphics came complete with matching audio; this video file could be triggered instantly by crossing the beam in two places which were mere inches apart. Thus even those with the most limited movement could in glorious colour answer the question, 'What is your name...?'

The future of Videobeam

Further development of this type of application has been done by Mark Scarratt from BrightonART and Ollie Macdonald of Red Zebra using alternative interfaces with a wider range of ages and abilities. Scarratt is currently working on a project called Plug Into Music, a 30-week project in the South East of England where he will be further exploring uses with VJamm and disabled people. He will be using the latest version of VJamm that includes functionality designed specifically for disabled people.

Some potential uses may be highlighted:

• communication and interaction for special needs with able-bodied


• expression for special needs


• occupational therapy

The day at the Windmill School, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire was facilitated by Cross Border Arts.

Links and contacts

Amazing Skies - amazingskies@yahoo.com
Mark Scarratt – www.brightonart.org/
VJamm – www.vjs.net
Cross Border Arts – cba@breathe-mail.net
Bongo – bongo@piratetv.net (Video edit and encoding)

Acknowledgements

Thank you all for your help in making this project happen and come to light:

Maggie McDonna, Windmill School children, Kate Kemp, Windmill careworkers, AP, Gill Reilly, Lorraine Von Gehlen, Jon Enkel, Dave Brokenshire, Bongo, Matt Black, Cam Art, Mark Scarrat, BrightonART, Hugo Davenport, Annika Small, Futurelab, Katy Dent, Engin Hassan.


October 2002

Please note: this article is NOT covered by Futurelab's Open Access licence (see open access policy for further details).