Very cool.

Peter

>>Blind people help sighted motorists get on the Net
>>
>>Technology used by blind people to surf the Internet
>>has been fitted to a car to help sighted drivers get
>>online when they are on the move.  The Royal National
>>Institute for the Blind (RNIB) welcomes today's
>>announcement of the development of an Internet-enabled
>>car that proves that design intended to help blind
>>people can also assist people in a variety of everyday
>>situations.
>>
>>Web usability specialists Bunnyfoot have developed a
>>prototype 'Internet-ready car', affectionately known
>>as the 'Bunnymobile'.  The Bunnymobile is equipped
>>with an Internet connection, made possible by mobile
>>phone technology.  Instead of a computer screen, the
>>specially adapted car has been fitted with a speech
>>browser, the type used by blind people to surf the
>>Internet from a personal computer.
>>
>>The result is a speaking Internet browser that enables
>>drivers to listen to information over the Internet
>>while keeping their eyes on the road.
>>
>>Dr Jon Dodd, Technical Director at Bunnyfoot said: "We
>>created the Bunnymobile to demonstrate the importance
>>of accessible web design. When web sites are designed
>>to be usable by blind people they also work in 'eyes
>>busy' situations, such as driving a car.  We found
>>that web sites which have been designed following
>>accessible web design guidelines worked really well in
>>our web-enabled car, but sites which did not follow
>>these guidelines could not be heard in the
>>Bunnymobile'.
>>
>>Julie Howell, RNIB's Campaigns Officer (Accessible
>>Internet) was one of the first people to go for a spin
>>in the Bunnymobile.  "When Bunnyfoot contacted me, I
>>wondered how technology used by blind people would
>>help people driving cars!  I was able to hear
>>gardening tips from Bob Flowerdew on the BBC Online
>>site and listened to the latest financial news on
>>ft.com without taking my eyes off the road!  I could
>>even pick up my email.  The Bunnymobile is a great way
>>to show web designers the power of accessible design.
>>When web sites are coded correctly, it's not only
>>disabled people who benefit.  People surfing the web
>>through the television or even in a car can use sites
>>that follow 'design for all' guidelines."
>>
>>"Although the concept of the Bunnymobile is fairly
>>straightforward, the car delivers an important message
>>to companies who operate on the web", says Dr Dodd.
>>"Businesses who want to make their sites available to
>>the maximum number of people should think carefully
>>when designing web sites, so they are easy to use,
>>wherever and however the public choose to get online,
>>and whatever their abilities or disabilities".
>>
>>Further information: Julie Howell, Campaigns Officer,
>>RNIB 020-7391 2191. Robert Stevens, Bunnyfoot
>>01235-838514.
>>
>>Notes to editors
>>
>>1. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK
>>offering practical support, advice and information for
>>anyone with a serious sight problem. For information
>>call the RNIB Helpline on 0845-766 99 99.
>>2. Information about the technology blind and
>>partially sighted people use to access computers is
>>available from RNIB's Technology Information Service
>>http://www.rnib.org.uk/technology/ or on 024-7636
>>9555.
>>3. RNIB's Campaign for Good Web Design encourages web
>>designers to practice simple 'design for all'
>>techniques.  Further information at
>>http://www.rnib.org.uk/digital or contact Julie
>>Howell, Campaigns Officer (Accessible Internet) at
>>[log in to unmask] or on 020-7391 2191.
>>4.  RNIB has produced a free video explaining
>>accessible web design.  'Web sites that work' is
>>available from 020-7391 2191.
>>5. Bunnyfoot are web usability specialists based in
>>Oxfordshire.  Contact Robert Stevens, Business
>>Director for more information on 01235-838514 or at
>>[log in to unmask]


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