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>
>
> Subject: [Nfbf-l] new screen reader
>
>
> Peterborough Today (UK)
> Friday, July 21, 2006
> ACCESSIBILITY: Hi-tech aid for blind on a roll
> By Sarah Gunthardt
>
> A CITY company has successfully launched the world's first free-talking
> computer software - Thunder - which is likely to be a storming success for
> blind and partially sighted people worldwide.
> Thunder was launched by Screenreader.net, run by a blind city couple,
> Margaret and Roger Wilson-Hinds, from their home in Orton Wistow,
> Peterborough.
> The pair, who have been running Choice Technology, which specialises in
> products for blind and partially-sighted people since 1992, were 
> runners-up
> in Peterborough Enterprise Centre's first-ever competition to find the
> region's Best Business Idea for 2006.
> They are delighted to have achieved their ambition to launch the software,
> which will help bring computers and the internet alive for the blind and
> partially-sighted.
> The Thunder screenreader turns a normal PC into a talking computer by
> reading out loud what's on screen.
> It will enable them to listen to internet sites, shop on-line, hear their
> e-mails and, with the software reading out to them as they type, they will
> be able to create letters and other documents with ease.
> Screenreader.net is a not-for-profit community interest company, which
> developed the software in partnership with Manchester-based Sensory 
> Software
>>Ltd.
> The software was launched at the Sight Village Exhibition in Birmingham 
> this
> week.
> Mr Wilson-Hinds said: "At Screenreader.net, our mission is to deliver free
> talking software worldwide so that blind people everywhere can benefit 
> from
> the computer, the web, and e-mails.
> "We see the talking computer as the modern Braille -providing a gateway to
> learning, work opportunities and a measure of financial freedom and
> independence."
>>Thunder is set to create a real storm as talking computer software is
>>currently available, but at a price, with the cheapest system, Windows 
>>Eyes
>>costing about £380, and the most widely used system, JAWS, costing £800.
> Thunder is entirely free to individuals, with multi-user packages 
> available
> to organisations for an annual subscription, which also includes training.
> Thunder has already received the backing of a number of organisations,
> including the National Blind Children's Society, the Royal Blind Society 
> and
> New Zealand Association for the Blind. Chief executive of the Royal Blind
> Society Graham Booth said: "This is a simple, easy-to-use product that's
> going to bring huge benefits to blind people and greatly enhance their
> quality of life.
> "We wish Screenreader.net every success with this exciting and important
> venture." All that is needed to use the Thunder screenreader is a computer
> running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Vista, plus speakers or headphones. 
> For
> more information and to download Thunder for free, visit
> www.screenreader.net
>
>
> Article by Business Editor Sarah Gunthardt,
> email: [log in to unmask]
> Telephone 01733 588751.
>
> 


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