has anyone downloaded Thunder and tried it out? Your comments please. George ----- Original Message ----- From: "Suresh" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "accessindia" <accessindia@accessindia.org.in> Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 10:05 PM Subject: [AI] (ACCESSIBILITY: Hi-tech aid for blind on a roll)
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 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: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Telephone 01733 588751. http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=847&ArticleID=1644004 Thanks and regards. Suresh Kulkarni. Mob: 9869326498 E-mail id: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] "I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
