david robinson presentation - ecei14
DESCRIPTION
Slides to accompany David Robinson's presentation at ECEI14 on November 6th at the EESCTRANSCRIPT
BrowseAloud: Removing Barriers to Digital Inclusion
David Robinson06 November 2014
Agenda
• About Texthelp
• Digital Inclusion Challenge
• Overcoming the Barriers for the Print Disabled
• Assistive Technology Ownership
• Social Model for Assistive Technology Provision
• BrowseAloud Assistive Technology
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About Texthelp Ltd
● World Leaders in Assistive Technology Solutions – 18 Years
● NI Head Office , Boston Office, Global Reseller Network
● Partnerships:
Microsoft Gold Certified Partner
Apple Business Partner
Adobe Solutions Network Developer
● Awards/Certifications:
ISO 9001:2008
Ranked in Top 50 as one of the fastest growing technology companies in
UK/Ireland
15 consecutive years (Deloitte Technology Fast 50)
Digital Inclusion – What is it?
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● Global initiative that aims to address inequalities in society
● Exists when everyone in society can access technologies and benefit from their
use in ways that are personally meaningful and relevant
● Encompasses a number of inter-related themes…
Access Access to technologies e.g. mobile phones, computers, tablets, the internet, a broadband connection
Use Using, and being able to use, the technologies that you have access to
Empowerment Having basic digital skills and are self-sufficient
Participation Beyond civic engagement to include e-learning
Digital Inclusion ChallengeBarriers to Inclusion:
• No Physical Access
• Economically Disadvantaged
• Print Disabled
Dyslexia
Mild Visual Impairments
Non-native Speakers
Low Literacy
Ageing Population
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Digital Inclusion Landscape
● European Commission estimates that one in six people in the EU have a
disability – or some 80 million. ¹
(80 million: the equivalent to the population in Belgium, the Czech
Republic, Greece, Hungary and the Netherlands together)
● At least 50 million people in Europe are dyslexic and many face impaired access
to education and work. ²
● People with reduced mobility represent more than 40% of the EU population. ³
● 30 million people in the EU are blind or partially sighted. ⁴
● On 1st January 2013, the foreign-born population was 33.5 million in the EU-27 ⁵
¹ euobserver.com, 2014, ² European Dyslexia Association, 2014, ³ European Disability Forum, 2014, ⁴ European Blind Union, 2014 , ⁵ Eurostat, 2013
Overcoming the Barriers for the Print DisabledMany forms of assistive technology can help people with disabilities and reading
difficulties:
• Screen Readers for people who are blind or seriously visually impaired
• Screen Magnifiers and Text Enlargers to help people with milder visual impairment
• Text Readers for people who have dyslexia, or difficulty reading
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Assistive Technology Ownership
Microsoft & Forrester Research found:
There is a negative correlation with disability and earning power.
● People who need Assistive Technology cannot afford it.
There is a higher proportion of disabled people among lower socio-economic
groups.
● People who cannot afford assistive technology are more likely to need it.
Social Model for Assistive Technology Provision
• Our Assistive Technology is made available free for users at the point of use on
websites
• Website owners pay a subscription to support the development, distribution and
support of the free assistive software
• More than 7,000 websites around the world use BrowseAloud
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BrowseAloud Assistive Technology
Removing Barriers to Digital Inclusion
BrowseAloud Toolbar
Hover Highlighting
Text Selection
Translator
MP3 Maker
Text Magnification
Screen Mask
User Settings
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Dual Colour Highlighting
BrowseAloud Toolbar
Translator• Written and Spoken Translation in 35 Languages• Written Translation in a Further 43 Languages• Option to Switch On/Off as Desired by Website Owner
MP3 MakerWebsite Visitors Can Convert Text to MP3 FileWebsite Owners Can Create Their Own MP3 Files
BrowseAloud Toolbar
Text MagnificationMagnifies Text as it is Read AloudText Displayed Along Top of the ScreenLarge, X Large and XX Large Text Sizes
Screen MaskBlocks Distractions on the ScreenLetterbox Reading Window
BrowseAloud Toolbar
Text SimplifierRemoves Clutter from the ScreenArticles can be Summarised
User PreferencesCustomise to Suit Individual NeedsOptions to ChangeVoice, Speed of Voice, Text Size, Contrast
Demonstration
Why Consider BrowseAloud
● Helps Remove Barriers to Digital Inclusion
● Promotes Social Inclusion & Personal Empowerment
● Provides Support & Information to Vulnerable Groups
● Fully Scalable
● Works on all common Platforms – PC’s, Mac’s, iPhone, iPad, Android Tablets &
Phones
● Reduce Costs
InteractionCost:
In Person Telephone Post Online
SOCITM £14.00 £5.00 n/a £0.17
PWC £10.53 £3.39 £12.10 £0.08
99% Savings
* SOCITM Research, PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Thank You for Listening
Any Questions?
David Robinson, Texthelp LtdEmail:
[email protected]: www.browsealoud.com