Computing more accessible for disabled people5 April 2006
IBM makes computing more accessible to New Zealanders withdisabilities
SeniorNet NZ first to use Web AdaptationTechnology
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - 4 April 2006 -- NewZealanders with visual and motor disabilities will haveimproved access to computers and the internet thanks toinnovative technologies developed and donated by IBM.
IBMis donating its 'Web Adaptation Technology to New Zealandnot-for-profit organisations and today celebrated theavailability of this software at a launch event held atUpper Hutt branch of SeniorNet New Zealand. The Minister ofDisability Issues and Minister of Senior Citizens, Hon RuthDyson, as well as representatives from SeniorNet, were onhand to witness a demonstration of the software.
WebAdaptation Technology automatically enhances the readabilityof web pages, reduces visual clutter, makes the browser,mouse and keyboard easier to use, and can read text aloud.It also eases typing for people who have difficulty with akeyboard -- users with tremors, arthritis or those recoveringfrom a stroke -- by detecting errors and automaticallyadjusting keyboard sensitivity to accommodate typing.Individual preferences can be saved so that web pages areadapted for that individual on any computer on a networkusing the software.
Figures from Statistics New Zealandindicate that people with disabilities are a significantpart of New Zealand's population, accounting for one inevery five people in 2001. More than 50% of New Zealandersover the age of 65 are living with a disability. Informationabout the experience of disability is becoming increasinglyimportant as the population ages and the country strives toeliminate barriers faced by people with disabilities.
SeniorNet is the first New Zealand not-for-profit to useWeb Adaptation Technology. The organisation s nationalcoordinator, Grant Sidaway, says his members will greatlybenefit from using the IBM software: "Technology skills areneeded to perform several basic tasks today, from gatheringinformation to making purchases - and for some these tasksare more difficult than they need to be. Web AdaptationTechnology will help us level up the playing field. We areover the moon that IBM has gifted this software to allSeniorNet Clubs in New Zealand and will be running shortcourses to help our members use it."
IBM s CorporateCommunity Relations Manager, Debbie Noon, says that IBM iscommitted to innovation across the community: "We know thathaving access to computers and the internet can be the keyto social inclusion and employment. That s why technologieslike this are so important. We want to see people enjoygreater independence, access to information and services,and employment opportunities."
Ms Noon says that IBMhopes to see the technology used more widely in New Zealand:"We re making a great start with SeniorNet but we want tosee this technology made accessible across the community.This is the sort of technology innovation that can transformthe lives of those who might otherwise not be able to usecomputers and the internet.
Not-for-profit organisationswishing to access IBM's Web Adaptation Technology shouldcontact Debbie Noon, IBM New Zealand's Community RelationsManager, atdebbien@nz1.ibm.com.
ENDS
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