Serotek Offers Free K-12 Computing Tool for Blind
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Software developer Serotek Corp. has announced a new program for blind and visually impaired students called Keys for K-12. The program provides the company's System Access Mobile software for text to speech and screen magnification free of charge through an annual licensing program.
The licensing program, according to Serotek, allows students free use of the software through their 18th birthday or until graduation from high school, whichever comes first. The software itself, which normally retails for $499, provides screen reading and screen magnification capabilities. It also includes a free license to carry the software on a U3-enabled USB thumb drive that "can plug the drive into any computer anywhere and have instant access to all resident Windows-based and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint," according to the company. "When unplugged, no trace of usage is left behind on the host computer."
"For children in the 21st century, using a computer is as basic as learning to read or riding a bike," said Mike Calvo, CEO of Serotek, in a prepared statement. "Imagine a blind child at a friend's house, and the sighted friend wants to work on a shared science project. Until now, blind kids just felt left out while the other kids looked at the screen."
Aside from the free software licenses, Serotek is also offering packages for teachers and for users who need training on the software.
Further information, including eligibility and application forms, can be found at Serotek's site here.
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About the author: David Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's online education technology publications, including THE Journal and Campus Technology. He can be reached at [email protected].
Proposals for articles and tips for news stories, as well as questions and comments about this publication, should be submitted to David Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].