Training at Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
Dolphin Guide is a wonderful solution for people who feel overwhelmed when trying to use traditional magnification or screen reader programs to access the computer - Jennifer Hyland, Assistive Technology Specialist, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
Tampa, Florida (PRWEB) August 13, 2013
National retailer, Florida Reading and Vision Technology Inc., is partnering with community Lighthouses to make the Dolphin Guide more readily accessible to the blind and low vision population. The Dolphin Guide essentially turns an ordinary computer into a talking computer making email creation, word processing, internet surfing and even reading regular mail a cinch for those who are blind or visually impaired.
“Purposefully built to ensure a greater level of independence for individuals with Macular Degeneration, the Dolphin Guide is such a valuable product that we wanted to position it as a community resource,” states Lesa Kretschmer, President of Florida Reading and Vision Technology Inc. “It truly enhances the level of service that organizations, like the Lighthouse of Tampa, are able to provide on a daily basis.”
“Dolphin Guide is a wonderful solution for people who feel overwhelmed when trying to use traditional magnification or screen reader programs to access the computer,” states Jennifer Hyland, Assistive Technology Specialist, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind. “To use traditional blind/low vision programs, most people have to attend weeks of training to learn and memorize numerous commands and procedures before they can start to use their computers. Because of the way Dolphin Guide works, folks can read and send email, make appointments in the calendar, read news articles, and more, the very first day they use the program.”
In addition to the Lighthouse of Tampa, the Florida Reading and Vision Technology team has outfitted nearly two-dozen Lighthouses for the Blind and rehabilitation centers across the State of Florida with the Dolphin Guide. “We’re thrilled to be releasing a customized version of the Dolphin Guide. Our roots in Florida give us the ability to reach thousands who are visually impaired, from Vocational Rehabilitation clients to those who are fifty-five and older,” states Kretschmer.
Once the Dolphin Guide is installed onto the user’s computer, it automatically begins reading each command aloud and only requires the user to engage the Escape, Enter and arrow keys on their keyboard. “The Dolphin Guide provides one-click access to a lot of things that most of us take for granted in life — emailing our family and friends, keeping up with current events, controlling personal business online and playing games,” states Kretschmer. “Florida Reading & Vision Technology’s ongoing mission is to provide a family of products that guarantee our customers remain independent, and more importantly, retain their dignity.”
In coordination with the launch of the Dolphin Guide, Florida Reading and Vision Technology is offering invitations for free on-site trainings at various organizations, as well as a grass roots approach for reaching independent living facilities and senior centers.
Compatible with most PC’s, the Dolphin Guide can be disabled by the user at any time to access the standard Windows environment. For compatibility specifications, a free trial or to order the Dolphin Guide visit http://www.floridareading.com/dolphin-guide-1-user-license.html .
For more information please call 1-800-981-511
About Florida Reading & Vision Technology Inc.
According to the World Health Organization there are approximately 285 million people in the world who are visually impaired, of whom 39 million are blind. Florida Reading & Vision Technology, Inc. (FRAVTI) is committed to offering safe and dependable products to those seeking greater independence. Founded in 2000 by Lesa Kretschmer, Fort Lauderdale, Florida based FRAVTI offers more than 800 products and tools that help those who are blind or visually impaired meet the needs of the broader public.
To learn more or order a product visit http://www.floridareading.com or call 1-800-981-5119. Like what we are doing? Show us at Facebook.com/floridareading