Dolphin News

Discover Dolphin assistive technology for people who are blind or low vision at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi on 6th and 7th February 2012.

Crystal clear magnification, human-sounding voices plus refreshable Braille make SuperNova the ultimate solution for visually impaired people accessing laptop or desktop computers.

SuperNova includes beautifully smooth magnification (up to 60-times). Displays applications using colours and contrast suitable for many different eye conditions. Highlighting options to easily see mouse pointers and cursors; magnify with multiple monitors for: multitasking, collaborating, training or presentations.

Fully localised for Hindi speakers, SuperNova includes the high-quality human-sounding voices 'Sangeeta' for accented Indian English and 'Lekha' for Hindi language support. Other SuperNova features:

• Speaks characters and words while you type.
• Adjust voice settings.
• Hear font style and formatting information.
• Automatically announce text under the mouse pointer.
• List document elements such as links and headings.
• Use the Dolphin Cursor for browsing the web with the keyboard.

SuperNova supports organisations catering for every visual impairment. SuperNova enables schools, libraries and employers to meet their legal accessibility obligations under the Indian 'Persons With Disabilities Act, 1995.

For an affordable way to carry SuperNova between computers, ask about the SightSavers Dolphin Pen available in developing countries.

Never used a computer and losing your sight? Try Dolphin Guide & soon you'll be:

• Emailing friends and family.
• Scanning and reading printed documents.
• Surfing the web and listening to podcasts.
• Having fun with: chat, games, reading books and much more!

Dolphin Guide provides step-by-step choices that guide you through to guaranteed computer success.

Meet Dolphin's Steve Bennett at TechShare India and try our tools for: screen magnification, screen reading and producing Alternative Formats. Join Dolphin in the exhibition area or attend one of our presentations:

Dolphin Bookshelf: Integrating web services into assistive technology.
Day 1: 6th February, 2012. 3 pm to 3:40 pm.
Track 2: Assistive Technology.

Simple talking computing for blind seniors – A Real Life Journey.
Day 2: 7th February 2012. 2 pm to 2:40 pm.
Track 2: Assistive Technology.

Techshare India 2012 will build awareness, identify needs, and provide solutions and implementation strategies to create an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and BarrierBreak Technologies are organizing Techshare in New Delhi on 6-7th February 2012.

Visit the Techshare website (external link) for more details.

Experience Dolphin's full range of innovative software products designed for people who are low vision or blind, at the 2012 Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference). Caribe Royale All-Suites, Resort & Convention Centre in Orlando Florida (Jan 26-28).

Get a demo of Dolphin Guide, easy computing for seniors. Now supporting digital books from NLS's BARD service.

Never used a computer and losing your sight? Get started with Dolphin Guide & soon you'll be:

• Emailing friends and family
• Scanning and reading printed documents.
• Surfing the web and listening to podcasts.
• Having fun with: chat, games, reading books and much more!

Dolphin Guide provides step by step choices that guide you through to guaranteed computer success.

Seeing the difference with SuperNova Magnifier - perfect for people with low vision.

One click and everything on screen is instantly magnified. Zoom in and change colors for crystal clear detail. Simply enlarge or add speech output as needs change.

• Now truly: multitask, collaborate, train or present with SuperNova's multiple monitor support.
• View each magnified application on its own monitor.
• View different parts of the same application on different monitors.
• Switch screens with a simple keystroke and SuperNova remembers your place.
• Never lose the pointer with Supernova's Mouse Buffer.
• Applications including Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 displayed in high definition using SuperNova's beautiful True Font technology.

Meet the friendly Dolphin Computer Access team at ATIA and try our tools for: screen magnification, screen reading and producing alternative formats. Join Dolphin in the exhibition hall at booth 1108 or attend one of the following presentations:

Simple Talking Computing for Blind Seniors - A Real Life Journey
Friday, January 27
1:15 PM - 2:15 in Boniare 8

Dolphin Bookshelf: Integrating Cloud Services into Assistive Technology
Thursday, January 26
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM in the Product Demo Centre

Since 1986 Dolphin products have enabled hundreds of thousands of customers to enjoy the same level of independence as peers. Dolphin develop and deliver the widest variety of software products for people with print and visual impairments. With offices in: US, UK, Sweden and Norway, Dolphin export to more than thirty countries worldwide:
http://www.yourdolphin.com

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) serves as the collective industry voice aiming to deliver the best products and services for people with disabilities.
http://www.atia.org

Olympia, London - Wednesday 11th January 2012; BETT 2012, the education technology show, today marked the launch of a new proven approach to raising student achievement. Focussing on learners with dyslexia, low literacy and English as an additional language, My Accessible School also supports any student that would benefit from extra support with their reading and writing.

Developed off the back of the Accessible Resources Pilot project, a Department for Education pilot lead by Dolphin Computer Access, My Accessible School draws on the project's exciting findings.

"The results of the pilot were way beyond our expectations. 71% of dyslexic pupils demonstrated an improvement in their writing and their reading skills." explains Noel Duffy, Project Lead for the Accessible Resources Pilot project & Dolphin's Managing Director.

"We now have concrete proof that accessible learning materials AND assistive technology have a huge positive impact on the education, inclusion and self-esteem of students with dyslexia."

Becoming an accessible school equips schools with best practices, staff training and guidance, as well as the tools schools need to enable all their students to reach their full potential. Uniquely for the My Accessible School framework, every student in the school is able to benefit, and its accessible approach to the curriculum is not restricted to students with statements or School Action Plus.

Providing access to both accessible learning materials and the latest innovative assistive technology for school and home, the My Accessible School is a flexible framework that is individually tailored to each school.

"My Accessible School is not a one-size fits all approach" explains Sarah Smye-Rumsby, Dolphin's Education Consultant and a former teacher.

"Every school in the UK and every one of their students have different requirements to access the curriculum. Working in partnership with the school's head, teaching and support staff, we start by carrying out a free onsite accessibility assessment. Together we look at everything from simple adjustments for students with Irlen Syndrome; through to the latest best practice on reading and writing technology for students with dyslexia. Schools find the school accessibility report and its recommendations, a practical framework around which a school can debate, agree and implement their chosen approach to accessibility."

My Accessible School also includes a menu of onsite training courses for SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants and IT technicians; as well as providing unlimited access to interactive webinar training sessions. New innovative reading and writing software for every student in the school is also included, as well as '@ home' access to the same software for homework completion. Ongoing support, guidance and advice from the school Education Consultant is also provided.

Schools looking to book their free onsite accessibility assessment call Maggie McCarthy on 01905 754 577 or Sarah Smye-Rumsby on 07972 220727.

Alternatively Dolphin is offering a fortnightly email with tips, advice and latest best practice on school accessibility, dyslexia and technology. To sign up, visit the My Accessible School website.

Dolphin know how important Guide is to our Guide customers and we appreciate that the availability of support is an essential part of that Guide experience. With the aim of improving our service to our Guide customers, Dolphin has decided to bring our Durham team to Worcester. From 3rd January 2012 all Guide customers should please contact our Worcester office for all Guide related enquiries.

We are exceptionally pleased to report that Phil Hardingham, Jordan Taylor and Anthony Wade will be joining us in Worcester, continuing as the primary support contacts for Guide and Guide HandsFree. Following the exciting uptake of Guide in the UK and Europe, and the growing demand for support, we have also recently recruited four new members of support staff. Aj Ahmed, David McKay, Tom Hockney and Damon Lord are currently undertaking Guide training in preparation to extend the Guide support team from Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

Dolphin Friends, local blindness societies and anyone attending Dolphin's network of local events will also be delighted to know that Ken Bridge will be continue to visit events their area. Ken will now be supported by David Christakis, Guide's new sales coordinator. Do feel free to call David on 01905 754 577 ext 228 and introduce yourself!

From Tuesday 3rd January 2012 please use the Worcester contact details:

• for product support call 01905 754 765 or email support@dolphinuk.co.uk
• for sales & general information call 01905 754 577 or email info@dolphinuk.co.uk

The Durham telephone numbers and email addresses will remain operational for a number of months, with all calls being forwarded to Worcester without extra cost to the caller.

Many thanks to everyone for their ongoing support and commitment to Guide over the past 12 months.

Everyone at Dolphin extend our warmest wishes to all Dolphin customers and their families for a pleasant and safe festive season.

During this hour-long audio presentation, Dolphin's Blindness Product Manager - Dave Williams talks with Terry Clasper from T and T Consultancy and demonstrates SuperNova Access Suite version 12.

Topics covered include:

• SuperNova's refreshable Braille support.
• Getting free SuperNova updates.
• SuperNova in Word 2010.
• SuperNova Tools for tackling busy web pages.
• SuperNova Launch Pad for accessing radio, podcasts, news, weather and walking directions.
• SuperNova's powerful Application settings.

Click to listen to this audio now or open the following URL in your preferred media player: http://www.yourdolphin.com/podcasts/supernova_review_clasper.mp3

• Infotech magazine features reviews of a wide range of specialist equipment for people with visual impairments. Download the infotech magazine (external link).
  
• Infotech is produced by T and T Consultancy, a UK-based company supplying and supporting a range of assistive technology including Dolphin SuperNova software and Optelec Alva BC640 refreshable Braille displays and controllers. Visit the T and T Consultancy website (external link).
  
• Learn more about SuperNova and try a free 30-day demo.

Whether you're thinking of ordering your SuperNova upgrade before Christmas, or buying Guide as a Christmas gift, please be aware of our last order dates!

• For boxed software please order on or before Wednesday 21st December 2011.
• To order your unlock code or software upgrade, please order on or before Friday 23rd December 2011.

The Worcester office will close from 1.00pm on 23rd of December; opening again at 9.00am on Tuesday 3rd of January 2012.

The Durham office will close from 1.00pm on 23rd of December; opening again at 9.00am on Tuesday 3rd of January 2012.

The New Jersey office will be closed for Christmas and New Years on Friday 23rd December, Monday 26th and 2nd of January 2012.

The Falköping office will close on 24th to 26th December, 30th to 31st December 2011, 1st January and on the 6th January 2012. Only limited product support will be available between 23rd December and 30th December.

The Norwegian office will be closed from Monday 26th December; opening again Monday 2nd January 2012.

As many of you are aware, the BBC recently made some changes to the Listen Again facility for radio shows. Dolphin is rarely informed in advance of any changes that they make and so this was totally unexpected to us. Unfortunately the changes that were made resulted in the facility becoming inaccessible to Dolphin Guide users - some of you may have experienced problems trying to use the Listen Again feature recently.

We have been communicating with the head of accessibility at the BBC to discuss possible methods we might use to fix things for our users. As a listener, you might like to get in touch with the BBC to share your experiences too!

Dolphin has now written a fix that will enable Guide users to listen to, play and stop radio shows, this partial fix will be available in version 6.0.28. (Update version 6.0.27 is currently going through testing, after which will be able to test the new BBC fix and then send it out to you).

We would like to apologise for the frustrations and inconveniences this issue has likely caused you, and would reassure you that we have worked to resolve it as soon as possible. As you can imagine it is very frustrating for Dolphin and our team of developers.

In the meantime, there is a workaround which you can use to access your favourite radio shows (thank you to Paul Benson for posting this on the forum this week). Details below.

All you need to do it visit the BBC website and find the Listen Again page for your programme. Each BBC station has it's own web address such as:
www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 OR www.bbc.co.uk/radio2 Once you are on the main page for the radio station navigate to the 'Programmes' list and click the link for the programme you want. Then when on the Programme page, find the 'Listen Again' link. Unfortunately, using the web browser, then there is no way to access the playback controls, so the volume output is fixed, and there is no way to skip forward and backward, but for some it will be better than not listening at all.

Dolphin today announced a free update immediately available for all SuperNova version 12 customers.

The version 12.06 update is available via SuperNova's Internet updater for Arabic, Australian English, Belgian Dutch, Belgian French, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Icelandic, Italian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, UK English, US English and Welsh product users.

SuperNova version 12.06 is more responsive, more robust and announces more of what you need when formatting documents, working with email and contacts, or using iTunes. Experience:

• Faster True Fonts
• Dozens of magnification speech and Braille productivity fixes for Microsoft Office
• Changes to better support latest versions of iTunes and Windows Live Mail
• A more consistent experience for those customers who prefer using Windows Classic Theme
• And thanks to SuperNova's Customer Feedback system, greater overall stability.

Read the complete list of what's new in SuperNova version 12.06

Not already using SuperNova? Download a free 30-day trial today

Version 12 customers, receive their free update via SuperNova's internet updater

In an important decision for Braille this week, the UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAAF) has agreed to adopt Unified English Braille (UEB) as an official braille code in the UK. Standard English Braille (SEB) has been the recognised code in the UK since the 1930's.

Whether you're looking to create UEB for Braille readers, or access your computer using UEB on Braille displays, Dolphin software has Braille options for you.

Looking to create UEB for Braille readers? Dolphin EasyConverter helps you make information accessible, with options to convert information into MP3 audio, large print, DAISY talking book and Braille formats, including both contracted and uncontracted UEB code.

Want to access your computer using UEB? SuperNova screen reader offers support for Braille displays, with options for setting Braille input and output as contracted or uncontracted UEB.

Not familiar with UEB code? Both SuperNova and EasyConverter will continue to support Standard English Braille as well as a whole host of other language codes from Arabic to Welsh.

UEB has already been adopted by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria and South Africa, and this adoption by the UK aligns our braille code with other English-speaking countries. This decision brings many future benefits to Braille users in the UK: the sharing of Braille files and information between organisations, education establishments and producers will be easier nationally and internationally; and braille will be easier to learn and to teach - benefits which will ultimately increase the availability and use of braille.

Peter Osborne, the Chair of UKAAF, said "This has been a very complex issue, and it was not a decision that the Board has taken lightly. The value of the research time alone to gather evidence is estimated to be over £40,000, kindly delivered through member organisation activity, and the Board received a report with recommendations to consider, supported by over 200 pages of evidence. This analysed the benefits and drawbacks of UEB, the experiences of other countries, and a tremendous amount of direct feedback from stakeholders, including users, teachers, producers and UKAAF's counterpart standards bodies in other English-speaking countries."

He went on to say "This, of course, does not mean that SEB will disappear overnight. Far from it, this simply means that most of the resources previously dedicated to developing SEB will now be refocused on developing and implementing UEB. We now have an enormous amount of work to do on implementation, including establishing timescales, supporting and training teachers and users, and ensuring that there are enough resources available. A key focus will be to maximise the benefits and minimise the disruption to children and adults studying and taking exams. We will unavoidably have a period where we are supporting both SEB and UEB codes whilst we carefully plan the implementation of UEB."

Dr Sarah Morley Wilkins, the Vice-Chair of UKAAF, said "The Braille subject area and the UKAAF Board have worked very hard to consider every angle. Everyone involved had a primary focus on the future of Braille and the needs of Braille users. This decision was not a formality by any stretch of the imagination. Although everyone supported UEB in principle, there were differing views on how and when it might be implemented. Ultimately, the decision to adopt UEB now was carried by a two-thirds majority of the Board. I would like to thank everyone involved in the research, particularly those who participated in interviews and focus groups, and tested sample materials. Members of the UKAAF braille Subject Area and research colleagues collated a tremendous amount of evidence to help inform their recommendations and the Board's decision, which puts us in a very strong position to commence a detailed implementation plan with UK stakeholders."

Peter Osborne added, "I am very lucky to be supported by Board members with such breadth of experience and deep commitment to the provision of quality accessible information in all formats for print-disabled people in the UK. The next task for the Board is to prepare an implementation plan to benefit Braille users in the short- and long-term. This is quite a remit and we undertake this with the guarantee that we will all work together with stakeholders to successfully implement UEB in the UK. UKAAF maintains a strong commitment to the development and promotion of braille as one of the vital accessible formats for people with print-disabilities."

Full press release available on the UKAAF website.

Congratulations to Beverley Ford, our Champagne SuperNova competition winner from Sight Village London this week.

Beverley wins a bottle of Moet and a copy of SuperNova or Guide.

To enter our next Champagne SuperNova competition, why not pop by and visit us at one of the many events we're attending this autumn.

Browse the Dolphin Events Diary

Want to find out more about Dolphin software? Come and meet us in person and try Dolphin software tools first hand with an expert at your side to answer any queries.

This month, Dolphin will be visiting the following locations around the country:

• 1st & 2nd November Sight Village London
• 9th November Sensory Exhibition (Sunderland)
• 10th November Hearing & Sight Centre Exhibition 2011 (Plymouth)
• 11th November VisionZone (Bristol)
• 17th November Technology Day (Middlesbrough)
• 19th November Paignton Road Show (Paignton)
• 22nd November Tewkesbury Insight Day (Tewkesbury)
• 24th November RNIB Borders Focus Day (Galashiels)
• 26th November IT Fayre (Swanage)

Come along...

• for information and advice
• to try it yourself
• to get a free demo disc
• to buy a box of Dolphin software

Experience SuperNova's crystal clear True Fonts & multiple monitor support for yourself.

New to computing & losing your sight? Try Dolphin Guide - simple talking computing for people that are blind or partially sighted.

Making Braille, large print, DAISY & MP3s is simpler than you think! Let us show you how with EasyConverter.

Visit the Dolphin website for latest product news, free trials, videos, details of your local Dolphin Accredited trainer and more.