Sarai D. Bucciarelli
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael May Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 12:02 PM To: GPS-talkusers-freelists.org Subject: [gps-talkusers] award for PK GPS in the UK Press Release: Issued November 11th 2005 Issued by HumanWare Europe 2005 BHTA INDEPENDENT LIVING DESIGN AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED The world's smallest portable personal digital assistant for blind people, that gives access to the internet, translates all information into Braille and provides users with Bluetooth global positioning satellite navigation, has won first prize in the 2005 British Healthcare Trades Association* (BHTA) Independent Living Design Awards. A trophy was given to HumanWare, suppliers of the BrailleNote PK GPS by Angela Rippon at a ceremony at the House of Commons on 10 November. The awards, now in their 11th year, were judged by six experts** in the field of healthcare and assistive technology. All money raised from the awards is in support of the charity Phab. The judges had to choose from a large number of product entries on the criteria of being innovative, of good design and which make a real difference to users. (Assistive technology products help elderly and disabled people, eg. wheelchairs, stairlifts and walking sticks.) The BrailleNote PK GPS from HumanWare incorporates a Braille keyboard and 18 cell Braille display. Utilising an M/S Windows C.E. platform, users can read and respond to emails and surf the web. A compact flash card slot allows for additional data storage. It runs on AC power or batteries, and as it doesn't have to drive a visual screen battery life can last 20 hours or more. Users can read e-books and listen to their MP3s in stereo. The GPS tells the user exactly where they are when they're out and about. BrailleNote PK GPS user John Gallagher, a piano technician from Rothwell, Leeds is 51 years old and has been blind from birth. He went to a school for the blind, Tapton Mount School in Sheffield - he knew David Blunkett - then moved to the Royal National College for the Blind. John used to use a laptop with speech on it but has had a BrailleNote PK GPS since last April, which he says is much smaller and more portable. Says John: "One of the great things about it is the global positioning. I have to travel all over Yorkshire and to different dealers in Cambridge and it helps me get around from A to B - I just put in the address I'm going to and it does the rest. If I'm on a train or a bus I can find out where I am and pinpoint when to get off. The internet ability is great too - I can go on email and use the web like any one using the Braille output on the screen. I also use compact flash cards which carry useful data, such as maps of Britain. Ends Note to Editors *The BHTA represents over 350 companies, large and small, employing 17,000 people, who produce assistive technology products and services, such as wheelchairs, stairlifts and walking sticks, for elderly and disabled people in the NHS, the community and for people to use in their own homes. **Judges . Sue Wilkin, Centre for Evidence-based Purchasing, formerly Device Evaluation Service, NHS PASA . Keren Down, Director, Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST) . David Yelding, Director, Ricability (research and information for consumers with disabilities) . Anne Demick, National Secretary, ia (The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group) . Sheelagh Richards OBE, Chief Executive, College of Occupational Therapists . John Jenkins, md of JJ Associates, consultant to e.centre and wheelchair user. Contact Details: HumanWare Europe 3 Blotts Barn Business Centre Brooks Road Raunds Northamptonshire Pedro Polson: Managing Director Email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] Alan Davis: General Sales Manager Email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: 01933 626000 www.humanware.com
