Global interest in NZ accounting
software able to be used by the blind
In what is believed to be a world first, a New Zealand software company,
Accomplish Ltd, today unveiled accounting software specially modified to enable
efficient use by the blind and visually impaired.
"We're told this is the first accounting software in the world that has stood
up in user tests by blind people," said the company's general manager, Grant
Hewson, at today's launch of the 2009 edition of its CashManager software.
"Obviously, this is attracting a lot of interest from organizations serving the
blind and visually impaired, not only in New Zealand, but also in Australia,
the United Kingdom and the USA.
"It's really an example of kiwi ingenuity helping to solve a global problem in
terms of providing good access to the benefits of modern technology for blind
people, as well for the movement impaired."
The accessibility of the product is endorsed by Neil Jarvis, Executive
Director, Access, Innovation and Enterprise for the Royal New Zealand
Foundation of the Blind, who comments: "We welcome any move which improves
accessibility and equality for blind and partially sighted people,"
Neil adds: "In December last year, we undertook a software audit of
CashManager 2009, examining a series of tasks by sighted and blind testers who
don't usually use financial software. It worked well with adaptive technology
software and, in terms of accessibility; we're happy to recommend the product
to blind or partially sighted people for managing their small business
finances."
Neil explains that blind people use screen reading software which verbalizes
letters or numerals as they are typed, and verbalizes the position of the
cursor in pull-down menus or in dialogue or command boxes. Screenreaders and
magnifiers are also used by people who are partially sighted, along with font,
colour and contrast enhancements. .
Originally founded in Australia almost 20 years ago, Accomplish today is
headquartered in Auckland and serves some 25,000 small to medium business
enterprises with accounting software designed specifically for New Zealand,
Australian and United Kingdom needs.
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Page Two
Grant says that, from the outset, its CashManager software was designed to be
as user-friendly as possible, so it is easily used by laymen like small
business owners with no accounting or IT experience. Yet it is also
powerful, robust software, packed with features which allow business owners
instant access to financial reports, budget updates and forward forecasts,
which help them manage finances as well as help guide everyday business
decisions. "It unlocks the power of accurate information, putting that
readily at your fingertips," he comments.
"It's that ease of use and simplicity of operation which distinguishes our
software from all the other accounting packages, which are generally much
harder to learn and much more complicated to use. That also seems to be why
these other packages don't actually work well with adaptive technology --
they're just too complicated to work efficiently."
Grant says Accomplish is working with the Foundation of the Blind on further
enhancements to its software. He has also met with the UK's Royal National
Institute of the Blind, and the company has received interest from the USA and
other countries. "We are in the process of seeking ISO accreditation for
use by the blind, visually impaired and even movement impaired, and this will
certainly expand our global market."
He adds: "Easy use by the blind is only one of many new features and
improvements in the Accomplish CashManager 2009 edition. We've incorporated a
whole host of enhancements requested by different users, many of them quite
significant in helping all users to save time and money in the everyday
handling of their accounting and financial management needs."
ENDS
Background information on Accomplish, and a copy of the full RNZFB audit test
report, can be found in the Resources section of the company's website,
www.accomplishglobal.com
For further information on Accomplish and CashManager, please contact:
Grant Hewson, General Manager, Accomplish Ltd
Phone 1800 811 899, Mobile (64) 029 760 1933,
email: [email protected]
For information on adaptive technology, accessibility and other blindness
related issues, please contact:
Gillian Buzzard, Communications Manager, Royal New Zealand Foundation of the
Blind, Phone (64)09 355 6923, mobile (64) 0274 964 174, email:
[email protected]
Regards Steve
Email: [email protected]
Windows Live Messenger: [email protected]
Skype: steve1963
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