Blind entrepreneur
helps pave the way
When blind entrepreneur Terry Bartlett, of Dunedin, decided to start his own
business two years ago, one of his biggest headaches was finding accounting
software he could use.
"I was taking a big risk going out on my own, and it was pretty scary," recalls
the Managing Director of Corner Enterprises Ltd. "I didn't know how I was going
to be able to write quotes, or send out invoices, let alone handle money,
reconcile bank accounts, keep track of GST and taxes and so on.
"I jumped on the internet and looked at all the different accounting packages,
all the brands you can think of. But none seemed right to me. Then I stumbled
on Accomplish CashManager, and was able to download a trial version of their
accounting software which worked OK on my screen."
Terry was using Windows Eyes screen reading software, and found that
CashManager was the only accounting software that was not only accessible to
him, but also immediately useable. "At that stage it was not perfect - no
software ever is. But I knew I could get it to work, as I do have a good
background in IT and in accessible technology."
Indeed, Terry's business is based around teaching clients touch typing,
designing web pages, providing advice on IT and accessible technology, as well
as assisting customers with property management and even organizing coal and
firewood deliveries in the chilly southern climes with his staff which has now
grown to four personnel.
Over time Terry jotted down ideas on how Accomplish could make the software
even better for the blind or visually impaired user. "They responded very
positively" he says. "I went to Auckland to meet with their people, not really
knowing what to expect. And all of a sudden I found myself working alongside
these fun people, who are only too happy to work with users in making their
software better for their needs. They've got a very accessible team of people
who enjoy helping and supporting their customers. Today I almost feel like I'm
part of their family."
Accomplish general manager Grant Hewson says Terry certainly helped the company
realize there was a new niche market for its software. "Our technical and
programming people were only too pleased to make the improvements he was
suggesting, many related to everyday use by someone who is blind or visually
impaired. We will be continuing to make further enhancements progressively,
as we have a policy of continual improvement to ensure we meet the
ever-changing needs of our clients."
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"Whilst driven by the needs of blind people, the changes suggested by Terry and
the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind have resulted in enhanced
usability for all keyboard users. The changes indirectly benefit those with
occupational overuse syndrome, limited mobility or simply a preference for
using the keyboard," adds Grant.
In terms of the product's accessibility, CashManager is recommended to blind
and partially sighted people by the RNZFB. This follows a comprehensive audit
of the accounting software by the Foundation in December 2008.
Whilst this is not an endorsement of the financial, tax and book-keeping
aspects of the software, which is outside the Foundation's area of expertise,
Terry uses those aspects all the time, and comments: "I have no hesitation in
recommending this software for anyone blind or vision impaired who might be
contemplating any form of self employment."
He adds that CashManager works well with the three major screen-reading
packages available today - Windows Eyes and JAWS from the USA, as well as HAL
from the UK.
Terry concludes: "Creating your own business is quite scary, but also very
exciting. I would like to encourage those of you who feel you aren't achieving
as much as you would like to, to contact me. I would love to assist you in
beginning something that will be highly fulfilling, wherever it may lead."
ENDS
Background information on Accomplish and its software, including an audit
report from the RNZFB, can be found in the Resources section of its website,
www.accomplishglobal.com
For further information, please contact:
Grant Hewson, General Manager, Accomplish Ltd
Phone 1800 811 899. Mobile+64 29 760 1933.
email: [email protected]
Terry Bartlett, Managing Director, Corner Enterprises Ltd
Phone +64 03 484 7487, Mobile+64 21 206 3874, email:
[email protected]
Regards Steve
Email: [email protected]
Windows Live Messenger: [email protected]
Skype: steve1963
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