Serotek
Introduces Keys for K-12
Free
Software Program for Students
MINNEAPOLIS,
Minn – July 2, 2008 – Serotek Corporation, the leading provider
of Internet and digital information accessibility software and
services, announced today a program for blind and low vision students
called Keys for K-12. The program puts blind children on par with
their sighted peers as it relates to the use of a computer. Keys
for K-12 allows computer access by providing Serotek's System
Access Mobile software for text-to-speech screen reading and/or
screen magnification at no charge. It provides a free license
to carry the capability on a U3-enabled USB thumb drive so students
can plug the drive into any computer anywhere and have instant
access to all resident Windows-based and Microsoft Office applications
such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. When unplugged, no trace of
usage is left behind on the host computer.
The
Keys for K-12 program also includes continuous update service.
The license is renewable every year until the student's eighteenth
birthday or graduation from high school, whichever comes first.
“For
children in the 21st century, using a computer is as basic as
learning to read or riding a bike,” said Mike Calvo, CEO , Serotek
Corporation, “Imagine a blind child at a friend's house, and the
sighted friend wants to work on a shared science project. Until
now, blind kids just felt left out while the other kids looked
at the screen.”
The
typical screen reader on the market today costs more than $1,000
per computer and only allows a student to access 1 or 2 computers.
These computers are often located in “special classrooms” which
prevents users from taking part in mainstream classroom activities,
inhibits socialization, and precludes parents from sharing computer
time with students at home. The Keys for K-12 programs aims to
place all students in a position of equal access regardless of
home or educational budgets.
“This
is our investment in America 's future,” continued Calvo, “When
every student has the same opportunity to succeed, we all reap
a richer and more vibrant community.”
Keys
for K-12 levels the playing field for blind children whether at
school, the library, Internet café, or Grandma's house.
Parents, teachers or school administrators who are interested
in expanding the world of access for their blind students can
complete the online eligibility form at www.serotek.com/kk12.html
, which includes certification of visual impairment from medical
and educational professionals, and follow the simple steps to
download the System Access Mobile software to a USB drive.
While
System Access Mobile is highly intuitive and many computer savvy
students will be able to self-train in minutes, new computer users
can obtain TrainingWare™ online. Special Keys for K-12 pricing
is available as well as a special teacher's package for those
who are new to working with blind or low-vision students. For
more information, visit www.serotek.com .
Serotek
Corporation
Serotek
Corporation is a leading technology company that develops software
and manufactures accessibility solutions under the System Access
brand. Committed to the mission of providing accessibility anywhere
, Serotek began with the launch of the first online community
specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Since then, Serotek has introduced several powerful, affordable
solutions that require minimal training and investment. For more
information, visit www.serotek.com .
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