Dolphin News

The Dolphin Inclusive Consortium rolls out over 100 electronic titles of school textbooks

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 11:16:24 GMT

The Accessible Resources Project in the UK has made available over 100 of the most commonly used school textbooks in an accessible electronic format for students aged 11 -14 who struggle to read the written word in print because of visual impairment or dyslexia.

Schools and local authorities should check the list of books that can be ordered through RNIB before producing textbooks themselves for the 2010/11 school year.

The textbook files are provided in Word 2003 format at the request of schools in the project. They have been deliberately designed to be appropriate and flexible for students with a print impairment. They can be read as they are by the learner using a computer to change the settings (for example the background colour and font size), with access technology, or can be converted by staff or learners into large print, braille or audio.

Many of the books also include descriptions of images including pictures, graphs and diagrams to help visually impaired learners.

These files were created by a year long pilot project funded by the DfE, led by the Dolphin Inclusive Consortium. The project delivered electronic versions of the textbooks needed by around 40 print-impaired learners aged 11-14 in nine schools. One legacy from this project is to make these files available to all print-impaired learners in the UK.

Which textbook titles will be available?

For a full list of all the textbooks available please visit www.rnib.org.uk/textbooks

Each CD will include a selection of converter and playback tools to help you and your learner use the electronic version.

How much will they cost?

Each textbook title will cost �2.99 (this price is to cover RNIB's distribution costs only) and includes postage.

When can I get them?

We expect all of these files to be ready by late September. However many of them will be available before then. If you urgently need a title before then please contact us and we will try to help.

How do I get hold of them?

From September teachers or support staff will need to complete a Purchase Order and Declaration which will be available to download shortly from www.rnib.org.uk/textbooks or you can contact RNIB on 0303 123 9999. The Declaration will ask for your details, confirmation that the learner has a print impairment and that a print copy of the book requested is already owned. Once we receive both the completed Purchase Order and Declaration we will send you the electronic version of the textbook(s) on a CD together with converter/reading tools.

Further info

For further information on the terms of using these electronic textbooks please visit www.rnib.org.uk/textbooks

For more information on the DfE Accessible Resources Pilot Project please see www.mytextbook.org

What's next?

The pilot project will come to an end in December and will not create any more electronic textbooks. Those involved in the project are very excited about what it has achieved and will be working on recommendations for the future provision of textbooks for print-impaired learners in discussion with the Department for Education.

The pilot project will be evaluated to inform future recommendations. We will get in touch with some schools in the autumn to find out how the files worked for you and your print -impaired learners.

Dolphin release EasyReader Express to deliver instant DAISY talking books

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 11:24:25 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to announce the availability of a new and exciting web-based subscription service, EasyReader Express.

EasyReader Express enables DAISY talking book providers to 'add' an Express version of EasyReader to their DAISY talking books. With EasyReader Express added, readers with vision impairments and dyslexia can instantly open the DAISY talking book on their PC in a fully accessible, zero install reader.

Ideal for Publishers of DAISY talking books, professional transcription services, and DAISY talking book libraries, EasyReader Express ensures that all readers have instant access to DAISY talking books.

Deliver instant DAISY with EasyReader Express

EasyReader Express not only enables DAISY talking book providers to reach a wider audience of readers with vision impairments and dyslexia, but also provides instant and seamless access to DAISY talking books. With EasyReader Express added, readers can instantly open their book in a PC with EasyReader Express, or still use their preferred DAISY player.

EasyReader Express is becoming an instant hit with DAISY talking book providers, as Dolphin's AltFormat Product Manager Mattias Karlsson explains:

The benefits offered by DAISY's navigation and synchronised text and speech are well documented, but a problem has always existed that readers need their own player to read a DAISY book. With EasyReader Express added, DAISY talking books can be opened on any PC, with or without a software player."

There's more than one way to Add EasyReader Express

EasyReader Express customers can add EasyReader Express using:

The Add EasyReader Express website (www.YourDolphin.com/AddExpress)
Dolphin EasyConverter (version 5 or later)
Dolphin Publisher (version 3 or later)

Adding EasyReader Express is easy. To find out how, check out the EasyReader Express video tutorials available at www.YourDolphin.com/EasyReaderExpress.

NLB are very satisfied with EasyReader Express as it facilitates an easy and economic approach to provide all our users with a DAISY-player." Olav Indergaard; Norwegian Library of Talking Books and Braille.

Read the full user story to find out more about how EasyReader Express is being used at the Norwegian Library of talking books and Braille (NLB)

Want to experience instant DAISY for yourself? Download a free EasyReader Express DAISY talking book from the Dolphin website.

FREE v11.55 Update for all v11 customers

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:56:39 GMT

A free update for all version 11 users of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus is now available to download. Simply check for updates in the Help menu of your Dolphin control panel!

What's New and Improved in v11.55?

Word 2003 when used on a Windows 7 machine

FIX: When using Word 2003 on a Windows 7 machine occasionally your cursor tracking would lose its focus. This issue has now been fixed.

Using Read from Here and Doc Reader with very long documents

FIX: Previously when you were reading a very long document with Read from Here or Doc Reader the screensaver may have cut in before you finished reading the document. This issue has now been fixed by temporarily disabling your screensaver whilst you enjoy reading your long document.

TIP: To start Read from Here use the Hotkey; number pad +. To exit Read from Here simply press the Esc key.

Colour Scheme

FIX: If you changed your Colour Scheme during a session and then restarted your Dolphin software. The 1st Colour Scheme that you were using, rather than the last Colour Scheme, in your previous sessions would have been saved. This has now been fixed and your last Colour Scheme will now be saved.

TIP: You can turn on the Colour Scheme by using the hotkeys Left Ctrl + Number Pad 0.

Optelec Alva BC640

FIX: The problem which resulted in issues between the Optelec Alva BC640 Braille display and your Dolphin software has now been fixed.

Map & Script Changes

v11.55 also features 12 changes and improvements to various maps and scripts to enhance your experience when using your Dolphin software.

Read in full 'What's new in v11.55'.

How Do I Receive My Free Update?

To receive these free improvements ensure you have your Dolphin internet updater turned on to check for the latest product updates.

A new Vice President of Sales for North America

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:26:36 GMT

Dolphin is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlie Hamilton as V.P. of Sales for North America, based in Princeton, New Jersey.

In keeping with Dolphin's ambitious North American market strategy, Charlie will be tasked with driving growth, as well as adding value for existing customers, Dolphin's network of dealers and the regional teams.

A 25-year veteran of the software industry, Charlie's career history includes both small and large company management, with significant time spent at Oracle Corporation and BMC Software. More recently, he managed North American sales and operations for a small international company.

Charlie comes to Dolphin with extensive knowledge and experience in growing sales teams and consistently delivering results in both software and service organizations. His claim to success is his ability to drive education, consulting and support services with all software sales, as he explains;

"If the customer is not comfortable using the solution and the solution is not seamlessly integrated into their daily life, then we have failed. Happy customers are the key to market growth."

This mantra has guided Charlie's sales career mission. Dolphin executives firmly believe this customer first philosophy will work well with Dolphin's North American market strategy. Managing Director of Dolphin Computer Access, Noel Duffy explains:

"Our software users must come first and Dolphin strive to deliver software that empowers our customers to retain their independence. This thinking is at the heart of everything that we do, from intuitive product design through to our excellent product support and accredited training. Charlie shares this mindset and we are extremely confident that coupled with his extensive experience, he will confidently drive our North American business strategy."

To contact Charlie Hamilton email charlie.hamilton@dolphinusa.com, or call his cell at 201 400 8111

Kenya Union of the Blind adopt altformats with EasyConverter

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:34:22 GMT

Accessibility has come to Africa. In 2007, Dolphin partnered with Sightsavers International to develop the Sightsavers Dolphin Pen; affordable computer access software for visually impaired computer users in Africa and the developing world.

More recently, the field of accessibility has grown in Kenya to not only providing computer access, but also the provision of alternative format versions of learning and reading materials.

Alex Kaluyu from Kenya Union of the Blind discusses the use of Dolphin EasyConverter to create altformats quickly and easily for students with vision impairments:

EasyConverter has been a very useful tool for conversion and reproduction of information and learning material in alternative accessible formats."

Read the full case study on the EasyConverter pages of the Dolphin website.

Download the newest Dolphin Script free today

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:07:42 GMT

A new Dolphin Script has been made available from the Dolphin Scripting Zone.

The Windows XP Explorer Progress Bar Beeps script adds beeps when a progress bar appears o screen. As the progress bar fills, the beeps rise in pitch and also move from left to right. Progress bars can appear when, for example, you copy or move large numbers of files.

To download the script or read more details including what beeps it uses, visit the Dolphin Scripting Zone at www.YourDolphin.com/Scripts.

Dolphin Scripting and Mapping Accreditation

If you are interested in learning more about making the inaccessible, accessible with a Dolphin Script, visit the Dolphin Scripting Zone. Alternatively why not register for a the Dolphin Scripting and Mapping training course that is accredited by the Institute of IT.

BBC Radio 4 In Touch show explores the challenge of changing technology for its listeners

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:28:50 GMT

In Touch is a radio programme, broadcast on Radio 4, which is dedicated to providing 'news, views, and information for people who are blind or partially sighted'. This week's programme was dedicated to exploring the challenges for software manufacturers in the face of rapidly-changing technology. This was highlighted by listener Jim Moran, Chief Executive of the Liverpool based charity Bradbury Fields, who expressed concern about Dolphin Guide's BBC Listen Again feature, which version 5 users had recently become unable to access.

An advocate of the benefits of using Dolphin Guide, Mr. Moran has ensured that more than 50 of his charity's service users have access to this unique program, which provides a simple, easy computing experience for those who would otherwise find using a computer difficult, if not impossible. Mr. Moran said;

"Guide is a system that is driven by menus. 'Do you want to send an email? Press1. Do want to read an email? Press 2.' It gives you all of the questions, so for someone with a brain injury or elderly people, or people that are not massive Internet users, Guide is the ideal program."

"And that's why we actually purchase it on behalf of Liverpool Social Services, for people who want to access documents, access the Internet, listen to the radio again and podcasts. So it helps them to stay independent."

Mr. Moran went on to explain why his users loved to access the BBC Listen Again Service using Guide:

"It was great, you just went in and press 9, 9, 5 and it said 'just wait' and it connected you up to the radio for the previous week. All you did was cursor down to choose which programme you wanted to listen to and then just press enter and there you go!"

Mr. Moran's frustration came when the BBC changed the technology it used to drive its Listen Again service, instead of relying on Real Player technology which it had use before, it now uses Flash technology. This posed a challenge for Dolphin Guide's manufacturers, as its version 5 users were no longer able to use the service. During the interview Mary McMahon, the Managing Director of Dolphin Computer Access North, explained:

"The BBC used to use RealPlayer technology, which is what [Dolphin Guide] version 5 was using. And it changed to using Flash technology. So that's what we did with version 6; we got version 6 up to speed with Flash. Then we had to go back and fix version 5 for all of the people that already had version 5."

When asked by Peter White whether this kind of disruption could happen again for users, Mary explained that this is always the case with computer software because "technology is changing so quickly and we have to keep up with that; that is our challenge."

For those who have been affected by this change, Mary confirmed that Guide version 5 has now been updated with the latest technology, so that users can now have seamless access to the BBC Listen Again Service once more. She went on to explain how version 5 users should proceed:

"People who are on version 5, they can stay on version 5. Contact us to ask for an update and we will send one out straight away to them. We will send them a CD free of charge with the latest update on, and the BBC listen Again Service will work again, but this time with the latest flash technology."

Dolphin Guide version 5 customers looking to arrange their update CD should contact 0845 22 55 005 or email guide.sales@YourDolphin.com. Users interested in finding out more about version 6 should contact us.

You can listen again to the In Touch radio show on the BBC website.

Dolphin launch EasyReader v6 with more reading control for vision impaired and dyslexic learners

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:27:52 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access has announced the release of EasyReader version 6.01. Focusing on improving the reading experience of learners, version 6 includes reading functionality that puts the reader in control.

Mattias Karlsson, Dolphin's AltFormat Product Manager and resident DAISY expert explains what's new in Dolphin's accessible talking book reader:
"Version 6 is all about developing the reading experience and putting the reader in greater control. For young learners through to mature students, reading in education is mostly about absorbing and processing information. Version 6 includes the option to automatically pause or even stop after every sentence, giving the reader time to take in the facts. You can even control how long the pause is using a handy slider.

Version 6 also includes the ability to select and copy text from the book, a much requested feature as Mattias explains:
Students of all ages extract information from books and cite them in their own work. A reader with a vision impairment or learning disability such as dyslexia is no different. With version 6, learners can now select and copy text from the EasyReader reading window, ready to paste into Microsoft Word, or whatever their preferred application may be."

EasyReader v6.01 is immediately available in UK English, US English, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish. There's 3 simple licenses to choose from, making EasyReader ideal for a single user, a single site, or multiple sites.

A free 30 day trial is available for schools looking to evaluate the new and existing features, as well as some free sample books in DAISY, EPUB text formats.

For a complete list of EasyReader features and what's new in v6.01, please visit the EasyReader pages of the Dolphin website: www.YourDolphin.com/EasyReader.

Congratulations to Lisa McBride on her 20 year Dolphin Anniversary

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 16:04:29 GMT

On August 6th 1990 a bright, fresh faced Lisa walked into the office for her first day with Dolphin Computer Access. Over the next 20 years Lisa has been a part of a lot of changes at Dolphin, including all of the desk moves but 20 years after she started Lisa has finally got her desk back to the exact same spot it was in on her first day.

Lisa even met her husband here, fellow Dolphin team member Neill McBride.

Everyone at Dolphin would just like to say a big thank you to Lisa for everything she has done over the last 20 years. We all really appreciate it.

Dolphin Guide users awarded the eDigital Competence Certificate

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:50:49 GMT

Last week Modern-Eyes (a Dolphin Accredited Trainer) awarded 33 eDCC (eDigital Competence Certificate) to their learners. Modern-Eyes had been told previously that you couldn't complete word processing accreditation courses with Dolphin Guide.

However, this misconception was firmly disproved as 3 Dolphin Guide users, who were all completely new to the system, gained exactly the same word processing & email accreditations as their colleagues who were using Microsoft Word with SuperNova. Two of the Dolphin Guide users even had to learn how to type before beginning the course.

Modern-Eyes believe they have achieved such a good success rate because they tailor their work to each individual learner, so everyone learns at their own pace.

Learn more about Dolphin Guide.

Find your local Dolphin Accredited Trainer

Dolphin Guide version 6 release

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:39:28 GMT

We are pleased to announce the release of Dolphin Guide v6. Designed to help users retain independence, Dolphin Guide presents simple menus accessed with single key presses to make using a computer much easier.

Mary McMahon of Dolphin Computer Access North said: "For many people computers seem daunting and they just don't know where to start. For a person with reduced sight, they can be even more intimidating. Our software helps them to start to use a computer quickly and easily. We launched Dolphin Guide many years ago and it has become a firm favourite with users who just want to use computers without asking for help. With version 6 we have made it even easier to use, giving people with low vision access to computers, while delivering peace of mind every step of the way."

Dolphin Guide v6 allows the user to:

Send & Receive email
Browse the Internet
Write Letters & Documents
Listen to Podcasts & Internet Radio
Play CDs and MP3s
Scan and Read printed materials
Play Games

Mary said: "What Guide v6 does is return independence to people despite their failing sight. Computers are part of everyday life now and for people losing their sight, the thought that they might have to give up using them is a major concern. Our software means that they do not need to do that. Guide v6 has been designed with simple, easy computing at its foundation. It is so simple that even people with little or no computer skills can start using a computer."

Gil Smith, who runs Low Vision Supplies of Billingham, Teeside, is one of the expert practitioners who recommend Dolphin Guide software on a daily basis for clients with conditions including macular degeneration.

He said: "Dolphin Guide enables my clients to do the things they did on the computer before they started to lose their sight, like writing documents, reading emails and accessing websites. The web is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family near and far, and the Dolphin Guide software allows users to do just that."

For more information please contact the Dolphin Guide sales team or read what's new in version 6 on the Dolphin Guide product pages where you can also download a free trial.

Dolphin announce the appointment of Dave Salisbury as UK and Ireland Account Manager

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:45:14 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access today announced the appointment of Dave Salisbury as Account Manager for the UK and Ireland. Best known to many people as 'Dolphin Dave', Dave returns to Dolphin's Worcester offices following his previous employment at Dolphin's sales office for more than 9 years.

As a close friend of many organisations and individuals in the visual impairment industry, Dave's appointment to this pivotal customer facing role signals Steve Bennett's ambition to reignite the close working relationships between Dolphin and its software users throughout the UK and Ireland.

Steve said "We are thrilled to have Dave back at Dolphin"

Dave's extensive product knowledge and great sense of humour, enable him to work with our customers to identify the optimum speech, magnification or Braille solution which will further their independence."

Dave began his Dolphin career in 1998 following a spell at the Foundation for the Communication for the Disabled, now known as Abilitynet. Working on the road for more than nine years, Dave worked closely with specialist charities, large corporate employers and supporting people who are blind or partially sighted in their local area.

In 2007, Dave moved to work for Dolphin's sister company Software Express, now known as Dolphin Computer Access North and the home of Dolphin Guide.

Commenting on his reappointment, Dave said;

"My roots are at Dolphin, and it feels right to be returning to a company that I know puts the needs of customers first. I am really looking forward to working with the loyal Dolphin software users, in addition to meeting some new faces."

To contact Dave Salisbury email dave.salisbury@dolphinuk.co.uk, call 01905 754 577 ext 234 or mobile 07968 562 511.