RNZFB and Humanware to Distribute Talking Book Players

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) will be assisted by HumanWare to assess the Internet distribution of Digital Talking Books (DTB). HumanWare will design and develop the prototype Internet-capable Digital Talking Book and support the RNZFB to conduct its trials among its existing clientele.

The objective of RNZFB’s trial is to find out the chances of replacing the postal system with Internet delivery of books and magazines through the DTB player. The RNZFB aims at developing a DTB system with the latest technology that delivers high-quality service to its widespread customer base.

Converting a talking books library from audiotape to digital media is a huge challenge for the RNZFB. The Foundation has been working on this multimillion-dollar project for several months and expects to complete it by 2008.

According to Mary Schnackenberg, divisional manager of RNZFB’s Adaptive Support Division and a user of talking books, “This is a major step forward for us, and we are being extremely careful and methodical to ensure we get it right. Clearly, the Internet is the future, and it will be the most economical distribution method of delivering books and magazines to print-disabled people. Obviously, we have to consider costs, but we also have to be mindful that the vast majority of our members are over 65, and half are over 80. The hardware – or digital download box - that’s in our blind, deaf blind and vision-impaired members’ houses has to be simple and easy to use. We’ve worked with HumanWare) for years, and we are pleased to work with them on this project.”

“We are delighted to partner with the RNZFB to evaluate the potential benefits that Internet distribution of digital audio media can deliver to New Zealand’s visually impaired and print-disabled community,” said Gilles Pepin, acting CEO of HumanWare.

DTB players have been conceived and commercialized by HumanWare under the Victor Reader product line since 1999. Starting with the smallest and most affordable hardware player in the industry (Victor Reader Vibe), HumanWare offers the most extensive assortment of both hardware and software playback devices offering adapted solutions for students, professionals and the elderly with the Victor Reader Classic family.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the world’s largest provider of audio material to the print disabled, has appointed HumanWare as a member of a consortium led by Battelle. HumanWare, with the National Federation of the Blind and the Trace Center, will introduce their next generation DTB players.

Source: HumanWare