10 a i access newspapers

i-access ® newspapers before everyone else does

Tony IezziManager

Vision Australia Information Library Service (VAILS) tony.iezzi@visionaustralia.org

0407 061056

Over 600 years of experience combining 7 major blindness organizations

Largest provider of Blindness, Low Vision and Print Disabled Services to 46,000+ clients across Australia

A national library service to 18,000+ Library members

Primary source of accessible material to people with a print disability

Vision Australia

The biggest barrier to full participation: Lack of access to information

Only 5% of printed

information is

accessible

the challenge

the challengeUp to 4 million Australians are affected

by a print disability

63% of people who are blind or have low vision are unemployed

Number of people who are blind or have low vision will double in the next decade

The Digital Revolution has largely ignored the needs of people with a print disability

2004 Today’s News Now

Online Concept:BookPort

Daily Newspapers, Books & Mags Full DAISY text Capability TTS Functions Fast & Portable Navigable Books Documentation & help Desk

No web site access – widget only

2006 - News On The Go web based service

Browser accessible but not required

Online Trial 2005 / 0660% used the BookPort daily

Over half said they accessed more information than prior to using the BookPort

85% satisfaction with the service

91% wish to continue service

Listening to music

Accessing other files from web

Accessing newspapers

The alarm clock

Note-taking and storing files

Braille features

2007 i-access ® Online Service

2009 i-access ® updatedMore Content

MagazinesBooksNewspapers

2010 i-access ®

Developments

• No software required – Mac allowed

•Introduced Braille music

•Larger range of books

•Small selection of in-house podcasts

•Subscription for magazines

•Service improvements to Downloader

i-access ® - the future

• 15,000+ titles on our server

• Gateway to 8,000+ online periodicals

• Growing range of net content

• National Repository of accessible content

i-access Service

Easy to use and accessible anywhere

Delivers books, newspapers, magazines, Braille music, text and a small selection of in-house podcasts

Makes better use of databases & web content

Supports open access concepts

Sensitive to client technical capabilities

Key support to independence