DALBAR and T-Base Join Together to make Client Statements Accessible for All
Customers

OTTAWA and TORONTO , Oct. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - DALBAR, a leading research and consulting firm, and T-Base Communications, North America's alternate format communications leader, announced today that they have signed a definitive partnership agreement under which the companies will work together in launching new Accessibility Criteria that measures the effectiveness of standard statement design in the areas of braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats, T-Base's core competency.

Considering a firm's statement can be the most powerful vehicle of communication, DALBAR's statement evaluations offer valuable insight into its effectiveness to financial services clients. Jody Bullen , Director of Strategy at DALBAR stated that, "This new strategic partnership will allow us to offer another dynamic solution to our clients, as well as leverage T-Base's extensive knowledge of accessible communications". In addition to customer retention and loyalty, this partnership ensures that their mutual financial clients are mitigating risk, allowing clients to make meaningful use of products and services while meeting industry and accessibility compliance.

With the first deadline quickly approaching for the proposed Information and Communications Standard, currently awaiting Ministerial approval under the AODA, (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), the timing for the partnership could not be more perfect. "This partnership makes it easy for DALBAR clients, who do business in Ontario, to ensure their alternate format statement presentment meets the needs of blind and partially sighted customers in advance of the deadline," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications, who, as a contributing member of the Information and Communications Standards Development Committee, is privy to the proposed standard that will affect Ontario businesses. "Not only will DALBAR clients be industry leading, addressing this important and impending piece of legislation, but their customers will be able to make informed choices with accessible content design," adds Ayotte. Both T-Base and DALBAR look forward to raising the standards in the industry.

About T-Base Communications

T-Base Communications is fully conversant with and experienced in guiding our customers with access in mind, ensuring that their service delivery is inclusive, accessible, and usable by everyone, including persons with disabilities. Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternative formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base. www.tbase.com

DALBAR, Incorporated

North America's leading financial-services research firm is committed to raising the standards of excellence in the financial services industry. With offices in the US, Canada and the U.K., DALBAR develops standards for, and provides research, ratings and rankings of intangible factors to the mutual fund, broker/dealer, discount brokerage, healthcare, life insurance and banking industries. They include investor behaviour, Internet services, customer satisfaction, service quality, communications and ratings of financial and healthcare professionals. www.dalbar.ca

For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Deanna White, Media Relations, T-Base Communications, Inc., [phone] Ext. 231, [email protected]; Jody Bullen, Director, Strategy & Public Relations, DALBAR INC., T: [phone] X225, [email protected]