TORONTO, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - CNIB awards HumanWare the 2013 Winston Gordon Award of Excellence in Accessible Technology. The cash prize award of $10,000 CAD is given for significant technological advancements or applications of technology that provide practical benefit to people with vision loss. The 25th annual award presentation takes place today at Accessible Media Inc.
It is known throughout the industry that HumanWare has had a profoundly positive impact on people who are blind and partially sighted, and this year's line-up of innovative technology is no exception with products such as:
- Victor Reader Stream: A portable digital talking DAISY-MP3 book player for reference manuals and school books, novels and magazines, unprotected MP4files and Word documents.
- Trekker Breeze: A GPS system designed specifically for people who have vision loss. The system is easy to use and provides greater independence. While walking, users get verbal announcements of the street names, intersections and landmarks. It's simple to record or program a route.
"Canadians with vision loss can truly benefit from these accessible technological applications, said John M. Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB. "When you live in a world that has not been built for you, it can be difficult to get around and we recognize that HumanWare is dedicated to helping people live independently and in harmony with their surroundings."
Winston Graham Gordon, the son of a railway freight agent, was born on August 2, 1901 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He strongly supported practical projects and technological devices that would enhance the lives of people with vision loss.
We are honoured by this recognition, especially since it was given to us in the year of HumanWare's 25th anniversary. Receiving this prize is a very proud moment for the entire HumanWare team and is a great source of motivation for us to continuously innovate and push our limits. We will definitively re-invest this prize in the development of new innovations" says Gilles Pepin, CEO of HumanWare.
This year CNIB is pleased to honour HumanWare with the Winston Gordon Award for its commitment and passion in helping people lead productive lives. We applaud them for recognizing the needs of Canadians with vision health related conditions.
About Humanware
HumanWare (www.humanware.com) is the global leader in assistive technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare provides products to people who are blind or have low vision, and students with learning disabilities. HumanWare offers a collection of innovative products, including BrailleNote Apex, the leading productivity device for the blind in education, business and for personal use; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital audiobook players; the SmartView family of handheld and desktop electronic magnifiers and Trekker Breeze, the all-in-one handheld talking GPS.
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.
SOURCE: CNIB
Jennifer Salo
Manager, Corporate Communications
CNIB
Phone: 416-486-2500 ext. 7570
E-mail: [email protected]
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