Subject: FYI: JetForm Extends E-Forms to Visually Impaired Citizens with Acquisition of FutureForms Verbal-eyes(TM) Software
From: Ginette Perkins (ginettep@seals.org)
Date: Tue Feb 13 2001 - 16:52:44 PST
JetForm Extends E-Forms to Visually Impaired Citizens with Acquisition of
FutureForms Verbal-eyes(TM) Software
New JetForm technology to comply with recent U.S. federal legislation
requiring technology to be accessible to disabled
OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ - JetForm(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:FORM,
TSE: JFM), a global provider of e-process solutions today announced the
acquisition of Verbal-eyes technology (patent pending), a section 508
compliant application developed to aid visually impaired users in accessing
electronic forms, from FutureForms, a division of Pummill Business Forms,
Inc.
Section 508, a subsection of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998 requires
that
U.S. federal agencies must take measures to ensure that their technology is
accessible to citizens and employees with disabilities. Comparable access to
electronic and information technology offered to the general public must
also
be available to disabled citizens and employees.
Verbal-eyes technology was created with Section 508 compliance in mind,
and will be integrated with JetForm's FormFlow(R) 99, allowing virtually any
user to complete forms online. If Verbal-eyes detects that a user is running
a screen reader, it will automatically take action by dynamically
determining
what is required to activate its speech function, and begin speaking to the
user. If a screen reader is not in use, Verbal-eyes(TM) will remain
inactive.
Verbal-eyes was recently recognized by the American Foundation for the
Blind (AFB) with a 2001 Access Award. AFB Access Awards honor individuals,
corporations, and organizations that are eliminating or substantially
reducing inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired.
Verbal-eyes is being honored for opening up significant employment
opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. "Verbal-Eyes
allows workers who are blind or visually impaired to complete form-based
paperwork independently, from start to finish, which opens up a range of
employment opportunities at many levels," said Jay Leventhal, editor in
chief, AccessWorld: Technology for Consumers With Visual Impairments. "We
applaud this important step on the road to full workplace accessibility."
In addition to acquiring Verbal-eyes technology, Bill Sahlberg, formerly
director of marketing at FutureForms and a Section 508 committee member, has
joined JetForm as a consultant in the client integration services group.
Sahlberg played an active role in drafting Section 508 compliance guidelines
and regulations as well as contributing to the development of the
Verbal-eyes
technology.
"Making sure our products are accessible and in compliance with Section
508 is a very important principal at JetForm," said Dave Welch, vice
president and general manager of JetForm's e-Forms business group. "Given
JetForm's large U.S. federal government install base, the steps we take
towards compliance are essential. The appointment of Bill Sahlberg will
ensure JetForm's continuous attention to accessibility."
About JetForm
-------------
JetForm Corporation makes Web-based software solutions that automate
business processes and transform them into "e-processes." JetForm helps
companies and government to operate efficiently and effectively, to grow
revenues, lower operating costs and reduce cycle times. The company's
strength is in intelligent XML forms, process automation and electronic
document output. With operations in 11 countries, and a global network of
partners, JetForm is uniquely positioned to address the needs of
international business.
For more information, check out <http://www.jetform.com>.
JetForm and FormFlow are registered trademarks of JetForm Corporation.
As
part of the agreement, the Verbal-eyes trademark will be transferred to
JetForm Corporation.
SOURCE JetForm Corporation
Ginette Perkins
AT Information & Referral Specialist
Washington Assistive Technology Alliance
1-800-214-8731 (Toll Free)
(509) 328-9350 (V, TTY)
(509) 326-2261 (Fax)
ginettep@seals.org
Website: http://wata.org
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