SuperNova Access Suite Case Study: Supernova helps Saima working for UK Government.

More than just magnification.

Dolphin is continually asked how easy it is to switch from other access software packages to their latest range of access solutions. Here we find out from an experienced magnification user who wanted to enjoy the additional features offered by Supernova.

“My name is Saima Ashraf and I am visually impaired. I was not born with my eye condition but at the age of ten had a sudden rapid deterioration in sight. It took seven years to establish why this had occurred. But in the meantime I had to decide if this sudden change would become a barrier for life or do I still carry on and chase my dreams. I decided that it had always been my dream to go to university and get a degree. So I decided it was time to learn what support networks are out there in order to continue studying. I learnt there is a range of technology available for visually impaired people in order to make education accessible.

In order to access computers I was told that I must use enhancement software which would magnify the screen and had the choice to use speech software too. The first type of programme I was offered was a prominent screen magnification package, I used this software throughout my education until I graduated. At the time I thought it was the best programme in the world and I didn’t think I could survive without it.

The whole situation changed when I was introduced to a unique accessibility package from Dolphin. This was when I joined my new job within the UK Government, in November 2005. The programme was a dolphin product called Supernova. Until then I had only used the screen magnification software from my time at university and thought it could not get better than this, but supernova has completely changed the way I use a computer. It has so many more additional and useful features. All of which allow low vision users to start using more of the enhanced features within Supernova as their working day advances and their eyes become progressively more tired. Supernova now gives me so much more independence and assistance in using the internet.

The whole programme runs on key board shortcuts which I have always preferred rather than using the mouse, however, I am free to use the mouse if I wish - so I have the best of both worlds. Furthermore Supernova programme is available on a removable USB Pen drive. For the first time in my life I am not limited to a single computer. Until now I always had to depend upon my own computer which had my software installed upon it, but now I have the freedom to use any computer anywhere.” As part of my job within the UK Government, I have to analyse extensive documents. This can prove to be difficult when using a CCTV reader - as it is very time consuming. Now using my Supernova Pen I am able to use my computer to read out the documents, with a voice of my choice and at a speed of my choice. This allows me to complete my tasks within the same time scale as other sighted people in my office.

Much of the information I use in my job is obtained from the internet. This used to be very difficult because many websites are still inaccessible for the visually impaired. When I used my previous screen magnifier I would need to invert the screen colours, but even then I struggled using the internet as the inverted colours sometimes proved to be inaccessible. However, now I use supernova I am free to use the internet more comfortably, as I can set all the colours to suit my own requirements quickly and easily.

This also helps me access my other Microsoft Office programmes freely too. With the added flexibility and ease of use of Supernova I have found I have become much more efficient in my work.” Steve Palmer, Dolphin CEO, comments; “It is the achievements of people like Saima that makes our work at Dolphin so rewarding. It is a key priority for Dolphin to ensure our products offer real benefits to our customers and are easy and intuitive to use. We often get asked how easy it is to switch from other access software packages to Dolphin and we try to make this transition as easy as possible. It is pleasing to hear that Saima and others have found it very easy to experience and enjoy the benefits of Dolphin software.”

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