SuperNova Access Suite Case Study: Supernova Reader Magnifier wins WOW Award.

Dolphin Computer Access received a special award last week from the National Literacy Association (NLA). The WOW Award, presented in a special ceremony at this year’s Education Show at Birmingham’s NEC was won by Dolphin’s software product “Supernova Reader Magnifier” which enables visually impaired pupils to use computers in the classroom.

Dolphin’s Sales Director, Steve Bennett, is delighted, “This is a fantastic award and we’re very proud our efforts have been recognised by the National Literacy Association. Supernova is a really unique product that allows children and adults with sight problems to use normal computer programs by magnifying the computer display and by providing voice output for text both displayed on screen and entered on the keyboard.” Dolphin’s WOW Award was one of six presented this year: four others went to publishers of children’s books and one to Channel 4’s “4Learning” for their modern day Macbeth Video. All six products are listed in the NLA’s Guide to Literacy Resources. Charlie Griffiths, NLA’s Director, explained the board’s decision. “For the past four years since the Guide was first published there have been a few products which stood out from the crowd – products which got us all talking and which provoked the response ‘Wow! This is great!’ The six winners had to ‘wow’ us not just as individuals, but had to affect all of us – quite a tall order! With Dolphin’s Supernova software, we were wowed by the concept.

Something that could enable visually impaired children to access the same sort of text on the computer as sighted children, including the internet, just has to be a ‘wow’. Because it is two products in one, it’s also very versatile.” Rona Tutt who represents the National Association of Head Teachers on the NLA’s Quality Control Panel, has used the software at her school which supports children with moderate learning difficulties, one of whom also has a visual impairment. She reported, “Supernova has made all the difference in the world to the pupil using it. My staff think it’s marvelous and we have also found Dolphin’s Technical Support Service to be extremely helpful. The pupil in question was able to use the computer and access the same information as his classmates, including the internet, which made a real difference. When his eyes got tired, he was able to switch from using magnification to speech mode with ease.

The product is not inexpensive, but in our view still represents value for money as it meets certain essential criteria. With both the magnification and speech side it works out as best value and is certainly cheaper than buying a separate screen reader and screen magnifier.” The National Literacy Association supports and promotes awareness of children's literacy needs. As well as campaigning for the needs of children, the NLA does practical work in schools and in the wider community. It also produces a range of resources which are distributed free of charge to schools, parent groups and others. For more information call 01202 484089 or visit http://www.nla.org.uk.

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