Serotek Corporation News

Serotek Introduces Keys for K-12

MINNEAPOLIS, July 2 PRNewswire — Serotek Corporation, the leading provider of Internet and digital information accessibility software and services, announced today a program for blind and low vision students called Keys for K-12. The program puts blind children on par with their sighted peers as it relates to the use of a computer. Keys for K-12 allows computer access by providing Serotek's System Access Mobile software for text-to-speech screen reading and/or screen magnification at no charge. It provides a free license to carry the capability on a U3-enabled USB thumb drive so students can plug the drive into any computer anywhere and have instant access to all resident Windows-based and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. When unplugged, no trace of usage is left behind on the host computer.

The Keys for K-12 program also includes continuous update service. The license is renewable every year until the student's eighteenth birthday or graduation from high school, whichever comes first.

"For children in the 21st century, using a computer is as basic as learning to read or riding a bike," said Mike Calvo, CEO, Serotek Corporation. "Imagine a blind child at a friend's house, and the sighted friend wants to work on a shared science project. Until now, blind kids just felt left out while the other kids looked at the screen."

The typical screen reader on the market today costs more than $1,000 per computer and only allows a student to access 1 or 2 computers. These computers are often located in "special classrooms" which prevents users from taking part in mainstream classroom activities, inhibits socialization, and precludes parents from sharing computer time with students at home. The Keys for K-12 programs aims to place all students in a position of equal access regardless of home or educational budgets.

"This is our investment in America's future," continued Calvo. "When every student has the same opportunity to succeed, we all reap a richer and more vibrant community."

Keys for K-12 levels the playing field for blind children whether at school, the library, Internet cafe, or Grandma's house. Parents, teachers or school administrators who are interested in expanding the world of access for their blind students can complete the online eligibility form at http://www.serotek.com/kk12.html, which includes certification of visual impairment from medical and educational professionals, and follow the simple steps to download the System Access Mobile software to a USB drive.

While System Access Mobile is highly intuitive and many computer savvy students will be able to self-train in minutes, new computer users can obtain TrainingWare(TM) online. Special Keys for K-12 pricing is available as well as a special teacher's package for those who are new to working with blind or low-vision students. For more information, visit http://www.serotek.com.

Serotek Corporation

Serotek Corporation is a leading technology company that develops software and manufactures accessibility solutions under the System Access brand. Committed to the mission of providing accessibility anywhere, Serotek began with the launch of the first online community specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Since then, Serotek has introduced several powerful, affordable solutions that require minimal training and investment. For more information, visit http://www.serotek.com.

SOURCE Serotek Corporation

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