NEWTON, Mass. (April. 26, 2018) – The Carroll Center for the Blind today announced a partnership with VFO, a provider of assistive software for the visually impaired, to give individuals who are blind or visually impaired free access to assistive technology to advance their careers, education and independent living.

The VFO-distributed speech technology programs, such as JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion, will be freely licensed for three months to Carroll Center students who have completed computer and technology courses. The cost of these software programs can sometimes be out of the reach of individuals who, because of their visual impairment, may have limited income.

“With this support from VFO, our students will be able to apply their skills in real-world settings once they return home,” said Dina Rosenbaum, chief program officer for the Carroll Center for the Blind. “Students will be able to apply for jobs and further their ability to secure employment, while utilizing the most advanced screen-reading and magnification software in the workplace.”

The Carroll Center provides computer instruction to hundreds of individuals each year to learn the skills to access technology with little or no sight. This requires the use of specialty software that is distributed by VFO.

“We are proud to partner with the Carroll Center for the Blind, and we are committed to providing individuals with the tools necessary for success with initiatives and partnerships such as this one,” said Eric Damery, vice president of software product management for VFO. “We are passionate about empowering independence and proud to develop products that level the playing field for all job-seekers.”

 

About the Carroll Center for the Blind

Established in 1936, the Carroll Center for the Blind empowers those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. The nonprofit organization provides services for individuals of all ages including vision rehabilitation services, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, services for seniors, and an optical shop. For more information, visit www.carroll.org.

 

About VFO

VFO is a leading global accessibility solutions provider. The VFO brands, Enhanced Vision, Freedom Scientific, Optelec, and Ai Squared, have a long history of developing and providing innovative assistive technology solutions. VFO has offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom, and is available through multi-tier distribution in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information visit, www.vfogroup.com.

 

The Carroll Center for the Blind media contact:

Noah Futterman, Ball Consulting Group, LLC

Phone: 617-243-9950; Email: noah@ballcg.com

 

VFO media contact:

Richard Tapping, VFO

Phone: 800-444-4443; Email: rtapping@vfogroup.com