Arabic Hal opens new frontiers to blind users

Hal is a software package which is installed on standard personal computers and reads aloud all information being displayed on the screen. The first functionality, added to Hal, enables blind users to fully access Microsoft Visual Studio® which includes several programming languages such as Visual Basic and C++. The second functionality enables blind users to access some of the most popular accounting packages such as Beach Tree® and Quick Books®.

In light of the recent recruiting of blind professionals in many fields and industries, more blind candidates will qualify for new employment opportunities in fields such as computer programming and general accounting. Blind employees are proving their competence in fields they are employed in. Employers of blind work force express their utmost satisfaction of the high level of productivity being produced by their blind employees. Organizations such as Dubai Immigration Department, Dubai International Financial Center, Emirates Airlines and Oman Nawras Telecom have all recently recruited blind employees performing jobs that only recently were designated to sighted candidates.

Nattiq Technologies continue to work with various organizations in various fields and industries to open new frontiers to blind job candidates in order to fully realize their potential to serve their communities and participate in building the information society.

"The added functionality came as a result of continuous requests received by quit a few blind users of Hal screen reader. We are pleased to accommodate their demanding needs and hope to see them utilize such functionalities in advancing their careers", said Auda Hazeem, Nattiq's CEO.

The added functionalities will enable blind users to enroll in mainstream institutes who offer computer programming courses as well as accounting courses. A blind Hal user may join such courses and learn the specifics of the materials being taught as efficient as his sighted peers.