Saudi blind citizens receive free Hal screen readers

Hal enables blind users to have full access to standard computer systems through speech and Braille.

The project was funded by Aljumaih Group in cooperation with the Blind Association in Buraidah - AlQassim, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping blind Saudis obtain various forms of rehabilitation assistance. The project will consist of several phases where groups of additional blind users will obtain the software in the future.

Blind users in the Middle East continue to make substantial progress in breaking the barriers in accessing the Information Technology. By mastering the use of Hal screen reader blind individuals succeeded in obtaining advanced job opportunities with leading organizations such as Emirates Airlines, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Immigration Department, Nawras Telecom and Standard Chartered Bank.

"With the delivery of Hal screen reader to additional blind people in the Gulf, we expect a substantial increase in the number of those who may qualify for jobs that were impossible for them to obtain in the past. We will continue to work toward raising awareness in our communities to encourage additional potential employers to recruit qualified blind users,"

said Auda Hazeem, CEO of Nattiq Technologies.

Nattiq Technologies continues to provide blind people throughout the region with products and services which enable them to participate in building the information society in their communities.