Arabic Hal 8.02, the first screen reader software to provide full vista support for Arab blind users

Hal enables blind users to access standard off-the- shelve PCs and lab tops through speech and Braille. Blind users in the Middle East are finally able to experience for themselves Windows Vista and get acquainted with the operating system which is quickly replacing Windows XP.

"It is virtually impossible to find a PC or a lap top with Windows XP in the market", said Mr. Nooh Alhadidi, a blind Hal user living in Saudi Arabia. "We felt left behind without a screen reader supporting Vista. This news about Hal 8.02 will be a sign of relief to many of my blind friends", he added.

Nattiq Technologies and its UK partner Dolphin Computer Access worked closely and extensively to have the Arabic version of Hal support Vista. The English version was released earlier this year.

"We continue to deliver on our promise of pouring substantial resources in the localization of leading adaptive technology products. We are proud to be able to offer the latest adaptive technology to blind Arabs with the cooperation of our international partners", said Auda Hazeem, CEO of Nattiq Technologies.

Hal is widely used by blind students and professionals in the Arab World. In the UAE blind professionals succeeded in maintaining competitive careers in some of the conglomerate organizations such as Emirates Airlines, Dubai Immigration Department, Standard Chartered Bank and many other organizations. With Hal 8.02, blind professionals continue to cope with their IT work loads in their work place.