ICDL GCC Foundation, NCC Education and Nattiq Technologies join efforts for the inclusion of the visually impaired in IT literacy

This announcement comes in line with the initiative programs announced earlier by ICDL GCC Foundation the governing body of the ICDL program in the GCC. Nattiq's showcasing is arranged with one of ICDL's approved test providers, NCC Education.

A co-development effort between NCC Education and Nattiq resulted in a bilingual automated test solution for the blind and the visually impaired. This solution was developed under the guidelines of ICDL and was reviewed by Tamkeen, a non-profit organization that seeks to empower the blind and the visually impaired individuals through support, training and counseling. NCC Education developed an automated testing solution (ATS) which is localized into Arabic and approved by ICDL GCC Foundation for use in the GCC region. Nattiq provides map files and scripting for making the AST accessible. With an accessible ATS, blind Arabs may take ICDL exams independently.

"As more blind Arabs become computer literate, they look for official means to endorse their computer knowledge. ICDL certification provides them with a milestone of achievement", said Auda Hazeem Nattiq's CEO. NCC Education and Nattiq Technologies will demonstrate computer-based ICDL exams running with Nattiq screen reader.

The demonstrations will be conducted during GITEX 2005 at the impressive ICDL pavilion located at in Hall 8, Stand H8-I, and at Nattiq's stand 809 in Hall 8. GITEX 2005 will be held on September 25 - 29 in Dubai.