iaccess Online launched
29 November 2007
"i-access Online" is a new and innovative suite of services from the Vision Australia Information Library Service that delivers audio DAISY books and magazines, Braille books, newspapers and other publications to portable handheld devices such as the Book Port™ using the internet and your personal computer.
"DAISY" is the globally-recognised standard for digital talking books. The standard allows people who are blind or have low vision and other users to conveniently navigate audio content.
Vision Australia primarily offers support for these services to Library clients where they have full control over their computer and network environments. If the i-access software is to be installed in a workplace, assistance from the appropriate IT professionals may be needed.
i-access Online provides access to online content when a Library member installs the Vision Australia i-access Downloader. The Downloader manages the transfer of files from Vision Australia servers to their PC.
Currently, i-access Online is primarily centred on the Book Port™, a handheld battery powered device that is supplied to members by the Information Library Service. The Book Port™ has built-in synthetic voice so it can play DAISY text. It also supports other file types such as DAISY audio, MP3, electronic braille and text. Other devices will be supported in the future.
i-access Online is an important step forward - it allows clients to select from and download a wider variety of content and to conveniently keep up to date when new versions of i-access software become available.
The website can also track newspaper subscriptions (for example) chosen by clients and includes a messaging service that keeps them informed when new content available or of any service difficulties.
i-access Online is the first of two major interactive self-service entry points to i-access information. The other is the upcoming Client Telephone Interface which, come the middle of 2008, will allow clients to use i-access through a touch-tone telephone.
The library expects interest in the online services to grow and we look forward to working with our users to make the experience an enjoyable one.
If you require further information or assistance, please call the i-access Online support desk on 1800 00 59 65 or email i-access.online@visionaustralia.org.