November 10, 2005 -- Premier Assistive Technology announces Key to Access – Accessibility Software on a Portable MP3 Player!!

This is the ultimate in portable accessibility! Once again, Premier Assistive introduces true innovation in assistive technology. The Key to Access is not much bigger than a car key – yet still opens the world of computer information to individuals with print-related disabilities. Premier Assistive prides itself on a common sense approach to Assistive Technology. Once again, in keeping with that philosophy, the Key to Access contains a collection of tools designed to make your entire computer accessible without having to load any software.

Premier Assistive Technology is leveling the playing field for all learners by making portable assistive technology with the introduction of the Key to Access. The Key to Access embraces the MP3 technology that young adults are already familiar with and enjoy using, while at the same time provides users with a tool box of assistive technology they can take anywhere. Our school systems often separate those who learn differently. If and when they graduate, they move into an integrated working world without the tools and skills they need to succeed. Premier Assistive Technology focuses on “tools for life” that have applicability in and beyond high school and higher education. Contact lenses were designed so individuals could hide the fact that they need glasses. Hearing Aids keep getting smaller, to the point they are hardly noticeable. The Key to Access follows that same concept by creating a tool box of assistive technology designed for individuals who have print-related challenges, by providing the tools they need conveniently concealed on a custom MP3 device that they can take anywhere: school, home, library, or work.

Dr. Steve Timmer, Chairman of Premier Assistive Technology tells us “The Key to Access enables you to take your Assistive Software with you on a portable USB MP3 Player. You simply insert the MP3 Player into any USB Port on a standard personal computer, the floating tool bar appears and then you just select any of the 8 powerful tools. The software NEVER needs to be installed on your computer. All your personal settings are saved on your Key to Access so that no matter which computer you use, your access will be the same.”

“The built-in voice recorder even allows you to dictate notes or record lectures and listen to them later. Plug it into the USB drive and you have access to a suite of eight accessibility tools: (1) Universal Reader: ideal for reading emails and web pages (2) E-Text Reader: a tremendous study tool that allows you to highlight, bookmark, search and extract text from a document. (3) Ultimate Talking Dictionary: a 250,000-word dictionary with integrated thesaurus (4) The Talking Word Processor: a talking word processor talking word prediction and the world’s most powerful talking grammar check. (5) Scan and Read Pro: powerful scanning software that allows you to capture hardcopy materials in a digital format then reads them to you (6) PDF Magic: outstanding for converting inaccessible PDF files to accessible formats. (7) Text To Audio: Lets you convert digital documents to MP3 format and put them right on your Key to Access player so that you can listen to them away from your computer and (8) an on-screen Talking Calculator.”

Ken Grisham, President/CEO, further explains “Since the tools are built into the 1 Gigabyte USB MP3 Player, you will always have ample space for your own files too. Each Key to Access even comes with its own personal set of earphones. Employing Key to Access can significantly help organizations overcome the burden of having to install, update and manage assistive software. With Key to Access, students and teachers can take their reading / writing tools wherever they need to be without waiting for their Technology Staff to load and setup software. The Key to Access couldn’t be easier”.

“This is finally Assistive Technology students will WANT to use, because it does not lock them down to a special room or make them look any different” Christine Besko. William Paterson University.

“Finally assistive technology that is practical outside of the classroom and useful in employment”. Ian McVicar, Employability Partnership.

“It is like carrying and assistive technology tool box in my pocket!” Susan Rivers, District 107, Minnesota.

“This is clearly one most interesting ideas to come out of AT in years” Dr. Judith Burton.

The Key to Access specifications:
MP3 Player
Digital Voice Recorder
2 GB Flash USB Drive – 1.5 GB Free to hold up to 32 Hours of audio books.
Ear Bud Headphones
18-Month Warranty
Requires only 1 AAA battery that lasts about 16 hours of listening
Requires XP or Vista with 128 MB of RAM