In the decades that ScanSoft has created software products, the world of information technology has changed immeasurably, bringing the power of technology to an increasingly greater percentage of the population.

	ScanSoft and Section 508

The US Federal Government recently passed amendments to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These amendments require that electronic and information technology products be accessible to people with disabilities. ScanSoft fully supports the need to make workplaces and technologies accessible. For example, ScanSoft has developed technology currently utilized in reading machines for the blind and visually impaired.

Additionally, ScanSoft's OmniPage Pro 11 product includes a voice read-back feature that reads recognized text aloud, empowering the blind or visually impaired with the ability to use ScanSoft's OCR software to read printed text on many types of documents.

Finally, the Dragon NaturallySpeaking product line adds speech recognition capabilities to the PC, thus enabling users to work virtually hands free when creating documents, accessing data, or navigating their desktop. It also includes the RealSpeak text-to-speech software, allowing users to hear text read to them in a very natural sounding voice.

ScanSoft believes that its products reflect its commitment to universal usability. ScanSoft is addressing the accessibility of its software through a review process. This review process will use the Section 508 amendments as guidelines, however, it should be noted that the Rehabilitation Act and its recent amendments do not define compliance, nor does the government provide for any uniform testing regime. Important information, such as the recommended computing environment and specific assistive technology tools, is not currently available. In the absence of any published requirements associated with the Section 508, ScanSoft will develop its definition of compliance and report on the compliance status of its software products as part of its review process. This information will be provided as it becomes available. Based on the assessment arising from the review process, ScanSoft will address accessibility issues in its ongoing product releases using a phased-in approach as ScanSoft (and its customers) gain a better understanding of how best to implement the requirements of Section 508.

	Our commitment to accessibility

ScanSoft is dedicated to compliance with accessibility standards developed under Section 508 and is deeply committed to ensuring that each of its products is an effective, accessible technological tool for all users, regardless of any disability they may have or the technology they use.

	More information

For more information on Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, please visit the Department of Justice Section 508 Web site.

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508/508home.html