New Opportunities for Blind People in the Middle East

Hal and Supernova screen readers offered by Nattiq Technologies sport new map files designed to allow blind users to access software packages originally intended for mainstream IT users. Map files for Visual Studio 2005 was developed for those users of Hal who intend to learn programming languages. Visual Basic, C++ and Java is only a few packages to mention.

Map files were also developed for the most popular accounting packages such as Peachtree and Quick Books. With such development, new horizons are being opened for blind users in the Middle East. As more blind users get specialized training on such packages, job opportunities requiring necessary skills to use them will become more available. As a part of the Corporate Social Responsibility, many companies will be willing to employ blind professionals. Blind individuals have recently obtained full time employment in organizations such as Emirates Airlines, Dubai Immigration Department, Dubai International Financial Center as well as in many banks in the UAE.