http://www.strategiy.com/inews.asp?id=20050512104729; May 12, 2005

Visually impaired people in the United Arab Emirates, or the U.A.E., can now make greater use of latest telecommunications technologies thanks to Tamkeen and ‘Talks’, a powerful new software, which runs on Nokia’s Series 60 Symbian-based operating system. Tamkeen, an initiative of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and U.A.E. Defence Minister, is dedicated to empowering visually impaired users and has now extended its curriculum to include mobile phone usage to take into account the necessity of mobile telecommunications as part of everyday life.

Users will be taught how to use independently developed ‘Talks’ software which verbalises menu functions on Series 60 compatible devices to access the mobile Internet and stay connected to their communities. They will also learn how this software enables Braille-reading, further extending the usage of mobile telephony.

“[This is] part of our commitment to bringing technology innovations to the service of visually impaired [users]… . It will help open new opportunities for those we serve and assist them in being more independent and productive members of society, particularly given the increasingly central role of mobile communication devices in every part of our lives,” said Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, General Manager of Tamkeen and the C.E.O. of Dubai Knowledge Village.