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About SymData

Key personnel

 

Software development:

Simon has developed a number of innovative programs for use in the special and mainstream educational arena. These include “Music Factory” a program to create high quality music for a wide range of users. This is the only program that Microsoft currently know of that uses Direct Music technology for a non-games purpose. “Inter_Comm” which is a unique program that allows those who need images to support their understanding of text to communicate by email. This is currently available in 5 European languages, with others in development and a US version is just about to be released.

He is currently working on a range of Web based technological development and his skills include: C, C++, Pacal (Delphi), Perl, PHP, JavaScript, ASP, Visual Basic, SQL, MFC, Direct X and COM. He is also familiar with intranet and internet network and server administration using both Windows 2000 and Linux. (Apache, IIS, Exchange, Sendmail, Samba, etc…)

Simon’s work is enhanced by unique specialist knowledge of Special Educational Needs and disability issues, which gives him an excellent insight into customer needs.

Knowledge of symbols and design

Cate has extensive experience in designing and drawing symbols and in cresting accessible content for symbol supported information. She was a key member of the Widgit Rebus Symbol project, redesigning and drawing the complete revision of this important international symbol set, and now maintains the set in collaboration with Widgit Software.

An important area of work is creating websites for specific customers. For the last three years Cate has developed and maintained the Widgit Software website and has recently created SymbolWorld.org. an accessible site for people with learning difficulties. SymData also created the accessible symbol version of the Rara Avis Rainforest site. This is a website which is accessible by switch users (with physical disabilities). This site has special with navigational aids and are supported by symbols for people with cognitive difficulties who require support to read.

SymData is also involved in an exciting project wit the University of London, Institute of Education to make distance learning materials more accessible.

All of this work is underpinned by a sound knowledge of design and production methods. Cate has undertaken all of the design work for Widgit Software for the past three years, creating catalogues, packaging, information booklets, display materials, advertisements and other designed products.

These skills are translated into the following services:

Our particular interest is extending information to include all users, we create the design of the information and the software tools for handling it.

For customers who have information to communicate we can help present your information in ways that are easy to understand.

We can:

  • make your information easy to navigate
  • simplify your information to improve understanding
  • enable access for a wide range of users.

We can provide a whole package by presenting materials in a range of different media - on paper, electronically, and with symbol support where needed. We can assist information services to create:

  • Web sites
  • Leaflets
  • Teaching and training materials
  • Signage Multimedia Packages for employers on workplace accessibility (access to information, materials and regulations)

In addition, we can:

  • Develop software
  • Help to improve the accessibility of third party applications through component-based development and consultation.
  • Provide symbol content consultancy, to help media creators develop their own materials using symbols.