In order to make the Web easier to navigate and read for seniors, people with slight disabilities and special education students, grants of an innovative new IBM software application are being made to eligible nonprofit organizations and schools around the world.

Entitled Web Adaptation Technology, this unique application, which is available in nine languages, represents a milestone in the development of easy-to-use technology that enables people to customize the Web in ways that work best for them. The new technology, created by scientists at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center:

• Assists people with low vision by enabling them to magnify the contents on a Web page, change the color of the text and background, turn off animation and sharpen images to greatly improve readability;
• Allows selected words or text to be read aloud, using "a text to speech" feature; and
•  Samples the typing of people who have difficulty typing with accuracy (e.g., those with tremors, arthritis or recovering from a stroke) and detects the errors and automatically adjusts the keyboard sensitivity to accommodate their typing styles.

Nonprofit organizations serving the elderly, people with disabilities, and developmentally disabled children and adults are eligible to receive a grant of Web Adaptation Technology. Grants valued at $35,000 already have been awarded to 40 organizations in 13 countries. Grant recipients include SeniorNet, FEGS, Goodwill Industries, the National Center for Disability Services and PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights).

Web Adaptation Technology has received the da Vinci Award™ from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter (NMSS) and the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD), as well as the 2004 Best New Ability Research Award from the New Freedom Foundation and the 2002/2003 Product of the Year Gold Award from the National Business & Disability Council.

For more information contact Ken Nelson at 507-287-1958.