Products & Services
Introduction
Because accessibility is relevant to all aspects of existing and emerging technologies, TNC is regularly engaged to undertake research into the accessibility challenges and opportunities presented by any technology, surveying the needs and desires of potential users with disabilities, and recommending an achievable path towards maximum accessibility and supporting principles of universal design.
Tim Noonan has had extensive experience in developing accessibility solutions, enhancing the usability and intuitiveness of information systems, refining auditory user interfaces and assisting organisations with accessibility strategy and helping them to meet compliance with the Australian Disability Discrimination Act and the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative.
Tim Noonan is also experienced in preparing scripts for automated telephone services and information-based multimedia presentations as well as voice coaching individuals for effective informative and persuasive verbal presentations. As an example, he wrote the script and voice-coached Julie Anthony as the voice talent for a major telephone banking application.
Please contact us to discuss any work relevant to disability, accessibility, usability, telephony, verbal presentation skills or technology - whether we already have all the skills and knowledge you require; whether we work with you to research and report on a new and emerging area; or whether we recommend other specialists to work with you - we can help you increase the accessibility and usability of your products and services!
Our Experience
TNC has experience in the following areas:
Disability, Accessibility and Verbal Presentations Training
Tim Noonan has a degree in Education and Psychology from Macquarie University, specialising in disability studies and human information processing. This background, coupled with his extensive technical knowledge, means he is well placed to prepare and deliver effective training for staff, management or other stake-holders in your organisation.
TNC regularly conducts informative and awareness-raising presentations, lectures and workshops on accessibility, usability and disability, as well as more detail-focused training to individuals and small groups.
Tim also provides tailored voice coaching and verbal presentations skills instruction.
Accessibility Strategy Development
Tim has worked extensively with major disability organisations, government departments, industry associations and major corporates to assist them develop sound cross-disability policy and forward planning.
Development of DDA Disability Action Plans
Tim has worked with and consulted to the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (responsible for managing and applying the Australian DDA - Disability Discrimination Act) as well as working with major corporates who need to develop or implement DDA disability action plans.
Accessible Solution implementation
Once you have determined what you want to achieve regarding the accessibility and usability of your products and services, TNC can help you implement, market and deploy quality sustainable solutions.
Accessibility audits and assessments
From websites to automated telephone services (IVRs) to software or equipment development, TNC has extensive experience in constructively assessing accessibility and usability. We work with our clients to develop manageable transition plans and solutions to comply with legislation, standards or to meet what ever level of excellence you wish to achieve.
Accessible transcription of documents & communications
Whether its production of individualised correspondence, newsletters, product manuals or brochures, TNC can guide you in the quality transcription of print materials into a variety of other accessible formats. Where specialist transcription is indicated, TNC partners with its preferred alternate format producers, and ensures that you receive the same high standards in accessible information, as you receive from TNC's technical consulting.
Note: Accessible and Alternative formats other than print range from HTML-based web documents; text files, word ddocuments or carefully prepared PDF files; braille; large print; audio on cassette and
CD; delivery via automated telephone services (IVRs); as well as DAISY digital talking books.
Accessible technology solutions
TNC excels in the provision of world-class technical input and guidance supporting accessibility in the development of software, telephony and hardware products.
Automated Telephone Services
TNC has extensive experience with designing, developing, and refining automated telephone services (commonly termed IVRs).
For Vision Australia, Tim developed three advanced information-rich automated telephone services from inception and design through to support, marketing and deployment across multiple sites. Built using principles of user-centred design, these services reflect best practice in using the telephone to access full-text information through voice output.
Tim has been engaged by several banks and other organisations to develop and improve their IVR services, and to ensure that they are standards-compliant, through re-scripting, voice coaching, and fine-tuning the processes for user interaction.
Tim is a member on the Standards Australia Committee for user interface requirements for IVRs. This Committee is in the final stages of producing a speech recognition telephony standard.
Accessible Software
Just as overlooking physical access requirements in the built environment often presents barriers for people using wheelchairs, so too overlooking information access requirements in the IT landscape can present major barriers to people with sensory disabilities.
TNC is experienced in the development of accessible software, and in providing guidance and input to software developers. Adherence to guidelines and standards, or the use of tools that are accessibility-aware can lead to aesthetic software which can be used by more people.
Developing accessible software can often also increase the likelihood of sales in other regions and countries, such as Europe and the United States.
ICT Devices
TNC has been engaged by a variety of organisations and designers to provide guidance and recommendations to ensure the accessibility of portable equipment and hardware devices such as EFTPOS terminals and automatic teller machines (ATMs).
As an example, Tim played a key role in the development of a prototype portable PDA/mobile phone device, for use by people who are blind, and those in eyes-busy situations.
Note: Accessibility input into products and services development increases market share and significantly raises export opportunities by meeting overseas accessibility compliance requirements.