JetForm Deal Aids the Blind

JetForm Corp. of Ottawa has acquired Verbal-eyes technology from FutureForms, a division of Pummill Business Forms Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich. The patent-pending technology helps visually impaired people use online forms. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

JetForm makes Web-based software that automates business processes and transforms them into electronic processes. Verbal-eyes will be integrated with JetForm's FormFlow 99, allowing users who are blind or visually impaired to independently complete forms online. The product is compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998, which requires U.S. federal agencies to make their technologies accessible to citizens and employees with disabilities.

If Verbal-eyes detects that a user is running a screen reader, it will automatically determine what is required to activate its speech function and begin speaking to the user. If a screen reader is not in use, Verbal-eyes will remain inactive.