2009 News Archive
News Releases
DALBAR and T-Base Join Together to make Client Statements Accessible for All Customers - October 5, 2009
T-Base Announces Sponsorship Support of Blind Athlete with Clear Sights on Able-Bodied Competitors - August 17, 2009
T-Base CEO Honoured for Her Entrepreneurial Vision by CATA Women in Technology Forum - May 20, 2009
T-Base Announces Call for Nominations for Annual Blind or Partially Sighted Sponsorship - May 1, 2009
T-Base Assists Organizations Blind to Potential Fraud - March 1, 2009
T-Base Congratulates Canada's Top Diversity Employers of 2009 - February 27, 2009
T-Base Communications Acquires CNIB’s Autobill Service - February 10, 2009
Blind employee turned CEO empowers HR professionals at HRPA Conference - January 23, 2009
DALBAR and T-Base Join Together to make Client Statements Accessible for All Customers
(OTTAWA and TORONTO, October 5, 2009). DALBAR, a leading research and consulting firm, and T-Base Communications, North America's alternate format communications leader, announced today that they have signed a definitive partnership agreement under which the companies will work together in launching new Accessibility Criteria that measures the effectiveness of standard statement design in the areas of braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats, T-Base's core competency.
Considering a firm's statement can be the most powerful vehicle of communication, DALBAR's statement evaluations offer valuable insight into its effectiveness to financial services clients. Jody Bullen, Director of Strategy at DALBAR stated that, "This new strategic partnership will allow us to offer another dynamic solution to our clients, as well as leverage T-Base's extensive knowledge of accessible communications". In addition to customer retention and loyalty, this partnership ensures that their mutual financial clients are mitigating risk, allowing clients to make meaningful use of products and services while meeting industry and accessibility compliance.
With the first deadline quickly approaching for the proposed Information and Communications Standard, currently awaiting Ministerial approval under the AODA, (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), the timing for the partnership could not be more perfect. 'This partnership makes it easy for DALBAR clients, who do business in Ontario, to ensure their alternate format statement presentment meets the needs of blind and partially sighted customers in advance of the deadline,' said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications, who, as a contributing member of the Information and Communications Standards Development Committee, is privy to the proposed standard that will affect Ontario businesses. 'Not only will DALBAR clients be industry leading, addressing this important and impending piece of legislation, but their customers will be able to make informed choices with accessible content design,' adds Ayotte. Both T-Base and DALBAR look forward to raising the standards in the industry.
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About T-Base Communications
T-Base Communications is fully conversant with and experienced in guiding our customers with access in mind, ensuring that their service delivery is inclusive, accessible, and usable by everyone, including persons with disabilities. Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternative formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base. www.tbase.com
DALBAR, Incorporated
North America's leading financial-services research firm is committed to raising the standards of excellence in the financial services industry. With offices in the US, Canada and the U.K., DALBAR develops standards for, and provides research, ratings and rankings of intangible factors to the mutual fund, broker/dealer, discount brokerage, healthcare, life insurance and banking industries. They include investor behaviour, Internet services, customer satisfaction, service quality, communications and ratings of financial and healthcare professionals. www.dalbar.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations, T-Base Communications, Inc. (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231 dwhite@tbase.com
Jody Bullen, Director, Strategy & Public Relations, DALBAR INC. T: 416 777 1103 X225, JBullen@DALBAR.com
T-Base Announces Sponsorship Support of Blind Athlete with Clear Sights on Able-Bodied Competitors
OTTAWA, ON (17, August 2009) T-Base Communications announced today that powerlifter and world record holder, Stephen Jesso, has been selected to receive the 2009/2010 Blind or Partially Sighted Athletic Sponsorship. The annual program, now entering its fourth term, aims to provide recipients with required materials in alternate formats, T-Base Communications core business, as well as to gain athletes well-deserved exposure to successes in their sport.
Jesso, 31, competes in the super heavyweight class (125kg +), and recently broke all previously-held records in squat (340kg), bench press (245kg) and dead lift (300kg) exercises at the International Blind Sports Associations' Powerlifting Championships in Miami, Florida. Competing against the best in the world from countries such as Russia and Iran, he was the first Canadian to capture the IBSA title in twelve years.
Having achieved this personal goal, Jesso now has his sights set on being the first blind lifter to compete against able-bodied heavyweights, and eventually becoming the strongest man, with or without a disability, in the world.
"His accomplishments are as incredible as his dedication and progress. It is only surpassed by his goals for the future," said Matthew Kennedy, Executive Director of Ontario Blind Sports Association. "Our hope is that his sport becomes recognized by the Paralympic Committee in 2012 so that he can showcase his skills and represent the country he loves," added Kennedy.
The program, which has grown considerably in popularity over the years, has offered sponsorship support to a number of high-calibre athletes. Last year's recipient, Margarita Gorbounova, recently received word that she has been long-listed as a member of the Canadian cross-country ski team, and is hopeful she will compete at the 2010 Winter Paralympics in British Columbia.
"We continue to be impressed by the undeniable passion, ability, and determination demonstrated by these athletes," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications. "We are thrilled to have the unique opportunity to be a part of Stephen's goals and successes, and look forward to supporting his journey," adds Ayotte.
About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternate formats, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations, T-Base Communications, Inc.
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
T-Base CEO Honoured for Her Entrepreneurial Vision by CATA Women in Technology Forum
(OTTAWA, ON - 20, May 2009) Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications, was honoured with the prestigious Sara Kirke Award for Woman Entrepreneurship at last night's CATA Alliance Annual Innovation Gala. Sharlyn was selected by CATA's Women in Technology (WIT) Forum as this year's award recipient, which recognizes top women in their field who have demonstrated the most outstanding technological innovation and corporate leadership.
As a blind entrepreneur, Sharlyn inspired the technology behind T-Base, which provides organizations with alternate format, (braille, large print, e-Text and audio), statements and documents in order to meet the diverse information needs of their aging, blind, deafblind and partially sighted customers.
Initially employed within the high-tech industry, Sharlyn's career path was unexpectedly redirected when she suddenly lost her sight. Resulting from her inability to decipher conventional print documents such as her monthly bills and account statements without assistance, she launched T-Base with the mission of ensuring that all blind, deafblind and partially sighted consumers are able to receive correspondence in an accessible format of choice, and are afforded equal protection, privacy and security rights.
Pioneering alternate format standards with an intimate knowledge of the services that both clients and consumers require, Sharlyn well exemplifies the purpose of the Sara Kirke Award, which celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship and creates positive role models for women. "In judging the nominees for the award, the Selection Committee was looking for women leaders who demonstrate consistent innovation and leadership skills, resulting in the creation and international acceptance of significant world-class products. We were thrilled that Sharlyn was chosen as this year's recipient, maintaining her vision against all odds," said Joanne Stanley, Managing Director of CATA WIT Forum.
The award was formally presented to Sharlyn Ayotte by Dr. Roseann Runte, President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University. “I am truly honoured to have received this award, and I am very proud of the technological innovation we at T-Base have inspired that benefits so many Canadians,†said Ayotte.
About Sharlyn Ayotte
Sharlyn Ayotte, a blind entrepreneur, launched T-Base Communications resulting from a personal experience of being unable to decipher every day documents such as her monthly bills and bank statements without assistance. Sharlyn Ayotte inspired the technology behind T-Base, it's head office based in Ottawa, Canada, quickly growing into a North American-wide company with a second production facility in Ogdensburg, New York. www.tbase.com
About CATA WIT Forum
CATA WIT is a national network that provides women in technology, bio-tech and high growth industries with knowledge and connections, allowing them to advance in their careers and businesses and grow the organizations they participate in. CATA WIT Forum does this through mentoring, networking, professional development and advocacy. Please visit www.catawit.ca for more information.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations T-Base Communications, Inc. (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
T-Base Announces Call for Nominations for Annual Blind or Partially Sighted Sponsorship
OTTAWA (May 1, 2009) - T-Base Communications announced today that athlete nominations for the 2009/10 T-Base Blind and Partially Sighted Athletic Sponsorship are now being accepted. In the spirit of T-Base, the sponsorship is awarded annually to a blind or partially sighted athlete who exemplifies drive, commitment and dedication, and who endeavours to pursue a competitive sport.
Since it's initiation in 2006, the program has provided sponsorship support and media exposure for a number of high-profile athletes. Deaf-blind speed skater, Kevin Frost, currently ranked 19th internationally among able-bodied skaters, was the first recipient, and most recently placed third at the International Championships in British Columbia, Canada.
Three-time Paralympian Jason Dunkerley, a blind middle-distance runner, currently holds the Canadian record for both his 800m and 1500m track events, and with the assistance of guide runner Greg Daily, earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, China.
T-Base's 2008/09 sponsorship recipient, Margarita Gorbounova, competes as a partially sighted cross-country skier, and has her sights set on the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games, to be hosted in British Columbia, Canada. Margarita competes in a range of events from sprints (1 km) to long-distance (15 km), and recently had her best finish in the IPC World Cup 5K event in a time of 21.04.
Sponsorship recipients are provided with a variety of communication materials throughout their athletic journey such as braille business cards and accessibly-formatted speaking notes, drawing on T-Base's core competency of alternative format communications. "We believe T-Base's ongoing support reflects our commitment to providing competitive blind athletes with the accessible materials they need, and the exposure to personal achievements they deserve," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications. "We consider it a privilege to provide support and share in the continued journeys of these truly inspiring athletes," adds Ayotte.
Nomination Process
Nominations will be accepted by email at chayes@tbase.com on or before July 31st, 2009, with the following inclusions:
list of 3 items
' The name of the athlete in the email message subject line
' An explanation (40 lines or less) outlining the goals and ambitions of the nominee
' Location, if any, of additional information on which your nomination is based (i.e. Website, articles, etc.)
List end
T-Base sponsorship eligibility is limited to North American residents. Previous recipients of the sponsorship are not eligible for nomination, however, re-submission of previous nominees is encouraged. From those eligible, the sponsorship committee will select a 2009/2010 recipient based on alignment of T-Base goals and objectives, and will be announced on both www.tbase.com and www.tbase.com/blog on August 17, 2009.
T-Base Assists Organizations Blind to Potential Fraud
(Ottawa, ON - 1, March 2009) With March recognized internationally as Fraud Prevention month, organizations are challenged to consider, now more than ever, whether their most vulnerable customers and constituents are in fact protected from potential risk. Current estimates indicate that there are 12.8 million blind and partially sighted individuals in North America alone, and upon receiving personal identity and account information in inaccessible formats, these consumers, as well as their public and private institutions, face a greater risk of fraud.
According to PWC's 2007 Global Fraud Report that surveyed forty countries, over 43% of companies reported "suffering one or more significant economic crimes during the previous two years", and the total average cost of fraud to businesses globally was a staggering $2,971,056. T-Base Communications, a North American wide organization specializing in the secure delivery of private and confidential information in alternative formats, assists Fortune 500 clients in communicating accessibly with blind and partially sighted consumers, thereby ensuring the private and independent access of customer information.
T-Base was the first alternate format service provider to attain PCI compliance, and continually updates security assurances to mirror client practices. "Security and fraud prevention remain our top priority, on a daily basis." says Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications. With a business mission dedicated to ensuring the private and secure delivery of information to blind and partially sighted consumers, "...we are committed to protecting the end consumer, as well as the institutions they choose to do business with."
Organizations are invited to test their "fraud knowledge" and acquire essential fraud prevention methods. "Staying abreast of issues and solutions relating to fraud is the first step in ensuring the protection of customer and corporate information," adds Ayotte.
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About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternative formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base. For more information, visit www.tbase.com or call 1-800-563-0668.
About Sharlyn Ayotte
Sharlyn Ayotte, a blind entrepreneur, launched T-Base Communications resulting from a personal experience of being unable to decipher every day documents such as her monthly bills and bank statements without assistance. Sharlyn Ayotte inspired the technology behind T-Base, its head office based in Ottawa, Canada, quickly growing into a North American-wide company with a second production facility in Ogdensburg, New York.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations T-Base Communications, Inc. (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
T-Base Congratulates Canada's Top Diversity Employers of 2009
(Ottawa, ON - 27, February 2009) Following the recent announcement release of "Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2009", T-Base Communications wishes to join Mediacorp Canada Inc. along with it's competition partners TWI Inc. and BMO Financial Group, in congratulating the top 35 organizations selected as this years' competition winners.
Selected from an impressive group of over 2,100 applicants, these top 35 organizations were recognized for their development of diversity programs to promote inclusiveness among 5 main groups, one of which highlights initiatives specific to persons with disabilities.
T-Base is North America's leader in the secure delivery of alternative format statements and documents, and provides services to many of the organizations appearing on this year's list, assisting them in the recruitment, training, and remuneration details of blind and partially sighted employees. "As an employer of a diverse employee base, and an entrepreneur whose company provides accessible services to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted employees, I applaud these organizations for their voluntary commitment to diversity and inclusiveness," said T-Base Communication's President and CEO, Sharlyn Ayotte.
It is evident that many of the acknowledged organizations have far exceeded legislative requirements. Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to develop province-wide, enforceable accessibility standards. In direct relation to the mission of T-Base Communications, its intent is to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as all others. Businesses and organizations that provide goods and services to individuals in Ontario will have to meet certain accessibility standards in five important areas of our lives - customer service; transportation; information and communications; employment; and the built environment. Ontario's first accessibility standard, the customer service standard, came into effect on January 1, 2008, and a finalized Information and Communications standard will be developed shortly for the Minister of Community and Social Services.
All 35 winners are announced in the recent news release, along with a brief summarization of each organization's diversity practices. "These award winners are to be commended for their efforts, setting an exemplary precedent to other Canadian organizations while simultaneously preparing for the employment and built environment accessibility standard", adds Ayotte.
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About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternative formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base. For more information, visit www.tbase.com or call 1-800-563-0668.
About Sharlyn Ayotte
Sharlyn Ayotte, a blind entrepreneur, launched T-Base Communications resulting from a personal experience of being unable to decipher every day documents such as her monthly bills and bank statements without assistance. Sharlyn Ayotte inspired the technology behind T-Base, its head office based in Ottawa, Canada, quickly growing into a North American-wide company with a second production facility in Ogdensburg, New York.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations T-Base Communications, Inc. (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
T-Base Communications Acquires CNIB's Autobill Service
(Ottawa, ON - 10, February 2009) - T-Base Communications and CNIB announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement under which T-Base will acquire CNIB's Autobill technology, and assume immediate responsibility for the continued delivery of alternative format statements for CNIB's Autobill clients.
T-Base Communications is the industry leader in the delivery of secure and private alternative format communications solutions, serving the world's most demanding financial institutions, telecom service providers, and government organizations under their AccessAbill brand. With the acquisition of CNIB's Autobill program, blind, deafblind and partially sighted consumers unable to read conventional print are assured access to the most secure, private, and reliable alternative format reporting available in the market today.
'We see this as a very positive development for CNIB and our Autobill customers,' says Margaret McGrory, Vice-President, Information Systems & CIO & Managing Director, CNIB Library. Fully conversant with and experienced in guiding with access in mind, T-Base ensures that clients understand the issues with respect to independent access to private and secure information for their blind, deafblind and partially sighted customers.
When CNIB embarked upon the Autobill project, it was to fill an important void in the market. The emergence of world-class companies such as T-Base to serve this market need is great news for CNIB's commercial customers. 'This will allow the CNIB Library to re-focus on its core business - ensuring a sustainable alternative format collection and library service for persons with print disabilities' adds McGrory.
This type of venture is not new to T-Base Communications, who works closely with several not-for-profit organizations to offer secure statement processing more broadly, providing quality and timely delivery of sensitive, personal consumer information in alternative formats. 'We are thrilled to add CNIB to this list of such relationships,' says Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base. 'Our business reach, scale, and growing customer list ensures that this vital service is available to all blind and partially sighted consumers across Canada, regardless of who they bank with or which telecommunication or utility service provider they may choose.'
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Both T-Base and CNIB look forward to ensuring a rapid and seamless transition. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory and other customary conditions, is expected to close in early 2009.
About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternative formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base. For more information, visit www.tbase.com or call 1-800-563-0668.
About CNIB
CNIB is a nationwide, community-based, registered charity committed to public education, research and the vision health of all Canadians. CNIB provides the services and support necessary to enjoy a good quality of life while living with vision loss. Through advocacy work and a world-renowned library, CNIB is working to give Canadians living with vision loss access to the alternative format reading materials to meet their information needs. The CNIB Library contains more than 80,000 titles in braille, printbraille and talking book format, descriptive videos, newspapers and magazines as well as online services. To find out more, visit www.cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations T-Base Communications, Inc. (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
Blind employee turned CEO empowers HR professionals at HRPA Conference
(Ottawa, ON - 23 January, 2009) - Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications, is scheduled to speak at the upcoming Human Resources Professionals Associations', (HRPA), Annual Conference and Tradeshow on Friday, January 30th. Blind employee turned CEO, Ayotte intends to share her story of her climb up the corporate ladder and empower HR professionals with best practices on delivering HR and employee management materials in a format that meets the needs of blind, deafblind and partially sighted employees.
T-Base Communications emerged out of the recognition of voids in services offered to blind, deafblind and partially sighted individuals by Ayotte, who employs people who fully understand and appreciate the needs of her clients, and in turn, their end users. "I am very fortunate to lead a diverse group of individuals who share and support a mission I am truly passionate about," said Ayotte, but the path that led her to where she is today was a long and challenging one. "My personal experience with access barriers over the course of my career gives us, as a company, an intimate knowledge of the products and services required in order for HR professionals to best serve their employees".
The presentation focus could not be more timely. The proposed "Accessible Information and Communications" standard, initiated by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is currently being developed for consideration by government as adoption into a regulation. "The new standard will mandate how businesses and organizations within Ontario will be required to provide accessible information. HR professionals will need to start preparing for its inception," adds Ayotte.
Sharlyn claims that there are 2.8 million blind and partially sighted individuals in Canada. Many are highly educated, possessing superior communication and technical skills and are working in hundreds of organizations across the country today. While advancements in technology have allowed for a greater number of individuals within the talent pool to join the work force, it is often HR-related materials that pose access barriers for blind, deafblind and partially sighted employees. Ayotte hopes her conference address will educate attendees on accessible HR practices and assist in the improvement of accessible HR delivery.
About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternate formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base.
