2007 News Archive
T-Base Communications celebrates with Canada Post in breaking Guinness World RecordTM - November 12, 2007
T-Base Communications Selects Blind Competitive Runner for the 2007/2008 Athletic - August 17, 2007
Vision Australia and T-Base Communications Announce Exclusive, Long-term Partnership Agreement - May 23, 2007
First Data Enters into Strategic Alliance with T-Base Communications - May 10, 2007
Call For Nominations for the T-Base Sponsorship of Blind and Partially Sighted Athletes - April 16, 2007
T-Base Communications attains PCI Compliance - A First for the Alternate Format Industry - January 12, 2007
Deaf-blind Speed Skater Becomes 2007 Ambassador for T-Base Communications - January 5, 2007
T-Base Communications celebrates with Canada Post in breaking Guinness World RecordTM
OTTAWA, ON (November 12, 2007). Canada Post recently received recognition from the Guinness World RecordsTM for helping Santa respond to the largest volume of letters to Santa - letters that are answered in more than 25 languages, including braille. T-Base Communications provides the braille translations to Canada Post at no charge. T-Base established a long-term partnership with Canada Post in 2002, benefiting blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted children from around the world. Each year, T-Base ensures that Santa can respond directly to blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted children, replying to wish lists received in braille on a daily basis. Letters in braille have been received and alternatively responded to throughout Canada in both official languages, and the program has been as far-reaching as Belgium, France and India.
"This partnership has greatly benefited the Letters to Santa program, assisting in setting the Guinness record by making it possible to reach more children worldwide," says Robert Waite, senior vice-president, Stakeholder Relations and Brand at Canada Post. Children are encouraged to send their letters in braille, including their return address, to:
SANTA CLAUS
NORTH POLE HOH OHO
CANADA
"With the Santa Letter-writing Program, Canada Post truly delivers. Their ongoing recognition of the importance for blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted children to independently write to, and receive letters from Santa is commendable," says Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications. "We consider ourselves privileged to provide a service that brings the magic of Christmas to a greater number of children, subsequently contributing to Canada Post's impressive record-breaking numbers," adds Ayotte.
T-Base will continue to work with Canada Post on the Santa Letter-writing Program in the coming years, further extending the reach to children with disabilities next year by offering expanded alternate format communications such as large print, e-text and audio formats.
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This news item is also made in an accessible format through Canada Post, (braille, large print, e-Text and audio), by calling 1-800-267-1177.
About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats, 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 such as American Express, Citigroup, First Data, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless, T-Base provides statements and documents in alternate formats, 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
For Media Inquiries
Deanna White, Media Relations
T-Base Communications
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
T-Base Communications Selects Blind Competitive Runner for the 2007/2008 Athletic Sponsorship
OTTAWA, ON (August 17, 2007) Following the review of several impressive submissions for this year’s sponsorship of a blind or partially sighted athlete, Jason Dunkerley, who is totally blind, has been selected for the T-Base 2007/2008 athletic sponsorship program.
Each year, T-Base Communications sponsors a new blind athlete who exemplifies the drive for success in his/her field by providing alternate format communication materials. "We are proud to be a part of Jason's journey. His story is truly inspiring and demonstrates what can be accomplished as a result of hard work and pure determination – the foundation on which T-Base was built," says Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications.
In addition to the athletic ability required for such a demanding sport, a blind runner also relies on his/her acute listening skills and thought processes. Jason navigates the track through directional and verbal cues from a sighted guide who runs closely beside him. Joining Jason next year at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China will be Greg Dailey, who is his primary guide at international competitions. "Running for Canada has definitely been one of the highlights of my athletic career, and I still consider myself very privileged to be one of the lucky ones to have had the rare opportunity, " says Dunkerley.
As a part of the sponsorship, Jason will receive all of his communication materials in an accessible format such as braille-embossed business cards and alternate format presentation notes for speaking engagements. "It's wonderful to have such strong support from organizations such as T-Base," adds Dunkerley.
About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats, 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 such as American Express, Citigroup, First Data, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless, T-Base provides statements and documents in alternate formats, 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
About Jason Dunkerley
Jason is the current Canadian record holder for both the 800m and 1500m track events for his B1 class, and is just two seconds shy of world record times. He earned silver medals at both the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games, and aspires to represent Canada at the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. Most recently, Jason placed first in the 1500m event at the Para Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, winning Canada a gold medal.
For media inquiries:
Deanna White
Media and Partner Relations
T-Base Communications
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
For media interviews:
Colleen Hayes
Communications Coordinator
T-Base Communications
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 229
shayes@tbase.com
Vision Australia and T-Base Communications Announce Exclusive, Long-term Partnership Agreement
People who are blind or have low vision in Australia and New Zealand gain expanded access to alternative format statement services
OTTAWA, ON (May 23, 2007). T-Base Communications announced today they have signed an exclusive, multi-year partnership enabling people who are blind or have low vision across Australia and New Zealand to access their financial, telecom and utility statements, and other private and personal information in braille, large print, e-text and audio formats. Under the terms of the agreement, T-Base will work in partnership with Vision Australia to develop and deliver accessible products to meet the diverse information needs of their clients.
Vision Australia has a longstanding track record of working to develop accessible information services aimed at providing a greater range of alternate format materials for those who cannot easily read standard print. AccessAbill, a unique electronic system created by T-Base Communications, is now being made available to leading Australian organizations in the financial service industry, telecommunications and utilities to help better serve their customers who are blind or have low vision.
"Vision Australia is pleased to announce the selection of T-Base, the North American leader in the provision of accessible statements and private consumer communications," said Gerard Menses, CEO of Vision Australia. "T-Base adheres to the highest standards of privacy, security, quality and accuracy around sensitive consumer information, ensuring that the sensitive personal information of Australia's blind and low vision community is afforded the same protection as for the fully sighted population," added Mr. Menses.
With an expanding network of locations and global partners, T-Base Communications is fully able to support in the needs of their roster of Fortune 500 customers in Canada, the United States and abroad. This new partnership provides extended global reach for North American and European customers of T-Base with operations in Australia and New Zealand. Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications stated, "With the announcement of this important relationship, we demonstrate the flexibility and reach of the T-Base AccesAbill solution. Vision Australia is a pioneer in the provision of accessible services, and is now poised to offer their clients T-Base Communications' best-in-class AccessAbill service, and help leading financial services companies, telecom service providers and utilities in Australia to better serve their customers who are blind or have low vision".
About Vision Australia
Vision Australia is the nation's leading provider of blindness and low vision services, enabling tens of thousands of children and adult clients to live the live they choose. We achieve this by developing practical solutions to everyday challenges. Whether it's reading textbooks at school, getting a job, catching a bus or paying bills, at the heart of our work is the belief that anything is possible. Combining the skills and resources of five leading blindness organisations to create one national voice, Vision Australia is committed to delivering exceptional and efficient services that open up exciting possibilities for our community. For more information or to support Vision Australia call 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org
About T-Base Communications
With locations in Canada and the United States, T-Base Communications produces listen-ready and touch-ready contractual and customer management materials, assisting government and industry to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Specializing in braille, large print, e-Text, audio and website accessibility, T-Base Communications works with the most progressive companies globally to meet the diverse information needs of their customers such as American Express, Citigroup, First Data, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless. For more information, visit www.tbase.com.
For media inquiries, contact:
Deanna White
Media and Partner Relations
T-Base Communications
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
Megan Denyer
Public Relations Officer
Vision Australia
Phone: +61 2 9334 3308
Email: megan.denyer@visionaustralia.org
First Data Enters into Strategic Alliance with T-Base Communications
Blind and partially sighted consumers gain expanded access to alternative format statement services
Ogdensburg, NY and Omaha, NEB, May 10, 2007- T-Base Communications and First Data Resources, a division of electronics commerce and payments leader, First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) announced today they will collaborate to provide specialized statement services to First Data's clients for their customers who are unable to access their financial information in conventional print. This new partnership extends First Data's leadership position and ensures that all of their clients are in a position to offer their blind or partially sighted customers full access to their private financial statements in the format of their choice, including braille and large print.
First Data's decision to partner with T-Base Communications, the market leader in alternate format statement processing, reflects their commitment to helping their clients improve customer satisfaction with innovative solutions. First Data's print and mail facilities combine leading-edge technologies, best-in-class operational efficiencies and experienced employees to ensure that their clients can use print communications to build more valuable customer relationships.
"Introducing alternate format statement production into First Data's core processing further enhances our position as a full service solution to our clients," said Max Narro, SVP, product, marketing and industry, First Data Resources. "T-Base Communications fully understands the complex processes that are shaping the statement processing industry and has an intimate knowledge of the types of services our clients' customers require," adds Narro.
President and CEO of T-Base, Sharlyn Ayotte said, "This is a great day for T-Base and all blind and partially sighted consumers as this partnership demonstrates how global leaders such as First Data are including the diverse information needs of all customers into their core service offering". It has been a longstanding business mission of T-Base to ensure that blind and partially sighted consumers receive private and secure statement delivery in braille, large print, e-text and audio as part of mainstream services. "First Data deserves recognition for their leadership in this important area," adds Ayotte.
First Data expects to make the service available in the third quarter of 2007. Issuers and billers who do not process their portfolio with First Data will also be able to use the service.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About First Data
First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for business worldwide. Serving over 5 million merchant locations, 1,900 card issuers and their customers, First Data posers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions include merchant transaction processing services, credit, debit private label, gift, payroll and other pre-paid card offerings; fraud protection and authentication solutions; electronic check acceptance services through Telecheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile payment solutions. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 2 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.
About T-Base Communications
With locations in Canada and the United States, T-Base Communications produces listen-ready and touch-ready contractual and customer management materials, assisting government and industry to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional print. Specializing in braille, large print, e-Text, audio and website accessibility, T-Base Communications works in partnership with North America's most progressive companies to meet the diverse information needs of their customers such as American Express, Citigroup, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless. For more information, visit www.tbase.com.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Deanna White
Media and Partner Relations
T-Base Communications
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com
Donna Pennington
Director, Corporate Communications
First Data
402-222-6178
donna.pennington@firstdatacorp.com
Call For Nominations for the T-Base Sponsorship of Blind and Partially Sighted Athletes
OTTAWA, (April 16, 2007) - T-Base Communications Inc. announces the request for nominations of blind and partially sighted athletes for the 2007/2008 T-Base Sponsorship. This annual sponsorship is awarded in the spirit of T-Base Communications, to a blind or partially sighted athlete dedicated to a competitive sport who exemplifies the drive for success and commitment in his/her athletic endeavors.
Deaf blind speed skater Kevin Frost was the recipient of last year's sponsorship, supporting his ambition to become Canada's first Paralympic speed skating competitor and gold medallist. After short and long track competitions throughout Canada and the United States, Kevin ranked 27th in the world against able-bodied competitors, and has been added to the track record in Calgary as a Paralympic disabled skater.
T-Base Communications provides recipients of the annual sponsorship with various communication materials such as braille business cards and speaking notes in an accessible format of choice. "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.
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Nomination Process
In order to submit a nomination, please send emails to dwhite@tbase.com on or before July 31st, 2007, with the following inclusions:
- 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.)
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 2007/2008 recipient based on alignment of T-Base goals and objectives, and will be announced on August 17, 2007.
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About Kevin Frost
Kevin Frost has Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive hearing and vision loss. Kevin aspires to earn deaf-blind speed skating a recognized class in Paralympic sport and to be one of the first to compete. The Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is to take place in Vancouver with all competitions in Whistler. For more information on Kevin Frost, please visit www.ushersyndromeskater.com
About T-Base Communications Inc.
With locations in Canada and the United States, T-Base Communications produces listen-ready and touch-ready contractual and customer management materials, assisting government and industry to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional print. Specializing in braille, large print, e-Text, audio and website accessibility, T-Base Communications works in partnership with North America's most progressive companies to meet the diverse information needs of their customers such as American Express, Citigroup, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless.
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For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Deanna White, T-Base Communications Media Relations, (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231, 1-800-563-0668. dwhite@tbase.com.
T-Base Communications attains PCI Compliance - A First for the Alternate Format Industry
OGDENSBURG, NY (January 12, 2007). T-Base Communications is the first alternate format service provider in North America to become PCI compliant. Privacy and security are two of T-Base Communications' core business values, and it has been a longstanding business mission to ensure that blind and partially sighted credit card holders who receive their statements in braille, large print, e-text and audio are afforded the same protection against fraud and identity theft as all others.
The Payment Card Industry, (PCI), standard was developed by credit card companies to ensure the proper handling and protection of cardholder account and transaction information. PCI consists of twelve basic requirements - sometimes referred to as the 'digital dozen'. The standards aim to ensure enhanced security for credit card transactions, offering greater protection for credit card companies, service providers and the end consumer.
This award of PCI compliance provides yet another level of assurance. Consumers have become increasingly concerned about data security and the protection of their private information. Similarly, rising crime poses a growing threat to companies, with nearly half of all organizations worldwide being victims of fraud in the past two years, creating challenges for organizations related to governance, risk and compliance.
In the United States, identity-theft complaints to the Federal Trade Commission have increased fivefold in the last three years, from 31,117 in 2000 to 161,819 in 2002. Credit card fraud was the most common form of reported identity theft at 26%, followed by phone or utilities fraud (18%), bank fraud (17%), and employment fraud (12%). Other significant categories of identity theft reported by victims were government documents/benefits fraud (9%) and loan fraud (5%).
With a business model created around the highest standard of privacy and security in North America, this award provides the many Fortune 500 financial institutions who entrust the production of their alternative format statement production to T-Base with another layer of protection for their customer's precious personal data. "T-Base Communications has always taken data security seriously," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications. "By instituting the PCI Data Security Standard, T-Base not only meets our obligations to its clients and the payment system, but it provides a level of confidence that benefits everyone, creating a culture of security that is the foundation of our success." adds Ayotte.
About T-Base Communications
With locations in Canada and the United States, T-Base Communications provides AccessAbill(c), transcription, and website accessibility solutions to assist leading industries in communicating with their customers who cannot access information in conventional print. Specializing in braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats, T-Base works in partnership with North America's most progressive companies in delivering alternate format communication materials to meet the diverse information needs of their customers such as American Express, Citigroup, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless.
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For media inquiries, please contact: Deanna White, Media Relations, (613) 236-0866 or 1-800-563-0668 Ext. 231. dwhite@tbase.com
Deaf-blind Speed Skater Becomes 2007 Ambassador for T-Base Communications
OTTAWA (January 5, 2007) - T-Base Communications is backing deaf-blind speed skater Kevin Frost into 2007 in support of his goal to become one of the first to compete in the Paralympic games and will also become an ambassador for T-Base in 2007, an appropriate role for such an extraordinary competitor.
Mr. Frost competed in 7 short track races last October in the 1st Eastern Ability Regional competition for the Ottawa Pacers Speed Skating Club in Kanata, Ontario. He qualified in 4 "A" finals winning two bronze medals, just .022 seconds shy of the silver at the Masters Level.
"I am thrilled at the support I have been receiving from T-Base. It's a significant boost in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities and in competitive sport at a high level" said Kevin Frost.
T-Base Communications provides Mr. Frost with various communication materials in alternate formats such as his business cards in braille. "We believe our support of Kevin's endeavors is fundamental in demonstrating how alternate formats meet diverse needs for access to information," says Sharlyn Ayotte, president and CEO of T-Base Communications.
The sponsorship kicks off a new year where fans will have a chance to see Kevin Frost in action as he competes Olympic style in long track this month at the following dates and locations:
Long Track Mass Start
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Ottawa - Friday, January 13th, 2007 at Brewer Park, 151 Brewer Way, Ottawa, Ontario
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Ottawa - Saturday, January 14th, 2007 at Brewer Park, 151 Brewer Way, Ottawa, Ontario
Jack Shea Sprints
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New York - Saturday, January 27th, 2007 at the Lake Placid Olympic Oval, 2634 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York
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New York - Sunday, January 28th, 2007 at the Lake Placid Olympic Oval, 2634 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York
About Kevin Frost
Kevin Frost has Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive hearing and vision loss. Kevin aspires to earn deaf-blind speed skating a recognized class in Paralympic sport and to be one of the first to compete. The Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is to take place in Vancouver with all competitions in Whistler. For more information on Kevin Frost, please visit www.ushersyndromeskater.com
About T-Base Communications Inc.
With locations in Canada and the United States, T-Base Communications produces listen-ready and touch-ready contractual and customer management materials, assisting government and industry to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional print. Specializing in braille, large print, e-Text, audio and website accessibility, T-Base Communications works in partnership with North America's most progressive companies to meet the diverse information needs of their customers such as American Express, Citigroup, LaSalle Bank, Merrill Lynch, Nokia, Royal Bank, Symcor, TD, and Verizon Wireless.
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For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Deanna White, T-Base Communications Media Relations, (613) 236-0866 Ext. 231, 1-800-563-0668. dwhite@tbase.com.
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