National Federation of the Blind of Texas Chooses FileCloud for Data Control and Digital Accessibility – Customer Case Study The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest organization led by blind people in the United States. With a non-profit structure, it has affiliates in all of states, including Texas. Board members […]
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest organization led by blind people in the United States. With a non-profit structure, it has affiliates in all of states, including Texas. Board members and other volunteers in the National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBT) work from different locations. Accessibility plays an important role in the choice of the technology they use, as does security and affordability. All of these factors formed the backdrop to the NFBT’s search for the right online solution for centralizing, sharing and synchronizing files between members and volunteers.
NFBT Needs and Starting Point
As more people join the NFBT, the need grows greater to organize information and make files available to the right members at the right time. Norma Crosby, a member of the Human Resources & Office Management Team for the NFBT, explains the problems being faced at the time. Although some board members and volunteers were using Dropbox accounts, centralization was lacking and it was difficult to track down all the information. Among the range of possibilities considered were an extension of the use of Dropbox, Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint, and a VPN (virtual private network). However, each of these options had one or more drawbacks for the NFBT, including lack of control and security, high costs and poor digital accessibility. In addition to accessibility, here are the top 10 Reasons why FileCloud is a great private Dropbox alternative.
The Essential Role of Accessibility Guidelines for Software Vendors
When software has good accessibility, it can be used by blind users and sighted users in the same way. Blind users may use screen reader applications that interpret what is displayed on the screen, converting text to speech or to Braille output, for example. File sharing and synchronization software should then work seamlessly with such screen readers to facilitate information access. Both the NFB and the NFBT encourage software vendors to design in accessibility from the start. Enhanced accessibility and screen readers can also help people challenged in other ways, including illiteracy and learning disabilities.
FileCloud – Recommended to the NFBT by an Expert
A technology expert from the Louisiana Center for the Blind recommended FileCloud to the NFBT, as an option that could meet all the NFBT’s criteria. There were three strong reasons for the recommendation:
Easy Deployment, Flawless Interworking and Great Support
The reasons above were already enough to convince the NFBT to choose FileCloud. Uploading data from different people’s PCs to centralize files on a server was simple and flexible. Users now find that the FileCloud mobile apps are straightforward and work flawlessly with the VoiceOver screen reader, as well as the PC-based screen readers JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and Window-Eyes. Blind board members and blind and sighted volunteers can now all access the information they need easily and efficiently. Besides confirming the effectiveness of FileCloud for the NFBT, Norma also found that in terms of support and customer service, FileCloud staff worked tirelessly to insure that the NFBT had a great experience using the product. As Norma so eloquently puts it,
“Perhaps the most important feature we have found in FileCloud is its people.”
How FileCloud Can Help You Today?
FileCloud software and support fully meet the expectations of NFBT, while also making financial sense. The same advantages of accessibility, data security and affordability make sense for many other organizations too. Besides universities and learning establishments, FileCloud also makes an excellent online file sharing and synchronization solution for hospitals and clinics, with full compliance with HIPAA and HITECH Act legislation among others. And FileCloud also serves other sectors, such as finance, utilities and consumer and business services. Automatic back-up and recovery facilities, and easy integration with existing application applications and access control systems keep installation and deployment simple for all. Get in touch with FileCloud today to see how you could benefit and to try FileCloud for free on your own server for 14 days.
