Microsoft and the Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) Consortium, have announced a joint standards-based development project, that will make it possible for computer users who are blind or print disabled to make better use of assistive technology in their daily lives. The collaborating project will enable the translation of millions of Open XML documents into DAISY XML, the lingua franca for digital talking books.

According to the official release, the structure within DAISY publications makes it possible to navigate quickly by heading or page number and to use indexes and references, all with correctly ordered, synchronized audio and text. In addition, the Open XML to DAISY XML translator also offers the potential for further innovation in the information-intensive markets of publishing, training and education.

An Indian member of the DAISY consortium, the National Association for Blind (NAB), has welcomed the initiative. Dipendra Manocha, Director IT & Services, NAB and President of the DAISY Forum of India, said, "With the largest blind population in the world, India needs initiatives like these to redress the problems faced by the visually challenged. This tool addresses a compelling need of the visually impaired - in all walks of life - who have so far been losing out on the benefits of the information-age. The announcement is monumental: it provides a clear, production path for organizations and universities who will be able to use the Microsoft plug-in to move into DAISY XML. Putting tools in the hands of people who create content is a giant step toward creating equal access to information."

George Kerscher, secretary general of the DAISY Consortium, added, "In our information age, access to information is a fundamental human right. This is why leading organizations of and for the blind throughout the world are committed to the advancement of the DAISY Standard. The ability to create DAISY content from millions of Open XML-based documents using this translator for Microsoft Office Word will offer substantial and immediate benefits to publishers, governments, corporations, educators and, most important, to everyone who loves to read."

Now, however, "The Open XML to DAISY XML translator for Microsoft Office Word will begin the translation of Open XML-based content into an enriched multimedia format accessible to users around the world, regardless of the degree of their visual impairments," said Sanjay Manchanda, Director, Business Division, Microsoft India. "This accessible technology is something that our customers have asked for, and we are pleased to be able to work collaboratively with the DAISY Consortium to realize this goal."

"Consideration of special needs is an integral part of Microsoft's product design process. The Open XML-DAISY XML translator builds on Microsoft's long-standing commitment to promoting information access for users with disabilities. For users, the ability to "Save as DAISY" in Microsoft Office Word represents an important validation of disabled users' needs and sends a powerful message to society at large," added Sanjay Manchanda.

The free downloadable plug-in will be released in early 2008.