MEDIA RELEASE
1stAugust 2019
Recite Me helps make Auriga Services website accessible for vulnerable customers
West Midlands-based public benefit entity Auriga Services has added Recite Me's web accessibility and language software to its website to make it accessible and inclusive.
Auriga Services manages the charitable trust funds and schemes for some of the largest utility companies in the UK like Severn Trent Water and United Utilities, as well as the NHS, local authorities, and charities.
It helps people in financial hardship by distributing over £15 million to them each year, giving individual grants to have an immediate and lasting impact of the individuals' well-being and financial status
Auriga Services has added Recite Me to its website to help support vulnerable customers online, removing online barriers for people with disabilities and people who don't speak English as their first language.
In 2018, Energy UK launched the Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstances, to explore how the UK energy industry can meet the needs of customers in vulnerable circumstances, including people with disabilities.
The Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstances Report 2019recommends that customers in vulnerable circumstances must be offered a range of communication channels so they can engage with their supplier in a way that best meets their needs.
The introduction of the Recite Me accessibility and language toolbar allows website visitors to customise the Auriga Services website in the way that works for them.
This could be changing the page style to customize the colour and size of foreground text, links and backgrounds, or using the reading aids to mask distractions on the screen.
People who don't speak English as their first language will benefit from Recite Me's real-time translation feature which can translate over 100 languages, including reciting text in 35 different languages.
Mark Abrams, Chief Executive at Auriga Services Ltd said:
"Auriga Services helps people in financial need, and accessibility is essential - especially for those who don't speak English as their first language.
"Recite Me is a great way for us to ensure we are making information and services accessible online to make sure we can help everyone in need, including vulnerable customers."
Recite Me Founder and CEO Ross Linnett said:
"Vulnerable customers need to be supported online, as being able to easily access information and services is vital for them.
"Adding Recite Me to the Auriga Services website is a great step forward to support people looking for financial support with their utility bills."
Ends
Notes to Editors
For more information about Recite Me please contact Catherine Grinyer:
Email: catherine@bigvoicecommunications.co.uk
Mobile: 07713 248387
Image Caption
Image 1: A woman using Recite Me on a laptop PC to access a website
About Recite Me
1. Recite Me is an innovative Cloud based web accessibility solution which allows website visitors to customise websites the way they need it to work for them.
2. Around one in every five people in the UK has a disability and they can often face barriers like inaccessible websites that prevent them from taking an active part in life.
3. Recite Me's innovative software makes websites accessible through a unique range of features including: text to speech functionality, dyslexia software, zoom and page masking, an interactive dictionary, a translation tool with over 100 languages.
4. Ross Linnett is the CEO and Founder of Recite Me and is available for interview or comment. Ross was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult and founded Recite Me because traditional ‘assistive technology' was limited to only one computer.
5. A live demonstration of the Recite software is available:www.reciteme.com/contact/trial