1. May 2006
Breakthrough with the Project MELFO
Help is on the way for dyslexics!
The University of Copenhagen, Danish Building Research Institute, Motto S.A., Sensus ApS, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola have joined forces in a large-scale project to develop mobile electronic help and learning for people with reading difficulties and dyslexia – with the aid of new technology.
The idea of the project is to provide people with reading difficulties and dyslexics everywhere with help via their hand held computer (PDA). For example help to understand manuals, orders or custom papers. You get the help by taking a picture of a text with the PDA, which will then read the text aloud. Programmes are also being developed in order for people with reading difficulties and dyslexia can improve their reading abilities without exposing their reading problems. They choose the time and place themselves for the e-learning.
Professor of Linguistics and Director of The Centre for Reading Research at The University of Copenhagen, Carsten Elbro sees great potential in the project:
- People with reading difficulties and dyslexics have an increasingly harder time as the trail of information in society is rising and the problem is very big. According to OECD, a total of 36 % of adult Danes read too poorly to utilize their potential within education, business or leisure time. The project will hopefully improve life for many with reading difficulties and dyslexia.
The first studies of 50 employees with reading difficulties in an entrepreneur business will be conducted during the summer.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation subsidizes the projects with 1,9 million kroner, whereas the EU Social Fund contributes 1,7 million kroner. Hewlett-Packard and Motorola will supply technical equipment and support.
Minister of Science, Helge Sander says:
- The projects helps group of Danes to an easier life at work and at home. At the same time, the project is a good example of the collaboration between public research and private businesses and of the interplay between high technology and the humanities.
The contact between the involved partners has been made via the network Crossroads Copenhagen that strengthens the collaboration between business and universities.
MORE INFO
»Read more about the project here
»Download the press release here (same text)
MORE CONTACT
Professor Carsten Elbro
The University of Copenhagen
ce@hum.ku.dk
+45 35 32 86 56.
Senior researcher Kresten Storgaard
Danish Building Research Institute
krs@sbi.dk
+45 45 74 22 74.
Director, sales and marketing
Flemming Ast
Motto S.A.
flemming.ast@motto-captura.eu
+45 24 28 66 88
Direktør Pouline Middleton
Crossroads Copenhagen
pm@crossroadscopenhagen.dk
+45 20 26 50 01