Pulse Data Presented with CNIB's Winston Gordon Award

In July Pulse Data International was named winner of the celebrated 2003 Winston Gordon Award. 

At a ceremony on the 5th December, 2003 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, Dr Russell Smith, Pulse Data International’s CEO accepted the award, a 24-carat gold medal and $15,000, on behalf of the company. The presentation was attended by top CNIB personnel including Dick Hale-Sanders (Chairman), Jim Sanders (President & CEO), and Tim Sheeres (Chairman of the Winston Gordon Selection Committee). Special guests at the function included Terry Kelly, a very popular blind Canadian singer/songwriter who was awarded the Order of Canada in January 2003. 

Since being established in 1988, Pulse Data is only the second non-North American company to have been presented with the award. 

Accepting the award from CNIB President Jim Sanders, Russell Smith said, "helping people who are blind use technology to increase their independence and privacy is a wonderful reward in itself, but to be publicly recognised by the CNIB for our work is a special honour". 

The award is considered to be the most prestigious in the blindness industry worldwide. It recognises technology, innovation and the contribution to independent living for people who are blind. Pulse Data received the award for its development of the BrailleNote, a personal informational management system designed specifically for people who are blind. 

Built on Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system, the BrailleNote incorporates the following powerful functions: a word processor, email, a daily planner, a book reader, contact lists, scientific calculator, on-line help and a web browser.

Particularly useful for education, the BrailleNote lets students who are blind or visually impaired store documents, including textbooks and electronic books. Teachers can easily provide electronic assignments and homework. The BrailleNote can also be hooked up to standard computers to use mainstream software and printers

“Technology solutions such as the BrailleNote give users who are blind and visually impaired the opportunity to learn, study, and communicate as quickly and efficiently as their sighted peers,” said Jim Sanders, CNIB president and CEO. “Greater access to information translates into greater independence and opportunity.”

Since 1918, the CNIB has helped Canadians who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind meet their greatest challenge: thriving independently in a sighted world. The CNIB serves more than 100,000 clients - a number expected to double within the next 15 years. The "greying" of the Canadian population means that vision loss will soon become an issue of personal relevance for most people.

About Pulse Data
Based in Christchurch, New Zealand Pulse data International designs and manufactures innovative technology for people who are blind and visually impaired. Formed in 1988, Pulse Data now exports approximately 98% of its products worldwide to more than 30 countries. Sales offices have been established in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. 

For further information contact:
Greg Thompson 
International Marketing and Business Development Manager
Phone: +1 925 566 9221
Email: gregt@pulsedata.com