[Athen] Texthelp no longer support Post secondary

[Michael Canale]

They recently decided without notification that they will only support K-12
educators with support and free demo licenses. I explained that I have used
the software to demonstrate their product and encourage students and
parents to consider using it. Now with this new policy, I am unable to demo
their product without purchasing my own license. If I worked for a K-12
they would continue to provide me a free account. Why would I purchase a
license to generate business for them?

In addition, they changed their minimum number of licenses that prohibit
most small to medium size Universities to utilize all they pay for. Whereas
K-12 has an entire district. It's all about money and has nothing to do
with supporting students it's a real shame.



On Wed, Mar 9, 2022 at 12:01 PM Romack, Justin <justinr at disability.tamu.edu>
wrote:


> Howdy!

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> Glad to get your message and hear your perspective!

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> Because I feel out of the loop… What Texthelp policy are you referring to

> and how do they demonstrate they don’t care about postsecondary

> institutions?

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> We’re up for renewal and the quote has drastically increased in price. I

> have several options to explore in responding, but I wanted more context on

> how others have approached changes with Texthelp (and also clarifying if

> what you’re referring to is related to the concern I have).

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> Hoping you’re well,

>

> J

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> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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> *Justin Romack*  | Assistive Technology Coordinator

>

> Disability Resources | Texas A&M University

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> 1224 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843-1224

>

>

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> ph: 979.845.1637 | justinr at disability.tamu.edu | disability.tamu.edu

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> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

>

> *DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS *| One Division. One Mission.

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> *From:* athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> *On

> Behalf Of *Michael Canale

> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 9, 2022 10:01 AM

> *To:* athen-list at u.washington.edu

> *Subject:* Re: [Athen] athen-list Digest, Vol 194, Issue 7

>

>

>

> For at least 5 years I have had a free account with Read Write in order to

> show students and parents how to use AT for their studies.  Texthelp

> decided we in post-secondary are not important enough to support. I call

> all colleagues to call ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart

>

> This Message Is From an External Sender

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> This message came from outside your organization.

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> ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd

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> For at least 5 years I have had a free account with Read Write in order to

> show students and parents how to use AT for their studies.

>

>

>

> Texthelp decided we in post-secondary are not important enough to support.

> I call all colleagues to call upon Texthelp of this change in policy is

> ridiculous. I decided to no longer support or endorse Texthelp products.

> Instead, I will endorse Natural Reader.

>

>

>

> I know many of you use them, however, we should not support a company that

> doesn't support us.

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> [image: Image removed by sender.]

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> Office of Student Disability Services

>

> University of Maryland, Baltimore County

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> 225 Math/Psychology Building

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> Desk: 410-455-6358

>

> Mobile: 410-688-5088 (Text, FaceTime)

>

> VP: 443-410-4773

>

> Email:  canale at umbc.edu

>

> Web: sds.umbc.edu

> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/sss.umbc.edu__;!!KwNVnqRv!RBamRIRg7x6RSJXPVzuMBERipygOMwlkwbpMC_MQu3T68ULBdl7hkyB-HRu6Ah4w2kNca7lN$>

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> *Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if

> you look at it right.  - J. Garcia, R Hunter*

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-- 
Michael Canale
Assistant Director, SDS
Coordinator Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services,
Sensory Impairment, and ASD

Office of Student Disability Services
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
225 Math/Psychology Building

Desk: 410-455-6358
Mobile: 410-688-5088 (Text, FaceTime)
VP: 443-410-4773
Email:  canale at umbc.edu
Web: sds.umbc.edu <http://sss.umbc.edu>

*Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you
look at it right.  - J. Garcia, R Hunter*
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