CompuServe and Henter-Joyce Update Online Access For People With Disabilities

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 11, 1996 -- CompuServe Incorporated (Nasdaq: CSRV) and Henter-Joyce, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida, have agreed to work together on a solution that updates accessibility to the CompuServe(R) Information Service and the Internet by visually impaired members.

"As information technology continues to move forward, adaptive equipment and technology must change to keep pace," said Kent Stuckey, CompuServe director, business Development. With CompuServe moving to a non-ASCII, more graphics-rich environment and adopting Internet standards, the company chose to work with Henter-Joyce to ensure that members who are blind or visually impaired can use the same computer and interface software enjoyed by sighted household members, and thereby continue to benefit from the online experience.

"Henter-Joyce welcomes the opportunity to join CompuServe in providing today's technology to all visually impaired individuals wishing to participate in the online world. With the combination of our two companies' products, they can do so using their own or their family's home computer," said Eric Damery, vice president of sales for Henter-Joyce.

During the third quarter of this year (July - Sept.), the two organizations will offer a package that includes Henter-Joyce's JAWS for Windows screen reader, CompuServe's interface software for the Windows operating system and a set of training audio tapes to help instruct the visually impaired user on the use of CompuServe as well as the screen reader. To order the package, call 800-336-5658 or send electronic mail inquiries to info@hj.com. Henter-Joyce maintains e Forum(R) area on the CompuServe information Service et GO JAWS.

"Cyberspace is a world where people interact with one another beyond their physical limitations," Stuckey added. "The online world comes to them, wherever they are, whenever they want it, without regard to physical barriers. Cyberspace allows them to do research, work, learn, share their experiences and socialize with people around the world."

In addition to thousands of online news, information, communication and entertainment areas, CompuServe offers Forum areas of particular benefit to people with disabilities, including the Disability Forum (GO DISABILITIES), the Handicapped Users Database (GO HANDICAPPED) and technical support Forum areas for providers of software tools and other adaptive equipment.

"While the Windows operating system can present technical challenges for users with disabilities and for accessibility software developers, it has proven to be where the computer world of today and tomorrow is going, and Henter-Joyce intends to be there every step of the way," Damery added.

Founded in 1987, Henter-Joyce develops software that enables people with visual impairments to make computers talk.

Founded in 1969, CompuServe Incorporated provides the world's most comprehensive online services, business network and Internet access. Through CompuServe, more than five million home and business users in more than 185 countries access the Internet and 3,000-plus online information, education and entertainment services and products. In addition, 982 corporate customers use CompuServe's value-added network solutions. Among its many uses. the CompuServe owned network serves as the world's mailbox and check-out lane, hosting millions of e-mail messages per month and more than one billion point-of-sale transactions per year. With world headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, CompuServe's offices include European centers in Munich, London and Paris.

CONTACT: Carrie Reber or Jeff Shafer of CompuServe Incorporated, 614-539-4092 or 614-538-4632, or Cathy Kaiser of Henter-Joyce, 813-528-8900