Judy Dixon
In September 2022, Pneuma Solutions released a completely updated software packaged called RIM (Remote Incident Manager). This software lets one computer access and control another computer that is across town or across the world. It can be used by technical support staff to provide assistance to customers remotely. But it can also be used by individuals to assist family members and friends.
RIM is similar to popular software packages such as Teamviewer. But what makes RIM a game changer is that It is completely accessible and very simple to use. RIM can be used by blind and sighted persons alike. A blind or sighted person can be on either the controlling end or the target end of the remote assistance.
To get started, a user downloads the RIM setup program. The same software is installed on both the controlling computer and the target computer.
When the program is launched for the first time, an edit box for entering the session word appears on both sides. The user running the controlling computer selects the Provide Help Instead button and is prompted to create an account.
To start each session, The controller enters a word, and if that word is not currently being used, the person on the target end, enters the same word and the connection is established. The user running the target computer only has to enter the session word. There is no need to create an account.
If the target computer is running a screen reader, the person running the controlling computer will be able to hear the audio. There is no need for a separate phone call to talk with one another during the session. RIM lets both computer users talk with each other inside the session. RIM is able to handle different screen readers being used on the two computers. A blind person can provide assistance to someone even if the target computer isn't running a screen reader, but In this case, the blind person must be using NVDA with the provided NVDA add-on.
RIM has a very flexible pricing structure that is designed to meet everyone's needs. Anyone can use RIM to assist another user for up to 30 minutes a day. The 30 minutes can be distributed over any number of sessions and any number of computers.
There is no cost for the person receiving help. The pricing structure is for the person running the controlling computer. After the connection is made, RIM offers an option to Flip the Connection so if the person receiving help prefers to pay for the session, this is possible.
Pricing options that work well for consumers include two types of passes. An incident pass is available for $10. It lets one user assist one target user over a 24-hour period for as much time as necessary. A day pass is available for $20. It allows one user to assist multiple target users over a 24-hour period.
Other pricing options include unlimited assistance from 1 to 10 target users ranging from $9.95 per month to $54.95 per month or $99 per year to $549 per year. RIM Pro pricing allows connections to an unlimited number of users. The basic price for RIM Pro is $99 per month or $999 per year.
The enterprise pricing option allows an unlimited amount of controllers and targets, with very sophisticated security features. The price of each plan is determined by the number of simultaneous connections that can be made at any given time.
The creators of RIM are aware that this software offers a superior experience for blind computer users. To assist RIM users, Pneuma Solutions has created a Self-Advocacy Kit. They have assembled a kit of letters that encompasses a wide range of scenarios such as student to disability office, employee to supervisor, employee to HR department, supervisor to HR department as well as letters to specific companies such as Apple and Aira.
At present, the RIM software runs under Windows but support for other platforms is in the works. For detailed information about RIM, go to RIM - Pneuma Solutions.
This article is made possible in part by generous funding from the James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust, Huntington, West Virginia.
