MISSOURI REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND COMPUTER RESOURCE LIST UPDATED AUGUST 25, 1999 Please note that product names and descriptions follow the manufacturer's name and address. The list is subdivided into broad categories such as "Software: Screen Readers," "Software, Magnification Devices," "Hardware: Note Takers," "Hardware": "Braille Printers," etc. Where one company has products in different categories, only the web page is listed in the second or third category. The complete address can be found in the first category where a company has a product listed. SOFTWARE: SCREEN READERS Products described below are designed to provide information to a blind or visually impaired user regarding text and graphics on the computer screen. These products literally read information aloud to a blind computer user via synthetic speech. Some products may also work with refreshable braille displays. Alva Access Group, Inc., 5801 Christie Ave., Suite 475, Emeryville, CA 94608; voice phone: (510) 923-6280; tty: (510) 923-6286; e-mail: info@aagi.com; web site: http://www.aagi.com OutSpoken for the Macintosh and Windows 9x: Supports a variety of synthesizers. Various versions are available for those using either speech alone or speech in combination with braille displays. Arctic Technologies, Inc., 1000 John R. Rd., Suite 108, Troy, MI 48083; voice phone: (248) 588-7370; e-mail: info@artictech.com; web site: http://www.artictech.com WinVision and WinVision Solo: Screen readers for Arctic and other synthesizers. Arctic Business Vision may be required, depending on version of software purchased. Blazie Engineering, 109 E. Garrettsville Rd., Forest Hill, MD 21050; voice phone: (410) 893- 9333; fax: (410) 836-5040; web site: http://www.blazie.com Windows Master: uses either a Braille 'N Speak, Type 'N Speak or regular synthesizer and computer. Provides access to the Windows operating environment. Dolphin Computer Access, 100 S. Ellsworth Ave. Fourth floor, San Mateo, CA 94401; voice phone: (650) 348-7401; fax: (650) 348-7403; e-mail: sales@dolphinusa.com; web site: http://www.dolphinusa.com Hal: Works with Windows 9x and NT. It works in conjunction with hardware and software synthesizers. For details or a demo copy, visit the web site. Also available, Supernova: a screen reader which also includes magnification. Gw Micro, 725 Airport North Office Park, Fort Wayne, IN 46825; voice phone: (219) 489-3671; fax: (219) 489-2608; e-mail: sales@gwmicro.com; web site: http://www.gwmicro.com Window-Eyes: A screen reader for those using Windows 3.1x and Windows 9x operating systems. Works with hardware and software synthesizers; also available, Vocal-Eyes 3.0 for DOS. Both products can be sold as a separate package or integrated as a Windows 9x/DOS package. Henter-Joyce, Inc., 11800 31st Ct N., St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1805; voice phone: (727) 803- 8000; toll-free: (800) 336-5658; fax: (727) 803-8001; e-mail: info@hj.com; web site: http://www.hj.com Jaws for Windows version 3.33: Enables blind users to access both the Windows 9x and NT operating systems. (Also works with Windows 3.1x.) JAWS for DOS is available as freeware for DOS users. Synthavoice Computers, Inc., 800 Queenston Rd., Suite 304, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8G 1A7 Canada; voice phone: (905) 662-0565; fax: (905) 662-0568; web site: http://www.synthavoice.com Slimware Window Bridge: A screen reader that works either with speech or in combination with speech and braille displays. Works seamlessly in DOS and Windows 9x/3.x. HARDWARE: SPEECH SYNTHESIZERS Speech synthesizers are the devices screen readers use to provide verbalized information about the computer display to a blind or visually impaired person. Aicom Corp., 5847 Gleneagles, San Jose, CA 95138; voice phone: (408) 238-8287; fax: (408) 238-9397 Accent and Accent SA speech synthesizers: Also offers Messenger-IC, a speech synthesizer for laptop computers. Arctic Technologies, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.artictech.com This company manufactures a variety of synthesizers. Virtually all of its note takers can double as synthesizers. In addition, it offers: Arctic Symphonix: An internal synthesizer that works with WinVision and other screen readers. Arctic Transport: A portable external synthesizer, includes ability to upload screen reading program to a computer. Arctic Mini Transport: A smaller version of the transport, two models are available–the Transport and Transport Deluxe. Arctic Spirit: External synthesizer, two models, one of which includes rechargeable NiCad battery. Automated Functions, Inc., 7700 Leesburg Pike, Suite 420, Falls Church, VA 22043; voice phone: (703) 883-9797; fax (703) 883-9798 Smartalk: An external speech synthesizer that connects to the parallel port of your computer. Emulates the Accent synthesizer. Digital Equipment Corp., 111 Powder Mill Rd., Maynard, MA 01754; (800) 344-4825 DECTalk PC and DECTalk Express internal and external synthesizers: DECTalk Express is an external battery-powered synthesizer which connects to the computer's serial port. The DECTalk PC is the internal synthesizer. Both the internal and external synthesizers work with a variety of screen readers. Dolphin USA, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.dolphinusa.com Apollo internal and external synthesizers: More than 30 languages are available, the first language is free. GW Micro, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.gwmicro.com Sounding Board: An internal speech synthesizer and Speak-Out: An external synthesizer. The Speak-Out includes a rechargeable battery, clock/calendar and alarm/scheduling features. The Speak-Out operates in two modes–turbo and standard. Battery life is greatly enhanced when the unit operates in standard mode. It can connect via either the serial cable or to the parallel port of any Windows 9x computer. HumanWare, 6245 King Rd., Loomis, CA 95650; voice phone: (916) 652-7253 or (800) 722-3393; web site: http://www.humanware.com HumanWare is the U.S. distributor for the Keynote Gold synthesizer line manufactured by Pulse Data International. The Keynote Gold PC is an internal card for desktop computers; the Keynote Gold SA is the stand-alone external unit. The Voice Card is a PCMCIA type II card for use with laptop computers. Personal Data Systems, 100 W. Rincon Ave., Suite 217, P.O. Box 1008, Campbell, CA 95009; voice phone: (408) 866-1126 Audapter Speech System: An external synthesizer with optional parallel port and battery. RC Systems, Inc., 1609 England Ave., Everett, WA 98203-1617; voice phone: (425) 355-3800; fax: (425) 355-1098; e-mail: info@rcsys.com; web site: http://www.rcsys.com Double Talk LT: A small external synthesizer. Double Talk PC: An internal card. SOFTWARE: SPEECH SYNTHESIZERS All products listed in this section use the computer's sound card and speakers. Adaptive Assists, 112 Loker St., P.O. Box 211, Wayland, MA 01778; voice phone: (508) 358-4468; fax: (508) 358-7446; e-mail: "Adaptive Assists" ; web site: http://www.adaptiveassists.com This company is a distributor for FlexTalk, a software synthesizer manufactured by AT&T. It works with most screen reader packages available. Digital Equipment Corp., (see complete address and phone above), (800) 344-4825 DEC Access 32: This software synthesizer is supported by many commonly available screen readers. The sound is identical to that of the DEC hardware synthesizers. Dolphin USA, (see complete address and phone above, http://www.dolphinusa.com Orpheus: A software synthesizer that works with any 16-bit sound card. Eloquent Technology, Inc., 2389 North Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850; voice phone: (607) 272-0058; web site: http://www.Eloq.com Eloquence: A software synthesizer that works with JAWS for Windows, Window-Eyes, and other screen readers. You can hear a demonstration of Eloquence by visiting the web site listed above. HumanWare, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.humanware.com This company is the U.S. distributor for Pulse Data's Keynote Gold Multimedia software synthesizer. Most screen reader packages will work with this synthesizer, and it works in the Windows 3.x, 9x, and DOS operating environments. Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, http://www.microsoft.com/enable Microsoft has designed and built its text-to-speech engine. Like many of the software and hardware synthesizers discussed in this section, the Microsoft synthesizer is capable of multiple voices. Portable Note Taker Devices Devices listed in this section are small note taking devices that may or may not use a braillewriter keyboard. While some models include a visual display screen, the majority incorporate speech synthesizers and/or refreshable braille displays. Advanced Access Devices, 2066-C Walsh Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95050; voice phone: (408) 970-9760; Fax: (408) 727-9351; e-mail: aadbrl@aol.com SuperBraille-LT: A personal computer which includes built-in Braille and speech access. Includes a 40-cell 8-dot refreshable Braille display, four PCMCIA Type II slots, CD ROM drive, built-in speech synthesizer, and 32 megabytes of memory. Arctic Technologies, (see complete address and phone above), e-mail: info@artictech.com; web site: http://www.artictech.com Braille Desk: Includes braille keyboard and translator. Braillepad: Includes braille keyboard, Arctic Speech, calculator, book reader, grade 2 back translator, terminal program appointment scheduler, and more. This unit can function as an external synthesizer. Ergo Braille: Features an ergonomic braillewriter keypad; it can serve as a small speech synthesizer. SQWERT: Includes a QWERTY keyboard, can operate as external synthesizer, includes same features as BraillePad and Ergo Braille. Transtype: Bigger than the SQWERT, this note taker is also a synthesizer with a QWERTY keyboard, editor, address book, terminal program, talking clock, and stopwatch. It includes both serial and parallel ports. Blazie Engineering, (see complete address and phone above), web site: http://www.blazie.com Braille 'N Speak 2000: Offers braillewriter keyboard; features include word processing, appointment scheduler, address book, scientific calculator and more. It can serve as an external speech synthesizer. Braille Lite 2000: Similar to the Braille 'N Speak, this unit includes an 18-cell refreshable braille display. It uses a braillewriter keyboard. Both units include two megabytes of flash memory. Braille Lite 40: Similar to the units mentioned above, this product differs slightly in that it includes a 40-cell refreshable braille display and comes with four megabytes of flash memory. Type 'N Speak: Includes all features of the Braille 'N Speak 2000. It uses a QWERTY keyboard. HumanWare, Inc., (see complete address and phone above), web site: http://www.humanware.com Braille Companion: HumanWare is the U.S. distributor of this product manufactured in New Zealand. It uses a braillewriter keyboard, includes word processing, scheduler, telecommunications program, MS DOS, an address book feature and more. Some models include small screen in addition to speech. Can double as a synthesizer. Keynote Companion: Includes features similar to the Braille Companion, but uses a QWERTY keyboard. Mountbatten Brailler: This unit works as a note taker, Braille printer, electronic Braillewriter, and more. One can use the QWERTY keyboard to produce translated grade 2 braille. Can translate from print to braille and braille to print. Myna Corporation, 239 Western Ave., Essex, MA 01929; voice phone: (978) 768-9000; fax: (978) 768-9911; e-mail: mynacorp@aol.com The Myna: A small portable 386-based computer which features built-in DECTalk speech synthesizer, note taker software, scheduler/organizer software, address book, four megabytes of RAM, and two PCMCIA Type II slots. It can run DOS-based screen readers. Sighted Electronics, 464 Tappen Rd., North Vale, NJ 07647; voice phone: (201) 767-3977; e- mail: sighted@idt.net; web site: http://www.sighted.com The BrailleX Compact: A Pentium-based notebook which includes a 40-cell refreshable braille display. It can hold up to 40 megabytes of RAM, includes a small hard drive and floppy drive. The unit has multimedia capabilities. Software associated with the unit includes Windots, a package designed to provide the user with access to Windows 3.1x. Technologies for the Visually Impaired, 9 Nolan Ct., Hauppauge, NY 11788; voice phone: (516) 724-4479; web site: http://www.tvi-web.com This company is the U.S. distributor for the Aria, a note taker with a braille keyboard. It includes a scheduler, phone dialer, address book, calculator and more. BRAILLE PRINTERS American Thermoform Corp., 2311 Travers Ave., City of Commerce, CA 90040; voice phone: (323) 723-9021 The Braillo: Comet, the 200, the 400S, and the 400 SR. Character speeds and paper- handling capabilities depend on the model purchased. The Ohtsuki braille printer: Manufactured in Japan, this printer can produce braille and print on the same page. Blazie Engineering, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.blazie.com Braille Blazer: A 15 characters-per-second (CPS) braille printer with speech output. Uses only 8.5" x 11" paper. VersaPoint: Embosses braille at a 40 CPS rate; this printer is capable of using both 8.5" x 11" and 11" x 11.5" paper. VersaPoint Duo: Similar to the unit described above. The duo is capable of printing on both sides of the paper, a process known as interpoint braille. Enabling Technologies Company, 1601 N.E. Braille Place, Jensen Beach, FL 34957; voice phone: (561) 225-3687; (800) 777-3687; fax: (561) 225-3299; e-mail: enabling@brailler.com; web site: http://www.brailler.com Enabling Technologies produces a variety of printers. The Braille Bookmaker: Prints at 80 CPS; it is an interpoint printer with built-in speech. All menus are spoken, and the unit can serve as a speech synthesizer. The Braille Express 100: Offers features similar to the Bookmaker; it produces interpoint braille at 100 characters per second. The Braille Express 150 is similar, but prints 150 CPS. The ET Braille Printer: Prints at 60 CPS and handles up to 40 characters per line. Includes built-in speech. The Juliet Classic Braille Printer: A 40-CPS interpoint printer. With the right accessories, it can handle both fan-fold and single-sheet paper. The Juliet Pro 60: Prints 60 CPS and includes built-in speech. The Juliet Pro: A 40 CPS unit; single-sheet capability and built-in speech are standard rather than optional with this printer. The Marathon Braille Printer: Prints 200 CPS on one side of the page. The Romeo and Romeo-rb25: Prints 40 CPS and 25 CPS respectively. Speech and single-sheet capabilities are optional. The TED 600: Produces interpoint braille at 350 CPS. Predominantly used for large braille production jobs. The Thomas Braille Printer: A desktop unit, similar to the Romeo. Single-sheet capability and speech are optional. The Transend Printer: Creates pages containing print and braille. Pages move through the standard printer then through the braille printer. Please note that Enabling Technologies is a U.S. distributor of the following printers: The Porta-Thiel: A German-made printer capable of 10 CPS. An interpoint version is also available. The Thiel Beta X-10: An interpoint braille embosser capable of printing 300 CPS. HumanWare, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.humanware.com Braille-N-Print: Capable of translating brailled material into ink print. A Perkins braillewriter is required. The Paragon Braille Embosser: Produces 40 CPS on a single side. Additional paper- handling options are available. Sighted Electronics, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.sighted.com This company serves as a U.S. distributor for the following companies: The Everest line of printers uses single sheets of paper and brailles at a 100 CPS rate. Thiel printers available include: The Impacto, 850 pages per hour, the Porta-Thiel and Porta-Thiel Interpoint, and the Thiel Beta X-10. Also available is the Index Basic D and Index Basic S. The Basic D is an interpoint printer, and the Basic S prints on one side of the page. Both create braille at a 100 CPS rate. The Index 4x4 Professional handles single sheets and comes with its own sound enclosure. ViewPlus Technologies, Inc., 3223 NW McKinley Dr., Corvallis, OR 97330; voice phone: (541) 754-4002; fax: (541) 753-8286; e-mail: vpt@viewplustech.com; web site: http://www.viewplustech.com Tiger 1000 Personal Tactile Graphic Embosser: A braille printer which can produce text and graphics directly in any Windows 9x or NT application. It prints on single sheets as well as fan-fold paper. It prints approximately 20 CPS and can reproduce images from clip art and other graphical files. SOFTWARE: BRAILLE TRANSLATORS The software in this category imports documents from word processors and other sources and translate them into a braille format for printing on a braille embosser. Rarely, if ever, would someone buy a braille printer without buying translation software. Duxbury Systems, Inc., #6, 270 Littleton Rd., Westford, MA 01886; voice phone: (978) 692- 3000; Fax: (978) 692-7918; e-mail: info@duxsys.com; web site: http://www.duxburysystems.com The Duxbury Braille Translator: Software that converts word processor and other files into Grade 2 and/or computer braille. The software operates on a variety of platforms including Windows 9x, DOS, and Macintosh. It works with a wide variety of braille printers on the market. Easy Talk, 4128 Kreisch Way, Tallahassee, FL 32310; voice phone: (850) 942-9821 E-Z Braille translates text and WordPerfect files, and is designed to help sighted users who do not know braille well enough to produce it accurately. Works with a wide array of braille printers. National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson St., Baltimore, MD 21230; voice phone: (410) 659-9314; e-mail: nfb@iamdigex.net; web site: http://www.nfb.org NFB Trans: A free braille translator. It also supports multiple languages. Technologies for the Visually Impaired, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.tvi-web.com This company serves as the U.S. distributor for BrailleMaster for DOS and Windows. Manufactured by Robotron of Australia, this translation software works in both DOS and Windows in one package. REFRESHABLE BRAILLE DISPLAYS AccessAbility, Inc., 320 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118; voice phone: (415) 751-6455; toll-free: (888) 322-7200; fax: (415) 751-5262; e-mail: info@4access.com; web site: http://www.4access.com The RBT 40: A 40-cell display that works with a variety of screen readers. It connects to the computer via the parallel or serial ports and operates on either electrical current or via rechargeable batteries. Alva Access Group, Inc., (see complete address and phone above), http://www.aagi.com This company manufactures a variety of braille displays including: The Alva Satellite Series: Features twin satellite key pads, double touch cursors, three status cells, and activation of speech feedback from the braille display. The ALVA Satellite is available in two models: The ALVA Satellite 544, and the ALVA Satellite 570. Alva Braille Terminal: A 43- or 83-cell display, depending on model. Connects to the computer via serial or parallel ports. The Braille Terminal Portable: Includes either a 23- or 43-cell display and comes with batteries. The Alva Delphi Multimedia 440: A battery-operated unit with a 40-cell display. The Alva Delphi Multimedia 480: A desktop unit with an 80-cell display. Please note that HumanWare http://www.humanware.com is the distributor for some of the Alva products mentioned here. American Thermoform Corporation, (see complete address above), voice phone: (323) 723- 9021 The KTS Brailloterm: A 40- or 80-cell desktop braille display. Blazie Engineering, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.blazie.com Power Braille: A 40-cell display that includes ScreenPower Braille, a screen reader that supports various synthesizers and the PowerBraille display. Dolphin Computer Access, LLC., (see complete address and phone above), http://www.dolphinusa.com Cipher: A braille display that works with Windows 9x and NT. HumanWare, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.humanware.com This company is the distributor for the Braille Window 40 for use with Windows. It offers a 45-cell display. The Braille Window Desktop: Similar to the portable unit mentioned above, It includes an 85-cell display. Sighted Electronics, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.sighted.com The Braillex 2D: Boasts an 80-cell display and a vertical strip that shows attributes and screen information. The Braillex 2D-lite: A 40-cell display similar to the 2D. Braillex Tiny: A 40-cell eight-dot display that includes rechargeable batteries. TRAINING AND TUTORIAL MATERIALS American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave., P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206; voice phone: (502) 895-2405; e-mail: info@aph.org; web site: http://www.aph.org APH has a variety of training materials targeted toward computer users including Listening to Windows 95, a CD-ROM based tutorial that includes seven units of study. The tutorial covers basic Windows 95 operating procedures as well as a look at the Internet. Bartimaeus Group, 1481 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 100, McClean, VA 22101; voice phone: (703) 442-5023; fax: (703) 734-8381; e-mail: adapt2@bartsite.com; web site: http://www.bartsite.com This company offers a Windows 9x tutorial on CD-ROM. A sound card is required since this is an audio tutorial. BRL, Inc., 110 Commerce Drive, Suite 210, Fayetteville, GA 30214; voice phone: (770) 716- 9222; fax: (770) 716-9599; e-mail: brlinc@mindspring.com web site: http://www.wyfiwyg.com A Verbal View of Windows 95 & 98: A comprehensive tutorial for Windows. Lessons are easily understood and materials are presented in a step-by-step fashion. This tutorial is available on disk, in braille, large print, and on cassette. Also available are tutorials on Microsoft Word and more. Clovernook Printing House for the Blind, 7000 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45231; voice phone: (513) 522-3860; e-mail: jaymitchell@clovernook.org; web site: http://www.clovernook.org "Tactic": A quarterly magazine devoted to computers and adaptive equipment. Provides how-to articles. Crisscross Technologies, 110-64 Queens Blvd. #406, Forest Hills, NY 11475; voice phone: (718) 268-6988; e-mail: info@crisscrosstech.com; web site: http://www.crisscrosstech.com Offers cassette tape tutorials dealing with such topics as Windows 95, Windows 3.1, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Internet use, and Eudora electronic mail reader. Henter-Joyce, (see complete address and phone above), web site: http://www.hj.com "Word 8 Fundamentals With Jaws for Windows": An instruction guide designed to teach MS Word specifically with JAWS for Windows. I Can See Books, 88 Captain Morgans Blvd., Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 6R1 Canada; voice phone: (250) 753-3096; e-mail: dr100@ncf.ca; web site: http://www.ncf.ca/~dr100 "Typing Teacher Tutorial": A tutorial designed specifically for blind and visually impaired people interested in improving typing skills. Can either use the PC speaker or the computer's sound card and speakers for verbal feedback. The program consists of conventional drills and other less conventional methods for teaching typing. There are memory games as well, and the computer can provide you with input regarding your typing speed. Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy St., Brookline, MA 02146; toll-free: (800) 682-9200. MAB has a variety of computer-related and technology-related documents in braille and on cassette tape. National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA 02115; voice phone: (617) 266-6160; e- mail: orders@nbp.org; web site: http://www.nbp.org This company offers a variety of books and other publications designed to provide computer hardware and software training. Among its most popular titles is "Windows 95 Explained." It also offers a variety of publications dealing with the Internet and on-line shopping. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 1291 Taylor St., N.W., Washington, DC 20542; voice phone: (202) 707-5100; web site: http://www.loc.gov/nls also http://mosl.sos.state.mo.us/lib-ser/wolf/wolfhome.html The National Library Service produces numerous books in braille and audio cassette on computers and other topics. Of primary interest are two publications, "PC World" and "Smart Computing." "PC World" is available in braille; "Smart Computing" is available on four-track half-speed cassettes. The Wolfner Library is the closest point of contact for Missouri residents. One-On-One Computer Training, 2055 Army Trail Rd., Suite 100, Addison, IL 60101; voice phone: (630) 628-0500; toll-free: (800) 424-8668; fax: (630) 628-0550; e-mail: oneonone@pincon.com; web site: http://www.oootraining.com One-On-One tutorials are available in audio tape and video formats. Tutorials include coverage of operating systems and specific software packages. Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, 20 Roszel Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540; Toll-free: (800) 221- 4792; voice phone: (609) 452-0606; e-mail: custserv@rfbd.org; web site: http://www.rfbd.org RFB&D is the largest producer of taped textbooks in the United States. It offers numerous hardware and software-related books on tape as well as in electronic text. ShrinkWrap Computer Products, 11706 Saddle Crescent Circle, Oakton, VA 22124; voice phone: (703) 620-4642; toll-free: (800) 377-0774; web site: http://www.erols.com/shrink "Bitstream" is a cassette magazine dealing with adaptive technology. Also available is "Windows 95, Removing the Screen," a tutorial on four cassettes that deals with Windows 95 basic concepts. It is not screen reader specific. Talk Me Through Tutorials, c/o Phil Scovell, 840 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80226-8017; toll-free: (888) 936-0001; fax: (303) 936-1841; e-mail: zenith@redwhiteandblue.org; web site: http://www.redwhiteandblue.org Offers tutorials on a variety of shareware and other products including tutorials on Internet use. Top Dot Enterprises, 8930 11th Place, S.E., Everett, WA 98205; voice phone: (425) 335-4894; e- mail: deamar@eskimo.com; Offers a variety of tutorials on adaptive equipment, the Internet, and various software packages. READING MACHINE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Arkenstone, Inc., NASA Ames Moffett Complex Bldg. 23, P.O. Box 215, Moffett Field, CA 64035-0215; voice phone: (650) 603-8880; fax: (650) 603-8887; toll-free: (800) 444-4443; e- mail: info@arkenstone.org; web site: http://www.arkenstone.org Open Book Ruby Edition: This software package translates scanned text into information that can be spoken by the computer or manipulated in a variety of ways by the user. A relatively powerful computer running Windows 9x and a scanner are required. WYNN For Reading: A simple software package designed for people with learning disabilities. It enables them to visually track scanned material as it is spoken. VERA: This "Very Easy Reading Appliance" is designed primarily for those with low vision who want to scan material and use speech to hear the scanned information or magnification to enlarge it. Kurzweil Educational Systems Inc., 411 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02154; voice phone: (617) 893-8200; toll-free: (800) 894-5374; Fax: (617) 893-4157; e-mail: info@kurzweiledu.com Web site: http://www.kurzweiledu.com Kurzweil 1000: A software package that, when used with a computer and scanner, enables blind and visually impaired readers to scan a book, magazine or other document and listen to the scanned material. Technologies for the Visually Impaired, (see complete address and phone above), http://www.tvi-web.com This company is the U.S. distributor for the Rainbow, a stand-alone reading machine that is manufactured by Robotron of Australia. It includes DECtalk speech. Telesensory Corporation, 520 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; voice phone: (408) 616-8700; fax: (408) 616-8720; E-mail: info@telesensory.com; web site: http://www.telesensory.com Aladdin Ambassador Pro: A stand-alone scanner that includes a 3.5-inch floppy drive and can be attached to a PC keyboard. Aladdin Ambassador: similar to the pro model, this model is designed for simpler operation by those who only want a basic scanning system. Reading Edge: A stand-alone scanner that includes DECtalk speech. (Some of the brief descriptions of products and services mentioned here came from the web sites of the companies listed or from the web sites of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind.) Most descriptions are significantly modified to include any updated information.)