Assistive Technology Products for Information Access

2016

Introduction

The	products	listed	in	this	reference	guide	are	designed	to	assist	people	who	have	visual	or	physical	disabilities	in	accessing	

printed	information.	They	convert	digital	text	or	print	into	synthetic	speech,	braille,	or	enlarged	text.	Most	are	available	from	

multiple	vendors,	which	are	listed	below	the	entry	along	with	the	price	points	at	the	time	this	publication	was	compiled.	Contact	

information	for	the	vendors	is	listed	alphabetically	in	the	Addresses	of	Sources	section.

Contact	the	companies	to	verify	current	prices,	discuss	product	specifications,	and	learn	about	other	products	that	may	not	be

listed	in	this	publication.	In	addition,	many	companies	have	special	offers	on	their	websites	and	free	demonstration	software.

Please	note	that	this	listing	is	not	comprehensive.	Items	listed	in	this	reference	guide	are	not	part	of	the	National	Library	Service	

for	the	Blind	and	Physically	Handicapped,	Library	of	Congress,	free	library	program	and	their	listing	does	not	imply	endorsement.

Contents

• Fully	Functional	Screen	Readers

• Additional	Screen	Readers

• Screen	Readers	and	Assistive	Technology	Software	for	Mobile	Devices

• Screen	Magnifiers	with	Screen	Reading	Capabilities

• Voice	Recognition	Software

• Optical	Character	Recognition	Scanning	Software

• Reading	Software	for	Educational	Needs

• Reading	Machines	and	Scanners

• Portable	Video	Magnifiers

• Wearables

• Contact	Information	for	Sources

• Selected	Internet	Resources

• Bibliography

Fully Functional Screen Readers

Screen	readers	are	software	programs	that	enable	individuals	who	are	blind	or	visually	impaired	to	access	text	and	graphics	on

the	computer	screen	by	magnification,	speech	output,	and/or	braille	output	to	a	refreshable	braille	display.	

COBRA (Baum)

Cobra	is	a	screen	reader	that	works	with	Windows	XP,	Windows	7,	or	Vista	operating	systems.	It	allows	for	magnification	up	to	

32x	and	provides	braille	output.	There	are	three	versions	available:	COBRA	Braille,	COBRA	Zoom,	and	COBRA	Pro.	COBRA	Braille	

offers	braille	and	speech	output,	COBRA	Zoom	offers	screen	magnification	with	speech	output,	and	COBRA	Pro	offers	braille	

output,	screen	magnification,	and	speech	output.	Both	COBRA	Zoom	and	COBRA	Pro	models	provide	full­	or	split­screen	viewing,	

as	well	as	optical	aids	such	as	cursor	highlighting,	focus	border,	and	mouse	pointer.	Cobra	Braille	also	handles	multiple	braille	

displays	connected	by	USB	or	through	Bluetooth.	A	free	demonstration	is	available	for	download	at	

www.baum.de/cms/en/cobra10/ .	

Baum:	$849	(Pro),	$749	(Braille),	$649	(Zoom)	

Bay	Area	Digital:	$849	(Pro),	$749	(Braille),	$749	(Zoom)

JAWS for Windows (Freedom Scientific)

JAWS	(Job	Access	with	Speech)	is	a	screen	reader	that	supports	standard	Windows	applications	and	web	browsers.	There	are	two	

versions:	home	edition	and	professional.	Professional	can	be	used	on	any	Windows	platform,	and	standard	can	be	used	on	the	

Home	Basic	or	Home	Premium	Windows	platforms.	JAWS	can	be	used	with	any	JAWS­compatible	speech	synthesizer	or	a	braille	

display.	A	free	40­minute	demonstration	version	is	available	for	download	at	www.freedomscientific.com/jaws .	

Dancing	Dots:	$895	(home	edition),	$1,095	(professional)

Freedom	Scientific:	$895	(home	edition),	$1,095	(professional)

Perkins	Solutions:	$895	(home	edition),	$1,095	(professional)

NVDA–Non­Visual Desktop Access (NV Access)

NVDA	is	a	free	open­source	screen	reader	for	Microsoft	Windows	computers.	NVDA	provides	support	for	web	browsers,	chat	

programs,	and	Microsoft	Office	programs,	including	Word	and	Excel.	NVDA	uses	a	synthetic	voice	(available	in	English	and	fortyNLS Reference Guide: Assistive Technology Products for Information Acc...Page 1 of 22

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three	other	languages)	or	braille	output	and	has	the	ability	to	run	from	a	USB	drive	or	other	portable	media.	NVDA	is	available	for	

download	at	www.nvaccess.org/download .	

NV	Access:	Free	(donation	suggested)

System Access (Serotek)

System	Access	is	a	screen	reader	that	works	on	Windows­based	computers	with	Microsoft	Office	applications,	as	well	as	Internet

browsers	and	social	networking	applications	(such	as	Skype).	Two	versions	are	available:	System	Access	Standalone	and	System	

Access	Mobile.	More	information	about	System	Access	is	available	at	www.serotek.com/systemaccess .	

Adaptive	Ware:	$399	(Standalone),	$499	(Mobile)

Perkins	Solutions:	$399	(Standalone)

Serotek	Corporation:	$399	(Standalone),	$499	(Mobile).	Monthly	plan	available

VoiceOver (Apple)

Apple’s	VoiceOver	is	a	screen	reader	platform	that	comes	standard	with	Mac	OS	X.	It	uses	keyboard	and	track	pad	gestures	to	

control	the	computer	and	a	built­in	voice	to	adjust	the	rate,	pitch,	and	volume	of	the	speech	based	on	the	context	of	the	content	

being	spoken.	VoiceOver	features	plug­and­play	support	for	refreshable	braille	displays.	In	addition,	there	is	an	on­screen	braille	

panel	for	sighted	teachers	or	parents.	More	information	about	VoiceOver	is	available	at	

www.apple.com/accessibility/osx/voiceover .	

Apple:	Free	with	all	devices	that	run	Mac	OS	X	or	later

Window­Eyes (GW Micro)

Window­Eyes	is	a	screen	reader	that	works	with	a	variety	of	Windows­based	computers	to	support	braille	displays,	speech	

products,	and	Macromedia	Flash	content.	It	supports	Internet	Explorer	and	Firefox	web	browsers,	Microsoft	Office	programs,	and

Adobe	Reader.	Window­Eyes	includes	two	Vocalizer	and	ten	Eloquence	voices.	A	free	demonstration	is	available	for	download	at	

www.gwmicro.com/Window­Eyes/ .	

People	who	own	a	licensed	copy	of	Microsoft	Office	2010	(or	later)	can	download	Window­Eyes	for	free.	More	information	about	

this	is	available	at	www.windoweyesforoffice.com .	

Beyond	Sight:	$895

E.M.	Vitu:	$895

EVAS:	Contact	for	pricing

GW	Micro:	$895	or	$39/month

Infogrip:	$895

Perkins	Solutions:	$895

Synapse	Adaptive:	$895

Additional Screen Readers

ChromeVox (Chrome Vox)

ChromeVox	is	a	screen	reader	for	the	Chrome	browser.	More	information	and	a	free	download	are	available	at	

www.chromevox.com .	

ChromeVox:	Free

Dolphin Guide and Guide HandsFree (Dolphin)

Dolphin	Guide	works	with	Windows­based	computers.	It	is	a	talking	software	for	people	who	are	blind	or	partially	sighted	and	

who	are	also	new	to	computers.	Guide	HandsFree	is	made	for	people	who	are	unable	to	press	single	buttons	on	a	keyboard	

because	of	physical	impairments.	Guide	HandsFree	allows	users	to	dictate	directly	to	the	computer	as	it	responds	by	speech	and

on	screen.	It	must	be	bought	with	a	packaged	computer	bundle	and	requires	the	use	of	Dragon	NaturallySpeaking	dictation	

software.	A	free	demonstration	is	available	for	download	at	www.yourdolphin.com/demos.

Adaptive	Technology	Resources:	from	$795	(Dolphin	Guide)	

EVAS:	$795	(Dolphin	Guide;	contact	for	pricing	of	computer	bundle	for	Guide	HandsFree)

Florida	Reading	&	Vision	Technology:	$795	(Dolphin	Guide)	

J­Say Pro (Astec Assistive Tech Solutions)

J­Say	Pro	allows	Dragon	NaturallySpeaking	and	JAWS	to	be	used	separately	or	in	tandem.	It	allows	users	to	create	text	on	a	PC	

using	their	voice	through	Dragon	NaturallySpeaking,	while	reading	notes	from	another	source	on	a	braille	display	or	through	textto­speech.	J­Say	Pro	also	allows	the	use	of	JAWS	commands	as	voice	commands.	More	information	about	J­Say	Pro	is	available	at	

https://www.enablemart.com/j­say­pro .	

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Enablemart:	$888.66

Narrator (Windows)

Narrator	provides	screen	reading	capabilities	for	all	Windows	computers.	It	reads	aloud	the	text	that	appears	on	your	screen	and	

describes	your	desktop	and	any	windows	you	have	open.	You	can	also	have	it	read	aloud	what	you	type,	as	well	as	announce	

events	that	happen	on	the	screen	(such	as	dialog	boxes	that	appear).	Narrator	is	not	designed	to	read	content	in	non­Windows	

apps.	More	information	about	Narrator,	as	well	as	other	accessibility	features	on	Microsoft	Windows,	can	be	found	at	

www.microsoft.com/enable .	

Microsoft:	Free	with	all	Windows	operating	systems

Screen Readers and Assistive Technology Software for Mobile Devices

BrailleBack (Eyes­Free Project)

BrailleBack	is	an	app	that	allows	users	to	connect	their	refreshable	braille	displays	via	Bluetooth	to	Android	devices.	BrailleBack	

works	together	with	the	TalkBack	mobile	screen	reader	app	(see	below)	to	provide	braille	output.	BrailleBack	supports	most	

major	refreshable	braille	displays.	

Google	Play	Store:	Free

Google TalkBack (Google)

Google	TalkBack	is	an	accessibility	app	that	aids	users	with	vision	impairments	in	the	use	of	their	Android	devices.	It	speaks

information	on	the	screen	and	provides	speech	and	vibration	feedback	to	user	actions.	

Google	Play	Store:	Free

MobileSpeak (Code Factory)

MobileSpeak	is	an	accessibility	software	that	can	be	installed	on	Windows	or	Symbian	phones.	It	uses	text­to­speech	software	to	

speak	information	on	the	screen	and	can	be	used	with	a	refreshable	braille	display.	Speech	and	braille	output	can	be	used	

independently	or	in	tandem.	It	can	be	purchased	through	the	Nokia	store.	Code	Factory	also	produces	an	app	for	Android	called	

Mobile	Accessibility.	More	information	is	available	at	www.codefactory.es/en/products.asp?id=433.	

Nokia	Store:	$24.99

Siri (Apple)

Siri	allows	you	to	use	your	voice	to	send	messages,	schedule	meetings,	place	phone	calls,	search	the	Internet,	and	more	on	your	

iOS	devices.	Siri	comes	free	on	Apple	mobile	devices	running	iOS	5	or	later	(iPhone	4S	or	later	and	iPad	third	generation	or	later).	

More	information	is	available	at	www.apple.com/ios/siri.

Apple:	Free	with	all	devices	that	run	iOS	5	or	later	and	are	compatible	(contact	Apple	for	more	details)

VoiceOver (Apple)

VoiceOver	allows	users	to	access	information	on	the	screen	of	their	iOS	device	through	speech	and	braille	output.	With	specific	

gestures,	users	can	control	VoiceOver	to	perform	certain	tasks,	and	it	can	also	echo	text	input.	Users	who	also	use	a	braille	display	

can	connect	that	display	via	Bluetooth	to	read	VoiceOver	output	through	braille.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.apple.com/accessibility/ios/voiceover/ .	

Apple:	Comes	free	with	most	iOS	devices

Screen Magnifiers with Screen Reading Capabilities

These	screen­magnification	software	products	can	be	purchased	with	or	without	the	screen­reading	function.

iZoom

iZoom	allows	for	36x	magnification.	Allows	the	user	to	control	which	part	of	the	screen	is	magnified	and	to	adapt	the	colors	on	the	

screen.	The	USB	edition	of	iZoom	allows	users	to	save	their	settings	on	a	USB	memory	stick	and	take	the	software	with	them	to	

other	computers	without	needing	administrative	privileges.	

EnableMart:	$315	(standard	edition);	$415	(USB	edition)

Issist:	$299	(standard	edition);	$399	(USB	edition)

LS&S,	LLC:	$299	(standard	edition);	$399	(USB	edition)

MAGic (Freedom Scientific)

MAGic	allows	for	magnification	of	computer	text	and	images	up	to	36x.	It	includes	built­in	color	enhancements,	as	well	as	dualmonitor	and	remote	access	support.	MAGic	with	Speech	features	built­in	voices	that	read	the	text	on	the	screen	or	echo	user	

actions.	MAGic	is	available	without	the	speech	option	for	those	who	only	require	magnification.	A	free	demonstration	is	available	

for	download	at	www.freedomscientific.com/magic .	

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Freedom	Scientific:	$595	(with	speech),	$395	(no	speech)

Perkins	Solutions:	$595	(with	speech),	$395	(no	speech)

SuperNova Reader (Dolphin)

SuperNova	is	a	screen	reader	that	works	with	various	Windows­based	computers	to	provide	braille	or	speech	output	and	

magnification	from	1.2x	to	64x.	It	supports	a	range	of	braille	displays	and	note	takers.	Four	options	of	SuperNova	are	available:	

the	Access	Suite	(braille	support,	screen	reader,	and	magnification),	the	Screen	Reader	(does	not	have	magnification),	the	

Magnifier	(does	not	have	speech	or	braille	output),	and	the	Reader	Magnifier	(does	not	have	braille	output).	A	free	demonstration	

to	download	is	available	at	www.yourdolphin.com/supernova .	

A.T.	Kratter	&	Company:	Contact	for	pricing

Boundless	AT:	$1,195	(Access	Suite),	$795	(Screen	Reader),	$395	(Magnifier)	

Dolphin:	$1,195	(Access	Suite),	$795	(Screen	Reader),	$395	(Magnifier)

EnableMart:	$644	(Reader	Magnifier),	$426	(Magnifier)

VisionCue:	$1,095	(Access	Suite),	$749	(Screen	Reader),	$369	(Magnifier),	$549	(Magnifier	and	Screen	reader)	

ZoomText (Ai Squared)

ZoomText	works	with	various	Windows­based	computers	and	provides	a	library	of	built­in	(male	and	female)	speech­synthesized	

voices	to	choose	from.	ZoomText	supports	magnification	from	1x	to	36x	(60x	in	Windows	8),	and	provides	viewing	modes	for	full	

screen,	split	screen,	window,	or	lens.	ZoomText	is	available	in	two	formats:	Reader/Magnifier,	for	those	requiring	both	

magnification	and	speech,	and	Magnifier,	for	those	who	only	require	magnification.	A	free	demonstration	is	available	to	download	

at	www.aisquared.com/zoomtext .	

Ai	Squared:	$599	(Reader/	Magnifier),	$399	(Magnifier)

E.M.	Vitu:	$599	(Reader/Magnifier),	$399	(Magnifier)

Maxi­Aids:	$599	(Reader/Magnifier),	$399	(Magnifier)

Synapse	Adaptive:	$595	(Reader/Magnifier),	$395	(Magnifier)

Triumph	Technologies:	$599	(Reader/Magnifier),	$399	(Magnifier)

ZoomText Fusion (Ai Squared)

This	is	a	combination	of	ZoomText	plus	a	screen	reader.	This	features	a	fully	functioning	screen	reader	in	which	all	standard	

screen	reading	commands	will	work.	In	addition,	it	features	a	tutor	mode	that	gives	users	small	snippets	on	how	to	use	the	

software.

Ai	Squared:	$999,	$1,419	(with	Enhanced	Support	Plan)	

Voice Recognition Software

Voice	recognition	(also	called	speech	recognition)	software	uses	voice	commands	in	place	of	a	mouse	and	keyboard	to	enter	data

into	a	computer	or	to	navigate	a	website.

Dictation (Apple)

Dictation	software	is	available	on	all	Apple	computers.	Dictation	allows	users	to	dictate	in	any	OS	X	app.	An	Internet	connection	is	

needed	for	OS	X	Mountain	Lion,	but	is	not	needed	for	OS	X	Mavericks.	More	information	is	available	at	

support.apple.com/kb/ht5449 .	

Apple:	Free	with	Apple	computer	with	OS	X	Mountain	Lion	and	later

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium/Home (Nuance)

Dragon	can	be	used	with	PC	or	Mac	systems.	Users	can	dictate	to	a	computer	and	write	documents	using	their	voices	in	wordprocessing	software	programs.	Dragon	12	offers	speech	output	capabilities	so	that	users	can	have	text	read	aloud	to	them.	The	

system	works	with	most	popular	screen	readers,	such	as	JAWS.	More	information	is	available	at	www.nuance.com/dragon .	

Adaptive	Ware:	$168.95	(Premium),	$599	(professional)

Beyond	Sight:	$199.95	(Home)

EnableMart:	Prices	vary	

Independent	Living	Aids:	$199	(Premium)

Infogrip:	$199	(Premium),	$599	(Professional)	

Maxi­Aids:	$198	(Premium),	$599	(Professional)

Nuance	Communications:	$74.99	(Home),	$149.99	(Premium),	$599	(Professional)

Speech Recognition (Microsoft)

Microsoft’s	Speech	Recognition	allows	users	to	use	their	voice	to	work	with	Windows	and	its	programs.	It	can	be	used	to	dictate	

speech	and	say	commands	that	the	computer	will	recognize	and	respond	to.	Speech	recognition	is	available	in	English,	French,	

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German,	Japanese,	Spanish,	simplified	Chinese,	and	traditional	Chinese.	More	information	and	a	demonstration	video	are	available	

at	http://windows.microsoft.com/en­us/windows­8/using­speech­recognition .	

Microsoft:	Free	with	Windows	Vista,	Windows	7,	Windows	8	and	Windows	10	products

VoiceComputer (VoiceTech, LLC)

Working	differently	than	other	voice	recognition	systems,	VoiceComputer	displays	the	icons,	menus	and	controls	on	the	screen	as	

numbers.	Users	speak	the	numbers	associated	with	the	icon	and	the	system	activates	it	for	them.	Users	are	also	able	to	customize	

the	voice	commands	to	fit	their	needs.	Users	will	also	have	the	ability	to	recite	text	in	place	of	typing.	

VoiceTeach,	LLC:	$127	(home	edition),	$250	(business/government	edition)

Optical Character Recognition Scanning Software

These	software	programs	allow	users	to	convert	scanned	documents	into	accessible	text	through	optical	character	recognition	

(OCR).	This	text	can	then	be	read	by	screen	readers	or	integrated	text­to­speech	software.	The	products	listed	here	are	

specifically	designed	to	meet	the	needs	of	persons	with	visual	disabilities.	

DocuScan Plus (Serotek Corporation)

DocuScan	Plus	is	an	accessible,	Internet­based	scanning	and	reading	software	that	works	on	computers	running	either	Windows	

or	Apple	operating	systems.	With	the	use	of	a	scanner,	DocuScan	Plus	can	convert	printed	materials	and	PDF	files	into	text.	All	

scanned	material	is	stored	virtually	in	the	Cloud	and	is	accessible	from	any	connected	device.	More	information	can	be	found	at	

www.serotek.com/docuscanplus .	

Serotek	Corporation:	Contact	for	pricing

Kurzweil 1000 (Kurzweil)

Kurzweil	1000	works	on	a	personal	computer	in	conjunction	with	a	scanner	to	convert	print	and	electronic	text	(including	PDFs)

into	speech.	Kurzweil	can	send	files	to	audio	devices	or	braille	note	takers.	It	provides	document	creation	and	editing	as	well	as	

capabilities	for	note	taking,	summarizing,	and	outlining	text.	More	information	is	available	at	www.kurzweiledu.com .	

Beyond	Sight:	$995

HumanWare:	$995

Independent	Living	Aids:	$995

Kurzweil	Educational	Systems:	$995

Perkins	Solutions:	$995

OpenBook (Freedom Scientific)

OpenBook	works	with	Windows	2000,	Windows	XP,	Vista,	Windows	7,	and	Windows	10.	It	converts	printed	documents	or	

graphic­based	text	into	an	electronic	text	format	using	OCR	and	either	of	two	text­to­speech	synthesizers:	RealSpeak	or	

Eloquence.	It	provides	access	to	the	Internet	and	email	with	Connect	Outloud	screen­reading	software.	Users	can	customize	the	

appearance	of	the	text	on	the	screen,	including	font,	size,	character	spacing,	and	background	and	character	colors.	Freedom	

Scientific	offers	a	free	demonstration	for	download	at	www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/OpenBook .	

EVAS:	Contact	for	pricing

Freedom	Scientific:	$995

Perkins	Solutions:	$995

Scan and Listen (BrightEye)

Scan	and	Listen	consists	of	two	components:	Scan­A­Page	and	Scan­A­Word.	Scan­A­Page	scans	a	whole	page	of	text	and	reads	the	

whole	page	or	any	part	of	the	page	out	loud	from	a	computer	word	processor.	Scan­A­Word	reads	individual	words	or	sentences	

with	a	handheld	portable	scanner	that	can	be	used	for	books	or	magazines.	It	plugs	into	a	computer	or	laptop	to	scan	words	onto	

the	screen	of	a	word	processor.	More	information	can	be	found	at	www.brighteye.com/products.htm .	

BrightEye	Technology:	$790

Scan and Read Pro (Premier Assistive Technology)

This	software	scans	and	reads	printed	text	out	loud.	It	has	an	adjustable	reading	speed	and	talking	spell	checker,	magnifies	up	to	

400	percent,	and	supports	up	to	twelve	different	languages.	It	can	also	create	MP3	and	WAV	audio	files.	Scan	and	Read	Pro	

requires	a	Windows	operating	system	with	speakers,	a	sound	card,	and	a	CD­ROM	drive.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.readingmadeez.com .	

EnableMart:	$161.50

Maxi­Aids:	$149

Premier	Assistive	Technology:	$149.95

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Zoomtext Image Reader (Ai Squared)

A	combination	of	software	and	hardware,	the	Zoomtext	Image	Reader	will	take	a	picture	of	the	text	and	render	it	onto	the	screen.	

The	software	comes	equipped	with	72	different	voices	to	choose	from	as	well	as	150	languages.

Ai	Squared:	$749

Boundless	AT:	$749

Reading Software for Educational Needs

These	programs	target	the	reading	and	educational	needs	of	people	who	have	learning	or	reading	disabilities.	They	incorporate	

special	educational	tools	to	assist	in	reading,	writing,	and	studying.	

Kurzweil 3000/Firefly (Kurzweil)

Kurzweil	3000	is	available	for	both	Mac	and	Windows	operating	systems.	It	assists	users	with	writing,	comprehension,	

vocabulary,	study	skills,	and	other	educational	needs.	Kurzweil	3000	incorporates	text­to­speech	in	seven	languages,	can	read	any	

digital	text	aloud,	and	has	a	talking	spell	checker.	It	also	provides	access	to	Firefly,	an	online	tool	that	allows	users	to	access	

Kurzweil	3000	tools	from	any	computer	with	access	to	the	Internet.	More	information	is	available	at	www.kurzweiledu.com .	

Kurzweil	Education	Systems:	$1,395

Perkins	Solutions:	$1,395

Read & Write Gold (TextHelp)

Read	&	Write	Gold	uses	a	toolbar	to	assist	users	with	reading,	writing,	studying,	and	research	within	common	mobile	devices	

(with	the	iReadWrite	app).	Provides	support	for	Google	Chrome,	Internet	Explorer,	and	Firefox	web	browsers,	as	well	as	Google	

Docs,	Microsoft	Word,	and	Adobe	Reader.	More	information	is	available	at	www.texthelp.com .	

Bright	Eye:	$610

EnableMart:	$595

Next	Generation	Technologies:	Contact	for	pricing

Synapse	Adaptive:	Price	varies

TextHelp:	Contact	for	pricing	

WYNN Wizard (Freedom Scientific)

WYNN	Wizard	is	scanning	and	reading	software	specifically	developed	for	individuals	with	reading	and	writing	difficulties.	It	

includes	OCR	technology	and	speech	synthesis	so	printed	pages	can	be	read	aloud,	and	highlights	text	as	the	words	are	spoken.	

WYNN	Wizard	can	also	read	word­processing	documents,	Adobe	PDFs,	text	files,	and	web	pages.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.freedomscientific.com/lsg/products/wynn.asp .	

Freedom	Scientific:	$595

Synapse	Adaptive:	$940

BrowseAloud (TextHelp)

BrowseAloud	is	a	web	access	tool	available	to	web	users	as	well	as	website	creators.	When	enabled	on	a	website	by	the	site’s	

developers,	it	allows	end	users	to	highlight	and	listen	to	any	text	on	the	Internet.	The	free	end	user	version	works	in	Internet	

Explorer,	Firefox,	Chrome,	and	Safari	web	browsers,	and	is	also	available	for	use	with	mobile	devices.	More	information	is	

available	at	www.browsealoud.com .	

TextHelp:	Free	for	end	users;	developers	should	contact	TextHelp	for	pricing

ClickHear (gh LLC)

ClickHear	is	a	toolbar	that	operates	in	a	web	browser.	After	installation,	the	ClickHear	toolbar	will	appear	at	the	top	of	the

browser.	Users	can	choose	to	begin	reading	at	the	top	of	the	page	or	any	given	section	and	can	navigate	through	the	page	with	a	

click	of	the	mouse.	ClickHear	reads	general	text	on	a	web	page,	as	well	as	text	fields,	buttons,	and	alt	text	for	images.	It	is	also	

available	in	mobile	format	(no	software	installation	required).	More	information	about	ClickHear	is	available	at	https://www.ghaccessibility.com/software .	

Enablemart:	$56.65

gh	LLC:	$49.99

Universal Reader Plus (Premier Assistive Technology)

Universal	Reader	Plus	works	with	various	Windows­based	computers	to	read	email,	Word	documents,	and	web	pages.	It	provides	

a	Talking	Pointer	for	placing	the	cursor	over	text,	icons,	or	items	to	be	read.	Universal	Reader	Plus	has	the	features	of	the	

Universal	Reader	with	the	addition	of	a	USB	port	for	a	scanner	and	scanning	software.	More	information	on	Universal	Reader	Plus	

is	available	at	www.premierathome.com/products/UniversalReaderPlus.php .	

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Perkins	Solutions:	$79.95

Premier	Assistive	Technology:	$79.95

Reading Machines and Scanners

A	reading	machine	is	an	electronic	device	that	scans	a	printed	page	and,	through	an	internal	synthesized	voice,	reads	the	printed	

material	aloud.	It	may	also	have	the	capability	to	save	the	scanned	material	for	later	use.	Some	reading	machines	can	be	

connected	to	computers	to	allow	for	magnification	of	the	scanned	page.	Others	come	with	special	features	such	as	alarms.	

ClearReader+ (Optelec)

ClearReader+	is	a	portable	scanning	and	reading	device	that	will	convert	print	documents	to	speech.	Options	include	the	ability	to	

save	and	open	documents,	speed	controls,	and	volume	controls.	ClearReader+	comes	with	thirty	supported	languages	and	sixtythree	reading	voices.	A	demonstration	is	available	at	http://us.optelec.com .	

Optelec:	$1,995;	contact	for	additional	retailers

Excalibur (Robotron Group)

Excalibur	can	scan	two	pages	of	a	large	book	at	the	same	time.	Speech	is	available	in	English,	French,	German,	and	Spanish;	

multiple	languages	can	be	installed.	It	has	file	storage	facilities	to	save	documents	to	read	at	a	later	time	and	the	ability	to	read	

external	files,	and	it	can	be	connected	to	a	PC.	More	information	can	be	found	at	www.sensorytools.com/excalibur.htm .	

E.M.	Vitu:	$3,295

Independent	Living	Aids:	$3,495

Robotron:	$2,999.95

E­bot and E­bot ADV (HIMS)

E­bot	is	a	five­pound	portable	video	magnifier	and	reader	that	is	able	to	be	connected	to	Android	or	iPad	tablets	completely	

wirelessly	or	to	a	computer	via	USB.	It	has	a	built	in	voice	that	reads	the	text	on	the	image	to	the	user	and	has	eight	different	color	

variations.	It	allows	for	close­up	or	distance	viewing	and	for	users	to	lock	the	focus	of	the	image.	

HIMS:		$2,495$2,995

Eye­Pal Ace Plus (ABiSee)

The	Eye­Pal	Ace	is	a	portable	magnifying	device	(3.5	pounds)	that	can	connect	to	Wi­Fi	and	can	communicate	through	email.	It	

allows	users	to	scan	and	save	documents	on	the	device	and	attach	those	documents	to	an	email.	More	information	is	available	at

www.freedomscientific.com/Products/LowVision/EyePalAcePlusLV .	

Freedom	Scientific:	$2,995	

New	England	Low	Vision:	$2,995

Eye­Pal (ABiSee)

Eye­Pal	is	a	portable	USB	camera	that	can	be	used	with	a	Windows	or	Mac	computer.	It	converts	printed	material	into	speech,	

digital	text	files,	or	braille	files,	is	compatible	with	the	Kurzweil	1000,	and	weighs	one	pound.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.abisee.com/Eye­Pal.html .	

ABiSee:	$1,275;	contact	for	additional	retailers

Independent	Living	Aids:	$1,275

New	England	Low	Vision:	$1,275

Eye­Pal Reader (ABiSee)

Eye­Pal	Reader	is	a	portable	stand­alone	scanning	and	reading	device	that	can	be	used	without	pushing	a	button.	Users	can	

navigate	through	a	book	or	document	with	arrow	keys	on	a	keypad	or	with	hand	gestures.	This	machine	is	lightweight	and	semiportable	(4.6	pounds.).	A	completely	hands­free	reader	is	also	available	from	ABiSee	(Eye­Pal	Solo).	More	information	is	available	

at	www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/EyePalReader .	

ABiSee:	$1,995

Beyond	Sight:	$1,995

Independent	Living	Aids:	$1,995

Infogrip:	$1,995

Eye­Pal ROL (ABiSee)

Eye­Pal	ROL	is	a	portable,	battery­powered	reading	and	scanning	device.	It	also	allows	users	to	set	reminders,	alarms,	and	other	

scheduling	aids.	Eye­Pal	ROL	has	no	wires	or	cables	and	can	be	used	with	headphones.	The	Eye­Pal	ROL	can	store	scanned	text	as

JPEG,	MP3,	or	text	files	and	weighs	3.5	pounds.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/EyePalROL .	

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ABiSee:	$2,195;	contact	for	additional	retailers

Independent	Living	Aids:	$2,195

New	England	Low	Vision:	$2,195

Eye­Scan (Guerilla Technologies)

Eye­Scan	scans	and	reads	printed	documents	and	converts	them	to	speech	using	AT&T	natural	voices.	Currency	identification	is	

also	available	and	the	scanner	can	switch	between	column	and	tabular	mode.	Eye­Scan	Plus	model	includes	twenty	extra	pages	of	

storage	with	page,	line,	or	word	reading	options.	Eye­Scan	Unlimited	model	has	unlimited	page	storage	and	the	ability	to	export	

audio	as	an	MP3	file.	More	information	is	available	at	www.guerillatechnologies.com/eyescan.html .	

Guerilla	Technologies:	Contact	for	pricing	and	additional	retailers

Maxi­Aids:	$1,995	(Standard),	$2,195	(Plus),	$2,495	(Unlimited)

Eye­Snap (Guerilla Technologies)

The	Eye­Snap	is	another	text­to­speech	reading	device	from	Guerilla	Technologies	similar	to	the	Eye­Scan,	but	it	uses	a	camera

instead	of	a	scanner	to	capture	text	and	convert	it	to	speech.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.guerillatechnologies.com/eyesnap.html .	

Guerilla	Technologies:	Contact	for	pricing	and	additional	retailers

Maxi­Aids:	$2,495	(Standard),	$2,695	(Plus),	$2,995	(Unlimited)

Patriot Scan and Read (LS&S, LLC)

A	standalone	flat­bed	scanner	and	reader	that	features	stereo	sound,	simple	to	use	buttons,	a	memory	for	over	200,000	pages,	

10,000	titles	from	Project	Gutenberg,	and	an	audio	barcode	scanner	for	organizing	household	items.	More	information	is	available	

at	www.lssproducts.com/product/patriot­voice­scanner­and­reader/reading­machines .	

LS&S,	LLC:	$3,295

MagniLink Voice (Low­Vision Intrnational)

A	standalone	device	that	is	designed	for	ease	of	use.	It	is	has	a	large	orange	button	that	when	press	scans	the	page	under	the

camera.	It	has	a	rechargeable	battery	that	can	hold	a	charge	for	up	to	five	hours.	Weighs	seven	pounds.

Eschenbach:	$2,496

PEARL (Freedom Scientific)

PEARL	is	a	portable	OCR	camera	that	can	be	used	in	conjunction	with	a	computer	to	scan	and	read	the	printed	page.	It	requires	

Windows	2003	or	a	newer	operating	system,	as	well	as	Freedom	Scientific’s	OpenBook	9	software	or	later	versions	(see	Optical	

Character	Recognition	Scanning	Software).	More	information	is	available	at	www.freedomscientific.com .	

EnableMart:	$799

Freedom	Scientific:	$1,790	(with	OpenBook	software	included)

Perkins	Solutions:	$795	(PEARL	camera	alone);	$1,790	(with	OpenBook	software)

POET Compact 2 (Baum)

The	POET	Compact	2	is	a	scanning	and	reading	machine	with	a	simple	interface.	It	has	two	buttons:	one	to	scan	and	recognize	text	

and	one	to	stop	and	start	the	speech	output.	More	information	is	available	at	www.baumusa.com/products/readingmachine.html

.	

BAUM:	$2,695	(standard);	$2,995	(advanced	model)

RAVE II (Guerilla Technologies)

RAVE	II	(Reading	and	Vision	Enhancement)	is	a	package	that	includes	software	and	a	portable	camera	that	can	scan,	magnify,	and

read	the	printed	page.	Software	includes	OCR	reading,	enhanced	reading,	low	vision	functionality	(magnification),	and	book	mode.	

More	information	is	available	at	www.guerillatechnologies.com/rave.html .	

Enablemart:	$1,549

Guerilla	Technologies:	Contact	for	pricing	and	additional	retailers

Maxi­Aids:	$1,250

ReadDesk (Trysight)

Designed	for	portability	ReadDesk	weighs	less	than	1.5	pounds	and	is	able	fit	into	a	laptop	case	once	folded.	Using	a	computer,	

users	can	use	ReadDesk	to	magnify	the	text	on	the	screen	and	save	the	images.	Users	can	also	save	the	audio	of	the	text	as	MP3

files.	After	scaning	the	document,	users	can	use	the	software	that	comes	with	ReadDesk	to	highlight	the	words	as	it	is	read	to

them.	The	software	also	allows	the	user	to	select	how	the	text	is	displayed	on	the	screen,	horizontally	or	vertically.	Users	can	also	

use	the	software	to	change	the	background	of	behind	the	text	to	suit	their	preferences.	

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EnableMart:	$811

Trysight:	$899

ReadEasy Move (Humanware)

ReadEasy	Move	is	a	portable	reading	device	that	can	scan,	store,	and	read	aloud	print	documents.	There	are	three	optional	feature	

packs:	keypad,	low	vision,	and	low	vision	touch.	The	keypad	feature	pack	includes	more	refined	navigation	control	for	those	

wishing	to	have	more	granular	features.	The	low	vision	feature	pack	comes	with	all	the	features	of	the	keypad	feature	pack,	and	

users	can	also	connect	a	monitor	to	the	ReadEasy	Move	to	view	enlarged	text.	The	low	vision	touch	feature	pack	includes	all	

optional	features	plus	the	ability	to	use	a	touch	screen	monitor.	More	information	is	available	at	

http://store.humanware.com/hau/read­easy­move­std.html?___store=au_en/ .

Adaptive	Ware:	$2495,	$2695	(keypad	feature	pack),	$2845	(low	vision	pack),	$2995	(low	vision	touch	pack)

Humanware:	Contact	for	pricing

Reading Pen (Wizcom)

The	Reading	Pen	is	a	text­to­speech	tool	for	students	who	have	reading	difficulties.	Roll	the	pen	over	the	line	of	text	to	be	read,	

and	the	pen	will	speak	it	aloud.	The	Reading	Pen	provides	definitions,	translations,	pronunciations,	and	other	functions.	More

information	is	available	at	www.wizcomtech.com .	

Wizcom:	$219

Enablemart:	$194

ReadIt Air (Humanware)

ReadIt	Air	is	a	portable	camera	that	can	be	used	with	any	computer	running	the	ReadIt	software.	The	ReadIt	Air	reads	printed	

material	out	loud	and	also	displays	the	scanned	text,	enlarged	and	in	special	colors	or	formatting,	on	the	computer	screen.	More	

information	is	available	at	http://store.humanware.com/hau/readit­air.html?___store=au_en	 .

Humanware:	$2,725

SARA (Freedom Scientific)

SARA	scans,	recognizes,	and	reads	text.	Users	can	adjust	the	voice	rate	and	volume	as	well	as	fast	forward,	pause,	rewind,	and

spell	out	words.	SARA	can	attach	to	a	monitor	and	display	on­screen	text.	It	also	supports	braille	output	for	refreshable	braille	

displays.	The	CE	model	performs	the	same	tasks;	however,	instead	of	a	flatbed,	there	is	a	camera.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.freedomscientific.com .	

Freedom	Scientific:	$2,395;	$1,895	(SARA	CE)

Perkins	Solutions:	$2,395;	$1,895	(SARA	CE)

Simon (Robotron Group)

Simon	is	a	stand­alone	scanning	and	reading	machine.	It	can	scan	two	pages	of	a	large	book	at	the	same	time,	has	two	main	

commands	(start	and	stop),	and	three	sound	controls:	volume,	speed,	and	pitch.	Available	in	English,	French,	German,	and	Spanish	

(only	one	language	can	be	installed).	More	information	is	available	at	www.sensorytools.com/simon.htm .	

E.M.	Vitu:	$2,295

LS&S:	$2,295

Robotron:	$2,299.95

Smart Reader (Enhanced Vision)

The	Smart	Reader	is	portable	reading	device	that	allows	the	user	to	position	the	document	underneath	and	have	it	read	back	to	

them.	It	can	be	connected	to	a	television	monitor	to	allow	users	to	capture	the	scanned	image	and	have	it	enlarged	and	read	back	

to	the	user.	More	information	is	available	at	www.boundlessat.com/Blindness/OCR­Scanning/Smart­Reader­OCR­System .	

Boundless	AT:	$1,795

Enhanced	Vision:	$1,795

New	England	Low	Vision:	$1,795

Ultima (Guerilla Technologies)

The	Ultima	is	a	scanning,	reading,	and	magnifying	machine.	The	system	comes	with	a	17­inch	self­contained	monitor/CPU	that	

can	magnify	up	to	18x	and	has	an	OCR	scanner	and	software.	The	package	also	includes	touch­screen	magnification	and	currency,	

and	tabular	and	column	reading	modes.	Multiple	languages	are	available.	More	information	is	available	at	

www.guerillatechnologies.com/ultima.html .	

Enablemart:	$2,669

Guerilla	Technologies:	contact	for	pricing	and	additional	retailers

Maxi­Aids:	$2,695

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Zoom­Ex (ABiSee)

Zoom­Ex	allows	users	to	convert	any	printed	text	into	multiple	accessible	formats	such	as	speech,	large	print,	sound,	or	text	files.	

The	scanning	camera	is	foldable	and	portable,	and	can	be	connected	to	a	computer	running	either	Mac	(OS	X	10.5	or	later)	or	

Windows	(XP	or	later)	operating	systems.	Zoom­Ex	is	now	compatible	with	the	Kurzweil	1000,	but	requires	the	installation	of	the	

software	onto	a	computer	or	laptop.	More	information	is	available	at	www.abisee.com/Zoom­EX.html .	

ABiSee:	Contact	for	pricing	

Infogrip:	$1,775

Portable Video Magnifiers

These	portable	devices	magnify	text	in	a	digital	video	format.	Most	run	on	battery	power	or	can	be	recharged.	Some	allow	you	to	

save	scanned	text	on	the	device.

Butterfly (Zoomax USA)

The	Butterfly	is	a	pocket­sized	3.5­inch	magnifier	that,	weighing	a	quarter	of	pound,	is	designed	for	ease	of	use	while	commuting,	

in	a	restaurant,	in	a	pharmacy	etc.	Users	use	the	dial	at	the	top	to	adjust	magnification.	If	they	push	the	dial	in,	the	contrast	on	the	

screen	changes.	In	addition,	users	have	the	ability	to	freeze	the	images	on	the	screen.	It	is	able	to	magnify	up	to	15x		and	has	five	

different	contrast	options.	

Zoomax	USA:	$279

Crystal XL2	­	Handheld Video Magnifier (Eschenbach)

Crystal	XL2	is	a	4.3­inch	magnifier	which	magnifies	up	to	14x.	Has	an	ergonomic	handle	with	controls	at	the	thumb	level.	The	

Crystal	XL2	has	“Overview	mode”	to	help	with	orientation	on	a	page.	Battery	life	is	four	hours,	and	batteries	can	be	charged	via	

USB.	

Eschenbach:	Contact	for	pricing

Magnifying	Aids:	$695

Ecare 3.5′′	Handheld video magnifier (Visum)

The	Ecare	3.5′′	Handheld	video	magnifier	is	designed	for	ease	of	access.	Its	small	design	allows	for	users	to	easily	place	it	in	their	

pocket.	It	has	TV	output	allowing	for	lager	images.	Battery	life	is	up	to	four	hours.	It	has	four	different	magnification	levels.

Magnifying	America:	$295

Ecare 4.3′′	portable video magnifier (Visum)

The	Ecare	4.3­inch	video	magnifier	is	able	to	magnify	up	to	44x	with	eight	different	display	options.	It	has	a	battery	life	of	3.5	

hours.	It	has	TV	output	and	users	can	freeze	the	images.	

Magnifying	America:	$495

HIMS Candy 5 HD

The	HIMS	Candy	5	HD	features	a	5­inch	screen	that	is	able	to	zoom	up	to	22x	magnification.	The	handle	allows	users	to	switch	

between	three	different	positions.	The	auto­focus	camera	is	able	to	switch	between	handheld	and	standing	positions.	The	camera

can	take	snapshots	and	users	are	able	to	save	up	to	five	images.	

Enablemart:	$705

HIMS:	$695

Optelec Compact Mini (Optelec)

The	Optelec	Compact	Mini	is	a	3.5­inch	full­color	screen	magnifier	that	can	zoom	up	to	11x. It	has	high­contrast	viewing	options	

allows	the	user	to	take	snapshots.	More	information	is	available	at	http://us.optelec.com/products/mini­optelec­compactmini.html .	

Irie­AT:	$295

Optelec:	$295;	contact	for	additional	retailers

Prodigi (see Reading Machines and Scanners )

Mercury 5.5′′	Magnifier (Trysight, Inc.)

The	Mercury	5.5­inch	magnifier	is	designed	to	be	a	pocket­sized	magnifier	with	a	large	screen.	The	magnifier	is	able	to	magnify	up	

10x	magnification	and	holds	a	charge	for	three	hours.

Trysight,	Inc.:	$495

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Mercury 7 7′′	Magnifier with Speech (Trysight, Inc.)

The	Mercury	7	is	a	touch	screen	magnification	device	with	optical	character	recognition	(OCR)	allowing	for	the	text	on	a	page	to	

be	converted	to	speech.	In	addition,	there	is	a	talking	menu	for	users	and	is	multilingual.

LS&S,	LLC:	$995	

Maxi­Aids:	$995

Trysight,	Inc.:	$995

Mobilux Digital Inspection (Eschenbach)

Mobilux	Digital	Inspection	is	4.3­inch	video	magnifier	with	a	high­definition	touch	screen.	The	Mobilux	Digital	Inspection	is	

capable	of	magnifying	up	to	15x.	Images	are	viewable	from	a	computer	monitor	when	the	device	is	connected	via	USB.	It	also	

includes	a	4GB	SD	card	that	is	capable	of	storing	ten	thousand	images.	

Eschenbach:	Contact	for	pricing

Magnifier	City:	$995

Mobilux Digital Touch HD Portable Video Magnifier (Eschenbach)

Mobilux	Digital	Inspection	is	4.3­inch	video	magnifier	with	a	high­definition	touch	screen.	In	addition	to	its	magnifying	

capabilities,	it	also	provides	time	and	date	information	on	the	screen.	It	magnifies	up	to	12x	magnification.	It	also	includes	a	4	GB	

SD	card	that	is	capable	of	storing	75	images.	

Eschenbach:	Contact	for	pricing

Magnifier	City:	$695

Quicklook Zoom (Eschenbach)

The	Quicklook	Zoom	maginifes	up	to	19x.	Battery	life	is	four	to	seven	hours.	It	has	56	color	options	and	allows	for	image	capture.	

Boundless	AT:	$795­$999

Eschenbach:	Contact	for	pricing

Ruby (Freedom Scientific)

Ruby	is	a	lightweight	portable	magnifier	that	has	a	4.3­inch	LCD	screen.	It	uses	AAA	batteries	and	has	a	two­hour	battery	life

(while	in	use).	The	Ruby	can	magnify	up	to	14x,	and	has	five	high­contrast	video	color	modes.	Freedom	Scientific	also	has	HD	and	

XL	HD	models.	More	information	is	available	at	www.freedomscientific.com .	

Freedom	Scientific:	$545,	$645	(HD),	$895	(XL	HD);	contact	for	additional	retailers

Scene Eye 500 (Sight Enhancement Systems)

The	Scene	Eye	500	is	a	portable	camera	that	is	able	to	be	connected,	via	USB	to	a	tablet	or	personal	computer.	Once	connected,

users	are	able	to	adjust	the	magnification	of	the	image	through	an	app.	

Sight	Enhancement	Systems:	Contact	for	pricing

SmartLux Digital Portable Video Magnifier (Eschenbach)

The	SmartLux	is	a	handheld	magnifier	with	a	five­inch	screen	that	is	capable	of	magnifying	up	to	12x	magnification.	Has	five	

different	viewing	capiblities:	full	color,	black	on	white,	white	on	black,	black	on	yellow,	and	yellow	on	black.	The	magnifier	comes	

with	a	stand	that	can	be	set	at	half­length	or	full	length.	A	LED	light	assists	with	reading	the	content	on	other	electronic	devices,	

such	as	cell	phones.	

Eschenbach:	$650

Maxi­Aids:	$595

SmartView Versa (HumanWare)

The	SmartView	Versa	is	a	handheld	electronic	magnifier	that	can	magnify	up	to	15x.	It	has	large	buttons	and	a	handle,	and	comes	

with	an	autofocus	feature.	More	information	is	available	at	www.humanware.com .	

Boundless	AT:	$545

HumanWare:	$595

LS&S,	LLC:	$595

Snow 4.3′′	(Zoomax USA)

The	Snow	4.3′′	is	capable	of	16x	magnification.	Its	controls	on	the	right­hand	side	of	the	device	allow	for	one	handed	use.	It	

features	10	different	contrast	options	for	the	users.	The	device	allows	users	to	freeze	the	images	on	a	screen.	It	comes	equipped	

with	a	stand	so	that	users	can	use	the	device	top	write.	

Zoomax	USA:	$459

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Snow 7′′	HD (Zoomax USA)

The	Snow	7′′	HD	features	a	high­definition	camera	that	is	capable	of	reaching	19x	magnification.	The	device	weighs	one	pound	

and	has	a	three­hour	battery	life.	There	are	only	five	control	buttons	on	the	device	for	ease	of	use.	User	are	able	to	choose	from	

twelve	different	contrast	options.	Users	are	also	able	to	save	up	to	three	contrast	options	as	their	favorites.	The	Snow	7′′	HD

provides	for	distance	viewing	so	users	can	view	text	from	afar.

Zoomax	USA:	$929

Zoomax M5 (Zoomax USA)

The	Zoomax	M5	features	two	high­definition	cameras	as	well	as	a	high­definition	touch	screen.	It	allows	users	to	save	up	to	60

images	and	is	capable	of	long	distance	viewing.	The	touch	screen	feature	allows	user	to	control	the	device	by	swiping.	It	is	also	

HDMI	enabled	so	users	can	attach	it	to	a	monitor	or	television	set.	

Zoomax	USA:	$859

Wearables

The	products	listed	below	are	able	to	be	worn	over	the	face	covering	the	eyes	and	either	modifying	the	user’s	vision	or	

transmitting	information	to	the	user.	

Brainport V100 (Wicab, Inc)

The	BrainPort	V100	is	a	headset	that	blind	users	wear	that	features	a	camera	and	strip	that	users	place	on	their	tongues.	The	

camera	will	send	a	tactile	image	of	what	the	camera	sees	and	stimulate	it	on	the	tongue.

Wicab,	Inc:	Prescription	only,	prices	may	vary.

EnChroma Lenses (EnChroma)

Lenses	which	correct	for	colorblindness	and	allow	the	wearer	to	see	colors.	EnChroma	sells	several	different	frames	to	fit	with	the	

lenses.	Their	lenses	fit	a	variety	of	frames	and	offer	100	percent	UVA	protection.	

EnChroma:	Prices	vary	depending	on	the	frames	purchased.	

eSight

eSight	is	a	set	of	glasses	with	a	high­definition	camera	that	delivers	real­time	video	images	to	the	user.	It	includes	several	different	

modes	of	viewing,	which	may	be	adjusted	by	the	viewer,	and	comes	with	a	headset,	frames,	a	processing	unit,	and	a	carrier.	

eSight:	Prescription	only,	prices	may	vary.

OrCam

OrCam	is	a	small	camera	that	mounts	on	the	frame	of	glasses.	The	user	looks	at	text	and	uses	a	pointing	gesture	or	button	

attached	to	their	waist	to	operate	the	camera.	The	camera	then	converts	the	text	into	speech.	The	speech	is	directed	to	the	user	

through	a	bone­conducting	headset.	The	device	is	also	programmable	to	recognize	faces.

OrCam:	$3,500

Contact Information for Sources

ABiSee, Inc.

See:	Freedom	Scientific

Adaptive Technology Resources

1350	14th	Ave.,	Suite	3

Grafton,	WI	53024

(262)	375­2020

800­770­8474	toll­free

(262)	375­6777	fax

www.adaptivetr.com

Adaptive Ware

4024	Port	Victoria	Ct.	

Hermitage,	TN	37076

(615)	884­8904

800­470­7482	toll­free

(615)	469­4891	fax

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Kathy@adaptiveware.net

www.adaptiveware.net

Ai Squared

130	Taconic	Business	Park	Rd.

Manchester	Center,	VT	05255	

(802)	362­3612

800­859­0270	toll­free

(802)	362­1670	fax

sales@aisquared.com	

support@aisquared.com	

www.aisquared.com

Apple

1	Infinite	Loop	

Cupertino,	CA	95014	

(408)	996­1010

800­MY­APPLE	(800­692­7753)	toll­free

www.apple.com/accessibility

A.T. Kratter & Company

12062	Valley	View	St.,	Suite	109

Garden	Grove,	CA	92845­1739

(714)	799­3000

(714)	799­3100	fax

info@atkratter

www.atkratter.com

BAUM Rectec, Inc.

13	Branch	St.,	Suite	205

Methuen,	MA	01844

855­620­7985	toll­free

(978)	420­4401	fax

sales@baumusa.com

www.baumusa.com

Bay Area Digital, LLC

870	Market	St.,	#653

San	Francisco,	CA	94102

(415)	217­6667	

(415)	217­6667	fax

www.bayareadigital.us

Beyond Sight, Inc.

5650	South	Windermere	St.

Littleton,	CO	80120

(303)	795­6455

(303)	795­6425	fax

support@beyondsight.com

www.beyondsight.com

Boundless AT

7490	SW	Bridgeport	Rd.	

Durham,	OR	97224

866­606­8551toll­free

(503)	821­6355	fax

sales@boundlessat.com

www.boundlessat.com

BrightEye Technology

PO	Box	16754

Asheville,	NC	28816

(917)	628­9432

877­233­7323	toll­free

(206)	203­0989	fax

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info@brighteye.com

www.brighteye.com

ChromeVox

www.chromevox.com	

Code Factory

C/	Major,	19,	2­3

08221	­	Terrassa	(Barcelona)

Spain

sales@codefactory.es

www.codefactory.es

Dancing Dots

1754	Quarry	Ln.

PO	Box	927

Valley	Forge,	PA	19482­0927

(610)	783­6692

(610)	500­5072	fax

info@dancingdots.com

www.dancingdots.com

Dolphin Computer Access Ltd.

Technology	House

Blackpole	Estate	West

Worcester,	WR3	8TJ

UK

866­797­5921	toll­free

www.yourdolphin.com

E.M. Vitu, Inc.

299­B	Peterson	Rd.

Libertyville,	IL	60048

888­367­4004	toll­free

(847)	367­4003	fax

evitu@flash.net

www.emvitu.com

EnableMart

865	Muirfield	Dr.

Hanover	Park,	IL	60133

888­640­1999	toll­free

800­235­1305	fax

customerservice@schoolhealth.com

www.enablemart.com

EnChroma

2560	9th	St.	#213b	

Berkeley,	CA	94710

(510)	497­0048

http://enchroma.com/

Enhanced Vision

5882	Machine	Dr.

Huntington	Beach,	CA	92649

(714)	374­1829

888­811­3161	toll­free

(714)	374­1821	fax

www.enhancedvision.com

eSight

20	Eglinton	Ave.	W

Toronto,	ON	M4R

Canada

855­837­4448

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(613)	482­4703

http://esighteyewear.com/

Eschenbach

22	Shelter	Rock	Ln.

Danbury,	CT	06810

(203)	702­1600

800­487­5389	toll­free

888­799­7200	toll­free	fax

www.eschenbach.com/about­us­contact­us.htm

EVAS (Electronic Vision Access Solutions)

39	Canal	St.	

PO	Box	371

Westerly,	RI	02891

(401)	596­3155	

800­872­3827	(800­USA­EVAS)	toll­free

(401)	596­3979	fax

(401)	596­3500	TTY

contact@evas.com

www.evas.com

Florida Reading & Vision Technology, Inc.

Lighthouse	of	Broward	County

650	N.	Andrews	Ave.	

Fort	Lauderdale,	FL	33311

800­981­5119	toll­free

(954)	462­4647	fax

info@floridareading.com

www.floridareading.com

Freedom Scientific

Blind/Low	Vision	Group	and	Corporate	Offices

11800	31st	Ct.	North

St.	Petersburg,	FL	33716­1805

(727)	803­8000	

800­444­4443	toll­free

(727)	803­8001	fax

www.freedomscientific.com

gh, LLC

700	Farabee	Ct.

Lafayette,	IN	47905

(765)	775­3776

866­693­3687	toll­free

(765)	775­2501	fax

sales@gh­accessibility.com

www.gh­accessibility.com

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com

Guerilla Technologies, Inc.

5029	SE	Horseshoe	Point	Rd.

Stuart,	FL	34997

(772)	283­0500

(727)	287­0960	fax

info@guerillatechnologies.com

sales@guerillatechnologies.com

www.guerillatechnologies.com

GW Micro

130	Taconic	Business	Park	Rd.

Manchester	Center,	VT	05255	

(802)	362­3612

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800­859­0270	toll­free

(802)	362­1670	fax

sales@aisquared.com

support@aisquared.com

www.gwmicro.com

HIMS Inc.

4616	W	Howard	Ln.,	Suite	960

Austin,	TX	78728

888­520­4467	toll­free

(512)	837­2011fax

sales@hims­inc.com

http://hims­inc.com

HumanWare

1	UPS	Way

PO	Box	800

Champlain,	NY	12919

800­722­3393	toll­free

888­871­4828	fax

us.info@humanware.com

www.humanware.com

Independent Living Aids, Inc.

137	Rano	Rd.

Buffalo,	NY	14207

800­537­2118	toll­free

855­746­7452	toll­free

(516)	937­3906	fax

www.independentliving.com

Infogrip, Inc.

1899	E.	Main	St.	

Ventura,	CA	93001

(805)	652­0770

800­397­0921	toll­free

(805)	652­0880	fax

info@infogrip.com

www.infogrip.com

Irie­AT

1750	SW	Third	St.,	Suite	C	

Corvallis,	OR	97333

888­308­0059	toll­free

(541)	205­4400	fax

support@knfbreader.com

www.irie­at.com

Issist

18	Grist	Mill	Drive

Georgetown,	ON	L7G6C2

Canada

888­909­2544	toll­free

866­499	2921	fax

sales@issist.com	

info@issist.com

www.issist1.com

Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.

24	Prince	Pkwy.

Natick,	MA	01760

800­894­5374	toll­free

info@kurzweiledu.com

www.kurzweiledu.com

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LS&S, LLC

145	River	Rock	Dr.	

Buffalo,	NY	14207

(716)	348­3500

800­468­4789	toll­free

877­498­1482	fax	

866­317­8533	TTY

info@LSSproducts.com

www.lssproducts.com

Magnifier City

PO	Box	248

Garrett,	IN	46738­0248

866­641­2363	toll­free

(215)	780­1781fax

orders@aaaindustrialsupply.com

www.magnifiercity.com/contact­us.aspx

Magnifying Aids

4760	East	Bay	Drive	Ste.	E

Clearwater,	FL	33764

(727)	526­2020

866­691­2450	toll­free

(727)	531­7224	fax

sales@magnifyingaids.com

www.magnifyingaids.com

Magnifying America

2129	SW	Highway	484

Ocala,	FL		34473

800­364­1610	toll­free

(352)	307­6614	fax

jpalmer@thelva.com

https://shop.magnifyingamerica.com

Magnisight Inc.

951	E.	Fillmore	St.

Colorado	Springs,	CO	80907

800­753­4767	toll­free

info@magnisight.com

Maxi­Aids

42	Executive	Blvd.

Farmingdale,	NY	11735

(631)	752­0521	information

800­522­6294	toll­free	orders	

(631)	752­0689	fax	

(631)	752­0738	TTY

www.maxiaids.com

Microsoft Corporation

One	Microsoft	Way

Redmond,	WA	98052­6399

800­642­7676	(800­MICROSOFT)	toll­free

800­936­5900	toll­free	disability	answer	desk

www.microsoft.com/enable

New England Low Vision

799	W.	Boylston	St.

Worcester,	MA	01606

888­211­6933	toll­free

(508)	853­8201	fax

www.nelowvision.com

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Next Generation Technologies, Inc.

20006	Cedar	Valley	Rd.,	Suite	101

Lynnwood,	WA	98036­6334

(425)	744­1100

(425)	778­5547	fax

www.ngtvoice.com

Nokia Store

www.store.ovi.com

Nuance Communications, Inc.

1	Wayside	Rd.

Burlington,	MA	01803

(781)	565­5000

800­443­7077	toll­free

(781)	565­5001	fax

www.nuance.com

NV Access

10	Bunowen	St.	

Ferny	Grove

Qld	4055

Australia	

(+61)	7	5667	8372

admin@nvaccess.org

www.nvaccess.org

Optelec US, Inc.

3030	Enterprise	Ct.,	Suite	C

Vista,	CA	92081

800­826­4200	toll­free

800­368­4111	fax

info@optelec.com

www.optelec.com

OrCam Inc.

100	Church	St.,	Suite	800

New	York,	NY	10007

800­713­3741	toll­free

www.orcam.com/

Perkins Solutions

175	N.	Beacon	St.	

Watertown,	MA	02472

(617)	972­7308

855­206­8353	toll­free

(617)	926­2027	Fax

PerkinsProductssolutions@Perkins.org

www.perkinssolutions.org

Premier Assistive Technology

Executive	Offices

1309	North	William	St.	

Joliet,	IL	60435	

(815)	927­7390

(815)	722­8802	fax

info@readingmadeeasy.com

www.readingmadeez.com

Robotron Group

Sensory	Tools	Division

15	Stamford	Rd.

Oakleigh	3166,	Australia	

(+61)	3	9568	2568

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(+61)	3	9568	1377	fax

www.robogroup.com

Screenreader.net

7	The	Rookery

Orton	Wistow

Peterborough,	PE2	6YT

England	

(+44)	01733	234441

(+44)	01733	370391	fax

info@screenreader.co.uk

www.screenreader.co.uk

Serotek Corporation

43	Main	St.	SE,	Suite	508

Minneapolis,	MN	55414

866­202­0520	toll­free

(612)	659­0760	fax

www.serotek.com

Sight Enhancement Systems

364	Huron	Ave	S

Ottawa,	ON	K1Y	0W7

(613)	421­8953

(613)	482­4532	fax

sales@sightenhancement.com

http://sightenhancement.com

Synapse Adaptive

14	Lynn	Ct.

San	Rafael,	CA	94901

(415)	455­9700

800­317­9611	toll­free

(415)	455­9801	fax

info@synapseadaptive.com

www.synapseadaptive.com

Text Help

600	Unicorn	Park	Dr.	

Woburn,	MA	01801

888­248­0652	toll­free

866­248­0652	fax

u.s.info@texthelp.com

www.texthelp.com

Triumph Technologies

4110	Central	Ave.	NE,	Suite	104

Columbia	Heights,	MN	55421

(651)	636­5184

866­347­8249	fax

info@attriumph.com

www.attriumph.com

Trysight, Inc

18	Grist	Mill	Dr.

Georgetown,	ON,	L7G	6C2

866­499	2921	toll­free

866­499	2921	toll­free	fax

sales@trysight.com

info@trysight.com

VisionCue, LLC

4858	SW	Scholls	Ferry	Rd.

Portland,	OR	97225

(503)	297­1510

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888­318­2582	toll­free

(503)	459­4003	fax

lowvision@visioncue.com

www.visioncue.com

VoiceTech

http://voiceteach.myshopify.com/

Wicab, Inc

8313	Greenway	Blvd.,	Suite	100

Middleton,	WI	53562­4763

(608)	829­4500

888­449­4222	toll­free

brainport@wicab.com

www.wicab.com

Wizcom

customer_service@wizcomtech.com

www.wizcomtech.com

Zoomax

844­496­6629	toll­free

https://zoomaxusa.com

Selected Internet Resources

AccessWorld

www.afb.org/accessworld.asp	

Online	monthly	magazine	published	by	the	American	Foundation	for	the	Blind	includes	reviews	of	assistive	technology	products	

and	other	articles	of	general	technological	interest	for	people	who	are	blind	or	visually	impaired.

Adaptive Computer Products

www.makoa.org/computers.htm

Includes	links	to	computer­access	software,	input	devices	(keyboards,	pointing	devices,	eye­control,	switches),	augmentative	

communication	devices,	speech	recognition/voice	controlled	systems,	products	for	people	who	are	blind	and	visually	impaired,	

possible	funding	sources,	and	low­cost,	assistive­technology	programs.

AppleVis

www.applevis.com

Provides	information,	tips,	and	support	for	Apple	product	users	who	are	blind	or	low­vision.	Includes	a	blog,	forum,	user	guides	

and	tutorials,	as	well	as	product	reviews.

W3C Web Accessibility Initiative

www.w3.org/WAI/

Describes	tools	and	approaches	that	people	with	different	kinds	of	disabilities	use	to	browse	the	Internet.	Discusses	certain	

barriers	that	individuals	with	disabilities	face,	as	well	as	the	World	Wide	Web	Consortium	(W3C)	guidelines	for	accessible	web

design.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Assistive Technology

www.afb.org/info/living­with­vision­loss/using­technology/assistive­technology/123

Includes	information	about	optical	character	recognition	systems,	speech	systems,	AFB	product	evaluations,	and	more.

AssistiveTech.net–National Public Website on Assistive Technology

http://assistivetech.net/

Has	a	searchable	database	to	find	vendors	of	assistive	technology	products	created	by	the	Georgia	Institute	of	Technology	Center	

for	Assistive	Technology	and	Environmental	Access.

CANnect

www.cannect.org

Provides	technology	instruction	for	people	who	are	visually	impaired.	Offers	tech	tidbits	and	education	resources,	as	well	as	links	

to	online	courses	offered	through	various	schools	for	students	who	are	blind	or	visually	impaired.

Family Center on Technology and Disability

www.fctd.info

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Offers	information	on	assistive	technologies	to	families	of	children	and	youth	with	disabilities	and	the	professionals	who	work	

with	them.	Has	links	to	organizations,	factsheets,	newsletters,	and	online	discussions.

Fred’s Head Blog

www.fredshead.info

Blog	from	the	American	Printing	House	for	the	Blind	contains	product	reviews,	tutorials,	and	in­depth	articles,	as	well	as	general	

interest	information	for	individuals	who	are	blind	or	visually	impaired.

Top Tech Tidbits

http://www.flying­blind.com/ttt_enews_archive.html

Newsletter	produced	by	Flying	Blind,	LLC	offers	news	updates,	product	reviews	and	a	forum	for	the	reselling	of	assistive	

technology	products.	

National Federation of the Blind Technology Resource List

https://nfb.org/technology­resource­list

Includes	links	to	braille	devices,	print­reading	hardware	and	software,	and	screen	access	and	low­vision	programs	for	Windows,

speech	synthesizers,	and	tutorials.

Bibliography

Allen,	K.	(2015,	May	31).	Great	advances	being	made	in	assistive	technology.	Toronto Star. Retrieved	from	

http://www.ourwindsor.ca/news­story/5653854­great­advances­being­made­in­assistive­technology/ .	

Grant,	P.	et.	al.	(2016,	March/April).	The	Functional	performance	of	the	BrainPort	V100	device	in	persons	who	are	profoundly	

blind.	Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness,	110,	(2).	

Hackett,	A.	(2015,	fall).	Welcome	to	the	future	of	literacy:	A	new	Perkins	study	explores	how	technology	is	revolutionizing	the	way	

people	who	are	blind	read,	write	and	communicate.	Perspectives.	Retrieved	from	www.perkins.org/stories/magazine/welcometo­the­future­of­literacy .	

Harvey,	C.	(2016,	January	19).	Can	virtual	reality	be	the	next	thing	in	curing	blindness?	Bloomberg.	Retrieved	from	

www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016­01­19/can­virtual­reality­be­the­next­big­thing­in­curing­blindness­ .

Hester,	J.L.	(2015,	August	27).	How	tech	helps	guide	the	blind. City Lab.	Retrieved	from	

www.citylab.com/navigator/2015/08/improving­blind­peoples­digital­lives/402044/	 .

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Back	to	top

Compiled	by	Chris	Corrigan

May	2016

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