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New Gadget Helps Blind People Read

by Darren

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Technology is working everyday to provide solutions for peoples problems, including being blind.

Today the National Federation of the Blind announced that Ray Kurzweil has invented a device that can read just about anything like businesscards, menus, bills, and newspapers with a simple “click” of a button. Moments later this device called “the Reader” will turn plain text into clear audible synthesized voice.

Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “The world of the printed word is about to be opened to the blind in a way it has never been before. No other device in the history of technology for the blind and visually impaired has provided quicker access to more information. The NFB promotes a positive attitude towards blindness, and
this Reader will make blind and visually impaired people dramatically more independent. The result will be better performance at work, at school, at home, and everywhere else we go. This Reader substantially improves the quality of life for the growing number of blind and visually impaired people.”

This device was the result of a joint venture between NFB and Ray Kurzweil, and uses a digital camera to capture text for readibility. This technology will make life much easier for the blind and visually impaired, and comes with a headphone jack so it assures privacy to the consumer.

The Reader will be available for sale on July 1, 2006 with a price tag of $3,495.00. If you’d like to purchase one of these for yourself or a loved one, please call (877) 708-1724 or visit www.nfb.org

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