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Technology's Gift to the Visually Impaired

Independence and self-sufficiency provide one with such a complete sense of fulfillment that little can match up to it. However, not everyone is blessed with these privileges. A step toward assisting the visually impaired to achieve independence to an extent in the daily conducts of their life, has now been taken.

In a miraculous break through in technology, a device, that combines a personal data assistant and a digital camera has been developed by the membership organization of more than 50,000 blind people and inventor Ray Kurzwell. The device converts print to audio. The organization has been dubbed the Kurzwell National Federation of the Blind Reader.

About three decades ago, Kurzwell came up with the first invention that converted text into audio. It was about the size of a washing machine. This, eventually gave way to software that could be paired with a computer and scanner and perform the same function.

But the latest device has a big advantage of portability. "It's always been considered desirable to have a reading machine that blind persons could carry along with them," Kurzwell said. He also remarked that the feedback they were getting was phenomenal.

The reader, which costs about $3, 500, will be sold though Massachusetts -based Kurzweil Education Systems Inc and will be available via the internet. Kurzweil said he expects in the future the reader will allow for the deciphering of more complex formats, and over time will assist in identifying objects and people. For now, those who have tested the reader say they have enjoyed being able to read items they never have before, like the magazines in the pockets of airplanes.

A whole new world opened up for Tommy Craig in the last few months as he tested the device. With its help Craig was able to "read" everything from menus to cooking directions by positioning the reader over print and taking a picture.

In seconds, the printed message is heard. "The reader provides access to materials that a lot of a time you just didn't read," said Craig, 51 of Austin, Texas, who was one of about 500 blind people who tested the device." It certainly makes you more independent."

"It not quite like having a pair of eyes that work, but it's headed in that direction, said James Gashel, executive director for strategic initiatives at the National Federation of the Blind.

Source: Handheld device helps the blind read 26 June 2006 The Hindustan Times.