Review of New Technology

It should come as no surprise that computer technology has made life much simpler for people with disabilities [PWDs]. Often, a PWD feels isolated from friends and family; computer email and instant messaging can help a PWD to keep in touch. Computers have also opened up a world of support for people with disabilities, who can make new friends through online groups and social networking. Moreover, the computer is the gateway for information, news, shopping, banking, and even local take-out delivery. Many people with disabilities find it easier to read publications online, which allow scrolling, and eliminate the need to turn pages and hold a book, magazine, or newspaper. Computers provide entertainment -- games, music, and video. For a person with a disability, a computer can be more than a piece of equipment. It is a connection to the world, and can eliminate boredom, isolation, and depression for PWDs..

While computers have been a blessing for people with disabilities, computer screens can be very hard on the eyes. For people with visual impairment, the small font can make computers impractical. People with all kinds of disabilities may suffer from fatigue, and reading the small font on the computer screen can make it even worse. A company called AI Squared has come up with assistive technology to adapt the computer for PWDs who need to read larger font, and cut down on computer fatigue. The product is called ZoomText [version 9.1], and it's simple downloadable adaptive software for the PC. There are three versions:

• ZoomText Magnifier Uses "xFont" advanced text magnification

Price $395.00

• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader does everything the ZoomText Magnifier does, but this product also uses NeoSpeech Technology to read the text out loud. So, with this version, a PWD can hear the computer!

Price $595.00

• Now, here's the best innovation:

For only $100 more, you can get either the ZoomText Magnifier or the ZoomText Magnifier/Reader on a portable USB flash drive!

The benefit of this is portability. So if a PWD works on more than one computer, the ZoomText technology can go wherever you go!

The ZoomText has some other neat features!

Both the Magnifier and Magnifier/Reader feature:

• Dual Monitor Support: text can be displayed on two screens simultaneously.

• "xFont" Technology When font is enlarged, it is not distorted or degraded; clarity of text is guaranteed no matter how much it is magnified.

In addition, the Magnifier/Reader offers these features:

• NeoSpeech Technology: voices are human-sounding and non-robotic. You can actually go to the website of AI Squared and hear samples of the voices [both male and female]

• App Reader: reads documents, emails, and web pages within the parent application. You can also have it read the whole document, selected parts by word, line, or paragraph.

• Doc Reader reformats text in an easier-to-read style

Take it for a test-drive!

Both versions of ZoomText are outstanding assistive tools. Never has adaptive technology been this sophisticated. And the best part is that you can test it before you purchase it.

Go to the AI Squared website and check out all the features [there are more than listed here]

You can also hear the voices.

But AI Squared will let you download a free trial at their website. Then you can try it and see how wonderful it is, before you buy.

With the use of assistive tools such as ZoomText, people with disabilities can have a comfortable reading experience. And the best part is that ZoomText does not require any elaborate equipment. It is software, which you download right into your computer. Test it out today!

Note: As of now, ZoomText is only available for PC; there is no MAC-compatible version yet.