B3. PAGE READERS

     While a Screen Reader (see section B2) is designed to 
provide information about what is displayed on a computer's 
screen, and will read text as it is being entered by the user, or 
read existing text from a file, it is not designed to operate 
efficiently with a scanned image. A scanned image is normally 
converted to text that can be read with an optical character 
recognition (OCR) program, but most OCR software is designed for 
Windows and would be difficult for a blind individual to use. The 
readers listed below are essentially modified OCR programs 
designed especially for the blind. They may include an integrated 
screen reader, or require one to be purchased separately. All 
require a scanner and either a speech synthesizer or Braille 
output device. 


  a) An Open Book Unbound ($995 U.S.)
     Arkenstone
     1-800-444-4443 or (408) 752-2200
     Canada: Frontier Computing
             (416) 489-6690

     - includes Windows OCR and screen access software
     - provides own driver for each supported speech synthesizer
     - automatic orientation corrections for images placed   
          upside down or sideways
     - automatic contrast control
     - automatic decolumnization sorts text blocks into natural 
          reading sequence
     - can recognize draft dot matrix printouts
     - reads monospace and proportional text from 4 to 28 point
           sizes
     - allows batch scanning for later recognition
     - online help
     - non-English language options available
     - supports HP ScanJet compatible scanners
     - supports most speech synthesizers
     - supports most Braille displays and access devices
     - supports most screen magnification programs

     System requirements: 386SX, 20 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 450K 
                          conventional memory, 10 MB hard disk 
                          space, 101 enhanced keyboard, DOS 5.x, 
                          EGA monitor/video card, supported 
                          scanner, supported speech synthesizer 
     Includes: audio cassette and Braille manual, Windows 3.1
     Available with Hewlett Packard IIp scanner ($1594 U.S.)
     Available with Hewlett Packard IIp scanner and DECtalk PC 
          internal synthesizer ($2589 U.S.)
     Available with Hewlett Packard IIp scanner and DoubleTalk 
          internal synthesizer ($1883 U.S.)


  b) OsCaR
     TeleSensory
     1-800-227-8418 or (415) 960-0920     
     Canada: The Betacom Group
             (905) 629-1811

     - OCR system based on OmniPage^1
     - completely menu driven
     - reads documents with complex layouts and columns
     - identifies text attributes (bold, headlines, italics)
     - accepts both landscape and portrait orientation
     - reads text from 6 to 72 point
     - automatic orientation corrections for images placed   
          upside down or sideways
     - automatic contrast settings
     - automatically collates two-sided documents after scanning 
          both sides
     - converts scanned material into files which can be edited, 
          manipulating or reviewed later
     - black and white graphic images can be convert into 
          tactical graphics using TeleSensory Braille embossers 
     - context sensitive online help
     - supports most speech synthesizers
     - fully compatible with other TeleSensory products (see  
          separate entries)
     - optional software available to translate text into Grade 2
           Braille

     System requirements: 386SX, 4 MB RAM (8 recommended), DOS 
                          5.x, supported speech synthesizer and 
                          DOS screen reading program or DOS 
                          screen magnification program
     Includes: Hewlett Packard ScanJet IIp scanner and interface 
               card with optional sheet feeder


  c) Reading AdvantEdge ($795 U.S.)
     XEROX Imaging Systems
     1-800-343-0311

     - OCR software with 50,000 word vocabulary
     - command line and menu interface
     - customizable user lexicon
     - customizable user settings
     - recognizes most typefaces and font sizes
     - reads documents with complex layouts and columns
     - identifies text attributes (bold, headlines, italics)
     - accepts both landscape and portrait orientation
     - automatic orientation corrections for images placed   
          upside down or sideways
     - recognizes five languages in addition to English
     - can recognize many low quality documents (ie. draft dot 
          matrix printouts)
     - allows scanning in TIFF format for later recognition
     - online help
     - supports most application software without leaving the 
          Reading AdvantEdge
     - supports most screen reading programs
     - supports most speech synthesizers
     - supports Hewlett Packard and compatible scanners

     System requirements: 386SX, 8 MB RAM, DOS 5.x, 14 MB hard 
                          disk space, supported scanner, 
                          supported speech synthesizer and DOS 
                          screen reading program or DOS screen 
                          magnification program
     Includes: print, Braille, audio cassette or disk manual
     Available with Xerox scanner and Dectalk synthesizer 


The following program differs from the above in that it includes 
a screen magnification program, and does not require the more 
expensive solution of a speech synthesizer.

  d) VisAbility ($495 U.S.)
     Ai Squared
     (802) 362-3612
     Canada: Frontier Computing
             (416) 489-6690

     - demo available [*]
     - turns computer and scanner into an intelligent 
          magnification and reading system
     - has similar capabilities to many CCTVs
     - eight levels of magnification from 1X to 32X
     - full-screen and windowing display modes
     - adjustable scrolling speeds
     - user selectable foreground and background colours
     - scanned documents can be saved on disk
     - documents can be printed at enlarged sizes (requires 
          compatible printer)
     - allows for form filling^2

     System requirements: 286SX, VGA monitor/video card, 2 MB 
                          RAM, Hewlett Packard compatible scanner

     (NOTE: Other screen magnifiers could be used with a scanner 
     but may not provide the same features)


___________________________________

1. [OmniPage OCR package by CAERE Corporation]

2. [Form Filling: User can scan a paper form and fill it out 
onscreen at an enlarged size, then print the completed form. May 
require supported printer.]




B4. AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

     Augmentative communication programs permit non-speaking 
individuals (or people with serious speech impediments) to let 
their computers talk for them. The basic idea is that the user  
types in a phrase, sentence or paragraph, and then tells the 
computer to read it by means of a speech synthesizer. 


  a) Equalizer ($1395 U.S.)
     Words + Inc.
     1-800-869-8521 or (805) 266-8500
     Canada: The Betacom Group
             (905) 629-1811

     - user-modifiable stored vocabulary of up to 2,750 words
     - five most frequently used word endings may be added to 
          stored words to provide different forms
     - adaptive word prediction feature
     - learns user's word patterns and presents word most likely 
          to be used
     - built-in word processing and voice output capability
     - multiple access choices including keypad, mouse, single
           switch device, Morse code

     System requirements: 286SX, supported speech synthesizer
     Includes: calculator, drawing, music and game software
     

  b) E Z Keys for Windows ($1395 U.S.)
     Words + Inc.
     1-800-869-8521 or (805) 266-8500
     Canada: The Betacom Group
             (905) 629-1811

     - demo available
     - video cassette demo available
     - features word prediction and abbreviation expansion
     - macros to perform command options (ie. print a file)
     - store and retrieve phrases/sentences for use in 
          conversations
     - 1000 phrases/sentences per group
     - unlimited number of groups
     - built-in READER program for giving talks or presentations
     - keyboard or single switch mouse control/emulation
     - multiple access choices including keyboard, scanning,
          Morse code

     System requirements: 286SX, Windows 3.x, supported speech 
                          synthesizer
     Includes: sample groups of phrases/sentences


  c) HandiChat ($149 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available
     - pop-up speech window accessible from within any text, 
          graphics, or Windows-based application
     - text in chat window spoken by speech synthesizer upon 
          hitting the <enter> key
     - choice of current line, sentence, or entire screen
           read-out through function key commands
     - fully compatible with other HandiWARE software
     - compatible with most synthesizers, including SoundBlaster

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x, 20K RAM,
                          supported speech synthesizer
     Includes: PIF file for Windows operation


  d) HandiChat Deluxe ($295 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software, Inc.
     1-800-828-2600 or (508) 626-8511

     - demo available
     - provides all the features of HandiCHAT (see separate
           entry)
     - predefined phrase window with quick access to 1,300
           commonly used sentences and phrases
     - new phrases can be added to window or existing phrases 
          modified
     - phrase selections can be combined to form complete 
          sentences
     - fully compatible with other HandiWARE software
     - compatible with most synthesizers, including SoundBlaster

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x, 20K RAM
                          with phrases on disk or 100K RAM with 
                          phrases in memory, supported speech 
                          synthesizer
     Includes: PIF file for Windows operation


  e) Scanning WSKE ($1395 U.S.)
     Words + Inc.
     1-800-869-8521 or (805) 266-8500
     Canada: The Betacom Group
             (905) 629-1811

     - RAM resident program
     - single switch scanning program
     - provides word prediction, abbreviation expansion, 
          automatic word ending, punctuation spacing, 
          capitalization, voice output
     - single line scan option
     - transparent operation with most applications software, 
          including some graphics programs

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, supported speech 
                          synthesizer
     Includes: Bank Street Writer word processing program
     Also available as Morse Code WSKE ($1395 U.S.)


  f) VOIS 160
     Phonic Ear Inc.
     1-800-227-0735 or (707) 769-1110

     - no other information presently available


****************************************************************
NOTE: Many hardware and stand alone Augmentative communication 
devices exist which are not listed in this guide. KCC recommends 
consulting the sources listed in Appendix A for more information.
****************************************************************




B5. TRANSLATION SOFTWARE

     The following programs are designed to convert standard text 
to Braille for output with a Braille embosser.


  a) AutoBraille ($95 U.S.)
     KANSYS, Inc.
     1-800-279-4880 or (913) 843-0351

     - TSR Braille conversion program
     - hotkey activated and controlled
     - automatically translates and formats standard print 
          requests into Grade II Braille
     - screen-to-screen mode translates onscreen text to Grade II 
          Braille and back to text
     - buffers 20 to 25 pages of Braille information to printer 
     - supports refreshable braille displays
     - supports commercial braille printers/embossers

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, 48K memory
     Includes: print, disk and Braille manual, free upgrades for 
               1 year after purchase


  b) MegaDots ($500 U.S.)
     Raised Dot Computing
     1-800-347-9594
     Canada: Frontier Computing
             (416) 489-6690

     - Braille conversion word processor
     - WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) display of both 
          text and Braille
     - single key switching between braille and print display
     - braille entry using six-key technique or standard keyboard
           methods
     - includes standard paragraph styles such as "Hanging 
          Indent"
     - pull-down menus and point and click mouse control for 
          sighted users
     - spoken functions and screen area changes for blind users
     - pull-down or hotkey operation
     - supports voice and refreshable braille displays
     - supports commercial braille printers/embossers
     - available optional spell checker which spells out a word 
          after speaking it to help with error correction
     - spell checker includes function to edit a document at the 
          error location without exiting the spell checker
     - spell checker looks for misused pronunciation and other 
          errors resulting from use of an optical scanner

     System requirements: 286SX, 640K RAM, DOS 3.3x


  c) PC Braille ($699 Cdn.)
     ARTS Computer Products
     Canada: Frontier Computing
             (416) 489-6690
     - generates Grade I, Grade II and Computer Braille (Grade 0)
     - translates by rule not dictionary search
     - user configurable contraction table, exception table, 
          braille symbol table
     - works with text editors and word processors
     - formats text for printing or brailling
     - permits user-defined text formats
     - supports commercial braille printers/embossers

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x
     Includes: print, disk and braille manual
     Available with PC Sift and WP Sift ($1149 Cdn.)
     Available Braille Transcriber's Guide ($119 Cdn.)


  d) PC Sift ($295 Cdn.)
     ARTS Computer Products
     Canada: Frontier Computing
             (416) 489-6690

     - aids in conversion from text to Braille
     - removes multiple blank lines, lines of asterisks (*), and 
          other formatting problems from ASCII documents

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x, PC Braille


  e) WP Sift ($269 Cdn.)
     ARTS Computer Products
     Canada: Frontier Computing
             (416) 489-6690

     - aids in conversion from text to Braille
     - removes multiple blank lines, lines of asterisks (*), and 
          other formatting problems from WordPerfect documents
     - substitutes PC Braille formatting codes for WordPerfect 
          codes

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 2.x, PC Braille, WordPerfect 
                          5.x




B6. PROGRAMS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

     This section deals with alternate output programs and 
devices for the hearing impaired. KCC has been unable to collect 
a great deal of information upon software products for the 
hearing impaired. However, many non-software and non-computer 
devices do exist and we recommend contacting organizations for 
the hearing impaired and consulting the sources listed in 
Appendix A for more information.


  a) Futura TDD
     Futura Wave Communications

     - demo available [*]
     - connects TDD callers with a PC and displays conversation 
          on screen 
     - runs in background and can take messages while another 
          program is operating (requires 386SX)
     - messages can be saved for later recall and/or use in  
          conversations
     - maintains a database of phone numbers 

     System requirements: 286SX, 240K RAM, DOS 2.x, serial port, 
                          TDD Modem


  b) PhoneCommunicator 
     IBM Corporation
     1-800-426-2133 (inquiries)
     1-800-426-3388 (orders)
     Canada: IBM Canada Ltd.
             1-800-465-1234 or (416) 946-9000
     
     - connects touch-tone phones and TDD callers with a PC and
          displays conversation on screen 
     - communicates with both Baudot and ASCII TDDs
     - menu driven
     - full-screen view of the dialog from both parties
     - auto-answer mode records messages from touch-tone 
          telephones and TDD callers and notes time and date of
          call
     - messages can be saved for later recall and/or use in  
          conversations
     - programmable modem can communicate with ASCII bulletin 
          boards
     - optional: CrossTalk^1 for file transfer/terminal emulation

     System requirements: 286SX, 512K RAM, DOS 3.3x, expansion 
                          slot, analog phone line
     Includes: programmable modem


  c) SeeBEEP ($20 U.S.)
     Microsystems Software
     1-800-828-2600

     - demo available
     - visually displays audible beeps on screen
     - option of visual message at current cursor location or 
          flashing of entire screen
     - visual indication duration from 0.2 of a second to 2 
          seconds
     - compatible with most text, graphics and Windows software

     System requirements: 286SX, DOS 3.x, Windows 3.1x, 1K RAM


  d) TDD Compatible Modems

Special modems facilitate communication between a computer and a 
TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) by automatically 
converting ASCII code to Baudot code and vice versa. They are 
solely suited for TDD connection and cannot function as 
stand-alone Hayes compatible modems.


       i) Intele-Modem ($329 U.S.)
          Ultratec, Inc.  
          (608) 273-0707


      ii) PhoneDTTY CMD4 ($349 U.S.)
          PhoneDTTY, Inc.
          (201) 489-7889

          - includes Futura TDD II (see separate entry)


     iii) SmartModem ($349 U.S.)
          Krown Research, Inc.  
          (213) 322-3202


___________________________________

1. [CrossTalk by Digital Communications Associates]

