Making Reading Easier

On February 15, 2010, Computerworld published the article “14 tech tools that enhance computing for the disabled” by Brian Nadal. Mr. Nadal highlights 14 tools that help those with various impairments navigate computers. Examples include a no hands mouse that is controlled by feet pedals and Eyegaze Edge, which allows those without use of their arms to control a computer with just their eyes. I would like to focus on one example, WizCom Technologies’ InfoScan TS Elite scanning pen. This pen scans and stores up to 500 pages of printed material. It can read the pages back to you or can be transferred to a computer. It costs approximately $150.00.

This pen sounds great! I love that it has migrated from the computer (but remains close enough to stay compatible through a USB connection). Poor eyesight due to old age or diseases and strokes make it hard to read everything, not just what is on the computer screen. Reading the newspaper or a magazine article that a friend passed on along is a huge challenge. This pen would enable elders to “read” such things as the menus in restaurants, the handouts at meetings or events, papers or charts in doctors’ offices, and the songbooks in religious services more easily. The small size and large capacity make it perfect to take outside the home and might provide elders with confidence should they be given something to read at any of their various destinations. It might be challenging because the voice may disturb others but at least it presents an opportunity (and it is better to leave the room and have it read to you than have to ask others or risk missing an opportunity to ask questions because you did not have the information at hand.) The article does not mention whether insurance covers its cost but it might be well worth looking into and certainly provides hope for a “bright” future for those with vision deficiencies.

Speaking of "bright," another great tool for those who can read (and thus do not need the page read to them) but might benefit from some extra reading light is the LightWedge Book Light. The LightWedge is a pane of plexiglass with 2 LED lights that sits on top a book's page and lights up the whole page. Jim Miller extolled it in his 2004 article "Gadgets help seniors enjoy reading, hobbies." This is a great, easy way for seniors to read more easily. Its $25 price tag is certainly a bonus, as the ability to enjoy a hobby is priceless.


Nadal's article:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9149058/14_tech_tools_that_enhance_computing_for_the_disabled?taxonomyId=12&pageNumber=9

Miller's article: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/6380218/