CHICAGO, IL, January 30, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- A breakthrough device, available through the Chicago Lighthouse, offers many advantages to the visually impaired community. The knfbReader Mobile is produced through a joint venture between Kurzweil Technology Inc. and the National Federation of the Blind. Supported through the Nokia N82 cell phone, the technology recognizes photographed text, converts it into digital text, and then reads it back to the user. By simply taking a picture of the text, the user is able to have any text, even U.S. currency, read back and magnified on the screen with each word highlighted as it is being read. Specific settings, such as book, article, label, billing, etc. may be selected and the speed and voice of the playback can be changed to accommodate the preference of each user.
Tom Perski, director of rehabilitation services for the Lighthouse, stated that 'this device has the potential to drastically improve education for many students." "Diagnosed with macular degeneration during my college years, I can't even imagine how much the knfbReader would have made my studies easier, more efficient, and a lot more enjoyable" stated Perski.
Along with its reading ability, the knfbReader has functions, like any other cell phone, such as contacts, calendar, full web browser, email, media player, etc. Talks or MobileSpeak accessibility software may be purchased to make it easy for visually impaired individuals to navigate through these functions by speaking the menu and command options aloud.
"The technology is simply brilliant. It's a versatile, multifunction tool which can reduce stress and make life a lot easier for a great number of people" noted Dr. Janet Szlyk, executive director of The Chicago Lighthouse. "The knfbReader is a much needed, high tech option to assist with reading on the go. It can significantly increase success at school and work for people living with visual impairment. We are thrilled to provide such a convenient, breakthrough product to our consumers."
KnfbReader's hardware, Nokia N82, comes equipped with a 5-megapixel, autofocus camera with xenon flash. The model comes with 50 Mb built-in memory and has a memory card slot which can store up to 500 images per GB of card storage space. Text, media, and Adobe PDF files can be transferred to and from a computer, or Braille note takers, through the USB port. For an additional cost, GPS software may be purchased to provide turn-by-turn directions.
"It's everything you could possibly need; make a call, send an email, listen to music, and read a book" stated Perski, also adding that "if you do not want to sign up for the cell phone plan, you can still enjoy the reading function."
To obtain the knfbReader Mobile, contact The Chicago Lighthouse Store at 312/997-3685 or visit http://www.thechicagolighthouse.org
About Chicago Lighthouse
Founded in 1906, the Lighthouse is one of the nation's most comprehensive social service agencies. Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent low vision clinic in the U.S.; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a nationally acclaimed school for children who are blind with multi-disabilities; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station. For further information, please contact us at (312)666-1331.
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