Visual Closure

Apps to help with reading disabilities including OCR, audiobooks, etc.

Handwriting Recognition Technology includes a variety of products: e.g., software, writing pens, note collection platforms, and scanning products/services.

Products include voice output (screen reading capabilities) and other tools to enhance the reading for individuals with reading difficulties. Other features may include: screen highlighting, study skills, test taking, and Internet tools.

Individuals with reading or memory deficits may have difficulty reading or remembering memos, directions, meeting notes, and other print information. Tape recording the information allows the person with the disability to listen to the information instead of reading the information. Tape recorders can be purchased at local electronics stores.

The following products include screen magnification and screen reading in one software product.

Screen Magnification Software can be installed on a PC to magnify both the text and graphics on the computer screen. Features may include: Magnification from two up to 32 times normal size; reverse color contrast; cursor enhancement; auto tracking; option for screen reading capabilities; and automatic scanning of text documents.

Screen Reading Software can be installed on a computer to allow text to be converted into computer synthesized speech. With this software, the computer basically reads aloud the text that appears on the screen. The hardware that provides the actual "voice output" is a speech synthesizer. This can be an internal sound card or an external speech synthesizer device. The screen reading software “tells” the speech synthesizer what to say.

Tactile graphics can be developed by using special thermal paper to enhance images, that when heated, will produce a tactile image, Braille embossing technology, or create your own! These products can produce raised-line maps, graphs, diagrams, and charts.