In The News
Lighthouse for the Blind offers rays of hope for visually impaired
December 27, 2011
Read a profile on the St. Louis Lighthouse for the Blind - a nonprofit organization that aims to provide light manufacturing and assembly jobs for adults who are blind or legally blind. Jennifer Perez, pictured to the right, works in the customer service department with the help of ZoomText!
Lake of the Woods Lions give grants
December 14, 2011
The Lake of the Woods Lions club recently awarded seven grants, including donating ZoomText Magnifier to enrich instruction to visually impaired students in Natalie McMahan’s Prospect Heights Middle School classroom.
Peter Berton: Professor Emeritus
November 17, 2011
Peter Berton is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations at USC - and also a ZoomText user! Check out the profile of him in the “Dornsife Life” magazine, a publication of USC (it’s on pages 10 and 11).
Spotlight on the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind
November 17, 2011
The assistive technology department at the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind teaches people with little or no vision how to use computers with assisted software - including ZoomText!
Chief librarian says coming to Brockville was right choice
November 08, 2011
After spending three years in Doha, Qatar, Patricia Sutherland decided to apply for a position at the public library in Brockville, Ontario. Sutherland liked the Brockville Public Library atmosphere as soon as she walked in which might have had something to do with the ZoomText Internet Stations set up for patrons who are visually impaired.
Truro entrepreneur doesn’t let vision loss keep her from going global
October 19, 2011
Linda Spears is not your typical entrepreneur but she doesn’t let vision loss keep her from going global. And she credits ZoomText for her success!
A Library for the Ages
September 28, 2011
The West Hollywood Library will be equipped with state-of-the-art tools to assist seniors and the disabled - including ZoomText!
United Way a lifeline
September 26, 2011
Ingrid Barty credits the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB) for turning her life around. They introduced her to life-altering products - including ZoomText - which gave her back her independence.
Great Ayton teenager tackles illness and his A-levels
August 23, 2011
David Peverell is celebrating after achieving A and AS-levels while studying at Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough. A-levels are studied over a two year period and are the standard entry qualification for assessing the suitability of applicants for academic courses in English, Welsh and Northern Irish universities. And he credits ZoomText, among other things of course, for his success!
Legally blind Vt. law student wins 1st big case
August 08, 2011
Deanna Jones, a third-year law student who’s legally blind and learning disabled, has won her first big court case: her own. Jones sued the National Conference of Bar Examiners in July, accusing it of violating the Americans With Disabilities Act by refusing to let her take a key legal ethics exam using ZoomText and Kurzweil 3000.
ZoomReader turns iPhone into Eye-Phone for low vision users
August 01, 2011
ZoomReader, our iPhone app that extracts text from pictures, then speaks it back to you through an integrated voice synthesizer, leverages ABBYY’s Mobile OCR, featuring worldleading OCR technology. They wrote up a terrific press release on our partnership -
read all about it!
Smartphones, tablets provide therapy for cerebral palsy, autism
July 26, 2011
The same technology used to make smartphones and tablets interactive doubles as therapy for people with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and other disabilities, turning mobile devices into valuable components of the rehabilitative process. ZoomReader was one of the technologies discussed in this article!
Children with vision impairments have new learning tools courtesy of MLB
July 14, 2011
MLB and the Diamondbacks donated $1 million to the Foundation for Blind Children - the money will go toward facility renovation and an extensive amount of new technology, including ZoomText!
Computer lab caters to people with disabilities
June 30, 2011
Southern California Rehabilitation Services, a non-profit group that works with people with disabilities to help them lead independent and productive lives, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently for its new computer lab - which just so happens to be equipped with our products!
John D. Young Center aids the blind
June 13, 2011
The center offers information, referrals for people needing help from other sources, peer support and advocacy for the blind and visually impaired - one of their services is a computer class where students learn how to use ZoomText!
Accessibility Center sees use increase
May 20, 2011
The University of New Brunswick notes that they’ve had an increase of students using their Accessibility Center and ZoomText is one of the programs that’s most frequently used!
Shrewsbury’s Tylock excels despite loss of vision
May 16, 2011
Jen Tylock pole vaults, skis, hikes, plays the French horn, rides a unicycle, walks on a tightrope and juggles. And did I mention she’s also a ZoomText user?
Disability’s advantage
May 05, 2011
For Matt Breen, an Edmonton-based financial advisor at TD who is legally blind, ZoomText is the one piece of technology he can’t live without!
Lions donate ZoomText to library
March 04, 2011
The Brigantine Lions donated a gift to the Atlantic County Library Foundation to be used at the Brigantine branch of the Atlantic County Library system. That gift was ZoomText to be used on their public-access computer for their patrons who are visually impaired!
The ZoomText Keyboard in Matilda Ziegler Magazine
February 28, 2011
Feature Writer Steven Famiglietti wrote a piece on the ZoomText Keyboard that appeared in the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind!
ZoomText allows sight-impaired visitors to use computer services
February 21, 2011
The George Washington Center at the Selma Housing Authority received a grant to make the center more accessible for the visually impaired - they chose ZoomText!
Student software woes
February 21, 2011
Noisy classrooms and difficulty gaining access to specialist software has left a vision-impaired student feeling “stressed’’ and affected his ability to study. GippsTAFE student Phillip Chalker is completing his second year of a Certificate III in Music and he uses ZoomText to access his computer.
Daphne Public Library updates technology
February 17, 2011
Since opening a new computer lab, the Daphne Public Library has added numerous technological features - including ZoomText!
Fergus Library celebrates 100th anniversary
February 17, 2011
The Fergus library in Ontario recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. Not only that but they offer ZoomText to their patrons who are visually impaired!
Call centers provide career path for the blind
February 15, 2011
The Insight Call Centre – part of the Athlone School for the Blind Association in South Africa that trains blind and partially sighted students for a call center career. Terry O’Shea works at a call center and uses ZoomText to help him on the job. There’s even a video at the bottom showing you how to learn the ZoomText user interface!
IT classes click with Beacon residents
February 14, 2011
The visually impaired are getting to grips with the potential of PCs – thanks to a bit of expert help, some clever software (hint: it’s ZoomText!!) and the use of a modern computer suite.
School for the Blind shares tech with youth
February 09, 2011
Technology - including ZoomText - is part of the focus as seven North Dakota teens visit North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind in Grand Forks for a short-term program in study, social and daily living skills.
ZoomText Reviewed Again
January 25, 2011
Henry Foulds, a ZoomText user himself, gives a nice review of ZoomText on his blog, “That Young Visually Impaired Journalist”.
ZoomText at the Shelter Island Public Library
January 25, 2011
The Shelter Island Public Library in New York installed ZoomText on two of the computers in the adult computer area.
ZoomText Review
January 04, 2011
Mike Teddleton, a ZoomText user himself, gives a great overview and review of ZoomText.
Learning to live between 2 worlds
December 09, 2010
At the Florida Center for the Blind, students can take courses on assistive technology and ZoomText is one of the products they cover!
Computer Accessibility Still Needs Work
December 09, 2010
As it turns out, many of Ryerson University’s online services simply aren’t optimized for those with disabilities, making it difficult to access the information they might need. But they list ZoomText as one of the solutions they offer to their students!
TechACCESS of RI
December 09, 2010
TechACCESS of Rhode Island assists Southern New Englanders allowing them to be more independent. ZoomText is one of the technologies they feature in this video news story! We’re in the first minute or so.
Supports make show accessible to all
November 02, 2010
Viable Calgary, a Prospect Human Services project, and the Career Show are once again working together to make this year’s career show fully accessible. ZoomText was one of the technologies they chose to showcase!
Kansas School for the Deaf receives funds for programs including ZoomText!
November 02, 2010
According to Barb Snapp, KSD elementary counselor, “ZoomText is easy for students to navigate. KSD students will use the software to supplement their natural visual strengths, allowing them to use computer technology effectively.”
Local colleges enable the disabled
November 02, 2010
Disabilities are a reality for many students at colleges and universities, but cutting-edge technology (including ZoomText!), modern teaching methods and specialized services can make education less of an obstacle at CSU Monterey Bay, Monterey Peninsula College and Hartnell College.
ZoomText featured on BBC News!
October 01, 2010
BBC News web reviewer Kate Russell demonstrates ZoomText on a tip from Henry Foulds - take a look at the video!
Region VII Area Agency on Aging helping people who are blind or visually impaired
September 10, 2010
The Region VII Area Agency on Aging has installed software on agency computers to assist people who are blind or visually impaired - including ZoomText!
Library bridges people and technology
September 06, 2010
One of the computers in the free public computer lab at the T.B. Scott Library in Wisconsin is equipped with ZoomText to assist their patrons who are visually impaired!
ZoomText reviewed by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
August 09, 2010
The Old Schoolhouse, the magazine for homeschool families, published a review on ZoomText!
Library systems to receive major technology upgrades
June 30, 2010
Texas County’s library system will receive a major upgrade in technology thanks to success in securing grants - including ZoomText Magnifier/Reader!
New library touts adaptive technology
June 17, 2010
Those with vision problems need not be left in the dark when it comes to reading, and the new Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre has an area with several pieces of equipment dedicated to assisting them - including ZoomText!
The Joys of Using ZoomText
June 01, 2010
Read Jennifer Castellano’s blog entitled “The Joys of Using ZoomText”!
She’s also written another interesting post about the Windows 7 Magnifier - ZoomText is mentioned here as well as the superior solution!
8 Gadgets for Disabled Computer Users
May 25, 2010
ZoomText makes the list for the top eight gadgets for disabled computer users!
Pilot project allows library to offer more to those with disabilities
April 20, 2010
A pilot project at the Kennebecasis Public Library in New Brunswick Canada is making reading more accessible for everyone. ZoomText is one of the resources that they chose!
ZoomText makes PC Advisor list
March 22, 2010
PC Advisor listed ZoomText as one of the great computing aids for the disabled!
Photographer captures nature under new light
March 19, 2010
Back in 1993, Kurt Weston, a notable photographer, was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis, an inflammation of the retina that left him blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other. Gravely ill, he thought his career as a photographer was finished. Definitely not the case: among other aids, he uses ZoomText to edit his photos so that he can blow up the images on his screen!
And here’s another story about Kurt and his photography career, again with the help of ZoomText!
Springfield Town Library Receives Grant
March 11, 2010
The Springfield Town Library applied for and received a Successful Aging Initiative Grant from the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont for program titled, “Don’t Worry About the Fine Print”. And they chose ZoomText as their solution!
Ai Squared sponsored show “Cooking Without Looking” goes national
February 18, 2010
Ai Squared is a proud sponsor of Cooking Without Looking, a television show created by South Florida producer Renée Rentmeester to “empower the visually impaired to stay active in the kitchen,” gets a turn on the national stage the week of February 22nd with 6 a.m. broadcasts Monday through Thursday on the Fine Living Network.
ZoomText in the Greenville County Library System
February 11, 2010
The Greenville County Library System has acquired three new computer programs for the visually impaired - equipped with ZoomText! - available at the Technology Center at the Hughes Main Library.
Court Rules in Favor of Visually-Impaired Grad
February 05, 2010
A U.S. district court in San Francisco ruled Friday in favor of Stephanie Enyart, a visually-impaired law school graduate, allowing her to use special reading assistance software - including ZoomText! - on the next California bar examination in late February.
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) acknowledged for digital inclusion programs
January 26, 2010
In addition to being singled out for actively using broadband and information technology to excel in today’s global economy, OPL provides assistive technology - including ZoomText! - to eliminate or diminish barriers to information and maximize user independence.
Fresh start at education for blind Aloha man
January 20, 2010
Sidney Crouch is no longer stuck between two worlds when it comes to his education. With his use of new technologies - including ZoomText! - and the onset of reputable online education programs, the 44-year-old Aloha man is on his way to earning his bachelor’s degree through Ashford University.
Call centers provide career path for the blind
January 19, 2010
Terry O’Shea works as the main telephone operator at Swale Council in South Africa. Technology plays an important role in Terry’s working life, including ZoomText which he uses to magnify text on his large 22” screen up to 28 times its normal size and convert his emails to speech and play them over his operator headset.
Working hard to overcome disabilities, difficulties
December 07, 2009
For Marcus Jeffries, 32, technology - including ZoomText - helps him overcome his Retinitis Pigmentosa. The hereditary disorder makes it difficult for him to see in low-light areas and to read small print or purple-hued ink, which caused problems when he couldn’t read the blackboard in grade school.
Curb Cuts Episode #5 ::: AT for Low Vision
November 23, 2009“Curb Cuts” is a TV show about assistive technology (AT) produced by the Central Coast Assistive Technology Center. Episode #5 deals with assistive technology for individuals with low vision. ZoomText is featured as one of the solutions used to allow individuals to function as independently as possible at home, school, and work.
Blind snapper ‘senses’ pics
November 18, 2009
Brian Negus is using photography — and ZoomText! — to escape his blurry world of vague shapes and shadows. And the 62-year-old is rediscovering what objects look like and seeing the expressions on people’s faces for the first time in 30 YEARS.
ATIA award winning video
November 13, 2009ATIA Chicago award winning video: Tom’s Story: Tom boasts “You can’t read the fine print, like I can!” with his magnification devices - including ZoomText! A probation officer in his local county for 23 years and still going strong, Tom‘s main job responsibility is to prepare reports for people incarcerated in prison or jail.
A greater degree of effort
September 01, 2009
With the help of University College Cork’s disability office who introduced her to ZoomText among other low vision aids, family backing and huge personal motivation, Sinead Kane completed her law degree and master’s, went on to do her training at the Law Society in Dublin and graduated in July at the age of 27 as Ireland’s first registered blind solicitor.
Visually impaired venture ‘inside the box’
July 18, 2009
A group of teenagers, all blind or otherwise visually impaired, wired up Lego Mindstorms robots using assistive technology. Ian Gayola, 15, used ZoomText during the computer programming workshop!
Eyeing a bright future
July 17, 2009
To assist Chris Rivera, 14, with his schoolwork, the Woodbridge, VA, Lions Club purchased ZoomText for him based on a recommendation by county vision teacher Esther Riverson.
Software will allow visually impaired to use library computers
April 23, 2009
When his eyesight started to fail him two years ago, Rick Blair, technology consultant to the Plaistow, MA, Public Library, found a software package that could keep him in the work force: ZoomText!
