Talking Electronics

(See also, Screen Readers.)

Nowadays, just about everything talks—watches, alarm clocks, cars, computers, and books, just to name a few! Many of these talking devices were created for persons with visual disabilities, but are appearing increasingly in the mainstream marketplace.

The Simpletalk 200 PC is a fully self-contained computer that talks. Included with a Simpletalk 200 is a fast Pentium computer, WinVision 97 and DECtalk Access 32 software synthesizer ($1,499). See all the Simpletalk computer features, along with Braille output devices, talking alarm clocks, and a full line of notetakers, at the Artic Technologies Web site: http://www.artictech.com/simptalk.htm#top

An audio book is convenient to all hearing people. Audio books are great for many reasons. Not only do they liven up a long commute or trip, their authors often read them and authors can inflect every note of meaning, making the work enjoyable on a separate level. Story telling is an irreplaceable art as old as humankind. Nothing will ever replace this mode of art and communication-not even electronic mail!

Books on Tape Program: The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) offers Braille and recorded books and magazines to more than 20,000 children and adult readers through a network of 56 regional and 90 sub regional libraries throughout the United States and its territories. This cooperative network is made up largely of state and local public libraries that circulate books and playback machines directly to readers. Call (202) 707-5104, or (800) 424-8567 to locate your corresponding regional library. (Also see Web Braille.)

For resources and vendors all over the world, see The Blindness Resource Center: http://www.nyise.org/text/blind.htm