Press Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Valerie Chernek
410-871-2670
vchernek@donjohnston.com
Don Johnston Signs Agreement with Intel to Distribute New Intel® Reader Mobile Device
Announced today, the Intel Reader is a mobile device designed to increase independence for the more than 55 million people who have trouble reading standard print.
November 10, 2009—Volo, IL—
Don Johnston Incorporated, the leader in assistive technologies, just announced a VAR (Value-Add Reseller) agreement with Intel Corporation to distribute the new Intel® Reader. Announced today, the Intel Reader is a mobile device designed to increase independence for the more than 55 million people who have trouble reading standard print.
The Intel Reader features a unique design that combines a high-resolution camera with the power of an Intel® Atom™ processor to convert printed text to digital text and read it aloud to the user. This portable device can take pictures of any printed material including textbooks, novels, letters, magazines, or even bus schedules and automatically converts it into accessible digital formats. The device also highlights each word on its built-in LCD display.
The Intel Reader will complement Don Johnston's array of accessible literacy products in support of U.S. K-12 schools and families who have children with learning disabilities. For 30 years, Don Johnston has provided students with innovative technologies to improve their literacy skills to become lifelong learners.
Ben Johnston, Director of Marketing for Don Johnston Incorporated, said, "For decades, paper-based books have been inaccessible for students and individuals with disabilities. The Intel Reader will bring a new spirit of 'anytime-anywhere' access to printed materials, helping students to read more independently."
Users can transfer their digital files from the Intel Reader to Don Johnston's new Read:Outloud 6 accessible text reader software through its built-in USB connection. Students can use Read:OutLoud 6 to research information on the Internet with an accessible web browser and tap into reading comprehension templates and tools designed for extra reading support. The Intel Reader is priced at $1499 and is available through the Don Johnston website or by calling 800.999.4660.
Product features of the Intel Reader include:
A high-resolution camera with flash for capturing text in low light- 4 GB Intel® Solid State Drive stores up to 600 pages (images and text)
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery plays up to 4 hours of text-to-speech audio on a full charge
- 4.3" LCD display
- USB connection to make it easy to transfer files to or from a personal computerAdjustable voice settings include options for gender, pitch, and speed
- Supports DAISY 2.02, DAISY 3.0, NIMAS 1.0/1.1 MP3, WAV, ASCII text
The Intel® Portable Capture Station is also available to make it easy to capture large amounts of text, such as a chapter or entire book. The sturdy, portable stand enables the Intel Reader to scan large volumes of text rapidly and folds up into a convenient briefcase size. The Intel Portable Capture Station is priced at $399 through Don Johnston Incorporated.
Research proves the power of simultaneous input (visual and audio) to gain and hold attention and to improve memory for struggling readers and students with cognitive, physical, or reading disabilities, such as dyslexia. Lewandowski and Montali (1996) conducted a study that compared the learning of poor readers and skilled readers who were both taught through a text-to-speech application with simultaneous on-screen highlighting of the spoken word. This study showed that experiencing text visually and aurally enabled poor readers to perform as well as skilled readers in word recognition and retention.
"Intel is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that can improve quality of life and help people reach their full potential," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Digital Health Group. "We are excited to work with Don Johnston to bring the Intel Reader to the education market for people who have learning disabilities and vision problems that make reading a challenge."
Resource Links:
Learn more about the Intel Reader
Learn about Read:OutLoud 6
###
About Don Johnston Incorporated
Don Johnston empowers educators with specialized accessible technologies and supported reading and writing tools for students with cognitive, physical, and learning differences. Since 1980, the company has partnered with literacy experts, assistive technology specialists, speech language pathologists, psychologists, teachers, researchers, universities and scientists to develop over a dozen accessible technology products. The company also publishes Start-to-Finish®, a collection of paperback, audio and computer books for students reading below grade level.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in silicon innovation, technologies, products and initiatives to advance how people work and live. Visit
http://www.reader.intel.com, http://www.intel.com/pressroom and http://blogs.intel.com for more information.
Photos accompanying this Press Release are the property of Don Johnston Incorporated and may only be used and/or published as accompanying photos with the information found in this release or with specific written approval from Don Johnston or members of his marketing staff.
Don Johnston Incorporated
26799 W. Commerce Dr.
Volo, IL 60073
www.donjohnston.com
800.999.4660
