Vol. 6, No. 4 Summer 1998	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
	PDF Version (for printing) Large Print (pdf) Text Version

Reading with the Kurzweil 3000

Michael Meyreles, ATP, New Castle County ATRC

As advancing computer technology supports a multimedia approach to teaching, a new product has come upon the scene to aid those with reading difficulties. This product is the Kurzweil 3000 Version 2, a PC-based reading system. This article will highlight some of its new features as well as a brief description of how it works.

The Kurzweil 3000 is a PC-based reading system that simultaneously presents visual and auditory renditions of printed material. Once printed material is placed on a scanner, it is scanned into the computer and the Kurzweil 3000 software converts the text to a format that can be read by the "Flex-Talk" speech synthesizer, all the while leaving the page layout intact to be viewed on the monitor as it appears in the document. This means that if any pictures appear in the document being scanned, they will appear on the computer monitor as well. This feature is especially useful for those who can integrate auditory and visual information.

Some of the other features of the Kurzweil 3000 include: dual highlighting; a talking dictionary that provides spoken definitions, synonyms, syllabification; and letter by letter spelling. Kurzweil 3000 also has a feature that allows it to be coupled to Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Text on the Internet can be read aloud while dual highlighting is done within the Explorer window. Other Kurzweil 3000 features, such as the dictionary, can be accessed through a tool bar that is placed in the Explorer window.

This reading system can be experienced before purchasing by ordering the demo CD. This demo is the full version with all the features but will only remain on the computer for 14 days, after which it will automatically erase itself from your computer. To order the CD, call Kurzweil at 800-894-5374, x30. To locate the nearest sales rep visit their web site at www.kurzweiledu.com and order the demo disk directly. The ATRCs also have a demo disk that can be tried before purchasing the system.

Kurzweil 3000's technical requirements are:

• Pentium PC processor with at least 133 MHz (preferably higher) running Windows 95
• 24 MB RAM (32 MB recommended)
• 70 MB hard disk space
• 6x CD ROM or faster
• Sound Blaster or compatible sound card
• SVGA Monitor
• Twain compatible scanner

For any more information on this product or other assistive technologies, please call your local ATRC.