Free Educational Reading Software 

Premier Programming Solutions (PPS), a DeWitt, MI-based software development
company, is making Scan and Read a unique software package that instantly
translates written text into spoken language available for free to schools,
libraries, literacy groups and non-profit training organizations around the
world.  

"With Scan and Read, reading has never been easier or more affordable," said
Steve Timmer, PPS chief executive officer and founder. In addition to
distributing free copies, PPS is making the software available to the public
for $89.95 a fraction of the price of similar programs. "Our goal is to
ensure that everyone who has trouble reading printed material has access to
this revolutionary software software that can dramatically enrich their life
regardless of what causes their difficulty, where they live, or their income
level." Timmer, a software developer and former nuclear engineer, developed
the Scan and Read system in his basement after losing most of his vision in
1996. "When I first lost my vision, I quickly became frustrated with the
price and complexity of other text-to-voice conversion programs, which
typically cost about $1,000," he said. and developed Scan and Read to bring
adaptive technologies within the realm of standard pricing, and to make them
as user-friendly as possible to appeal to the widest range of people.  

Scan and Read works with any computer system running Windows 98 and above,
and with any TWAIN flatbed scanner. It will read any type of printed
material, from books and magazines to recipes, owner's manuals and forms. The
software can be mastered in just a few minutes, and offers unique features
that allow the user to follow along on the screen and control how fast the
computer reads the material back. Scan and Read also includes 17 different
voices and Scan and Read Pro can accommodate most languages spoken in the
Western Hemisphere.  

Cathy Williams, a teacher of mentally impaired adults at Shiawassee
Rehabilitation Programs in Owosso, Mich., was thankful to receive a free copy
of Scan and Read. "[My clients] are for the most part non-readers," Williams
said. "They are very happy about not having to ask people to read things such
as recipes, notes and on and on to them. It has done wonders in this respect.
We sure have had some happy faces."  

Edwin Staudt of Aldan, PA, another Scan and Read user, was also impressed
with the software. "(PPS) offers the first software that I know that is
efficient, fast and cost effective," he said. "You have begun to demonstrate
that being blind need not cost half your income."  

"We are very proud of the software and the assistance it brings to people who
are unable to read because of visual impairment, illiteracy, developmental
disability, or any other reason," Timmer said. "I encourage anyone to call
PPS at 517/668-8188 for more information, or visit the company's Web site
(http://www.premier-programming.com) to apply for free software or to
download a free demonstration copy."  

Steve Timmer 
Chief Executive Officer
Premier Programming Solutions
517/668-8188 
info@premier-programming.com