Premier Assistive Canada Inc.

1240 Grand Lake Road
PO Box 875, STN A
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6J4
Canada
Telephone: 902-482-4680.
Fax: 902-482-4681.
Web: http://www.readingmadeeasy.ca.
Email: info@readingmadeeasy.ca.

Products distributed by Premier Assistive Canada Inc. (listed alphabetically)

1. ACCESSIBILITY SUITE

   Accessibility Suite is a suite of computer access interfaces and functional applications that support reading and writing, designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. The suite is designed for use in schools, businesses, and other organizations to make workstations accessible to the largest number of users. It includes diverse software that provides support for the differing needs of students, employees, and others who find reading and writing a challenge. A floating toolbar has large or small icons for each installed program. The toolbar, which can be locked at the top of the screen, enables the user to change voice and speaking rates for all the programs from one location. Settings are saved in the user profile so that they follow the user's login. Software includes Universal Reader, a voice output program; Talking Checkbook, a voice output financial management program; Scan and Read Pro, a voice output optical character recognition (OCR) and audio file creation program; Ultimate Talking Dictionary, a voice output dictionary program; Complete Reading System, a reading machine program; Text Cloner Pro, an OCR program that can be used together with a screen reader program (not included); Scan and View, a video magnifier program; PDF Magic Pro, a program for converting PDF files to more accessible formats; Text To Audio, an audio file creation program; Talking Word Processor, voice output word processor program; E-Library—Volume 1, a digital book library; E-Text Reader, a voice output program; Premier Predictor Pro, a voice output word prediction program; and PDF Equalizer, a voice output program for PDF documents. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP or Vista operating system.

2. COMPLETE READING SYSTEM

   The Complete Reading System is a voice output optical character recognition program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Most functions of this OCR program can be activated by pressing a single key. When the user presses the F5 key, the program activates the scanner and recognizes the text. When the scanning is finished, the user presses the F6 key and the program starts reading. This OCR program has full talking menus, so no screen reader is required to navigate through its settings. The system works as well on laptops as it does on desktops, because it does not require use of the external keypad. The program has auto page orientation, so the user can place the document on the scanner at almost any angle and it will still be recognized. In addition to scanned material, the program can open and read existing documents. It supports virtually every type of word processor. The default file format is Microsoft Word. Other features include 5 different voices (Cepstral Voices included); the ability to zoom up to 400 percent and to change font and background colors; ADF support; large print talking menus; and word tracking while reading. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 64 MB (megabytes) RAM (random access memory); 200 MHz (megahertz) or faster processor; 2X or faster CD ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse; USB scanner.

3. E-LIBRARY VOLUME 1

   E-Library Volume 1 is a digital book library designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. It includes over 1,500 complete literary works in electronic form, covering a broad spectrum of subjects and written by authors from ancient to modern times. Subject areas covered include Literature, Mystery, Biography, Religion, Children's Literature, Science, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Drama, Westerns, Family Fiction, Greek and Roman Classics, and History. The library also includes reference works and U.S. historical documents. The library comes with E-Text Reader (see separate entry), a voice output program. COMPATIBILITY: For use on Apple Macintosh or IBM-compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: The digital library will work on any version of Windows and all Macintosh operating systems. E-Text Reader is only available for Windows operating systems.

4. E-TEXT READER

   E-Text Reader is a voice output program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. This software reads text files aloud using Cepstral Voices. It can open and read entire files or read user-selected text within a document. An Auto Summarize feature summarizes the information in a document or selected text. Words are highlighted as they are read. Highlighting colors can be changed by clicking the mouse. The user can change voices and reading speed, and insert bookmarks and highlighting to mark locations in the text. All functions can be controlled with hot keys or icons on the toolbar. The document can be magnified up to four times, and font style, font size, and foreground and background colors can be changed. The program has a built-in electronic manual which can be read aloud. It is compatible with multiple file formats including Standard Text, MS Word (all versions), HTML, and Rich Text Format. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 500 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM; 40 MB of free space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse. COLOR: Hightlighting colors are blue, green, pink, or yellow.

5. E-TEXT READER IGT

   E-Text Reader IGT is a voice output program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. This program has all the features of E-Text Reader (see separate entry), together with IGT - Intergalactic Translator, a built-in document translator. The program can read electronic documents aloud using digital voices and translate them into eight different languages: French, Spanish, English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese. Electronic formats that can be read and translated include Rich Text Format, Standard Text, and HTML, and all versions of MS Word. Words are highlighted as text is read. The user can change reading speed, font style and size, and foreground, background, and highighting colors. Bookmarks can be inserted. An Auto Summarize feature summarizes the information in a document. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM; 500 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 40 MB of free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse.

6. KEY TO ACCESS

   Key to Access is an accessibility software module, MP3 player, and digital recorder designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. When this device is inserted into a computer's USB port, the user has access to a suite of ten accessibility tools: (1) Universal Reader for reading email and web pages; (2) E-Text Reader, a tool that allows the user to highlight, bookmark, search and extract text from a document; (3) Ultimate Talking Dictionary, a 250,000-word voice output dictionary and thesaurus; (4) Talking Word Processor, a voice output word processor, word prediction program, and grammar check; (5) Scan and Read Pro, a voice output optical character recognition program; (6) PDF Magic, a program that converts inaccessible PDF files to accessible formats; (7) Text To Audio, a program that converts digital documents to MP3 format and saves them for listening away from the computer; (8) an on-screen Talking Calculator; (9) Premier Predictor Pro, a word prediction program (10) PDF Equalizer, an access program for PDF files. Personal settings are saved on the device and applied to each computer as it is inserted. The software is updated automatically whenever the device is on a computer connected to the Internet. This device includes an MP3 player and digital voice recorder; a two-gigabyte (GB) flash USB drive with 1.5 GB free space; ear bud headphones; and a USB extender cable. POWER: Uses one triple-A battery (included). SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista with 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM and access to a USB port. WEIGHT: Less than one ounce.

7. KEY TO ACCESS VPOD

   Key to Access VPod is an accessibility software module, MP4 video player, and digital voice recorder designed for use by individuals who have learning disabilities. When this device is inserted into a computer's USB port, the user has access to a suite of accessibility tools: Universal Reader Plus for reading email and web pages; E-Text Reader, a tool that allows the user to highlight, bookmark, search and extract text from a document; Ultimate Talking Dictionary, a 250,000-word voice output dictionary and thesaurus; Talking Word Processor, a voice output word processor, word prediction program, and grammar check; Scan and Read Pro, a voice output optical character recognition program; PDF Magic, a program that converts inaccessible PDF files to accessible formats; Text To Audio, a program that converts digital documents to MP3 format and saves them for listening away from the computer; an on-screen Talking Calculator; Premier Predictor Pro, a word prediction program; and PDF Equalizer, an access program for PDF files. Personal settings are saved on the device and applied to each computer as it is inserted. The software is updated automatically whenever the device is on a computer connected to the Internet. The MP4 video player/MP3 audio player is constructed of stainless steel with a 256K full-color TFT screen, and comes with earbud headphones and a carrying case. It has two GB (gigabytes) disk space and a two GB expansion slot. It plays music in MP3, WMA, or WMV format and video in AVI format, and displays photos in JPEG or BMP format. POWER: Uses a Nokia Mobile rechargeable lithium battery. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP or Vista operating system and a USB port. DIMENSIONS: The TFT screen is 2.4 inches. WARRANTY: One year.

8. LITERACY PRODUCTIVITY PACK - VERSION 14.0

   Literacy Productivity Pack – Version 14.0 is a suite of reading and writing software applications designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. Programs include Premier Launch Pad; Worksheet Wizard; Write Now; English Talking Dictionary, a voice output dictionary; the Universal Reader Plus, a voice output program; Scan and Read Pro, a voice output optical character recognition (OCR) and audio file creation program; Text-To-Audio, an audio file creation program; Talking Word Processor, a voice output word processor program; E-Text Reader, a voice output program; PDF Equalizer, a voice output program for PDF documents; and Talking Calculator, a voice output calculator program. This software suite has a task-oriented floating toolbar that opens at launch so programs can be opened without going through the start menu. The toolbar has either large or small icons and can be locked so it is always on top of the applications in use. The voice and reading rate for all the programs can be set and changed from the toolbar. Settings are saved in the user profile so that they follow the user's login. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP, Vista or 7 operating system; 1 gigabytes (GB) or greater RAM; Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher; 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution.

9. PDF EQUALIZER ML

   PDF Equalizer ML is a voice output program for PDF documents, designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. This program can open files in any PDF version and read them aloud without going through a conversion or import process. Documents can be read continuously, page by page, or by page selection, in English, French, or Spanish. Reading speed is adjustable. The program includes a text-to-audio converter that can convert a single page or a range of pages into MP3 files. So that specific pages can be located, each page is converted to its own audio file and numbered in order. Pages are automatically formatted for easier reading, and can be displayed with inverted colors for high contrast reading. A built-in notes function allows the user to take notes that remain synchronized with the PDF page. This means that notes taken on page 57 are displayed when the user returns to page 57. The notes feature also allows the user to copy images, formulas, charts, and tables from the PDF file into the notes. Notes can be viewed in a single document, which can be printed or saved. Other features include a talking dictionary function; a built-in translator that can translate between English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese; the ability to summarize content automatically; integrated hyperlinks; the ability to load a PDF file directly from a URL; and the ability to work on either a standalone workstation or a network. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 800 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 256 megabytes (MB) RAM; and 150 MB disk space.

10. PDF MAGIC PRO

    PDF Magic Pro is accessible document software designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This software converts PDF files to one of eleven different formats, including Microsoft Word, Rich Text Format, HTML, ASCII text, and CVS. Documents can be processed in batches of up to 2,000 PDF files. The program can be used to convert textbooks supplied to schools in electronic format with each page of the book in a separate PDF file. Once the files are queued, the program processes each file automatically, taking about four to five seconds per page. The program supports 155 printed languages and removes encryption automatically. It works with all versions of PDF files created in Adobe Acrobat 3, 4, 5 and 6. It includes color graphics, retains column and table formatting during the conversion process, and works with most forms. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP or Vista operating system.

11. PREMIER CD/DVD CREATOR

    Premier CD/DVD Creator is screen reader accessible CD/DVD burning software designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This CD burning program is designed to allow the user's screen reader to provide output for all of its buttons and functions. If a screen reader is running, the software automatically detects it and sends information through the screen reader. The program includes an Audio Ripper, Audio CD Burner, Data CD Creator, and Data DVD Burner. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows NT, 2000, XP Home, or XP Professional operating system; 300 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM; 50 MB of free disk space; and a CDRW or DVDRW drive built after 1998.

12. PREMIER PREDICTOR PRO

    Premier Predictor Pro is a voice output word prediction program designed for use by individuals with learning or upper extremity disabilities. The program displays a word list next to the cursor as the user types in any program on the computer, displaying the most probable word at the top of the list. The words are read aloud as the user moves up and down the list with the arrow keys. When the user selects a word, it is entered automatically into the document. A built-in talking dictionary enables the user to hear the definition to make sure that the selected word is the right one. Word prediction is adjustable by grade level, and the program includes word prediction in French, English, and Spanish. Word Search allows the user to search for a word. Dictionaries of medical terminology are included. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Winows XP or Vista operating system.

13. PREMIER TEST BUILDER

    Premier Test Builder is an accessible test creation program designed for use in creating tests accessible to students who use screen readers. The program allows the user to build tests in accessible Microsoft Word format by supplying questions and selecting the question style from the program's tool bar. The program then automatically creates the test using its pre-built templates of question styles, which include Multiple Choice, Multiple Choice with Picture, Multiple Choice with Answers 2 Across, True or False, Multiple Selection, Multiple Selection with Answers 2 Across, Fill in the Blank, and Essay. The program also includes an equation builder and editing and image insertion modes. COMPATIBILITY: FOR use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: MS Word 2000 or higher and Internet Explorer 5 or higher.

14. PREMIER TO GO

    Premier to Go is an accessibility software module designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. The module is a portable USB drive loaded with ten software applications that support reading and writing. When connected to a computer's USB port, the module launches a floating toolbar from which the applications can be started. In addition to the software, the module has over 1.5 GB (gigabytes) of free storage space. Applications include Universal Reader Plus, an optical character recognition (OCR) program with voice output; the Ultimate Talking Dictionary; Premier Predictor Pro, a talking word prediction program; Talking Word Processor; Scan and Read Pro, a voice output optical character recognition (OCR) and audio file creation program; PDF Magic, a program for converting PDF files to more accessible formats; PDF Equalizer ML, a voice output program for PDF documents in English, French, or Spanish; Text To Audio, an audio file creation program; and Talking Calculator, a voice output calculator program. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM; 500 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 120 MB of free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse; and USB port for scanner.

15. SCAN AND READ PRO

    Scan and Read Pro is a voice output optical character recognition program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. The program reads printed text aloud in any of five voices. As the document is read, the word being read is highlighted on screen for users with low vision to follow along. Onscreen text can be magnified up to 400 percent and displayed with different fonts, font sizes, and color schemes, and spacing. Other features includes a talking spell checker and thesaurus, support for automatic docment feeders, and the ability to create MP3 and WAV audio files. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 650 MHz or faster processor; 256 MB of RAM; 400 MB of free disk space; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; USB port and scanner.

16. SCAN AND VIEW

    Scan and View is a software program that converts a laptop and scanner into a video magnifier for use by individuals with low vision. When used with a laptop computer and a portable scanner,the program enables them to function like a portable CCTV. It allows users to look at handwritten notes, drawings, advertisements, and photographs. Images can be viewed in color or black and white, and colors can be changed and smoothed. Images can be magnified up to 24 times and rotated. Existing electronic images can be opened and magnified. There is a magnification window for detail viewing. The program provides Kodak Photo CD support. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 200 MHz (megahertz) or faster processor; 32 MB (megabytes) of RAM; 20 MB free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse; USB port for scanner.

17. TALKING CHECKBOOK

    Talking Checkbook is a voice output checkbook program designed for use by individuals with vision disabilities, learning, cognitive, or upper extremity disabilities. This program enables users to manage an unlimited number of accounts and offers a full reconciliation feature. This checkbook program supports multiple currencies, including U.S. dollars, British Pounds, and the European Euro. Other features include sorting records by any field, searching for checks, categorizing transactions by type, a notes field, printing checks, and backing up and restoring data. A single hot key enables users to hear the balance of any account. All reports can be saved as MS WORD documents or transactions can be exported to EXCEL or LOTUS spreadsheets. Also included is a check signing template that can be placed over a printed check to aid in signing. This program also has built-in extensions for both Window Eyes and Jaws (not included; see separate entries), as well as a built-in accessible calendar and a built-in talking calculator. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 200 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor, Windows 2000 or XP, 32 megabytes (MB) of RAM, 20 MB of free hard drive space, 4X or faster CD-ROM drive, sound card with speakers, and a keyboard and mouse.

18. TALKING WORD PROCESSOR

    Talking Word Processor is a voice output word processor program designed for use by individuals with learning disabilities who have difficulty with reading and writing. Features include talking grammar check, text highlighting and extraction, graded word prediction, talking word prediction. talking spell check, key echo, and automatic document summarization. Reading features include word pause, sentence repeat, word repeat, and variable reading speed. The program comes with five reading voices. It can open standard text documents, cut and paste from the Internet, and create Microsoft Word 95, 97 or 2000 documents. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000 and XP, or Vista operating system; 500 MHz or faster processor; 128 MB of RAM; 500 MB of free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse.

19. TEXT CLONER PRO

    Text Cloner Pro is an optical character recognition program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This program is designed to work with a voice output screen reader program (not included), and therefore does not include its own speech engines. The program handles multiple columns and page orientation automatically. Documents can be scanned in high speed mode, in which images and tables are ignored, or in detailed mode. Other features include single button functions, automatic image alignment, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) support, multiple document interface, contrast adjustment, a word processor, a 100,000 word spell checker, and the ability to insert page break between scans and to save files in multiple formats. The program supports 12 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German, and is compatible with all major screen readers. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000 and XP, or Vista operating system; 128 MB of RAM; 300 MHz or faster processor; 92 MB of free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; keyboard and mouse; USB port for scanner.

20. TEXT-TO-AUDIO - VERSION 10.0

    Text-to-Audio – Version 10.0 is an audio file creation program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This program converts electronic text files into audio files with clear, natural-sounding voices using Cepstral's Natural Voices. It can turn e-books into audio books on a personal computer or CD. An hour's worth of audio can be produced in four minutes. The program can automatically break up an e-book into segments in separate audio files or tracks on an audio CD, and the user can insert bookmarks. It can convert existing audio files to any of 10 different types, including MP3, WAVE, GSM, MP2, WMA and VOX. It works with all SAPI-5 compliant digital voices, and can convert files in all versions of Microsoft Word, Standard Text, Rich Text Format, and HTML style. Audio files are compressed as they are created. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows XP, Vista or 7 operating system; 1 gigabytes (GB) or greater RAM; Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher; 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution.

21. ULTIMATE TALKING DICTIONARY

    The Ultimate Talking Dictionary is a voice output dictionary designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. This dictionary contains over 250,000 words, including slang, jargon, and historic figures such as George Washington. It also has an integrated thesaurus for referencing synonyms and antonyms of all words. Words are interlinked so that the user can also find a word by starting from part of the definition or from related words. The user can look up a word by highlighting it and pressing a hot key (F11), and the program can be set up to read definitions automatically. Words can be displayed in large print up to 400 percent of the original size. OPTIONS: Abridged version without slang, jargon, or vocabulary that may be too complex or unsuitable for younger users. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 500 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM; 64 MB free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; SVGA monitor with screen resolutions set at 800x600 pixels or higher; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse.

22. UNIVERSAL READER

    Universal Reader is a voice output program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. This program reads user-highlighted text aloud, including e-mail, web pages, help pages, and electronic documents in any format. The program has user-selectable voices with adjustable speaking speed. A view window displays the text, highlighting each word as it is read. The user can adjust the view window's font, font size, and foreground and background colors. Other features include a Talking Pointer that allows text and icons to be read when the user places a cursor over them; a toolbar with large or small icons, which can be kept on top at all times; and built-in video training. OPTIONS: CD version with Cepstral Voices (see entry). SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP Home and Professional, or Vista operating system; 500 megaHertz (MHz) Pentium or faster processor; minimum of 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM (256 MB of RAM is required for reading some programs); sound card; 75 MB free disk space (200 MB for Cepstral Voices).

23. UNIVERSAL READER IGT

    The Universal Reader IGT is a voice output program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. This voice output software works with all programs and can read e-mail files, Web pages, and help files. It can translate to and from eight languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese. The user can select from many voices, including Cepstral Voices (see separate entry). The speaking speed is adjustable. A view window displays what is being read, highlighting each word as it is spoken. Fonts, font sizes, and foreground and background colors are adjustable within the view window. Other features include the ability to read text or icons when the user places the computer's cursor over them; a toolbar that can be set to stay on top at all times and to show either large or small icons; and built-in video training. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP Home and Professional, or Vista; 500 megaHertz (MHz) Pentium or faster processor; minimum of 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM (256 MB of RAM is required for some programs); sound card; 75 MB free disk space (200 MB for Cepstral Voices).

24. UNIVERSAL READER PLUS

    Universal Reader Plus is a voice output and optical character recognition (OCR) program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or learning disabilities. The program reads e-mail, MS Word documents, and web pages aloud with or without a view window that shows the text being read, highlighting each word as it is spoken. The user can change the font, font size, and foreground and background color in the view window. Documents are read only when the user selects them. The program can automatically summarize the content of Internet pages, e-mail, and other documents. The user can select large or small icons on the program's floating toolbar. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista operating system; 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM; 500 megaHertz (MHz) or faster processor; 120 MB of free disk space; 4X or faster CD-ROM drive; sound card with speakers; keyboard and mouse; USB port for scanner.