Reading large amounts of material and/or writing notes in class or at home can result in visual fatigue for students with vision impairments. Low vision and blind students may prefer to use audio players / recorders for a variety of tasks including:
DAISY is a relatively new and exciting format which allows readers to navigate through a book using an inbuilt structure. Readers can skip to a particular page or chapter, insert bookmarks etc. DAISY-formatted material requires sepcialised player or computer software.
Accessories such as headphones, carry case, battery holder, power adapter etc are available from Equipment Solutions.
| Item and Source |
Price |
Comments |
| Dolphin Easy Converter Quantum Technology Spectronics |
A$2,195-$3,600 Price available for schools and non-profits SMA available |
Converts source file including Word, text, html and PDF files or scanned print to other accessible formats such as large print, MP3, DAISY etc using Wizards |
| EasyReader Quantum Technology |
A$155 School site licence A$1,079 (50 max) |
Software: plays DAISY format Highlights the text as it is read |
| FS Reader for PACMate Freedom Scientific Quantum Technology |
Free download |
Software: plays DAISY format Note: PC version requires JAWS |
| Maestro HumanWare |
A$1,990 Fold up QWERTY keyboard A$255 With fold up braille keyboard A$2,235 Maestro + GPS A$2,990 |
Hand-held accessible pocket PC (PDA) with text to speech voice output |
| Mobile DAISY Book Reader Optek Systems |
A$235 | Hand-held device for playing DAISY books Voice output |
| Plextalk Equipment Solutions |
A$495 Carry bag A$30 |
Stand-alone DAISY player - also plays CDA and MP3 Can locate page of chapter, add bookmarks, find words etc Variable speed with pitch compensation Sleep mode Rechargeable batteries or 240V - will play DAISY book for up to 5 hours |
| Victor Reader HumanWare |
Classic X A$655 Classic X Plus A$655 Stream A$575 Wave A$455 Software A$155 |
Stand-alone device or PC software which reads digital talking books
- DAISY and sound files (eg MP3) Can locate page of chapter, add bookmarks, find words etc Players have tactual controls |